The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be the largest edition in history, will kick off on June 12 (IST) and run until July 20 (IST) across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches, with a new format of 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the knockout stage.
The groups for the tournament have been revealed, with teams like Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina placed in different groups. The schedule for the matches in Indian Standard Time (IST) has also been announced, starting from June 12 with Mexico facing South Africa and South Korea playing Czechia. The group stage matches will continue until June 28, followed by the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final on July 20 in New Jersey.
Football fans in India can catch the action live during the late nights and early mornings, with matches scheduled at various times to accommodate viewers in different time zones. The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an exciting event with an expanded format and a record number of teams participating.
