Philadelphia, Pa. — The final year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun. To mark the milestone, countdown clocks have been revealed in all 16 host cities. The tournament will commence on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a historic moment as it makes the stadium the first ever to host three World Cup opening matches.
Excitement is palpable across the continent. While this marks the third World Cup where not all host nations` capital cities will stage matches (Washington D.C. and Ottawa are not hosting), there will be significant reasons for celebration, particularly with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary, with historic Philadelphia proudly serving as a host city.
Philadelphia, often called the City of Brotherly Love, will also be a venue for the upcoming Club World Cup, serving as a valuable trial run for the larger global tournament. However, Philadelphia is well-versed in managing large-scale international events, having successfully hosted the 2016 Copa America Centenario and welcomed Pope Francis during the World Meeting of Families in 2015.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed readiness: “We are prepared, and the eyes of the world will be on our great city as the FIFA World Cup matches officially begin. This is more than just a sporting event; it is a transformative moment that embodies everything that we`re working toward here in the city of Philadelphia, and that`s a safer, greener Philadelphia with opportunity for all. It`s going to be amazing to have the world see it.”
Thirteen teams have already secured their qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup, with 35 more yet to follow. This edition will be the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams. It also marks the first time the United States has hosted the World Cup since 1994, a tournament that still holds the record for the highest attendance. That record is widely expected to be surpassed in 2026. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this continental event provides Philadelphia with a prime opportunity to showcase itself on a global stage.
Meg Kane, host city executive and CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, highlighted the anticipation among locals: “What I think has been really interesting is the conversations with supporters and partners is the excitement around the fans who will be coming from other countries, and what I like to say is learning how [they experience fandom]. We come at things in Philadelphia from that vision of `Go Birds` and what it`s like at an Eagles game, and I think as we`ve educated people around the celebration and joy of the World Cup that these fans bring, there is a real interest in not only seeing it up close and personal but in understanding it and maybe joining in.”
The World Cup is a unique event, drawing fans from every corner of the globe in a true celebration of football.
As the tournament approaches, here is important information to keep in mind:
Key Dates
- June 11, 2025: One year until the tournament kicks off
- Sept. 2025: CONMEBOL qualifying concludes
- Nov. 2025: CAF, AFC, UEFA, Concacaf qualifying concludes
- Dec. 2025: Official World Cup draw
- March 2026: World Cup and UEFA qualifying playoffs
- March 3, 2026: 100 days to go
- April 22, 2026: 50 days to go
- May 11, 2026: One month to go
Host Cities and Stadiums
East Region
- Toronto, Canada — BMO Field
- Boston, Massachusetts — Gillette Stadium
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Lincoln Financial Field
- Miami, Florida — Hard Rock Stadium
- New York/New Jersey — MetLife Stadium
Central Region
- Dallas, Texas — AT&T Stadium
- Atlanta, Georgia — Mercedes Benz-Stadium
- Kansas City, Missouri — Arrowhead Stadium
- Houston, Texas — NRG Stadium
- Monterrey, Mexico — Estadio BBVA
- Mexico City, Mexico — Estadio Azteca
West Region
- Vancouver, Canada — BC Place
- Seattle, Washington — Lumen Field
- Los Angeles, California — SoFi Stadium
- San Francisco, California — Levi`s Stadium
- Guadalajara, Mexico — Estadio Akron
Matches for Host Nations
Opponents will be determined during the official World Cup draw.
USMNT: Group D Matches
- June 12: Los Angeles
- June 19: Seattle
- June 25: Los Angeles
Mexico: Group A Matches
- June 11: Mexico City
- June 18: Mexico City
- June 24: Guadalajara
Canada: Group B Matches
- June 12: Toronto
- June 18: Vancouver
- June 24: Vancouver
Knockout Stage Schedule
- June 28-July 3: Round of 32
- July 4-7: Round of 16
- July 9-11: Quarterfinals
- July 14-15: Semifinals
- July 18: Third-place match
- July 19: Final
Benedict Kingsley