2026 FIFA World Cup Starts June 11: Full Schedule, First Match & Italian Broadcast Times
May 20, 2026 | Updated: May 20, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially kick off on June 11, 2026, when Mexico opens the tournament with a Group A match against South Africa at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The expanded 48-team edition—hosted across Mexico, Canada and the United States—will feature 11 new stadiums, a revamped group stage, and a knockout phase that includes an unprecedented 16-team round of 32.
For Italian fans, the tournament begins at 18:00 CET (12:00 ET) on June 11, with all group-stage matches scheduled for either 18:00 CET or 21:00 CET (local kickoffs at 13:00 ET or 16:00 ET). The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the match scheduled for 23:00 CET (17:00 ET).
Official Tournament Timeline: Key Dates & Deadlines
The 2026 World Cup will unfold over 38 days, with the following critical milestones:
- June 11–26: Group stage (6 groups of 8 teams each). Top two from each group advance.
- June 27–July 4: Round of 32 (16 matches, including a “knockout” format for the new 48-team expansion).
- July 5–9: Round of 16 (8 matches).
- July 12–14: Quarterfinals (4 matches).
- July 17: Semifinals (2 matches).
- July 19: Final at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey).
Note: The expanded format means the group stage will run concurrently in three time zones (ET, CT, and PT), with matches staggered to avoid clashes. Full match schedule will be confirmed by FIFA in late May 2026.
June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa – The Opening Act
The tournament opens with a clash of two African nations in North America, as Mexico—ranked 10th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking—faces South Africa (29th). The match will be played at AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, with a capacity of 80,000.
Key details:
- Kickoff: 13:00 ET / 18:00 CET (June 11)
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (USA)
- Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan)
- Broadcast: RAI (Italy), ESPN (USA), Sky Sports (UK)
Mexico’s El Tri will look to continue their resurgence under coach Gerardo Martino, who led them to the Round of 16 in 2022. South Africa, meanwhile, will aim to become the first African nation to win a World Cup match on home soil (they’ve never advanced past the group stage).
Why it matters: This match sets the tone for a tournament where 16 of the 48 teams are making their World Cup debut, including Canada (hosts) and Saudi Arabia (qualified for the first time). The expanded format means every group-stage win is a statement.
How to Watch in Italy: RAI’s Full Coverage Plan
RAI will broadcast all 104 matches live across its channels, with RAI 1 and RAI 2 handling group-stage games, while RAI 3 will cover highlights and analysis. Key details:
- Group Stage: 18:00 CET and 21:00 CET (local kickoffs at 13:00 ET or 16:00 ET).
- Knockout Stage: Matches will air at 21:00 CET (except semifinals, which start at 21:00 CET on July 17).
- Final: July 19, 23:00 CET (17:00 ET) on RAI 1.
- Streaming: RAI Play (official app) will offer live streaming for subscribers.
Pro tip: Italian fans can also follow real-time updates via FIFA’s official app, which includes match stats, player tracking, and interactive timelines.
What’s New in 2026? The 48-Team Format Explained
This World Cup introduces three major changes:
- Expanded Group Stage: Six groups of 8 teams (instead of 4). Top two from each group advance.
- Round of 32: 16 matches (8 winners + 8 best third-placed teams).
- No Byes in Round of 16: All 32 teams play in the knockout stage.
How it affects Italy:
- Italy is in Group C with Georgia, Spain, and Canada.
- As a top seed, Italy will play their first match on June 12 (18:00 CET) against Georgia at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles).
- The knockout stage starts June 27, with Italy’s potential path including a Round of 32 clash against a group-stage winner.
Tactical note: The new format favors attacking football, as teams can no longer “park the bus” in group games. Coaches will need to balance rest with competitive intensity—especially for Italy, who must manage squad rotations carefully.
Three Host Nations, 11 Stadiums: Where the Action Will Unfold
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to span three countries, with matches played in:
| City | Stadium | Capacity | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, Texas (USA) | AT&T Stadium | 80,000 | Opening match (Mexico vs. South Africa) |
| Los Angeles, California (USA) | SoFi Stadium | 70,240 | Italy’s first match (vs. Georgia) |
| Toronto, Ontario (Canada) | BMO Field | 35,672 | Canada’s home games (including vs. Italy) |
| Mexico City, Mexico | Estadio Azteca | 87,523 | Semifinals, potential third-place match |
| East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA) | MetLife Stadium | 82,500 | Final (July 19) |
Climate note: Fans should prepare for variable conditions:
- USA: Hot and humid (especially Texas/Florida). Expected highs of 32–38°C (90–100°F).
- Canada: Cooler but unpredictable (Toronto averages 20–25°C / 68–77°F in June).
- Mexico: Warm days, cooler nights (Mexico City: 22–28°C / 72–82°F).
For Fans: Tickets, Travel & Must-Know Info
Ticket sales for the general public opened in April 2024, with prices ranging from $15 to $1,100+ depending on demand. Key details:
- How to buy: Tickets are sold via FIFA’s official portal or authorized resellers.
- Passes: The $1,100 “Fan Pass” includes access to all matches at one venue.
- Visa requirements:
- USA: ESTA required for 90-day stays.
- Canada: eTA for air travelers.
- Mexico: Tourist visa for non-residents.
- Transport:
- USA/Canada: Amtrak and regional rail links connect major cities.
- Mexico: Aeroméxico and Delta offer discounted flights.
Pro tip: Use FIFA’s official fan zones in host cities for live screenings, food, and merchandise.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 World Cup starts June 11 (Mexico vs. South Africa), with Italy’s first match on June 12 vs. Georgia.
- Group-stage matches in Italy air at 18:00 CET or 21:00 CET; knockout rounds begin June 27.
- The tournament features 11 stadiums across 3 countries, with the final at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey).
- Italy’s path includes a Round of 32 match (June 27–28) and potential clashes with Spain or Canada in the group.
- Fans should book tickets early—$15–$1,100 range—and check FIFA’s app for real-time updates.
