The 2026 FIFA World Cup start date is June 11, 2026 and ends July 19, 2026. It will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring the host nation Mexico against South Africa. For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format. You can stream all 104 matches on FOX One and FOXSports.com.