This official date has been specified in 2023. The opening game of the 2026 World Cup will take place Sunday, May 31, 2026.

This has drawn criticism from some pundits and footballing authorities, but the FIFA Council did in fact unanimously agree to the new format. For the first time, the World Cup will include 48 teams, in 12 groups of four teams. The 2026 World Cup times – and therefore schedule – will differ from previous years due to the format of the competition. Naturally, the 2026 World Cup times and dates are a must-know for any soccer fan. America, Canada, and Mexico 2026: World Cup Times and Dates However, the United Bid for the 2026 World Cup will hopefully change this impression and give the US (especially) the chance to showcase homegrown talent on the world’s stage. With basketball, American football, and baseball the three most prominent sports in the United States, the MLS is seen as something of a ‘retirement league’ for European legends. It was also invaluable for both Canada and the US since both countries have taken steps to increase the support for soccer in their respective countries. Beating Morocco’s bid by 134 votes to 65, the United Bid’s win was comprehensive. The ‘United Bid’, as it was known, faced Morocco in the final round of voting. Voting took place on June 13th of the following year, at FIFA’s annual conference which took place in Moscow that same year. On April 10th, 2017, the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced their joint bid for the 2026 World Cup. The different 2026 World Cup time zones could create a real headache for tournament organisers… The Many 2026 World Cup Time Zones

World cup schedule by time zone