How to – The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup begins Thursday, June 11, 2026, with 48 teams, 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—and multiple ways to watch, including free broadcast options and Tubi for key games.
At 3:00 p.m. ET. the first whistle of the 23rd FIFA Men’s World Cup is set to land in Mexico City—before the next wave of matches even begins across North America. The stakes are obvious for fans trying to keep up with everything: 104 matches. a month of momentum. and opening ceremonies staged three different ways across three host countries.
The tournament starts today (Thursday, June 11, 2026) and runs through the final on July 19. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, split into 12 groups of four. Each team plays three group matches in a round-robin format, with the two top finishers advancing to the second round. The second round also includes the eight best third-place teams. After group play. the remaining 32 teams move into a single-elimination phase—except for the two teams that lose the semifinals. who will face each other to decide third place.
The World Cup is spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, using 16 stadiums. The U.S. hosts the majority of matches—78 total—across 11 venues. Mexico and Canada each host 13 matches: Mexico uses three stadiums, while Canada uses two.
Fans tuning in for the opening build-up won’t see just one pre-match spectacle. For the first time ever, there will be three opening ceremonies right before the opening game in each country.
In Mexico, the first game takes place today at 3:00 p.m. ET, with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Before kickoff, Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Tyla will perform.
In Canada, the first game is tomorrow (Friday, June 12) at Toronto Stadium. Before that match, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will take the stage.
In the United States, the first game held in the country also takes place on June 12. Katy Perry and Future will perform before the match.
A final spectacle is also planned at the other end of the tournament. For the first time, there will be a halftime show during the finals, with Shakira, Madonna, and BTS set to headline.
To watch live, the picture is clearer—and more flexible—than it has been in the past. Fox Sports is the official English-language partner for the games. Seventy-two matches will air on the Fox broadcast TV network, which means soccer fans with reception and an over-the-air antenna can watch free.
The remaining 32 matches are set for FS1, a cable sports station owned by Fox.
For cord cutters, key early access is available on Tubi: the opening ceremonies, the opening game, and the United States versus Paraguay match on Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
All games will also be available on the Fox One app with a paid subscription.
For Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo and Universo are the options.
The match-by-match schedule for all 104 games sits on the FIFA website, where fans can plan their next watch with the confidence that nothing is missing—even as the tournament moves from three separate opening nights into one long run toward July 19.
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