According to the regulation, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams will advance to the round of 16. Mexico will be a protagonist from the start of the tournament and will remain active until the knockout stages, with matches distributed across three stadiums that are part of the international calendar. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will have Mexico as one of the host countries and a venue for key matches from the start through the knockout stages. The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, in the country's capital with the match between Mexico and South Africa, but the calendar also includes matches in three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with group stage and direct elimination matches.
Matches at Estadio Ciudad de México: Opening and final of the 2026 World Cup Estadio Banorte—called 'Ciudad de México' for the World Cup—will be the main venue in the country, hosting the opening match and direct elimination duels.
Matches scheduled in Guadalajara: June 11, 2026: Republic of Korea vs Czech Republic (Group A) June 18, 2026: Mexico vs Republic of Korea (Group A) June 23, 2026: Colombia vs DR Congo/Jamaica (Group K) June 26, 2026: Uruguay vs Spain (Group H) This stadium will host Mexico's second match and one of the most attractive encounters of the entire group stage.
Matches at Estadio Monterrey: Group stage and one knockout match Estadio Monterrey will host group stage matches and one knockout match.
Matches scheduled in Monterrey: June 14, 2026: Sweden vs Tunisia (Group F) June 20, 2026: Tunisia vs Japan (Group F) June 24, 2026: South Africa vs Republic of Korea (Group A) June 29, 2026: 1st Group F vs 2nd Group C (Round of 16) Sweden's participation was confirmed after their qualification in the European playoff, where Victor Gyokeres scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
The World Cup 2026 will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches in 16 cities.
Matches scheduled in CDMX: June 11, 2026: Mexico vs South Africa (Group A, opening match) June 17, 2026: Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K) June 24, 2026: Czech Republic vs Mexico (Group A) June 30, 2026: 1st Group A vs best third-place (Round of 16) July 5, 2026: Winner Match 79 vs Winner Match 80 (Quarterfinals) The Mexican National Team will play two of its three group stage matches here, including its debut and the conclusion of this stage.
Matches at Estadio Guadalajara: One 'Tri' game and an attractive clash Estadio Guadalajara will host four group stage matches, including one for the Mexican national team. It will be the only venue in Mexico not to have knockout stage matches, but in return, it will host Spain against Uruguay. From the quarterfinals onwards, the tournament moves exclusively to the United States. FIFA highlighted that this venue becomes the first stadium to host three opening matches. However, it will be the only venue without a match for the National Team.
