Everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026 with Greene King
As all eyes turn to North America, we’ll be here watching all the action on our Sky Sports, TNT Sports, BBC and ITV screens across the country because this time? It’s coming home. In 2026, we’ll see a record-breaking 48 teams head to Canada, Mexico and the United States in the first co-hosted World Cup tournament in over 20 years.
With 16 more teams than we’re used to, over 100 matches are set to be played throughout the World Cup 2026, and we just can’t wait to see what unfolds. In 2022, Argentina’s win saw Lionel Messi add the last trophy missing from his cabinet, and this year, the South American side aims to be the third-ever defending champions in history.
We’ve got two brand-new entries so far, too, with Jordan and Uzbekistan making their debut appearances at the international level. Of course, the three host countries are all competing too, alongside Paraguay, New Zealand and Colombia, all making a long-awaited comeback to the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 schedule
Right, here are the dates you’ll want to keep in mind for this summer’s main event:
Opening match: 11/06/2026
Group stage: 11/06/2026 - 27/06/2026
Round of 32: 28/06/2026 - 03/07/2026
Round of 16: 04/07/2026 - 07/07/2026
Quarter-finals: 09/07/2026 - 11/07/2026
Semi-finals: 14/07/2026 - 15/06/2026
Third place play-off: 18/07/2026
Final: 19/07/2026
The World Cup 2026 hosts
Canada:
Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
BC Place Vancouver
Mexico:
Estadio Azteca Mexico City (Estadio Banorte)
Estadio Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
Estadio Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)
USA:
Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium)
Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium)
Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium)
Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium)
New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)
Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium)
Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field)
Only one stadium has been previously used in a World Cup: Estadio Azteca Mexico City. Used in the 1970 and 1986 editions of the tournament, the stadium will host the opening match of the tournament on the 11th of June 2026.
England’s chances at the World Cup 2026
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already qualified for the World Cup, with England on track to showcase a stellar performance throughout the tournament. And, with 16 places awarded to UEFA, Scotland have also qualified for the first time since 1982 – and we’re hoping that the boys will make it through the first round for the first time ever this year! The recent form of Wales and Ireland suggest that it’s unlikely that either side will qualify this year.
Following the group stage draw on the 5th of December 2025, we know that England is in Group L, facing Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while Scotland are in Group C, facing a tougher crowd with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil. You can keep up to date with the qualifiers on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 website.
World Cup 2026: here’s everything we know so far
Match ball: Adidas Trionda
The match ball, released on the 2nd of October, pays homage to each of the three host nations. With a maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico and a star for the USA, each country is represented both in name and on each panel.
FIFA Partners:
Adidas
Aramco
Coca-Cola
Hyundai-Kia
Lenovo
Qatar Airways
Visa
Stadium names:
FIFA have chosen to forgo the usual names of each host stadium for the World Cup 2026, in keeping with their usual policy on sponsorships. Each stadium has been renamed to maintain a neutral environment for the tournament.
Get ready for the World Cup at Greene King sports pubs
We’re still finalising our plans for next summer, but trust us, when all is revealed, you’ll want to be there or be square. With plenty of action to keep up to date with and all your favourite pints behind the bar, your local Greene King sports pub is the place to be for all your World Cup 2026 needs.
Find a sports pub near you
If you’re in need of more sporting action to keep you busy until the World Cup kicks off, we’re here to help you out. With live football, rugby, F1 and more on screen all year round, you’re never too far away from a winning result with our Greene King sports pubs. Find your local, book a table and get your round in today. We’ll see you there!