Canada features prominently in #FIFAWorldCup 26 Match Schedule announcement
Today, in a live global broadcast from Miami, Florida, FIFA released the full #FIFAWorldCup 2026 Match Schedule.
The #CANMNT will open up its tournament in Toronto, and then travelling to Vancouver for its remaining two Group Stage matches.
Some major takeaways include:
- FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.
- Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.
- Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.
- Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.
- Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.
Mauro Biello, the Men's National Team interim head coach was live in studio at TSN and was part of the global broadcast.
Canada Soccer President, Charmaine Crooks also replied to today's announcement.
Overall, Canada will host a total of 13 World Cup matches, with Toronto and Vancouver hosting five Group Stage matches each. Three knock-out matches were included in today's announcement — one of the Round of 32 matches will be played in Toronto, while Vancouver will host one Round of 32 and one Round of 16 matches.
The full match schedule can be viewed here.
The full FIFA news release can be viewed here.
Marianne Gagné