World Cup 2026: All the key dates from opening game to final
From must-watch games to the grand finale, here’s a list of all the important dates on the 2026 World Cup schedule.

From must-watch games to the grand finale, here’s a list of all the important dates on the 2026 World Cup schedule.


![Tomoki Hayakawa, center, of the Japanese national soccer team arrives at their hotel in Monterrey, Mexico, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 [Jorge Mendoza/AP]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-1780519703.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







Activists put up missing persons posters to raise awareness of the disappearance crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has accused the United States of interfering in Mexico’s internal affairs.

Cuba has begun distributing donated powdered milk from Mexico and Uruguay as the island faces severe shortages.
World Cup delegation held up as players await visas for Mexico, whom South Africa face in the opening game in 11 days.
The warm-up friendly simulated World Cup conditions, including cooling breaks for the players, at the Rose Bowl stadium.
Canada strengthens Chinese trade ties, seeking economic diversification amid growing US–Canada trade tensions
Indigenous groups have warned against the use of kambo by non-specialist practitioners.
Critics say measure risks undermining electoral process and creating new avenues for contesting results.
World Cup hosts agree steps to counter Ebola threat after WHO declares public health emergency of international concern
Canadian Prime Minister Carney has said he wants to diversify from the US which has threatened to annex Canada.