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By Soccer Schedule Team | Last updated: April 28, 2026

When Does World Cup 2026 Begin?

The World Cup 2026 begins on June 11, 2026, marking the official start of the biggest soccer tournament in the world. Fans across the globe are already preparing for kickoff as the tournament expands to 48 teams for the first time.

📅 World Cup 2026 Start Date

If you’re wondering when the World Cup 2026 begins, here are the key details:

  • Start Date: June 11, 2026
  • Opening Match: First group stage game
  • Host Countries: Canada, United States, Mexico

The opening match officially kicks off the tournament and begins several weeks of international competition.

⏰ What Time Does World Cup 2026 Begin?

The first match is expected to start at:

8:00 PM (Eastern Time)

To see kickoff times in your location, use the converter tool:
Match Time Converter Tool

🌍 Where Does World Cup 2026 Begin?

The tournament will begin in one of the official host cities across North America. You can view all confirmed locations here:
World Cup 2026 Host Cities and Stadiums

World Cup 2026 will be played across:

  • Canada
  • United States
  • Mexico

⚽ What Happens When the Tournament Begins?

Once the World Cup begins:

  • The group stage kicks off
  • Teams compete to earn points and advance
  • The tournament schedule runs daily with multiple matches

You can learn more about how the tournament works here:
How Soccer Tournaments Work

📅 View the Full World Cup 2026 Schedule

Check the full schedule in your timezone:

📥 Download Printable Schedules

📊 Related World Cup 2026 Guides

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking when does World Cup 2026 begin, the answer is June 11, 2026. This marks the start of an expanded tournament featuring more teams, more matches, and more excitement than ever before.

Be sure to check your local match times and follow the full schedule so you don’t miss a game.
Soccer Schedule Printable Homepage

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