About FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup returns in 2030 for its centenary edition, co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with the first matches played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay — a nod to the inaugural tournament in Montevideo in 1930. The reported window is June 8 to July 21, 2030, though FIFA has not confirmed the full schedule. The 2026 tournament was played across the United States, Canada and Mexico, finishing at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
This World Cup is the largest ever staged: the first with 48 teams, playing 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries — from the opener at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on June 11 to the decider in New Jersey five and a half weeks later. It is also the first World Cup hosted by three nations, and the first in North America since USA '94.
The road to the final runs through the knockout rounds in July: the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, and the two semi-finals on July 14 and 15, with the third-place play-off on July 18 — then the final on July 19. Kickoff is set for the afternoon US Eastern time, prime time across Europe and late evening in Asia.
More than five billion people are expected to follow the tournament, with over a billion projected to watch the final alone — making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in human history. Whoever lifts the trophy on July 19 writes their name into the record books of the expanded format. Add this countdown to your own page, or browse our football group for more matches worth counting down to.
FAQ
How many days until the next World Cup?
FIFA World Cup is expected on Saturday, June 8, 2030. That is 1336 days from today. The countdown above tracks the 2030 centenary edition. The 2026 tournament finished on July 19, 2026.
Where is the 2030 World Cup being held?
Morocco, Portugal and Spain co-host, with the opening centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay — the three South American nations that staged the first tournament in 1930.
Why does the 2030 World Cup start in South America?
It marks a century since the first World Cup in Montevideo in 1930. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each host a centenary match before the tournament moves to Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
How can I watch the World Cup 2026 final?
Broadcasters vary by country — FOX and Telemundo in the US, BBC and ITV in the UK, and national rights-holders elsewhere, plus FIFA's own streaming in many regions.
Where is the World Cup 2026 final being played?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the largest stadium of the tournament, just outside New York City.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams — the first expanded edition, up from 32 — playing 104 matches across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
When did the 2026 World Cup start?
The opening match was played on June 11, 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, five and a half weeks before the final.