When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup start?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Where is the 2026 World Cup Final?

The Final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metro area) on July 19, 2026.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

48 teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup — the first time the tournament has been expanded from 32 to 48 teams.

How many host cities are there?

16 host cities across 3 countries: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.

How many matches will be played?

104 matches will be played over 39 days, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Head Coach

Lopetegui

QatarSpain59 yrs

4-3-3 · Structured possession

Teams managed

2011 – present

Years active

185 cm

Height

—

Weight

The former Spain and Real Madrid boss brought elite European structure to Qatar, turning the 2022 hosts into a disciplined unit chasing their first-ever World Cup knockout berth.

Managerial record

384

Matches

203

Won

Drawn

Lost

53%

Win %

From completed matches in our fixtures corpus across counted spells; cup, league and international games combined.

Managerial career

QatarCurrent

Qatar

2025 – present45% win

West Ham

England

2024 – 202533% win

Qatar

2023 – 202545% win

Wolves

England

2022 – 202338% win

Sevilla

Spain

2019 – 202252% win

Real Madrid

Spain

2018 – 201858% win

Spain

2016 – 201875% win

FC Porto

Portugal

2014 – 201669% win

Spain U21

Spain

2012 – 2014

Spain U19

Spain

2012 – 2013

Spain U20

Spain

2011 – 2014

Honours

UEFA Europa League 2020 (Sevilla)Coached Spain, Real Madrid & Sevilla

World Cup record

First World Cup on the touchline — appointed in May 2025, he rebuilt Qatar's spine and sealed qualification through the AFC playoff round.

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