The World Cup final will take place at 3pm (ET) at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, FIFA confirmed, in a move that will renew tensions over player welfare and commercial priorities.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to officially launch the biggest tournament ever played. With 48 teams, three host nations, and a revamped competition structure, the ceremony in Washington, D.C. will serve as the true starting line for a World Cup unlike any other.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held on December 5, 2025. It will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located in Washington D.C. on the Potomac River.

Brazil was drawn in Group C — which will play two of its matches in Boston. France is in Group I, which also plays two matches in Boston.

Now that the teams have been drawn and the schedule released, the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is closing in on North Texas leaders, who will oversee the most number of games out of any other location in the world. “We truly are the epicenter of World Cup 2026. Period," said Dan Hunt, North Texas FWC Organizing Committee co-president.

On Monday, FIFA announced their decision to delay the release of each group’s and team’s official schedule—which will include the finalization of kick-off times and venues for competitors. Friday’s draw kicks off at 12 p.m. ET (5 p.m. GMT) and Saturday’s televised “reveal show” will commence exactly 24 hours later.

Paul Caine, president of On Location, the official hospitality provider for FIFA World Cup 2026, tells us the event will bring a major economic boost. As fans and media converge, cities hosting matches can expect increased tourism,

Local fans learned which countries' soccer teams could play in Houston, which will host a total of seven matches next summer.

With the largest World Cup field ever (48 teams), you're going to need a lot of stadiums to host the 104 matches.