The World Cup gets underway tomorrow. Thursday, June 11, will see the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City host the opening match of a tournament like no other. For the first time, 48 nations – split into 12 groups labelled A to L – will compete across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Mexico will kick off Group A; Canada lead Group B; the USA are in Group D.
England arrive with a 100% qualifying record alongside Spain, both chasing a second World Cup. Thomas Tuchel, England manager, hopes to end a 60-year drought. But Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – likely in their final World Cup – have other plans, alongside Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and a host of international stars.
“The 2026 World Cup begins tomorrow at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City with a record 48 teams.”
The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27: matchday one June 11-17, matchday two June 18-23, matchday three June 24-27. The knockout phase begins with the round of 32 on June 28, concluding July 3. The round of 16 follows July 4-7, quarter-finals July 9-11, and semi-finals July 14-15. The third-place play-off is July 18, and the final on July 19.
Fans can also take advantage of World Cup free bets and sign-up offers: Midnite, for example, offers a bet £10, get £30 in free bets deal. But the real prize is the trophy – lifted on July 19 in what promises to be a historic final.