World Cup 2026 schedule, fixture dates and venues

Mexico is set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the draw determining group placements and match schedules. The tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, marking a significant milestone in World Cup history with 48 teams competing.

The World Cup draw, set to take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is overshadowed by the political presence of Donald Trump, who is expected to attend the event. This draw will determine the matchups for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is approaching, with potential worst-case scenarios for teams like England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia being analyzed. Croatia, ranked 10th, is highlighted as a formidable opponent from Pot 2, which could complicate England's chances of facing other strong teams like Norway and Italy, depending on playoff outcomes.

Gillette Stadium, a prominent venue in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will be referred to as Boston Stadium during the 2026 World Cup, a decision made to enhance the venue's appeal and recognition during the global event. This change reflects the broader branding strategies often employed during significant sporting events to attract more fans and media attention.

Scotland's national football team, under the management of Steve Clarke, has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark. This win marks Scotland's first World Cup qualification since 1998, a significant achievement for the team and its supporters.

The 2026 World Cup is set to commence with a draw at the Kennedy Center, featuring 48 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The event will be attended by President Trump, highlighting the political significance of the tournament as it prepares to engage a diverse audience across North America.

The BBC has faced criticism for its plan to cover some matches of the 2026 World Cup remotely from its Salford base in an effort to reduce costs. This decision comes as the tournament, which will be the largest ever with 48 teams, is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The broadcaster aims to manage expenses by having commentators and pundits work from a distance for lower-demand games.

Australia and New Zealand have been drawn into the same group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which also includes France, Japan, USA, Samoa, England, Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe. This grouping sets the stage for a highly competitive tournament, with the potential for a quarterfinal clash against defending champions South Africa.