The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and it’s the biggest event in global football, bringing together the best nations on the planet to compete for the ultimate prize.

The 2026 edition is set to be the biggest yet, with a new format, more teams, and a multi-country host setup across North America.

The tournament will run from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Matches will take place across multiple cities, making it the most expansive World Cup in history.

For the first time, the World Cup expands to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of 4.

Each team plays three group-stage matches, set out like this -

• The top 2 teams in each group advancing

• The 8 best third-placed teams also progressing

• A new Round of 32 kicking off the knockout stage

This means 104 matches in total, offering more action and opportunities for teams to make their mark on the biggest stage.

The Socceroos have been drawn into Group D, setting up an exciting and challenging group stage.

Group D Opponents:

• United States

• Paraguay

• Türkiye

With the expanded format allowing third-placed teams to advance, Australia should be in a very good position to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

• June 14, 2026 (2:00 PM AEST) – vs USA at BC Place, Vancouver

• June 20, 2026 (5:00 AM AEST) – vs Paraguay at Seattle Stadium

• June 26, 2026 (12:00 PM AEST) – vs European Playoff Winner at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

So grab your Australian Soccer jersey, and get ready to watch our mighty Socceroos on the big stage! Check out all of our International Soccer jerseys and clothing for the ultimate selection of Sports Direct Fangear.

After the group stage, the tournament moves into knockout football.

Group Stage -> Round of 32 -> Round of 16 -> Quarter-finals -> Semi-finals -> WC Final.

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the 19th July, 2026. , closing out what promises to be the biggest World Cup ever staged. FIFA will refer to the venue as "New York New Jersey Stadium" during the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a landmark tournament. With more teams, more matches, and a global stage across North America, it offers a fresh chapter in football history.

If your heart starts racing with all of the World Cup action and you want to hit the nearest pitch, check out our full range of Soccer sports gear for everything from Soccer Boots to Soccer Balls.