What New York fans need to know about the FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico City in May, but the tournament is also heading to Texas for more than a dozen matches. The World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico City, with Group A matches featuring Mexico vs. South Africa.

In all, the tournament will feature 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States. In a few weeks, the matches are heading to Texas, with stops at the iconic Dallas Stadium in Arlington and a handful of games in Houston. Here's what New York residents need to know about when the World Cup starts and when you can catch the tournament taking place in Texas.

When does the 2026 World Cup start? The tournament kicks off with Group A matches in Mexico City on June 11, beginning with the host nation, Mexico, competing against South Africa. Afterward, the action shifts to Estadio Guadalajara for the game between Korea and Czechia.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas Dallas Stadium will host a total of nine matches from the FIFA World Cup 2026, including four knockout games in the latter stages of the tournament. The iconic Dallas venue will play host to five group-stage games featuring the Netherlands, Japan, England, Croatia, Argentina, Austria and Jordan, as well as two Round of 32 fixtures, one Round of 16 tie and the first semi-final on Tuesday, July 14. Group stages include: Sunday, June 14: Netherlands vs Japan Wednesday, June 17: England vs Croatia Monday, June 22: Argentina vs Austria Thursday, June 25: Japan vs Sweden Saturday, June 27: Jordan vs Argentina Additional matches: Tuesday, June 30: Round of 32 Friday, July 3: Round of 32 Monday, July 6: Round of 16: Tuesday, July 14: Semi-final match Houston World Cup 2026 Houston Stadium will host seven games, including two matches in the knockout phase: Sunday, June 14: Germany vs.