World Cup Returns to the U.S. After 32 Years

For the first time in 32 years, the World Cup will take place in the United States. Starting on Friday, the U.S. Men’s National Team will participate as a host nation alongside Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. team last competed in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, having missed qualification for the 2018 event in Russia. Their first match of the tournament will be played on the second day of the event.

Group Stage Matches

The U.S. is positioned in Group D and will play a minimum of three group stage matches in June. The schedule is as follows:

• June 12: U.S. vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, at 9 p.m. ET
• June 17: U.S. vs. Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle at 3 p.m. ET
• June 25: U.S. vs. Turkey at SoFi Stadium at 10 p.m. ET

A team photo was taken before an international friendly against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6, 2026.

Knockout Stage

The knockout stage will start on June 28. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the round of 32.

If the U.S. advances, its next opponent in the knockout stage will be determined by the group-stage results. Winning Group D positions them to play on July 1 at 8 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. If they finish as runners-up, they will play on July 3 at 2 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Tournament Progression

The round of 16 is scheduled from July 4 to July 7, followed by the quarterfinals on July 9 and 10. The semifinals will occur on July 14, with the World Cup final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days. Stay updated on World Cup news and highlights by visiting CBSSports.com.