The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here, bringing together the world's best football nations for the biggest tournament in history. Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Indian football fans can watch every match live on television and online, with all kickoff times available in Indian Standard Time (IST).
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Match | June 12, 2026 (IST) |
| Group Stage | June 12 – June 28, 2026 |
| Round of 32 | June 29 – July 4, 2026 |
| Round of 16 | July 5 – July 8, 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | July 10 – July 12, 2026 |
| Semi-finals | July 15 – July 16, 2026 |
| Third Place Match | July 19, 2026 |
| FIFA World Cup Final | July 20, 2026 (IST) |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Timings in India (IST)
Because the tournament is being played in North America, most matches will be shown in India during overnight and early morning hours.
Common kickoff slots include:
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12:30 AM IST
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3:30 AM IST
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6:30 AM IST
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9:30 AM IST
More than half of the matches will be played between midnight and early morning Indian time.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups
Group A
Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Group B
Switzerland, Canada and other qualified teams
Group C
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D
United States, Turkey and other qualified teams
Group E
Germany and other qualified teams
Group F
Netherlands, Japan and other qualified teams
Group G
Belgium and other qualified teams
Group H
Spain and other qualified teams
Group I
France and other qualified teams
Group J
Argentina and other qualified teams
Group K
Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan
Group L
England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Major Matches for Indian Football Fans
Opening Match
Mexico vs South Africa
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Date: June 12, 2026 (IST)
Brazil Group Matches
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Brazil vs Morocco
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Brazil vs Haiti
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Brazil vs Scotland
Argentina Group Matches
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Argentina vs Algeria
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Argentina vs Austria
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Argentina vs Jordan
Portugal Group Matches
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Portugal vs Colombia
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Portugal vs DR Congo
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Portugal vs Uzbekistan
England Group Matches
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England vs Croatia
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England vs Ghana
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England vs Panama
FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Schedule
Round of 32
June 29 – July 4
Round of 16
July 5 – July 8
Quarter-finals
July 10 – July 12
Semi-finals
July 15 – July 16
Third Place Match
July 19
FIFA World Cup Final
July 20, 2026 (IST)
The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, USA.
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India?
Indian football fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 through the official FIFA broadcasting partner in India.
TV Channels
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Unite8 Sports 1
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Unite8 Sports 1 HD
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Unite8 Sports 2
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Unite8 Sports 2 HD
Online Live Streaming
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ZEE5 App
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ZEE5 Website
FIFA and Zee Entertainment signed an agreement covering the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other FIFA tournaments through 2034.
Top Teams to Watch at FIFA World Cup 2026
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Argentina
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Brazil
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France
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England
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Spain
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Portugal
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Germany
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Netherlands
These teams enter the tournament among the favorites to lift football's biggest trophy.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the largest and most exciting World Cup ever. Indian fans can follow all 104 matches live on Unite8 Sports channels and ZEE5. With football giants such as Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Portugal, and Spain in action, fans should prepare for a month of unforgettable football drama.
