The 2026 World Cup starts this Thursday (11), with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, in Mexico City. The tournament, the first with 48 teams and hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, runs until July 19, with the final at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey. There are 104 games in total, a record that increases the chances of teams from different continents.
The Brazilian team, top seed in Group C, debuts on Saturday (13), at 7pm (Brasília time), against Morocco, at the MetLife Stadium, in New York/New Jersey. Then it faces Haiti, on June 19, in Philadelphia, and Scotland, on June 24, in Miami. The group is considered accessible, but requires attention against the Moroccan surprise and the Scottish physique.
New format expands opportunities and demands
For the first time, 12 groups of four teams each. The top two in each group advance directly to the round of 32 stage, in addition to the eight best third-placed teams — in total, 32 teams remain in contention. This means more games and more margin for error in the initial phase, but also a longer marathon until the decision.
Brazil could face powers such as the Netherlands, Japan or Tunisia in the round of 32, depending on the classifications. The path to the final passes through iconic stadiums and different time zones, which requires logistical planning from the teams.
Where to watch: Cazé TV broadcasts all games for free in 4K
In Brazil, transmission is divided. Cazé TV will show the 104 games in full, free of charge on YouTube and in 4K — the only platform to offer the complete competition in this quality. Globo, SporTV, Globoplay, geTV, SBT and N Sports share the rest of the rights.
This distribution marks a change in consumption: a significant part of the games will be exclusive to streaming, expanding access, but requiring a stable connection for those who want to follow everything.
Group stage calendar has games at different times
The first round starts with Mexico x South Africa (4pm Brasília) and South Korea x Czech Republic (11pm), on Thursday. Brazil takes the field on Saturday. The group stage runs until June 27, with clashes spread across cities such as Los Angeles, Toronto, Houston, Dallas and Vancouver.
Highlights include the classic Argentina x Algeria (June 16), France x Senegal (June 16) and the home team’s games.
Final stages: knockout stages from June 28th
The Round of 16 begins on June 28th. Round of 16 takes place from July 4th to 7th. Quarters between 9 and 11, semi-finals on 14 and 15, third place match on 18 and final on July 19, in New York/New Jersey.
The unprecedented three-country tournament brings travel and climate adaptation challenges, but also promises record attendance and greater inclusion of nations.