World Cup: Groups, dates and kick-off times for Brazil’s matches

The 2026 World Cup brings a host of firsts: the first edition in history to be hosted across three countries, and the first to feature 48 nations. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with the knockout stage spanning five rounds.

Here is your complete guide to the 2026 World Cup, including the calendar, format, Brazil’s fixtures, and more.

Brazil’s leading sportsbooks will offer full markets on the 2026 World Cup, including match-by-match and outright bets. Take advantage of the latest World Cup betting offers before placing your bet.

What are the groups for the 2026 World Cup?

The World Cup draw on December 5 confirmed the make-up of the 12 groups. Brazil were among the top seeds, alongside Germany, Argentina, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, and England, as well as host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Here’s how every nation lines up in their 2026 World Cup group:

Brazil travel to the 2026 World Cup chasing a long-awaited sixth title and aiming to end a 24-year wait to lift the trophy.

To achieve that, they will need to come through Group C and then five knockout rounds. Here’s a look at Brazil’s potential path:

When does Brazil play at the 2026 World Cup?

With the draw complete, Brazil’s 2026 World Cup schedule is as follows:

Kick-off times are varied throughout the group stage, with some matches played simultaneously during decisive rounds.

If Brazil qualify as one of the top sides in their group, their knockout route is mapped out. Their first knockout match takes place on June 29, with the venue and opponent determined by their group finish.

If they finish first in the group:
• They would face the runner-up of Group F.

If they finish second in the group:
• They would face the winner of Group F.

Looking further ahead, Brazil could meet England in the quarter-finals if both teams top their groups, and could face Argentina in a semi-final. Pre-tournament favourites France or Spain would only cross paths with Brazil in a potential final.

Which group is Brazil in?

After the draw in Washington, Brazil were placed alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. The national team opens against Morocco, faces Haiti in the second match, and finishes the group stage against Scotland.

Even as a top seed, Brazil’s group is no easy ride. Morocco were semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, and Scotland are in strong form in Europe, while Haiti, in their first appearance for decades, will look to spring a surprise.

Our World Cup Group C preview gives a full rundown on what to expect.

Analysis of Brazil’s matches at the 2026 World Cup

Adding to the challenge, Brazil have several key players sidelined through injury. Their group at the 2026 World Cup is no walkover. The risk profile for each match is outlined below:

Here is the picture we used to gauge the risk level of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup matches:
• Morocco are in the FIFA top 10 and arrive on the back of five wins and a draw, making them Brazil’s toughest group-stage opponent.
• Scotland topped their European qualifying group but lost their last two friendlies to Ivory Coast and Japan.
• Haiti are in their first World Cup since 1974 and sit 83rd in the FIFA rankings, making them the group’s dark horse.

Once teams have played their openers, Haiti could yet emerge as one of the tournament’s surprises. And despite their form, Morocco are still viewed as a potential dark horse to go all the way.

The presence of emerging nations raises the possibility of upsets and underdogs making their mark at the 2026 World Cup—something likely to become more frequent under the expanded 48-team format.

Which countries will Brazil play in?

With the group set, Brazil will play their entire group stage on the East Coast of the United States. The national team will not play in Canada or Mexico during the group phase.

The projected venues for each round are:

Here are the full dates for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11 at Estadio Azteca and ends with the final on July 19 in East Rutherford:

For the first time in history, the World Cup will have three host nations: the USA, Mexico and Canada. The only previous occasion on which more than one country hosted the tournament was in 2002, when Japan and South Korea were the joint hosts.

Other firsts at this edition include a record 48 participants, a record 104 matches, and a record event length of 39 days.

The United States will be the main stage for the 2026 World Cup, with Canada and Mexico hosting matches only through the round of 16. The breakdown is as follows:

A total of 16 cities and 16 stadiums will host the 2026 World Cup. The full list is as follows:

The expansion to 48 teams has benefited every continent. The breakdown of places for 2026 is as follows:
• North and Central America: six places (three for the host nations plus three from CONCACAF qualifying)

The two FIFA World Cup play-off places were contested by six teams from five confederations, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq coming through.

Which nations have already qualified for the World Cup?

All 48 nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup are now confirmed. Here is the full list:

Who came through the 2026 World Cup play-offs?

The play-offs were settled in March, and the six qualified nations are now known. With Italy missing out for the third time in a row, here are the sides that got through and will be at the World Cup:

Where to watch the World Cup in Brazil?

The 2026 World Cup matches will be broadcast in Brazil by Globo, CazéTV, SBT, and N Sports. Of those, only CazéTV has secured the rights to all of the matches.

For viewers focused on the national team, there are several options to watch the 2026 World Cup on TV or streaming, as every broadcaster will air Brazil’s matches.

Here are the main questions about the 2026 World Cup:

What will the 2026 World Cup look like?

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage, played as single-leg ties through to the final.

Why will the 2026 World Cup be held in three countries?

The decision to host the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada is tied to the infrastructure available in those countries and the expansion to 48 nations, which requires more stadiums and host cities to deliver the tournament.

What is the 2026 World Cup calendar?

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, and the group stage finishes on June 27. The knockout phase then runs from June 29 to July 19, the date of the final.

Who will be the top seeds at the 2026 World Cup?

Brazil will be top seeds at the 2026 World Cup along with Canada, Mexico, the United States, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Who are Brazil’s opponents at the World Cup?

Brazil’s opponents in the 2026 World Cup group stage are Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.…Read more by Marvellous Adepoju