World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know
When Does the World Cup Start?
The Football World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, 2026, with Mexico hosting the opening match at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final whistle will blow on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — that's 39 days of non-stop football.
This is the biggest World Cup ever. We're talking 48 teams (up from the traditional 32), 104 matches, and more storylines than you can count. Whether it's your first World Cup or your fortieth, 2026 is going to be special.
Where Is the 2026 World Cup?
For the first time in history, the World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It's a tri-nation tournament unlike anything we've seen before.
The action will spread across 16 stadiums — 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Some of the world's most iconic football venues will be in the mix: the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the cutting-edge SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the massive AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and the tropical Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The final? MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — one of the biggest stadiums in North America. Expect a proper spectacle.
How Does the Tournament Work?
With 48 teams in the mix, the format is slightly different from previous World Cups. Here's how it breaks down:
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of 4. Each team plays the other three in their group once — that's the group stage. The top 2 teams from each group advance automatically. But here's where it gets interesting: the 8 best third-place teams also make it through. That means you've got 32 teams heading into the knockout rounds.
From there, it's sudden death. Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and finally the Grand Final. One loss and you're out. That's what makes the World Cup so thrilling.
Key Dates at a Glance
Clear your calendar. Here's every important date you need to know:
| Stage | Dates | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 11 – 27 | 68 |
| Round of 32 | June 28 – July 1 | 16 |
| Round of 16 | July 2 – 5 | 8 |
| Quarter-finals | July 8 – 9 | 4 |
| Semi-finals | July 13 – 14 | 2 |
| Third-place Match | July 18 | 1 |
| Final | July 19 | 1 |
That's 104 matches over 39 days. Clear your calendar now — you'll thank us later.
Is Ireland in the World Cup?
This one stings. The Republic of Ireland did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
It was a heartbreaker. Ireland finished second in their UEFA qualifying group behind Portugal — which itself was no mean feat — and made it all the way to the playoff semi-finals. On March 26, 2026, the Boys in Green faced Czechia. It went the distance: 2-2 after 90 minutes of end-to-end football. Then came the penalty shootout. Czechia won 4-3 on pens. One kick. That's all it took.
It's disappointing, but here's the thing: the campaign showed real progress. The team fought hard and proved they belong on this stage. The future looks bright.
And let's be honest — we're Irish. We don't need our national team in the tournament to make the World Cup special. We'll be glued to our screens, gathering with mates and family, cheering for the underdogs, and soaking up every moment of football brilliance. It's what we do.
What Time Are the Matches in Ireland?
Here's something to plan for: because the tournament is spread across North America, kick-off times are going to be later for us Irish viewers.
Expect most matches to kick off between 5pm and 2am Irish Summer Time (IST). Group stage games will be spread throughout the day, so you'll get a mix — some afternoon slots, some evening, some very late night. The big knockout matches? Those typically land in prime-time evening slots, perfect for gathering the lads and lasses around the telly.
Stock your fridge. It's going to be a long, brilliant summer.
Where to Watch the World Cup in Ireland
RTÉ is the expected primary broadcaster for the World Cup in Ireland — they've held the rights for years and will be your main source for coverage. You can watch on RTÉ 1 or stream via RTÉ Player.
The full match-by-match schedule and broadcast details will be confirmed closer to June, so keep an eye on RTÉ's website as the tournament approaches.
And remember: nothing — and we mean nothing — beats watching the World Cup in an Irish pub. The buzz, the banter, the roar when a goal goes in. But if you're planning to watch at home, keep reading. We've got some ideas to make it unforgettable.
Get Your Home Ready for the World Cup
The World Cup is coming in peak summer. Whether you're watching from the sofa or hosting a garden party, now's the time to make sure your setup is ready for six weeks of football brilliance.
Upgrade Your TV
You don't need to spend a fortune, but a great TV makes all the difference. Here are some options at different price points:
Samsung Crystal UHD 55-inch — €399
55 inches of 4K crystal-clear picture for under €400. Motion Xcelerator keeps up with every kick, pass, and goal. Perfect for most living rooms. Shop the Samsung Crystal UHD 55" →
Samsung QLED 65-inch — €649
Go bigger, go bolder. QLED colours pop off the screen, and you'll see every detail in the stadium. 65 inches is the sweet spot for most rooms. Shop the Samsung QLED 65" →
Hisense U6NQ 55-inch Mini-LED — €679
Mini-LED technology means brilliant contrast and stunning blacks. The pitch will look incredible. Shop the Hisense U6NQ →
LG OLED C5 65-inch — €1,499
The ultimate football TV. OLED means perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and colours that sing. If you're serious about your World Cup, this is it. Shop the LG OLED C5 →
Samsung S85F 77-inch OLED — €1,699 (was €2,199)
77 inches of pure OLED spectacle. Stadium in your living room. It's an experience. Shop the Samsung S85F →
Add a Soundbar
A TV is one thing. But a soundbar? That's where the magic happens. Hear the roar of the crowd, feel the energy, get swept up in the moment. Here are some cracking options:
LG 2.0 All-in-One Soundbar — €99.99
Budget-friendly and brilliant. A simple upgrade that makes a massive difference. Shop the LG 2.0 Soundbar →
Samsung B400F Compact Soundbar — €179
Slim enough to not dominate your entertainment centre, punchy enough to fill the room. Perfect middle ground. Shop the Samsung B400F →
LG Cinematic 3.1 Soundbar — €399
340W of pure sound with a wireless subwoofer. Dolby Audio support. This is proper cinema in your living room. Shop the LG Cinematic 3.1 →
Samsung S800D 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos — €699
The works. Dolby Atmos sound, wireless subwoofer, satellite speakers. This is the full experience. Shop the Samsung S800D →
Garden Party Essentials
Here's the brilliant thing: the World Cup falls bang in the middle of summer. If the weather plays ball — and sometimes it does in Ireland — you could take the party outside. Why crowd everyone indoors when you've got a garden?
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ — €349
A 7-in-1 grill, smoker, and air fryer. Burgers at half-time? Grilled chicken during the group stage? Sorted. Shop the Ninja Woodfire BBQ →
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven — €389
Pizza at half-time? Yes please. Fresh-baked pizza in the garden while watching the World Cup. That's the dream. Shop the Ninja Woodfire Oven →
Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drink Maker — €349
Frozen cocktails for the group stage. Frozen margaritas for the knockouts. Need we say more? Shop the Ninja SLUSHi →
JBL Flip 6 — €149
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Throw it in your garden, by the pool, or on a picnic blanket. Pure sound, pure freedom. Shop the JBL Flip 6 →
Marshall Middleton — €299
Serious, serious sound in a portable package. If you're hosting a garden party, this is your MVP. Shop the Marshall Middleton →
Enjoy the Tournament
Whether you're watching from the sofa, the pub, the garden, or anywhere in between — make the most of it. The 2026 World Cup is going to be the biggest, most exciting tournament ever. 48 teams. 104 matches. 39 days of pure football.
At Euronics Ireland, we're here to help you enjoy every moment. We've got TVs, soundbars, and outdoor essentials in 60+ stores nationwide. And if you'd rather shop online? €6.99 all-Ireland delivery means your new gear will be here in a flash. Plus, spread the cost with humm interest-free payment plans — no stress, just football.
Ready to upgrade your setup?
See you on the other side of the group stage.
