FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Indian Time (IST) PDF: Check downloadable full list of games, dates and kick-off timings

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is going to be the biggest edition of football’s showpiece event with 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With most matches played overnight or early in the morning due to the time difference, it can be difficult for football fans in India to keep an eye on the kick-off timings. Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Indian Standard Time (IST), including the key dates, knockout rounds and the final to help fans plan ahead.

FIFA World Cup 2026 key dates in IST

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Guide: Odds, favorites, key players, underdogs and is it legal?

FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Schedule India Time IST

Click here to download FIFA World Cup Full schedule India time IST

Why are World Cup 2026 match times different for Indian fans?

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule is released in Eastern Time (ET). India is 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Eastern Time during the tournament period. As a result, many afternoon and evening matches in North America will be played late at night or early morning in India.

ET to IST conversion chart

FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage schedule in IST

The tournament kicks off on June 12, 2026 (IST) and runs through June 28, with matches taking place daily across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Fans in India can expect matches to be spread across four primary time slots:

• 9:30 PM IST
• 12:30 AM IST
• 3:30 AM IST
• 6:30 AM IST

The exact kick-off time depends on the host city and local scheduling.

Round of 32 schedule in IST

For the first time in World Cup history, a Round of 32 will be played due to the expanded 48-team format.

• Start date: June 29, 2026 (IST)
• End date: July 4, 2026 (IST)
• Total matches: 16

The winners advance to the Round of 16.

Round of 16 schedule in IST

The last 16 stage will be held from July 5 to July 8, 2026 (IST).

This round will feature the strongest teams from the expanded tournament and is expected to include football powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain, Germany and Portugal if they progress from the group stage.

Quarter-final schedule in IST

The quarter-finals are scheduled between July 10 and July 12, 2026 (IST).

Only eight teams will remain in contention for football's biggest prize.

Semi-final schedule in IST

The semi-finals will take place on:

• July 15, 2026 (IST)
• July 16, 2026 (IST)

These matches will determine the finalists and the teams competing for third place.

Third-place match schedule in IST

The bronze medal match is scheduled for:

July 19, 2026 (IST)

FIFA World Cup 2026 final in IST

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is scheduled for:

Date: July 20, 2026 (IST)

Kick-off time: 12:30 AM IST

The match will crown the champion of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Host countries for FIFA World Cup 2026

The tournament will be jointly hosted by:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

It will be the first World Cup hosted by three nations and the largest edition in FIFA history.

How many matches will be played in FIFA World Cup 2026?

The expanded tournament format includes:

• 48 teams
• 12 groups
• 104 matches
• 39 tournament days

This makes it the biggest FIFA World Cup ever staged.

Also Read | From roaring crowds to FIFA World Cup absence: What’s holding India back from football’s biggest stage?

FAQs

When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start in India?

The tournament begins on June 12, 2026, according to Indian Standard Time.

What time is the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in India?

The final is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 AM IST on July 20, 2026.

How many teams will play in FIFA World Cup 2026?

A record 48 teams will participate.

How many matches are there in FIFA World Cup 2026?

There will be 104 matches across the tournament.

Which countries are hosting FIFA World Cup 2026?

The United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly hosting the tournament.