104 matches, 39 days: the longest World Cup ever
June 10, 2026 ยท By yayscore Newsroom
Updated:
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The 2026 edition stretches across 39 days and 104 matches, the longest and largest World Cup ever staged.
The expanded format pushes the tournament calendar to a record length. The opening match takes place on June 11 and the final follows on July 19.
Across 39 days, 48 teams play 104 matches in 16 host cities. The previous record was 64 matches in 29 days, last seen in Qatar 2022.
Group winners will get a slightly easier path through the new round of 32, encouraging teams to play for first place rather than settle for second.