Curious about when is the World Cup? Many football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the grandest event in sports—the FIFA World Cup. This guide covers the upcoming 2026 tournament's dates, how teams qualify, and what you need to know to keep track of all the action.

When Is the Next World Cup?

The next FIFA World Cup will take place in 2026, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While the main event is in 2026, the road to the finals begins well in advance. For regions like Concacaf, qualifying matches are already underway and will continue through 2025. If you've been wondering, "when is the World Cup coming up?", it's important to watch qualifiers happening now to see which teams punch their ticket.

Key Dates for World Cup Qualifiers

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup started back in 2024 and is ongoing. The Concacaf region, for example, is playing matches across June 2025 as part of its second round. The top teams from these rounds go on to the final stage of qualification.

Here are the critical dates for Concacaf qualification:

• Second Round: Continues with 30 matches from June 4 to June 10, 2025.
• Final Round Draw: Scheduled for June 12, 2025, determining the groups for the last qualifying phase.
• Final Round Matches: Played during the FIFA Match Windows in September, October, and November 2025.

For the full schedule, check the Concacaf official announcement, which details match dates and times for each stage.

How Does World Cup Qualification Work?

Teams from each region, or confederation, must earn their place in the World Cup finals through several rounds of qualification. In Concacaf’s case, it starts with preliminary rounds, continues with group stages, and ends with a final round. Winners of each group, along with select runner-up teams, qualify directly. This cycle allows new nations to compete for a place in the most-watched sports spectacle in the world. You can find further details about the format at iciHaiti's explanation.

Upcoming Matches and Notable Fixtures

June 2025 features some exciting matches. For instance, Bermuda faces the Cayman Islands and Cuba, with matches set for June 4th and June 10th. Fans can follow the action and see which teams will take a step closer to World Cup qualification. To learn more about these fixtures, review this detailed match breakdown from Bernews.

Why Following World Cup Qualifiers Matters

Understanding when is the World Cup also means keeping up with qualifiers that shape the tournament itself. With more teams than ever set to participate in 2026, regional qualification battles will be crucial. The diversity of nations striving for a place in the finals promises thrilling football and many surprises.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Road to the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is set for June and July 2026, but the journey has already started. Whether you support a powerhouse or an underdog, following the qualifiers gives you a front-row seat to football’s most dramatic moments. Stay updated with official sources and watch for key dates, so you never miss the answer to the ultimate fan question: when is the World Cup?