The FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially underway, marking the largest edition in the tournament's history. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this monumental event features an expanded format with 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 host cities. For football enthusiasts in India, understanding the schedule and viewing options is crucial to catch all the action, much of which will unfold during late-night and early-morning hours.
New Format for FIFA World Cup 2026
This edition introduces a significant change in format, expanding the tournament to 48 teams, a first for the FIFA World Cup. These teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The competition structure is as follows:
- The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically advance.
- Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams will also qualify.
- This new setup leads to an expanded knockout phase, starting with a Round of 32.
The knockout stages will then proceed through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, a bronze-final match, and culminate in the grand final.
Key Dates for Indian Fans
The tournament commenced on June 11, 2026, with hosts Mexico defeating South Africa in the opening match. The competition spans over a month, with key phases outlined below:
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7
- Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11
- Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15
- Bronze Final: July 18
- Final: July 19
Understanding IST Timings for Matches
The official FIFA fixture list is published in Eastern Time (ET). For Indian viewers, it's important to note that Eastern Time is 9 hours and 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST). This time difference means many matches will be broadcast during late-night and early-morning hours in India.
ET to IST Conversion:
12 PM ET = 9:30 PM IST (same day)
3 PM ET = 12:30 AM IST (next day)
6 PM ET = 3:30 AM IST (next day)
9 PM ET = 6:30 AM IST (next day)
Football fans in India are advised to refer to a detailed IST-based fixture list to accurately plan their viewing schedules and not miss any of the thrilling encounters.
Where to Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India
All FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available for live streaming exclusively on Zee5 in India. Viewers can access the tournament on various devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and smart TVs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every game from the group stages through to the final.