Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

The 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule is set, with Mexico and South Africa opening the tournament at Estadio Azteca on June 12 at 5am AEST before Australia begin their Group D campaign against Türkiye on June 14.

The expanded 48-team tournament will run across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with group games scheduled from June 12 to June 28 AEST before the knockout stage begins on June 29.

For more Socceroos build-up, read Tony Popovic detail-driven approach praised by Socceroos Paul Izzo and Nishan Veluppilay ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Socceroos Group D Fixtures Confirmed

Australia have been drawn in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Türkiye, giving Tony Popovic’s side a demanding start to the World Cup.

The Socceroos open against Türkiye at BC Place in Vancouver on Sunday, June 14 at 2pm AEST, a match that will set the tone for their group stage.

Australia then face the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday, June 20 at 5am AEST.

Their final group match comes against Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Friday, June 26 at 12pm AEST.

Tournament Format And Knockout Path

The 48 teams have been split into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams reaching the round of 32.

If Australia win Group D, they will play a third-placed team from Group B, E, F, I or J on July 2 in San Francisco.

If the Socceroos finish second, they will face the Group G runner-up on July 4 in Dallas.

A third-place finish could still be enough, with possible opponents coming from the winners of Group E, Group I or Group K.

World Cup Final Set For New Jersey

The round of 32 begins on June 29 AEST and will lead into the round of 16 from July 5.

The quarter-finals begin on July 10, with semi-finals scheduled for July 15 and July 16.

The third-place match will be played in Miami on July 19, before the World Cup final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Monday, July 20 at 5am AEST.

Fans can follow official fixtures and tournament details through the FIFA World Cup website.

How Australians Can Watch

SBS will broadcast every 2026 FIFA World Cup match in Australia, with games available free on TV and through SBS On Demand.

Coverage of Australia’s group games begins at 1pm on June 14 for Socceroos vs Türkiye, 4am on June 20 for Socceroos vs United States, and 11am on June 26 for Socceroos vs Paraguay.

David Basheer and Luke Wilkshire will be part of the Australian commentary team.