The 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence on June 11, featuring 48 nations competing across Mexico, Canada, and the USA. As the tournament approaches, teams are gearing up with a series of warm-up international friendlies.
Upcoming World Cup Warm-Up Matches
Several teams are planning their pre-tournament fixtures, with various nations participating in key matches both in Europe and the USA. Here’s a brief overview of the warm-up schedule:
European Farewells
- Belgium: Leandro Trossard’s squad will play against Croatia on June 2 and then host Tunisia on June 6 at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
- Sweden: Viktor Gyokeres’ team will face Greece on June 4 at Friends Arena in Stockholm.
- Spain: The team will play against Iraq in La Coruna on June 4 before heading to Mexico.
- Netherlands: Jurrien Timber’s squad meets Algeria at De Kuip in Rotterdam on June 3, followed by a match against Uzbekistan in New York on June 8.
- France: William Saliba’s team will host Ivory Coast in Nantes on June 4 and Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8.
Stateside Matches
Several countries are traveling to the USA to adapt to conditions ahead of the World Cup.
- England: They will face New Zealand in Tampa on June 6 and Costa Rica in Orlando on June 10, featuring players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
- Germany: Kai Havertz’s team is set to play against the USA in Chicago on June 6.
- Norway: They will play Morocco at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on June 7, marking their return to the World Cup after 26 years.
- Ecuador: Piero Hincapie’s team will face Guatemala in Columbus, Ohio on June 7.
List of Warm-Up Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 2 | Croatia vs Belgium | Stadion HNK Rijeka, Croatia |
| June 3 | Netherlands vs Algeria | De Kuip, Rotterdam |
| June 4 | Sweden vs Greece | Friends Arena, Stockholm |
| June 4 | Spain vs Iraq | Riazor, La Coruna |
| June 4 | France vs Ivory Coast | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
| June 6 | Belgium vs Tunisia | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels |
| June 6 | USA vs Germany | Soldier Field, Chicago |
| June 6 | England vs New Zealand | Raymond James Stadium, Florida |
| June 7 | Morocco vs Norway | Red Bull Arena, New Jersey |
| June 7 | Ecuador vs Guatemala | ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus |
| June 8 | Netherlands vs Uzbekistan | Icahn Stadium, New York |
| June 8 | France vs Northern Ireland | Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille |
| June 9 | Peru vs Spain | Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Puebla, Mexico |
| June 10 | England vs Costa Rica | Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando |
These matches will provide essential experience for the squads as they finalize preparations for the eagerly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.
