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December 3rd 2025 | 15 minutes

The International Soccer Tournament 2026 marks a historic transformation in soccer's premier tournament. 

International Soccer Tournament 2026 Overview: Dates, Format & Schedule

The 2026 International Soccer Tournament marks a historic transformation in soccer's premier tournament. For the first time, three nations will co-host, 48 teams will compete (up from 32), and 104 matches will be played across 16 cities over 39 days. This expanded format creates unprecedented opportunities for fans to experience multiple matches across diverse North American destinations, making RV travel from El Monte RV the ideal way to follow the action.

Tournament Dates and Duration

Official Tournament Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Total Duration: 39 days
Opening Match: June 11, 2026
Final Match: July 19, 2026

The tournament spans the peak summer travel season across North America, offering ideal weather conditions in most host cities. June and July provide long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and optimal conditions for outdoor tailgating and RV camping.

The 48-Team Format Explained

Expansion from 32 to 48 Teams

Previous International Soccer Tournament featured 32 teams divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each. The 2026 tournament expands to 48 teams, creating a more inclusive global competition with increased representation from all confederations.

The 48-team structure means:

  • More qualifying nations from every continent
  • Increased diversity in playing styles and soccer cultures
  • Greater likelihood that your favorite team qualifies
  • More total matches spread across more cities
  • Extended tournament schedule with additional knockout rounds


Group Stage Structure: 12 Groups of 4 Teams

The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each. This format maintains the traditional group stage structure while accommodating the expanded field.

Group Stage Details:

  • Each team plays 3 group stage matches (one against each group opponent)
  • Total group stage matches: 72 (12 groups × 6 matches per group)
  • Group stage duration: Approximately 16 days (June 11 to June 27)
  • Match scheduling: Multiple matches per day across different cities

Group Stage Advancement:

  • Top 2 teams from each group advance automatically (24 teams)
  • Best 8 third-place teams also advance (8 teams)
  • Total teams advancing to knockout rounds: 32 teams

This advancement structure ensures competitive group stage matches where third-place finishes can still lead to tournament advancement, keeping more matches meaningful until the final group stage matchday.

Tournament Phases Breakdown

The group stage spans approximately 16 days with 72 total matches. Teams play one match approximately every 4 days, creating natural rest periods between games.

Typical Group Stage Schedule Pattern:

  • Matchday 1: All 12 groups play their opening matches (24 teams playing, 12 matches)

  • Matchday 2: All 12 groups play their second matches (24 teams playing, 12 matches)

  • Matchday 3: All 12 groups play their final matches simultaneously (48 teams playing, 24 matches in one day)

Final matchday games within each group kick off simultaneously to prevent teams from gaining competitive advantage through knowledge of other results.

The newly added Round of 32 accommodates the expanded field. This knockout phase features:

  • 32 teams (top 2 from each group plus 8 best third-place finishers)

  • 16 matches

  • Single-elimination format (losers go home, winners advance)

  • Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 days

This additional knockout round spreads matches across multiple host cities, creating more opportunities for RV travelers to attend knockout stage games.

After the Round of 32, the tournament follows the traditional tournament structure:

  • 16 remaining teams

  • 8 matches

  • Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 days

  • Higher-profile venues typically host these matches

The tournament intensifies as only 8 teams remain:

  • 4 matches

  • Duration: Approximately 2 days

  • Matches concentrated in premier venues

  • Elite competition with continental or global powers remaining

Four teams compete for a spot in the final:

  • 2 matches

  • Duration: 2 to 3 days

  • Historic stakes as teams fight for final berth

  • Maximum global viewership

The tournament concludes with:

  • Third-place match (day before final)

  • Championship final (July 19, 2026)

  • Winner claims the tournament trophy

Match Distribution Across Host Cities

United States Host Cities (11 venues)

The majority of matches will be played in US stadiums:

Key Dates to Remember

Pre-Tournament Timeline

Late 2025 (Expected): Official tournament draw determining group compositions and initial match schedule

Early 2026: Detailed match schedule released with specific dates, times, and venues for all group stage matches

Spring 2026: Final ticket sales and stadium-specific logistics announced

Tournament Milestones

June 11, 2026: Opening match kicks off the tournament

June 27, 2026: Group stage concludes with simultaneous final matchday across all groups

Early July 2026: Round of 32 and Round of 16 completed

Mid-July 2026: Quarterfinals and semifinals determine final participants

July 19, 2026:  The final match crowns the champion

Planning Your RV Journey Around the Schedule

Following a Specific Team

Teams play three group stage matches over approximately 10 to 12 days in three different cities. RV travel provides the flexibility to follow your team through group stage without the complexity of booking multiple hotels.

Typical Group Stage Team Schedule:

  • Match 1: City A (Opening group match)

  • 4 to 5 days rest and travel

  • Match 2: City B (Second group match)

  • 4 to 5 days rest and travel

  • Match 3: City C (Final group match)

If your team advances, knockout round locations depend on final group standings and bracket positioning. RV travelers can adjust their route based on results without rebooking hotels.

Multi-Match Attendance Strategy

Many fans plan to attend multiple matches featuring different teams. The expanded format and 16 host cities create opportunities to see diverse matchups:

Regional Clustering: Stay in one region and attend multiple matches at nearby venues

  • Example: Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area (380 miles apart)

  • Example: Dallas and Houston (240 miles apart)

Cross-Country Adventure: Follow the tournament across multiple regions using planned RV routes

  • West Coast Route: Los Angeles to San Francisco to Seattle to Vancouver

  • East Coast Route: Miami to Atlanta to Philadelphia to New York/NJ to Boston

Detailed regional itineraries with day-by-day planning appear in dedicated route articles throughout this hub.

Rest Days and Travel Time

The tournament schedule includes natural breaks between match phases. Use these rest days for:

  • Driving between host cities

  • Exploring regional attractions

  • Campground relaxation and RV maintenance

  • Planning next match attendance

RV travel accommodates flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance match attendance with sightseeing and rest.

Ticket Purchasing and Match Selection

Official Ticket Sales

Ticket applications typically open 12 to 18 months before the tournament, with sales occurring in multiple phases:

Phase 1: Random selection lottery for early applicants
Phase 2: First-come, first-served sales for remaining tickets
Phase 3: Last-minute sales closer to tournament dates

Ticket Categories and Pricing

Tickets are categorized by match importance and seating location:

  • Group Stage: Most affordable tickets

  • Round of 32: Moderate pricing

  • Round of 16 through Quarterfinals: Increased pricing

  • Semifinals and Final: Premium pricing

Matching Tickets to Your RV Route

When applying for tickets, consider travel logistics:

  • Group matches spread across three cities create ideal RV routes

  • Knockout round venues won't be known until group stage completes

  • Build flexibility into your RV rental to accommodate potential route changes

Match Scheduling Patterns

Daily Match Distribution

The group stage will feature multiple matches per day across different cities and time zones. Typical daily patterns include:

  • Early afternoon matches (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM local time)

  • Late afternoon matches (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time)

  • Evening primetime matches (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time)

Time zone variations across North America mean matches will be staggered for optimal global television coverage.

Weekend vs. Weekday Scheduling

Weekend matches (Friday through Sunday) typically draw larger crowds and higher energy. Weekday matches may offer:

  • Slightly lower ticket demand

  • More available campground reservations

  • Less congested stadium parking

Both weekend and weekday matches deliver authentic Soccer Tournament atmosphere.

What This Means for RV Travelers

Flexibility is Essential

The tournament's structure requires flexibility that RV travel naturally provides. Until group stage completes, knockout round matchups and venues remain unknown. RV travelers can adjust routes based on results without the constraints of pre-booked hotels.

Multi-Week Rentals Make Sense

Attending matches across multiple tournament phases (group stage through knockout rounds) benefits from extended RV rentals. Monthly rentals from El Monte RV include up to 1,500 miles, with additional mileage available through Travel Extras.

Early Planning Pays Off

With 16 host cities and 104 matches, campground availability near stadiums will be limited. Book your RV rental and reserve campgrounds 12 to 18 months in advance for best availability and rates.

Start Planning Your Tournament Journey

Understanding the 2026 International Soccer Tournament format, schedule, and structure helps you create an RV travel plan that maximizes your tournament experience. Whether following one team through group stage or attending multiple matches across different cities, RV travel provides the flexibility and comfort to make this historic tournament unforgettable.

Ready to reserve your RV? Explore available vehicles at El Monte RV Rentals and check current promotions at Rental Deals.