FIFA World Cup schedule finalized; Bosnia, Turkey added to LA matches

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) - The full match schedule for the 2026 World Cup was finalized today following European play-off qualifiers, with Inglewood set to host eight matches -- including games featuring the U.S. Men's National Team -- at SoFi Stadium.

Five group-stage matches are set, beginning June 12 with the United States vs. Paraguay, with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey newly added to the opening-round lineup, followed by three knockout-stage matches.   

A marquee matchup is set for June 25, when the U.S. will face Turkey in a Group D contest at the Inglewood venue.   

SoFi Stadium, designated as "Los Angeles Stadium" for the tournament, will also host two Round of 32 matches and a quarterfinal scheduled for July 10.   

"With the final schedule now set, we are focused on delivering an exceptional experience for players, fans and our local communities," Kathryn Schloessman, CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, said in a statement.

The tournament will be played across multiple cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada and will be the largest in history, featuring 104 matches.

Officials said the final phase of ticket sales opened this week, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.   

The schedule includes a group-stage match involving Iran, although uncertainty has surrounded the team's participation. Iran's sport minister said last month the country would not participate in the World Cup following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

FIFA said it was working with all participating teams to ensure the tournament goes as planned.  

"FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including (the Islamic Republic of) Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025,'' FIFA said in a statement last month.   

Iran had attempted to negotiate with FIFA to move its matches to Mexico.   

The eight matches scheduled for SoFi Stadium are:
   -- June 12, United States vs. Paraguay;
   -- June 15, Iran vs. New Zealand;
   -- June 18, Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina;
   -- June 21, Belgium vs. Iran;
   -- June 25, Turkey vs. United States;
   -- June 28, Round of 32;
   -- July 2, Round of 32; and
   -- July 10, Quarterfinal.  

More information can be found at https://losangelesfwc26.com/.