FIFA Unveils Fixtures for 2026 Friendly Tournament

FIFA has officially published the match schedule for the 2026 series, marking a significant expansion to include 48 teams in an international friendly tournament. This tournament is set to take place during the March-April 2026 international match window.

The format will feature 12 groups consisting of four teams, with nine men's groups and three women's groups, bringing together countries from six continental confederations. Rwanda will host two groups, while the remaining fixtures will be held by various FIFA member associations, emphasizing FIFA's initiative to broaden football's competitive reach beyond traditional powerhouses.

The tournament will not include extra time; if matches end in a draw, they will proceed directly to penalty shootouts. FIFA has stated that member associations can choose their preferred competitive format within groups.

The 2026 schedule builds on the success of the pilot edition in 2024, with the group composition to be confirmed in January 2026.