FIFA Releases Full Schedule for FIFA Series 2026, featuring 48 national teams across 12 groups during March and April 2026 window

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association has officially announced the full fixtures for the FIFA Series 2026™, confirming that 48 national teams will compete in the expanded international friendly tournament during the March and April 2026 window.

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FIFA Releases Full Schedule for FIFA Series 2026 as part of its broader effort to expand competitive opportunities for national teams across all six confederations.

According to FIFA, the tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams each, comprising nine men’s groups and three women’s groups.

The competition will be hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations, with Rwanda staging two groups.

Other host nations include Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

All fixtures have been designated as official international friendlies and will be broadcast globally, offering fans worldwide access to the matches.

FIFA stated that the format will also provide valuable exposure for teams that rarely compete against opponents from other confederations.

Participating associations were permitted to select their preferred competition format within each group.

Options include a semi-final and final structure or a series of pre-arranged fixtures. In every group, one team will emerge as winner.

To ensure decisive outcomes, any match that ends in a draw will proceed directly to a penalty shoot-out without extra time.

FIFA said the 2026 edition builds on the successful pilot tournament staged in 2024 and follows the confirmation of hosts and group compositions in January 2026.

In its statement, the global football governing body described the initiative as part of its commitment to inclusive football development and equitable growth of the game.

“The FIFA Series™ continues to deliver on our commitment to inclusive football development,” FIFA stated.

“By bringing teams from different confederations together in competitive settings, we are strengthening the sporting and cultural fabric of the game while giving emerging nations greater visibility on the international stage.”

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The FIFA Series 2026 will serve as a competitive platform ahead of major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2026™, offering emerging and established nations a structured and meaningful international window.