FIFA Releases Full Fixture List for Series

48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026  48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026 
48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026. Credit:Guardian.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has released the full fixture list for the FIFA Series 2026, an expanded version of its international friendly competition featuring 48 national teams from all six confederations.

Details published on the governing body’s official website on Monday show that the matches will take place during the March and April 2026 international windows.

The tournament will consist of 12 groups of four teams each, including nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with games hosted across 11 FIFA member countries.

Advertisement

48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026 
FIFA Releases Full Fixture List for Series. Credit: Punch.

Rwanda will host two groups, while other venues 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 worldwide, offering participating teams, especially those with limited intercontinental exposure, an opportunity to compete against diverse opposition.

48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026 
FIFA Releases Full Fixture List for Series. Credit: Punch.

FIFA noted that participating associations selected their preferred competition formats within each group, either adopting a semi-final and final structure or organising a set of scheduled matches. Regardless of the format, each group will produce a single winner.

Matches that end level will be decided via penalty shoot-outs, with no provision for extra time, ensuring clear outcomes across all fixtures.

48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026 
FIFA Releases Full Fixture List for Series Credit: Punch.

According to FIFA, the 2026 edition builds on the success of the pilot tournament staged in 2024 and follows the confirmation of hosts and group line-ups earlier in January.

The global football body said the initiative aligns with its broader objective of fostering inclusive development of the sport by creating competitive opportunities beyond flagship tournaments like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

48 Nations Set for FIFA Series 2026 
FIFA Releases Full Fixture List for Series Credit: Punch.

FIFA stated that the series continues to support the growth of the game by bringing together teams from different confederations, enhancing both competition and cultural exchange, while also giving emerging football nations greater visibility on the international stage.

Author

Share the Story
Advertisement

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

Weekly roundups. Sharp analysis. Zero noise.
The NewsCentral TV Newsletter delivers the headlines that matter—straight to your inbox, keeping you updated regularly.