Denver, CO – The Mile High City is buzzing, and for good reason! Colorado soccer fans, teams, and clubs, get ready to mark your calendars and dust off your jerseys because the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially on the horizon, bringing the global spectacle right to our North American doorstep! While Colorado isn’t a direct host city, the ripple effect of this historic tournament will undeniably ignite local passion and provide unprecedented opportunities for our vibrant soccer community.
The full draw is set, the match schedule is locked in, and the pathway to glory has been laid out across the World Cup US Mexico Canada. This isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of global unity, and Colorado soccer news is here to ensure you don’t miss a beat of the action, especially with our neighbors hosting games.
📅 The Schedule is SET: Key Dates for Colorado Soccer Fans
The full match schedule was released the day after the draw, confirming all 104 games. Here are the most sensitive and essential events, converted to Mountain Time (MT) so you can plan your viewing parties and road trips!
I. The Official Tournament Kick-Off
The tournament begins with a bang, featuring two historic matches in Mexico on the opening day.
| Date | Match | Group | Kick-off (MT) | Stadium | City, Country |
| Thu, Jun 11 | Mexico vs. South Africa | A | 1:00 PM MT | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Thu, Jun 11 | South Korea vs. UEFA Playoff D Winner | A | 8:00 PM MT | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, Mexico |
II. Host Nation Opener Games (Closer to Home!)
For Colorado soccer fans looking for an easy road trip, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) plays their first two games just a drive away, while the host nations all play their openers on Friday, June 12th.
| Date | Match | Group | Kick-off (MT) | Stadium | City, State/Province |
| Fri, Jun 12 | Canada vs. UEFA Playoff A Winner | B | 1:00 PM MT | BMO Field | Toronto, Canada |
| Fri, Jun 12 | USA vs. Paraguay | D | 7:00 PM MT | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA |
| Fri, Jun 19 | USA vs. Australia | D | 1:00 PM MT | Lumen Field | Seattle, WA |
| Thu, Jun 25 | USA vs. UEFA Playoff C Winner | D | 8:00 PM MT | SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles, CA |
III. The Group of Death: Group F Schedule
The highly anticipated “Group of Death” (Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and a European Playoff Winner) features games concentrated in Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, and Monterrey—all easily accessible to Colorado soccer teams planning a charter trip.
| Date | Match | Kick-off (MT) | Stadium | City |
| Sun, Jun 14 | Netherlands vs. Japan | 2:00 PM MT | AT&T Stadium | Dallas, TX |
| Sun, Jun 14 | UEFA Playoff B Winner vs. Tunisia | 8:00 PM MT | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey, Mexico |
| Sat, Jun 20 | Netherlands vs. UEFA Playoff B Winner | 11:00 AM MT | NRG Stadium | Houston, TX |
| Sat, Jun 20 | Tunisia vs. Japan | 10:00 PM MT | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey, Mexico |
| Thu, Jun 25 | Tunisia vs. Netherlands | 5:00 PM MT | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO |
| Thu, Jun 25 | Japan vs. UEFA Playoff B Winner | 5:00 PM MT | AT&T Stadium | Dallas, TX |
What’s New and Why It Matters to Colorado
The 2026 World Cup is monumental for several reasons that directly impact our local soccer landscape:
- Expanded Format & Local Impact: With 48 teams and 104 matches in total, this tournament offers unprecedented exposure. For Colorado soccer clubs and players, this massive scale is a huge inspirational factor, fueling growth in youth and amateur leagues.
- Proximity of Host Cities: Host cities like Kansas City and Dallas are just a short drive from Colorado. This geographical convenience is a game-changer, allowing Colorado soccer fans to experience the World Cup live without the cost and complexity of international travel or crossing the entire U.S.
- Knockout Rounds in the U.S.: The entire tournament from the Quarterfinals onward, including the Final on July 19th in New York/New Jersey, will be played in the United States. Colorado will be in the heart of the championship frenzy!
The Call to Action for Colorado Soccer Community
This event is a golden opportunity for the Denver and greater Colorado area. Local Colorado soccer teams and supporters should:
- Plan Your Road Trip: Target the USMNT games in Los Angeles or Seattle, or catch the thrilling Group F action in Dallas or Kansas City.
- Host Watch Parties: Use the convenient Mountain Time kick-offs for the openers and key matches (like Brazil vs. Morocco in New York/New Jersey on June 13th at 4:00 PM MT) to organize community gatherings and grow your club’s presence.
- Engage the Next Generation: Use the energy of the World Cup US Mexico Canada to motivate young players, reinforcing the belief that the sport’s biggest stage is now on their home continent.
Don’t let this chance pass you by! The countdown is on for a summer of legendary soccer and community celebration right next door.