What Time Are the Matches Played? World Cup 2026 Schedule in Spain

Local times in North America for the group stage range between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM Eastern Time, with four main time slots. For fans in Spain (CEST, UTC+2), the approximate conversion is as follows:

Local Time (ET) → Time in Spain (CEST)

1:00 PM ET → 7:00 PM CEST

3:00 PM ET → 9:00 PM CEST

5:00 PM ET → 11:00 PM CEST

7:00 PM ET → 1:00 AM CEST (next day)

In practice, most matches involving European national teams during the group stage will kick off between 21:00 (9:00 PM) and 23:00 (11:00 PM) in Spain. Nothing that a great team and a good terrace cannot handle.

The Key Matches for European Fans

The continent’s biggest national teams have a group stage full of exciting fixtures. These are the most anticipated matches with their approximate time in Spain:

Spain (Group H)

• Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) — 17:00 / 5:00 PM (Spain)


• Uruguay vs. Spain — Guadalajara (Estadio Akron) — 01:00 / 1:00 AM (Spain)


• Spain vs. Cape Verde — Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) — 17:00 / 5:00 PM (Spain)

France (Group I)

• France vs. Senegal — New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) — 21:00 / 9:00 PM (Spain)


• Norway vs. France — Boston (Gillette Stadium) — 20:00 / 8:00 PM (Spain)

Germany (Group E)

• Germany vs. Ivory Coast — Toronto (BMO Field) — 20:00 / 8:00 PM (Spain)


• Ecuador vs. Germany — New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) — 23:00 / 11:00 PM (Spain)

England (Group L)

• Panama vs. England — New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) — 22:00 / 10:00 PM (Spain)


• England vs. Croatia — Dallas (AT&T Stadium) — 21:00 / 9:00 PM (Spain)

Portugal (Group K)

• Portugal vs. DR Congo — Houston (NRG Stadium) — 19:00 / 7:00 PM (Spain)


• Colombia vs. Portugal — Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) — 00:30 / 12:30 AM (Spain)

Note: Times are approximate and shown in mainland Spain time (CEST). They may vary by 1 hour depending on official FIFA confirmation.

A Summer of Football and Sunshine at Valentin Hotels

This summer brings together something that rarely happens: the most historic World Cup of all time and the Mediterranean summer at its very best. At Valentin Hotels, our hotels in Mallorca, Menorca, and Cádiz are exactly the setting you need to enjoy both.

Imagine the plan: beach in the morning, pool in the afternoon, and when the sun begins to set, the matches arrive. Tapas, drinks, and the first match at 7:00 PM. Some time on the terrace and the second one at 9:00 PM. For night owls, a late-night match in good company.

Why Summer 2026 at Valentin Has a Different Feeling

The atmosphere comes from the team. Our bars and common areas become natural meeting points during the matches. There is no better place to celebrate a goal.

Destinations made for you. Whether you prefer the Mediterranean breeze of Mallorca or Menorca, or the Atlantic coast of Cádiz, summer 2026 at any of our hotels combines true relaxation with the excitement of the tournament.

Schedules made to enjoy. Unlike other World Cups held in Asia or the Middle East, this edition in North America is the first in decades where European fans can watch the matches during prime time without sacrificing sleep.

The Biggest Tournament in History

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition with 48 teams and three host countries. With 104 matches in total, the final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That means 39 days of continuous football: practically the entire summer.

For Europe, there are more reasons than ever to follow the tournament from beginning to end. Never before have so many European national teams secured a place: UEFA will have 16 representatives in this 48-team World Cup. Groups featuring Spain, France, Germany, England, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway... European participation in this World Cup is historic.

Book Your World Cup Summer

Summer 2026 has a starting date: June 11. Secure your stay at Valentin Hotels and experience the matches with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.

FAQ

What time are the World Cup 2026 matches in Spain?

Most group stage matches will be broadcast in Spain between 19:00 and 01:00, depending on the host city. Matches from the east coast of the United States will generally arrive around 21:00–23:00, the most comfortable schedule for Spanish fans.

When does the World Cup 2026 start and end?

The tournament begins on June 11 with the opening match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and ends on July 19 with the final in New York/New Jersey.

Which European teams are playing in the World Cup 2026?

Spain, France, Germany, England, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, among others.

Is it worth following the World Cup 2026 from Spain?

Absolutely. Unlike the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which was played in winter and mostly during midday hours, the 2026 edition arrives in the middle of summer with a schedule perfectly suited to Spanish evenings and nights.