INGLEWOOD (CNS) – Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey will be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match lineup in Inglewood following the finalization of the tournament schedule after completion of the Play-Off Tournament earlier this week.
The additions are part of an eight-match slate set for SoFi Stadium, including five group-stage contests beginning June 12 with the United States vs. Paraguay, followed by three knockout-stage matches later in the tournament.
The U.S. will complete group play June 25 against Turkey at the Inglewood venue.
The top two teams in each of the 12 four-team groups will advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams.
SoFi Stadium, designated as “Los Angeles Stadium” for the tournament due to FIFA sponsorship rules, will also host two Round of 32 matches and a quarterfinal scheduled for July 10.
“With the final schedule now set, we are focused on delivering an exceptional experience for players, fans and our local communities,” Kathryn Schloessman, CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, said in a statement.
The tournament will be played across multiple cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada and will be the largest in history with 104 matches.
Officials said the final phase of ticket sales opened this week, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The schedule includes two group-stage matches involving Iran, although uncertainty has surrounded the team’s participation. Iran’s sport minister said last month the country would not participate in the World Cup following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
FIFA said it was working with all participating teams to ensure the tournament goes as planned.
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including (the Islamic Republic of) Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025,” FIFA said in a statement last month.
Iran had attempted to negotiate with FIFA to move its matches to Mexico.
The eight matches scheduled for SoFi Stadium are:
— June 12, United States vs. Paraguay;
— June 15, Iran vs. New Zealand;
— June 18, Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina;
— June 21, Belgium vs. Iran;
— June 25, Turkey vs. United States;
— June 28, Round of 32;
— July 2, Round of 32; and
— July 10, Quarterfinal.
More information can be found at losangelesfwc26.com/.
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