When Is The Next International Window Before FIFA World Cup 2026? See Dates, Maximum Matches

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to start in less than two months, with the expanded 48-team global tournament – co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – beginning on June 11. The final six spots were sealed following the play-off final on Tuesday, with big names like Italy and Denmark missing out.

Those teams that were not in the play-offs played two friendly fixtures, which served as warm-up games. There were some big outcomes from these friendlies as well, with Ghana sacking their head coach Otto Addo, and Spain’s match against Egypt was marred by anti-Muslim chants.

Let’s look at when the next FIFA international window is, and how many matches teams can play during that period.

Before the start of the World Cup, which takes place between June 11 and July 19, there will be a week-long international match window from June 1 to 9. This will be open to teams from all confederations, but it is reserved solely for World Cup warm-up matches. Each team can play a maximum of two friendly fixtures during this time.

What Happened During This International Window?

During the March international window, teams that had already qualified for the World Cup played two friendly matches. There were also the European and intercontinental play-offs, with both the semi-finals and finals being played. The FIFA Series 2026 men’s tournament also began on March 25.

Big results from the play-offs included Bosnia and Herzegovina knocking out Italy and Czechia beating Denmark. Sweden also booked their place in the World Cup by beating Poland. In the intercontinental play-offs, DR Congo and Iraq won their respective finals to seal their places in the main tournament.

France and Germany won back-to-back friendlies, while Belgium and Portugal clinched one win and one draw each. Brazil, meanwhile, bounced back from a damaging loss to France with a 3-1 thumping of Croatia.