WASHINGTON — USA midfielder Tyler Adams said Friday the national team’s “benchmark” at the 2026 World Cup should be to go further in the tournament than any of its American predecessors. If Adams is considering only modern times, that would mean his eyes are on a dream run to the semifinals.

The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026 as co-host Mexico plays the opener in Mexico City, with the USA (Los Angeles) and Canada (Toronto) kicking off a day later. The group stage runs until June 27, with synchronized start times in each group for the final matches in the round-robin.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, with a matchup between host nation Mexico and Group A challenger South Africa. In 2010, South Africa became the first African nation to host a World Cup.

Check out the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with everything you need to know about the tourney's format.

Tunisia's track record against their Group F rivals at the 2026 World CupWorld Cup 2026: Tunisia's history with their Group F opponentsTunisia will compete in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Only eight games stand between the U.S. men’s national team and the nation’s first-ever men’s World Cup trophy. Excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to unfold across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer,