February 2026 – International football’s once-maligned friendly window is growing more competitive every year, and the FIFA Series 2026 is the world governing body’s firmest attempt yet to make those dates matter.
FIFA has released the official match schedule for the 2026 edition, following confirmation of host nations and group compositions in January. The schedule gives teams, broadcasters, and fans clarity on dates, kick-off times, and venues.
A total of 48 national teams, which is nearly a quarter of FIFA’s 211 member associations, will take part, split into 12 groups of four. Matches will be staged during the international match window in March and April and hosted by 11 FIFA member nations, with Rwanda staging two groups, while all six Confederations are represented. Nine groups will feature men’s national teams, with three involving women’s sides.
While the matches are officially classified as international friendlies, the competing associations have agreed on competitive formats that include semi-finals and finals in some groups, or tightly scheduled fixtures in others. Tied games will go straight to penalty shootouts, with no extra time, and all matches will be broadcast globally,
For decades, international windows were criticised for low-intensity, experimental line-ups, and a lack of competition. With the advent of the UEFA Nations League and now the FIFA Series, governing bodies are trying to change the narrative.