When does the World Cup start?
By Ty Finch
The 2018 World Cup is right around the corner. When does the tournament officially start?
The World Cup only comes around once every four years and the excitement building up to it is beginning to reach its peak. In just a few weeks, 32 countries from five different federations will face off in the most famous tournament in the world.
This year, the competition takes place in Russia and will feature the best soccer players on the planet. While the usual countries, Brazil, Germany and Spain, are the odds-on favorites to take home the trophy, there are at least a few others that have reasonable chances to upset the powerhouses. France, Belgium, Argentina, Portugal and yes, even England, have eyes on the biggest prize in sports.
Next: One reason every team at the World Cup can win
The opening game of the tournament is usually one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Unfortunately, the schedule-makers had to include Russia, the host nation and one of the least exciting squads, in the first match, but the excitement only builds from there. Here’s when the World Cup officially begins, as well as other key dates and times for other rounds.
First game
Date: Thursday, June 14
Start time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Moscow
Teams: Russia vs. Saudi Arabia
Knockout rounds:
Date: Saturday, June 30
Start time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Location: Kazan
Quarterfinals:
Date: Friday, July 6
Start time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Location: Nizhny
Semifinals:
Date: Tuesday, July 10
Start time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Saint Petersburg
Final:
Date: Sunday, July 15
Start time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Moscow
The third-place playoff between the two losers in the semifinals will play against each other just a day before the final on Saturday, July 14 in Saint Petersburg. That match marks one full month after the first game begins in Moscow.