11-06-2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule: Saudi Arabia and UAE Timings (AST + GST)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule for Saudi Arabia and UAE Viewers: All Match Timings in Saudi and UAE Time
Last updated: June 13, 2026 — Day 3 results added. USA 4–1 Paraguay. Canada 1–1 Bosnia. Korea 2–1 Czechia. Today: Qatar vs Switzerland + Brazil vs Morocco. Saudi Arabia plays Uruguay on Monday June 16 at 1am AST.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here — and if you are watching from Saudi Arabia or the UAE, the biggest challenge is not picking a team to support. It is figuring out whether your favourite match kicks off at a reasonable evening hour or at 4am when you have work in five hours.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — three countries spread across four different time zones. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 at 3pm ET at the Mexico City Stadium, with the final on July 19 at 3pm ET at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
This guide converts every key match time to Saudi Arabia Standard Time (AST, UTC+3) and UAE Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4) — so you know exactly when to set the alarm, when to stay up, and when to accept that some matches will have to wait for the highlights reel.
The Master Timezone Conversion Table
The matches are scheduled across four North American time zones. Here is the complete conversion to Saudi and UAE time.
Eastern Time (ET) — New York, Miami, Atlanta, Boston
| Match time (ET) | Saudi Arabia (AST) | UAE (GST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| 3:00 PM ET | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Good evening |
| 6:00 PM ET | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Very late |
| 9:00 PM ET | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Night owls only |
| 10:00 PM ET | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Set the alarm |
Central Time (CDT) — Mexico City, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City
| Match time (CDT) | Saudi Arabia (AST) | UAE (GST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM CDT | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| 3:00 PM CDT | 11:00 PM | 12:00 AM (+1) | ✅ Late but watchable |
| 6:00 PM CDT | 2:00 AM (+1) | 3:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Very late |
| 9:00 PM CDT | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Early morning |
Pacific Time (PDT) — Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco
| Match time (PDT) | Saudi Arabia (AST) | UAE (GST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM PDT | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| 3:00 PM PDT | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Late night |
| 6:00 PM PDT | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip or highlights |
Quick rule: Add 7 hours to ET for Saudi Arabia. Add 8 hours to ET for UAE. For CDT (Mexico, Dallas, Houston) add 8 hours for Saudi Arabia and 9 hours for UAE.
Results So Far — Gulf Viewers Catch Up
June 11 — Opening day
| Match | Group | Result | Saudi AST | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa | A | Mexico 2–0 South Africa ⚽ | 10:00 PM | Mexico City |
June 12 — Day 2 results
| Match | Group | Result | Watched in Saudi at | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Republic vs Czechia | A | Korea 2–1 Czechia | 10:00 PM | ✅ Good match |
| Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | B | Canada 1–1 Bosnia | 1:00 AM (+1) | Late night draw |
| USA vs Paraguay | D | USA 4–1 Paraguay | 4:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Most slept through it |
The standout result: USA 4–1 Paraguay was the statement of the tournament so far — a dominant performance that will have every group watching the co-hosts very carefully.
June 13 — Today's matches and Saudi/UAE times
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Worth staying up? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar vs Switzerland | B | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Yes — Gulf pride on the line |
| Brazil vs Morocco | C | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Late — but Brazil's opener |
| Haiti vs Scotland | C | 9:00 PM | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
The match to watch tonight: Qatar vs Switzerland kicks off at 10:00 PM Saudi Arabia time — perfect viewing. Qatar's second World Cup appearance after hosting 2022 means the Gulf is firmly behind them. A win keeps Group B wide open.
Brazil vs Morocco at 1am Saudi time is the difficult one. Brazil are the most-watched team in the Gulf but 1am on a Sunday night into a Monday work morning is a commitment. Set the alarm for the second half.
June 14 — Sunday matches and Saudi/UAE times
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haiti vs Scotland | C | 12:00 AM ET (Sun) | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM | ☕ Morning |
| Australia vs Türkiye | D | 3:00 AM ET | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | ☕ Late morning |
| Germany vs Curaçao | E | 1:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| Netherlands vs Japan | F | 4:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 AM (+1) | ✅ Late but watchable |
| Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | E | 7:00 PM | 2:00 AM (+1) | 3:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Very late |
| Sweden vs Tunisia | F | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
Sunday evening is excellent for Gulf viewers: Germany vs Curaçao at 8pm Saudi time and Netherlands vs Japan at 11pm give you two quality matches without setting an alarm.
Saudi Arabia — Group H Schedule and Timings
Saudi Arabia is in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde — a tough group with something to play for in every match. Coach Georgios Donis has named his 26-man squad and the Green Falcons are ready.
Match 1 — Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
- 📅 Monday, June 15, 2026
- ⏱️ Local kickoff: 6:00 PM ET
- 📍 Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
- ⏰ Saudi Arabia: 1:00 AM AST (June 16) ⚠️
- ⏰ UAE: 2:00 AM GST (June 16) ⚠️
- 📺 beIN SPORTS MAX / beIN SPORTS CONNECT / TOD
The verdict: Late night viewing. Set the coffee machine before you start and accept that Tuesday morning at work is going to be a slow one. Uruguay are a serious opponent — their defensive structure makes every game tight and this is not a match to sleep through.
Match 2 — Spain vs Saudi Arabia ⭐ Prime time — do not miss this one
- 📅 Sunday, June 21, 2026
- ⏱️ Local kickoff: 12:00 PM ET
- 📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- ⏰ Saudi Arabia: 7:00 PM AST ✅
- ⏰ UAE: 8:00 PM GST ✅
- 📺 beIN SPORTS MAX / beIN SPORTS CONNECT / TOD
The verdict: The best viewing time of the three Saudi matches. A Sunday evening kickoff in Saudi Arabia and UAE — exactly when you want to be watching football. Spain are the toughest opponent in the group and this is the match that will define Saudi Arabia's tournament. No alarm required.
Match 3 — Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
- 📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
- ⏱️ Local kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- 📍 NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- ⏰ Saudi Arabia: 3:00 AM AST (June 27) 😴
- ⏰ UAE: 4:00 AM GST (June 27) 😴
- 📺 beIN SPORTS MAX / beIN SPORTS CONNECT / TOD
The verdict: The hardest match to watch live. 3am in Saudi Arabia, 4am in the UAE. If Saudi Arabia's qualification is still undecided going into this match — and it could well be — thousands of fans will set the alarm anyway. Cape Verde are not to be underestimated.
Saudi Arabia Group H — Live Standings
Updated June 13, 2026 — No Group H matches played yet. Saudi Arabia open on Monday June 16 vs Uruguay (1am AST).
| Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cape Verde | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Spain vs Cape Verde also plays Monday June 15 at 7pm Saudi time — watch this to see how Group H is shaping up before Saudi Arabia kick off.
Key Matches From Across the Tournament — Gulf Viewing Times
Opening match
Mexico vs South Africa
- 📅 Thursday, June 11 — 3:00 PM ET
- ⏰ Saudi Arabia: 10:00 PM AST ✅
- ⏰ UAE: 11:00 PM GST ✅
Full Group Stage Schedule — Saudi Arabia and UAE Viewing Times
June 12 — Day 2
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina | A | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| USA vs Paraguay | A | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Very late |
June 13 — Day 3
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar vs Switzerland | B | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening — Gulf interest |
| Brazil vs Morocco | C | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Very late |
| Haiti vs Scotland | C | 9:00 PM | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
June 14 — Day 4
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany vs Curaçao | E | 1:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| Netherlands vs Japan | F | 4:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 AM (+1) | ✅ Late evening |
| Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | E | 7:00 PM | 2:00 AM (+1) | 3:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Very late |
| Sweden vs Tunisia | F | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
June 15 — Group H Day 🇸🇦 Critical match day
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Cape Verde | H | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| Belgium vs Egypt | G | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | H | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Late night |
| Iran vs New Zealand | G | 9:00 PM | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
June 15 tip: Watch Spain vs Cape Verde at 7pm Saudi time to see how the group is shaping up — then decide if you're staying up for Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 1am.
June 16 — Day 6
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Senegal | I | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| Iraq vs Norway | I | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Late |
| Argentina vs Algeria | J | 9:00 PM | 4:00 AM (+1) | 5:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Alarm job |
June 17 — Day 7
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal vs DR Congo | K | 1:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Prime time |
| Uzbekistan vs Colombia | K | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
June 21 — Saudi Arabia vs Spain ⭐ The big one
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Saudi Arabia | H | 12:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | ✅ Perfect evening |
| Uruguay vs Cape Verde | H | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM (+1) | 2:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Late |
| France vs Iraq | I | 5:00 PM | 12:00 AM (+1) | 1:00 AM (+1) | ⚠️ Late |
| Argentina vs Austria | J | 1:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
June 22–23
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway vs Senegal | I | 8:00 PM | 3:00 AM (+1) | 4:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
| Jordan vs Algeria | J | 11:00 PM | 6:00 AM (+1) | 7:00 AM (+1) | ☕ Morning |
| Portugal vs Uzbekistan | K | 1:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| Colombia vs DR Congo | K | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
June 26 — Saudi Arabia's final group match
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | H | 8:00 PM | 3:00 AM (+1) | 4:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Set the alarm |
| Uruguay vs Spain | H | 8:00 PM | 3:00 AM (+1) | 4:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Set the alarm |
| Norway vs France | I | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM | ✅ Evening |
| Colombia vs Portugal | K | 7:30 PM | 2:30 AM (+1) | 3:30 AM (+1) | 😴 Very late |
June 27
| Match | Group | ET | Saudi AST | UAE GST | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria vs Austria | J | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
| Jordan vs Argentina | J | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM (+1) | 6:00 AM (+1) | 😴 Skip it |
The World Cup Final
- 📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
- ⏱️ Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
- 📍 New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- ⏰ Saudi Arabia: 10:00 PM AST ✅
- ⏰ UAE: 11:00 PM GST ✅
The final is perfect viewing time for the Gulf. A 10pm kickoff in Saudi Arabia means you are watching the trophy lift somewhere around midnight — late enough to feel special, early enough not to destroy the week ahead.
Which Matches Are Worth Staying Up For?
Set the alarm — worth it:
- Any Saudi Arabia knockout match — whenever and wherever it is
- Argentina vs anyone — this is Messi's last World Cup dance
- Brazil vs the first serious opponent they face
- Any semi-final involving a team the Gulf cares about
- The Final — 10pm Saudi time, no alarm needed
Save it for highlights:
- Group stage matches between lower-ranked teams kicking off at 9pm ET (4am Saudi time)
- Anything scheduled at 10pm ET or later in the group stage
- West Coast USA games starting at 9pm PDT (7am Saudi time — it will be on the news before you wake up)
How to Watch FIFA 2026 in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Saudi Arabia
beIN SPORTS holds exclusive broadcasting rights for all 104 matches.
- beIN SPORTS MAX (satellite) — all matches live
- beIN SPORTS CONNECT app — mobile and smart TV streaming
- TOD — streaming platform, easiest for mobile viewing
- beIN SPORTS NEWS (free-to-air) — rolling coverage, the Final and opening ceremony may be available without subscription
UAE
beIN SPORTS also holds rights across the UAE through the same platforms — beIN SPORTS CONNECT and TOD for digital viewing, beIN SPORTS MAX on satellite.
Tip: Download the TOD app now if you have not already. It is the most reliable streaming option for late-night mobile viewing when you do not want to leave the bedroom to sit in front of the TV.
Isha and Fajr Prayers During Late Matches
For viewers in Saudi Arabia watching the 1am and 3am AST kickoffs — Isha prayer falls around 9:30–10:00pm depending on the city and date in June, well before these matches begin. Fajr prayer during mid-June falls around 3:45–4:15am in Riyadh — which means the Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia match (3am AST) will run through Fajr time in the final stages. Plan accordingly and check your local mosque times.
Saudi Arabia Group H — Live Standings
Updated after each match. Refresh for latest.
| Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cape Verde | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top 2 teams qualify automatically. Best 8 third-place teams across all groups also advance to the Round of 32.
What Saudi Arabia needs to qualify
- Win vs Uruguay (June 15) → strong position regardless of Spain result
- Draw vs Uruguay + Win vs Spain (June 21) → very likely to qualify
- Two draws → depends on Cape Verde vs Spain result
- Goal difference matters — score as many as possible in every match
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does FIFA World Cup 2026 start in Saudi Arabia?
The opening match — Mexico vs South Africa — kicks off on June 11 at 10:00 PM Saudi Arabia time (3:00 PM ET). The tournament runs until July 19, 2026 with the final kicking off at 10:00 PM Saudi Arabia time — prime viewing hours for Gulf fans.
When does Saudi Arabia play at the 2026 World Cup in Saudi time?
Saudi Arabia's three Group H fixtures are: 1:00 AM AST on June 16 (vs Uruguay in Miami), 7:00 PM AST on June 21 (vs Spain in Atlanta — the prime time match), and 3:00 AM AST on June 27 (vs Cape Verde in Houston). The Spain match on June 21 is the only one at a comfortable Saudi viewing time.
What time is FIFA 2026 in UAE?
Add one additional hour to all Saudi Arabia times for UAE Gulf Standard Time (GST). The opening match is at 11:00 PM UAE time. Saudi Arabia vs Spain on June 21 kicks off at 8:00 PM UAE time. The Final on July 19 is at 11:00 PM UAE time.
What channel shows FIFA 2026 in Saudi Arabia?
beIN SPORTS holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. All 104 matches are available on beIN SPORTS MAX satellite channels, the beIN SPORTS CONNECT app, and the TOD streaming platform.
How many hours behind Saudi Arabia is the USA for FIFA 2026?
It depends on the match city. New York and Miami (Eastern Time) are 7 hours behind Saudi Arabia. Dallas and Houston (Central Time) are 8 hours behind. Los Angeles (Pacific Time) is 10 hours behind.
Is Saudi Arabia playing at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes. Saudi Arabia — the Green Falcons — qualified for FIFA 2026 and are in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde. Their most watchable match from the Gulf is Spain vs Saudi Arabia on June 21 at 7:00 PM Saudi Arabia time in Atlanta.
Watching Saudi Arabia compete at FIFA 2026 is a reminder that the Kingdom's biggest footballing moment is still ahead — Saudi Arabia hosts FIFA World Cup 2034, bringing 48 teams, 104 matches, and 15 stadiums to five Saudi cities. The software infrastructure for that tournament — from volunteer management platforms for 40,000+ volunteers to stadium management systems and fan apps — is already being built. LogioLegion builds custom software for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 projects. Get in touch if you are working on something in the Kingdom.
Continue Reading
Discover our full range of services - from custom software development to complete marketing solutions
How to Build a Volunteer Management Platform for Saudi Arabia: Absher Integration, HRSD Compliance, and What Major Events Require
Learn how to build a Saudi-compliant volunteer management platform with Absher verification, HRSD documentation, Qiwa integration, prayer-time scheduling, and FIFA 2034-ready operations.
Best Software Development Companies in Saudi Arabia for Real Estate (2026 Updated Guide)
Compare the top software development companies for Saudi real estate projects in 2026. Explore experts in Wafi integration, REGA compliance, Tawtheeq workflows, ZATCA e-invoicing, property management software, and Vision 2030 PropTech platforms.
