World CupIndiaKickoff times
World Cup 2026 Kickoff Times in India (IST)
By Maya Okonkwo · Editor, Time Zone Link5 min read
India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) is 9.5 to 13.5 hours ahead of the 2026 World Cup host zones. Here are the kickoff times in IST — and which matches are realistically watchable.
Quick answer: India (IST, UTC+5:30) is half a day ahead of the Americas. Most matches kick off between 22:00 and 08:30 IST the following day. Pacific late-night US slots land mid-morning IST.
Standard slots in IST
- Final 15:00 EDT, New Jersey → 00:30 IST, 20 July 2026
- 12:00 New York (EDT) → 21:30 IST
- 15:00 New York → 00:30 IST (next day)
- 21:00 New York → 06:30 IST (next day)
- 12:00 Mexico City → 23:30 IST
- 21:00 Los Angeles (PDT) → 09:30 IST (next day)
Related
Frequently asked
- What time is the World Cup 2026 final in India?
- 00:30 IST on Monday 20 July 2026 (Sunday night into Monday morning) — that's 15:00 EDT at MetLife Stadium.
- Which matches are watchable for Indian fans without staying up all night?
- Mexico/US lunchtime kickoffs (12:00 local) land between 21:30 and 00:30 IST — comfortable evening viewing.