2006 World Cup — Match schedule.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 2006 FIFA World Cup ran 9 June – 9 July 2006 with 64 matches at 12 venues. The opening match was Germany 4-2 Costa Rica, and the final was Italy 1-1 France (5-3 pens).
2006 match schedule — summary
| Dates | 9 June – 9 July 2006 |
| Total matches | 64 |
| Teams | 32 |
| Venues | 12 |
| Opening match | Germany 4-2 Costa Rica |
| Final | Italy 1-1 France (5-3 pens) |
| Format | Groups → knockout |
The story
Italy's fourth title, won on penalties after Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi got him sent off in the final match of his career. Italy conceded only two goals all tournament; Fabio Cannavaro's defending earned him the Ballon d'Or. Germany's "Sommermärchen" reignited the host nation's love of the game.
Knockout fixtures & results
Round of 16
- Germany 2-0 Sweden
- Argentina 2-1 Mexico (a.e.t.)
- England 1-0 Ecuador
- Portugal 1-0 Netherlands
- Italy 1-0 Australia
- Ukraine 0-0 Switzerland (3-0 pens)
- Brazil 3-0 Ghana
- France 3-1 Spain
Quarterfinals
- Germany 1-1 Argentina (4-2 pens)
- Italy 3-0 Ukraine
- Portugal 0-0 England (3-1 pens)
- Brazil 0-1 France
Semifinals
- Italy 2-0 Germany (a.e.t.)
- France 1-0 Portugal
Third-place playoff
- Germany 3-1 Portugal
Final
- Italy 1-1 France (5-3 pens)
Related
See the full 2006 edition profile, the 2006 final classification, and our finals history.
Tables and ranking points refresh as matches finish. Standings · Match schedule · World Cup 2026
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