The 2018 World Cup kicks off in mid-June, and there is so much going on. Teams are looking to decide their provisional squads, their final squads and more. Here are important dates to keep in mind just over a month before the cup begins.

When is the opening match of the World Cup?

It’s June 14, as host Russia takes on Saudi Arabia.

When are the provisional 30-man squads due?

They are due on Monday, May 14. From there, coaches must select their final 23-man squad.

When are the final 23-man squads due?

On June 4, 10 days before the opening game, teams must confirm their list of players.

When is the final?

July 17 in Moscow.

Key Group Games:

• Portugal vs Spain – June 15
• Brazil vs Switzerland – June 17
• Argentina vs Croatia– June 21
• Germany vs Sweden– June 23
• Poland vs Colombia – June 24
• Denmark vs France – June 26
• England vs Belgium – June 28

Knockout Stages

The last-16 games take place from the 30th of June, up until the 3rd of July, with two games taking place on each day.

The quarter-finals are on the 6th and 7th of July, with the semi-finals following on the 10th and 11th.