World Cup 2014: 5 Things You Need To Know About Next Summer's Tournament

3. When Does The Action Begin?

As tradition dictates, tournament hosts Brazil will kick off the 2014 World Cup on June 12 in Sao Paulo. The group stages will then run until June 26 until the top two from each qualify for the first round of knock-out stages which take place following a one-day break on June 27. Fans will be treated to a frenzied footballing schedule over the summer, particularly on day three of the tournament, which will see four fixtures running virtually back to back. The round of 16 matches are scheduled to take place between June 28 and July 1, with two fixtures held each day. The quarter-finals commence on July 4 and 5, also two-a-day, until the semi-finals take place on 8 and 9 July. The one match everyone will be waiting for will take place on Sunday 13 July, when the two World Cup Finalists clash in Rio de Janeiro.