- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
- Match-Day Map: Restaurants and Bars Near Every Stadium in the USA, Canada and Mexico
- Final Whistle
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not waiting for the knockout rounds to get interesting. With 48 teams, 12 groups and a new Round of 32, this tournament gives more countries a path forward, but it also puts pressure on the favorites from the opening whistle.
The top two teams from each group advance, along with the eight best third-place teams. That means one bad result may not end a team’s tournament, but winning the group still matters. It can shape the knockout road, reduce travel pressure and keep a favorite away from another heavyweight too early.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Match times below are listed in local stadium time and Eastern Time.
Brazil remain the most decorated men’s World Cup team with five titles. Germany and Italy have four. Argentina have three. France and Uruguay have two each, while Spain and England have one. Argentina also lead Copa América history with 16 titles, ahead of Uruguay with 15 and Brazil with nine.
The squads are official, but late injury replacements can still happen before a team’s first match. Player mentions below are based on FIFA’s published squad lists and should be checked one last time before publication.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Favorite: Mexico
Team rankings: Mexico No. 15, South Korea No. 25, Czechia No. 41, South Africa No. 60.
Mexico enter the 2026 World Cup with the excitement and confidence of a host nation ready for a major moment. Playing at home gives El Tri a powerful boost, from familiar stadiums and passionate supporters to the energy that always surrounds football in Mexico. The opening match at Estadio Azteca should be one of the great scenes of the tournament, and it gives Mexico the chance to start its World Cup with momentum, pride and a crowd fully behind the team.
Mexico are the favorite in Group A because of that home advantage, but also because they have enough experience, structure and attacking options to control the group. Under Javier Aguirre, the team should be competitive, intense and practical. Mexico can press, attack quickly through wide areas and use the crowd to raise the tempo. The key will be to play with energy without losing control.
The internal questions are still real. Mexico did not go through qualifying because they are co-hosts, which gave the team automatic entry but also removed the long competitive rhythm that usually shapes a squad before a World Cup. El Tri are also trying to move forward after Qatar 2022, when they failed to advance from the group stage for the first time since 1978. The talent is there, but the team still has to prove it can turn a strong atmosphere into calm, efficient football.
There is also the familiar World Cup challenge. Mexico have often been competitive, but they have not returned to the quarterfinals since hosting the tournament in 1986. The “fifth game” question remains part of the national-team conversation, even with the expanded format. In 2026, the expectation is not only to advance. It is to show that this group can finally push Mexico into a deeper run.
That makes Aguirre’s squad balance important. Edson Álvarez gives Mexico defensive bite, leadership and balance. Santiago Giménez offers a true striker profile, while Raúl Jiménez brings experience, hold-up play and another penalty-box option. At the back, Johan Vásquez and César Montes give Mexico strength and aerial presence, while Guillermo Ochoa returns with one of the tournament’s great veteran storylines.
The younger names give Mexico freshness. Gilberto Mora is one of the most exciting players in the squad, while Obed Vargas and Brian Gutiérrez bring energy to midfield. Álvaro Fidalgo adds creativity, and Julián Quiñones gives Aguirre another attacking option.
South Korea are the biggest threat to Mexico’s first-place ambitions. They have speed, discipline and players who can punish space quickly. Son Heung-min remains the face of Korean football, Kim Min-jae gives them elite defensive presence, and Lee Kang-in adds creativity between the lines.
Czechia will not be easy to break down. They are strong, organized and dangerous on set pieces, with Patrik Schick as a major scoring threat and Tomáš Souček bringing power in midfield. South Africa are the outsider, but Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Foster give them enough quality to make games uncomfortable.
Best game to watch: Mexico vs South Korea, June 18, Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Group A schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Mexico vs South Africa | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 11 | South Korea vs Czechia | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | 8:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 18 | Czechia vs South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| June 18 | Mexico vs South Korea | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 24 | Czechia vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 24 | South Africa vs South Korea | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey | 7:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Favorite: Switzerland
Team rankings: Switzerland No. 19, Canada No. 30, Qatar No. 55, Bosnia and Herzegovina No. 65.
Switzerland enter Group B as the favorite because they bring the kind of stability that works in tournament football. They are not always spectacular, and they do not need to be. This is a team built on organization, discipline and experience. Switzerland know how to stay compact, control risk and turn tight games into results.
That makes them dangerous in a group where every opponent brings a different challenge. Canada have home energy and speed. Qatar have recent tournament pedigree. Bosnia and Herzegovina have veteran leadership and a powerful emotional storyline. Switzerland’s advantage is that they rarely panic. They can manage long stretches without the ball, defend the middle of the field and wait for the right moment to strike.
The Swiss core is experienced and reliable. Granit Xhaka remains the team’s reference point in midfield. He controls tempo, gives Switzerland edge and organizes the team’s rhythm. Manuel Akanji brings defensive calm and top-level experience, while Breel Embolo gives them a physical forward who can hold the ball, attack space and make center backs uncomfortable. Gregor Kobel gives Switzerland another major strength in goal, and Ricardo Rodríguez adds experience to the back line.
The question for Switzerland is whether they can turn control into enough goals. They are difficult to beat, but they are not always ruthless. In a group with Canada’s speed and Qatar’s counterattacking quality, Switzerland need more than defensive structure. They need sharp finishing and faster decisions in the final third.
Canada may be the most exciting team in the group. Playing at home gives them a different kind of lift, and the squad has enough pace to make opponents nervous. Alphonso Davies is the star name and one of the most explosive wide players in the tournament. Jonathan David gives Canada a proven scorer, while Cyle Larin brings experience and another goal threat. Tajon Buchanan adds speed and direct running.
Canada’s challenge is turning energy into control. The crowd will be behind them, but this team still needs to manage pressure, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Canada are still chasing their first World Cup win, and this group gives them a real chance to change that story.
Qatar should not be dismissed. They won the Asian Cup in 2019 and 2023, and this 2026 appearance is different from 2022 because they qualified on merit. That matters for confidence. Akram Afif is the creative engine, the player who can slow a match down or open it with one pass. Almoez Ali gives Qatar a proven goal scorer, while Lucas Mendes adds experience and defensive presence. Under Julen Lopetegui, Qatar should be organized, patient and dangerous when they can transition quickly.
Bosnia and Herzegovina bring one of the group’s best veteran stories. Edin Džeko remains the symbol of the team and one of the most respected strikers of his generation. At 40, he gives Bosnia leadership, aerial presence and the ability to slow the game when needed. Ermedin Demirović gives the team another attacking option, while Sead Kolašinac and Amar Dedić add strength and defensive quality.
This group may not have the glamour of some others, but it could be one of the most competitive. Switzerland are the safest pick, Canada have the highest emotional ceiling, Qatar know how to survive tournament football, and Bosnia have enough experience to punish mistakes. Group B may come down to which team handles pressure best in the final 20 minutes.
Best game to watch: Switzerland vs Canada, June 24, BC Place, Vancouver
Group B schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | BMO Field, Toronto | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 13 | Qatar vs Switzerland | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 18 | Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 18 | Canada vs Qatar | BC Place, Vancouver | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 24 | Switzerland vs Canada | BC Place, Vancouver | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 24 | Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar | Lumen Field, Seattle | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Favorite: Brazil
Team rankings: Brazil No. 6, Morocco No. 8, Scotland No. 43, Haiti No. 83.
Brazil bring the weight of history and the thrill of possibility. Five World Cups. Nine Copa América titles. Generations of attacking genius. But Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002, and that drought turns every tournament into a question: can this group finally restore Brazil to the top?
The talent is there. Brazil can stretch opponents, isolate defenders, attack one-on-one and turn a quiet match into chaos in seconds. The issue is not imagination. It is control. Brazil need balance, patience and defensive discipline to match the flair.
That is why Carlo Ancelotti is one of the tournament’s biggest coaching stories. Brazil hired a manager famous for calm, authority and big-match management. His job is to give Brazil the structure to match their attack.
Vinícius Júnior is the explosive lead threat. The Real Madrid forward can break a game from the left wing and force defenders to double him. Rodrygo gives Brazil movement across the front line, Raphinha adds another direct wide option, Bruno Guimarães gives midfield bite and Marquinhos anchors the back line. Neymar is also part of the storyline, giving Brazil another creative weapon if fitness allows.
Morocco are not a romantic outsider anymore. They are a top-10 team and a 2022 World Cup semifinalist. They are disciplined, aggressive in transition and comfortable defending without panic. Achraf Hakimi gives them elite speed, Brahim Díaz brings technical spark, Sofyan Amrabat gives midfield steel and Youssef En-Nesyri gives them a serious aerial and box threat.
Scotland will bring noise, physicality and set-piece danger. Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn make them hard to play through. Haiti enter with less pressure, but that can make them dangerous in a group where others carry bigger expectations.
Best game to watch: Brazil vs Morocco, June 13, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Group C schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 13 | Brazil vs Morocco | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 13 | Haiti vs Scotland | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 19 | Scotland vs Morocco | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 19 | Brazil vs Haiti | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 24 | Scotland vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 24 | Morocco vs Haiti | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Favorite: United States, narrowly
Team rankings: United States No. 16, Türkiye No. 22, Australia No. 27, Paraguay No. 40.
The United States are favored, but only narrowly. Home advantage matters. So does the talent level. But this is not a group built for easy headlines. Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye all bring different problems, and the U.S. will have to earn control of every match.
The American team is at its best when it plays with pace, pressure and purpose. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the U.S. should press with more bite, move the ball forward earlier and use athleticism to unsettle opponents. If the team plays too slowly, this group becomes uncomfortable. If the U.S. can turn games into high-tempo contests, the draw starts to look more favorable.
Christian Pulisic remains the face of the team and the player most likely to deliver a decisive moment. Tyler Adams gives the midfield its defensive rhythm, Weston McKennie brings running power, and Gio Reyna gives the side a creative pass that can unlock tight games. Folarin Balogun gives the attack another important option.
Türkiye are the most technical opponent in the group. Hakan Çalhanoğlu can control tempo and punish fouls around the box. Arda Güler has the imagination to change a game, and Kenan Yıldız gives Türkiye another young attacking weapon.
Australia will be physical, organized and hard to shake. Mathew Ryan gives them experience in goal, Harry Souttar gives them size and set-piece danger, and Jackson Irvine gives them leadership. Paraguay are built to frustrate. Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso give them real counterattacking speed.
Best game to watch: United States vs Türkiye, June 25, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Group D schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | United States vs Paraguay | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 6:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 13 | Australia vs Türkiye | BC Place, Vancouver | 9:00 PM | 12:00 AM, June 14 |
| June 19 | United States vs Australia | Lumen Field, Seattle | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 19 | Türkiye vs Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 8:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| June 25 | Türkiye vs United States | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 25 | Paraguay vs Australia | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
Favorite: Germany
Team rankings: Germany No. 10, Ecuador No. 23, Côte d’Ivoire No. 34, Curaçao No. 82.
Germany have the résumé and the players to win this group, but recent World Cups have stripped away the old aura. This is still Germany: four World Cups, three European Championships and a deep squad. But this version must prove that it can play with authority when the pressure rises.
At their best, Germany want the ball, press quickly after losing it and overload the spaces around the box. The talent is there. The question is whether they can turn possession into punishment.
Julian Nagelsmann gives Germany one of the tournament’s most interesting tactical minds. Jamal Musiala can glide past defenders in tight spaces. Florian Wirtz connects midfield to attack and can make the final pass. Joshua Kimmich brings command, while Antonio Rüdiger gives the back line aggression and authority.
Ecuador are the opponent most likely to turn this group into a fight. They are athletic, compact and strong through midfield. Moisés Caicedo is the engine, Piero Hincapié and Willian Pacho give them defensive quality, and Enner Valencia remains a proven international scorer.
Côte d’Ivoire bring AFCON-winning pedigree and power. Franck Kessié, Simon Adingra and Sébastien Haller can make them dangerous in direct moments. Curaçao are the story team of the group, with veteran coach Dick Advocaat giving them experience and a clear underdog identity. Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna give them recognizable names and top-level experience.
Best game to watch: Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire, June 20, BMO Field, Toronto
Group E schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14 | Germany vs Curaçao | NRG Stadium, Houston | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| June 14 | Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| June 20 | Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire | BMO Field, Toronto | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| June 20 | Ecuador vs Curaçao | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| June 25 | Ecuador vs Germany | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| June 25 | Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Favorite: Netherlands
Team rankings: Netherlands No. 7, Japan No. 18, Sweden No. 38, Tunisia No. 44.
The Netherlands are the favorite, but this is exactly the kind of group that can get complicated fast. The Dutch have reached three World Cup finals and won Euro 1988, but the World Cup trophy is still missing. That history follows every strong Dutch team.
The Netherlands are most dangerous when the back line is calm and the midfield controls rhythm. They can keep the ball, but they can also move forward quickly when space appears. Balance is the key.
Virgil van Dijk gives the team leadership and defensive gravity. Frenkie de Jong carries the ball through pressure. Cody Gakpo adds movement and finishing, while Xavi Simons gives the attack invention between the lines.
Japan are the danger. They are fast, organized and one of the most coherent teams outside Europe and South America. Takefusa Kubo gives them technical spark, Wataru Endo gives them structure, Daichi Kamada brings timing and intelligence, and Takehiro Tomiyasu gives them defensive quality.
Sweden have the firepower to trouble anyone. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres give them two elite forwards, while Anthony Elanga adds pace. Tunisia will look to compress space, slow the rhythm and turn games into battles of patience.
Best game to watch: Netherlands vs Japan, June 14, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Group F schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14 | Netherlands vs Japan | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| June 14 | Sweden vs Tunisia | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey | 8:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 20 | Netherlands vs Sweden | NRG Stadium, Houston | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| June 20 | Tunisia vs Japan | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey | 10:00 PM | 12:00 AM, June 21 |
| June 25 | Japan vs Sweden | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| June 25 | Tunisia vs Netherlands | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand
Favorite: Belgium
Team rankings: Belgium No. 9, IR Iran No. 21, Egypt No. 29, New Zealand No. 85.
Belgium are favored, but this is not the untouchable Belgium of a few years ago. The golden generation has aged, and the team has to prove it can still control games rather than simply rely on reputation. Still, the talent is real, and Belgium should have enough quality to win the group.
Belgium are most dangerous when their creators face forward. If they can get space for their runners and let their best players attack unsettled defenses, they can still look like a major side. The risk comes when they are forced into slow possession and the tempo drops.
Kevin De Bruyne remains the brain of the team. One pass from him can change the match. Romelu Lukaku gives Belgium power near goal, Jérémy Doku brings speed and one-on-one danger, and Thibaut Courtois gives the side elite goalkeeping.
IR Iran are ranked higher than Egypt and should not be treated like a background team. They are compact, organized and experienced. Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh give them attacking options that can punish mistakes.
Egypt have the strongest trophy history in the group with seven AFCON titles. Mohamed Salah remains the star, and Omar Marmoush gives Egypt another major forward threat. New Zealand are outsiders, but Chris Wood gives them a clear target and a set-piece weapon.
Best game to watch: Belgium vs Egypt, June 15, Lumen Field, Seattle
Group G schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Belgium vs Egypt | Lumen Field, Seattle | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 15 | Iran vs New Zealand | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 6:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 21 | Belgium vs Iran | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 21 | New Zealand vs Egypt | BC Place, Vancouver | 6:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 26 | Egypt vs Iran | Lumen Field, Seattle | 8:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| June 26 | New Zealand vs Belgium | BC Place, Vancouver | 8:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Favorite: Spain
Team rankings: Spain No. 2, Uruguay No. 17, Saudi Arabia No. 61, Cabo Verde No. 69.
Spain enter as one of the cleanest football teams in the tournament. They have the ranking, the recent European pedigree and the identity. The ball moves quickly, the midfield has control, and this generation adds something Spain have not always had in abundance: direct speed.
Spain can still keep the ball and dictate tempo, but they can also stretch a defense earlier. That makes them harder to read than some previous Spanish teams. They can win with patience, or they can hit teams wide and fast.
Rodri is the control tower. He gives Spain authority, balance and decision-making. Lamine Yamal gives the attack electricity from wide areas, Pedri brings invention, and Nico Williams gives Spain the speed that changes the geometry of the match.
Uruguay are the heavyweight threat in the group. They have two World Cups, 15 Copa América titles and one of the most demanding coaches in the game in Marcelo Bielsa. They will press, run and make the match physical. Federico Valverde is the engine, Darwin Núñez gives them direct running, Ronald Araújo gives defensive power and Manuel Ugarte gives midfield bite.
Saudi Arabia know what it means to shock a giant after beating Argentina in 2022. Salem Al-Dawsari remains the reference point. Cabo Verde bring one of the tournament’s best underdog stories, with Ryan Mendes and Willy Semedo giving them attacking options.
Best game to watch: Uruguay vs Spain, June 26, Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Group H schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15 | Spain vs Cabo Verde | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| June 15 | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 21 | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| June 21 | Uruguay vs Cabo Verde | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 26 | Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia | NRG Stadium, Houston | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| June 26 | Uruguay vs Spain | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Favorite: France
Team rankings: France No. 1, Senegal No. 14, Norway No. 31, Iraq No. 57.
France have the hardest group and still look like the favorite. That says everything about their depth. They can win with pace, power, control or cold efficiency. They are not just a team with stars. They are a tournament machine.
Under Didier Deschamps, France know how to survive difficult moments. They can sit deep and counter, they can push teams back, and they can win when the match gets tense. The style is not always romantic, but it is built for World Cups.
Kylian Mbappé is the face of the team. The Real Madrid forward is a 2018 World Cup champion and won the 2022 Golden Boot. Ousmane Dembélé gives France explosive one-on-one danger, Michael Olise adds another creative edge, Aurélien Tchouaméni gives the midfield power, William Saliba gives the defense calm, and Mike Maignan gives them authority in goal.
Senegal are not just a physical opponent. They are a serious football team with speed, power and tournament confidence. Sadio Mané remains the biggest name, Kalidou Koulibaly leads the defense, Nicolas Jackson gives them movement up front, and Pape Matar Sarr gives them midfield legs.
Norway may not have a major senior title, but any team with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard has knockout-level danger in a group game. Iraq won the 2007 Asian Cup and will try to slow matches down, stay compact and make favorites work for everything.
Best game to watch: France vs Senegal, June 16, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Group I schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | France vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 16 | Iraq vs Norway | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| June 22 | France vs Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| June 22 | Norway vs Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| June 26 | Norway vs France | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| June 26 | Senegal vs Iraq | BMO Field, Toronto | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Favorite: Argentina
Team rankings: Argentina No. 3, Austria No. 24, Algeria No. 28, Jordan No. 63.
Argentina enter as defending world champions, Copa América champions and one of the toughest teams in the field. Their biggest strength is not only the talent. It is the nerve. Argentina know how to suffer, defend, slow a match down and strike when the moment opens.
Lionel Scaloni has built a complete tournament team. Argentina can play with control, but they are just as comfortable in a street fight. That combination makes them extremely hard to knock off balance.
Lionel Messi remains the headline if selected in the starting XI. He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the emotional center of the side. But this team is not just Messi anymore. Lautaro Martínez gives Argentina a ruthless finisher, Julián Álvarez gives movement and pressing, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister give the midfield balance, and Emiliano Martínez remains one of the most important goalkeepers in knockout football.
Austria are the group’s tactical test. Under Ralf Rangnick, they press, compress space and force mistakes. David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer give them experience and structure.
Algeria have two AFCON titles and enough talent to make the group lively. Riyad Mahrez gives them left-footed magic, Rayan Aït-Nouri adds drive from wide areas, and Ismaël Bennacer gives them midfield quality. Jordan arrive with ambition and Musa Al-Taamari as a dangerous attacking outlet.
Best game to watch: Argentina vs Austria, June 22, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Group J schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | Argentina vs Algeria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
| June 16 | Austria vs Jordan | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 9:00 PM | 12:00 AM, June 17 |
| June 22 | Argentina vs Austria | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| June 22 | Jordan vs Algeria | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 8:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| June 27 | Algeria vs Austria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 27 | Jordan vs Argentina | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Favorite: Portugal
Team rankings: Portugal No. 5, Colombia No. 13, DR Congo No. 46, Uzbekistan No. 50.
Portugal have the depth, the experience and the technical quality to win Group K. They have never won the World Cup, but they have won Euro 2016 and built one of the strongest modern player pools in Europe.
This team can play through midfield, switch the ball quickly and attack from both wings. The question is balance. Portugal have enough stars. The job is to get them on the field without losing control.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest names in the tournament and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Bruno Fernandes gives Portugal chance creation, Bernardo Silva gives rhythm and intelligence, Rafael Leão gives direct speed, and Rúben Dias anchors the back line.
Colombia are the team that can make this group dangerous. They are ranked No. 13, won Copa América in 2001 and play with speed, pressure and emotion. Luis Díaz gives them a world-class wide threat. James Rodríguez still brings vision and set-piece quality, Daniel Muñoz gives the right side edge, and Jhon Córdoba gives them power up front.
DR Congo have two AFCON titles and enough athleticism to make games difficult. Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba bring experience. Uzbekistan are one of Asia’s more interesting teams, with Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Abdukodir Khusanov giving them a real spine.
Best game to watch: Portugal vs Colombia, June 27, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Group K schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | Portugal vs DR Congo | NRG Stadium, Houston | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| June 17 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 8:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 23 | Portugal vs Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium, Houston | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| June 23 | Colombia vs DR Congo | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara | 8:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| June 27 | Colombia vs Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| June 27 | DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Favorite: England
Team rankings: England No. 4, Croatia No. 11, Panama No. 33, Ghana No. 74.
England have the squad to win this group and the pressure to make it feel complicated. Their only major senior men’s trophy remains the 1966 World Cup, and every major tournament comes with the same question: can this generation finally turn talent into a title?
This team can control matches through midfield or attack quickly through wide players. It has size, speed, creativity and finishing. Under Thomas Tuchel, England should be harder, more efficient and more prepared for decisive moments.
Harry Kane remains the captain, the reference point and England’s all-time leading scorer. Jude Bellingham gives England a complete modern midfielder who can dominate physically and technically. Bukayo Saka brings balance and creativity, Declan Rice gives control, and Marcus Rashford adds direct running and tournament experience. Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon give England more attacking options from wide and central areas.
Croatia are the dangerous opponent because they understand tournaments better than almost anyone. They reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third in 2022. Luka Modrić, if used carefully, still gives Croatia rhythm and intelligence. Mateo Kovačić, Joško Gvardiol and Andrej Kramarić give them experience and quality.
Ghana have four AFCON titles and enough athletic power to make the group unpredictable. Thomas Partey gives them midfield strength, Iñaki Williams gives them direct running, Antoine Semenyo gives them attacking energy, and Jordan Ayew adds experience. Panama are organized, competitive and capable of turning games into long, frustrating battles.
Best game to watch: England vs Croatia, June 17, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Group L schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Local time | ET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| June 17 | Ghana vs Panama | BMO Field, Toronto | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| June 23 | England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| June 23 | Panama vs Croatia | BMO Field, Toronto | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| June 27 | Panama vs England | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| June 27 | Croatia vs Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
Match-Day Map: Restaurants and Bars Near Every Stadium in the USA, Canada and Mexico
Planning your FIFA World Cup 2026 match day? Use our interactive map to find restaurants, bars, cafés, breweries and casual food spots near each stadium across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Whether you want a quick bite before kickoff, a lively bar to meet other fans, a place to gather with friends, or a family-friendly restaurant after the final whistle, the map highlights options close to the venues in all three host countries.
Because hours, reservations, private events and match-day policies can change quickly during major events, always verify business schedules directly with the restaurant, bar or venue before going. It is also worth checking whether reservations are required, whether walk-ins are accepted, whether the place is suitable for families, and whether it will be showing World Cup matches on game days.
Because hours, reservations, private events and match-day policies can change quickly during major events, always verify business schedules directly with the restaurant, bar or venue before going. It is also worth checking whether reservations are required, whether walk-ins are accepted, whether the place is suitable for families, and whether it will be showing World Cup matches on game days.
Final Whistle
The strongest favorites are France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal and Germany. They have the rankings, the players and the trophy history. But they do not all have comfortable groups.
The cleanest football identity belongs to Spain. The deepest squad may be France. The strongest tournament mentality still belongs to Argentina. The biggest coaching storyline is Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil. The biggest individual subplot is whether Messi and Ronaldo can still influence one more World Cup.
The groups to circle are Group C, Group F, Group I and Group K. Brazil-Morocco is a serious opener. The Netherlands cannot sleepwalk through Japan and Sweden. France have to deal with Senegal and Norway. Portugal have Colombia waiting.
This is not a warm-up act. The 2026 World Cup group stage starts with pressure, and several favorites will feel it before the knockout rounds even begin.