With an expanded 48-team tournament, the group stage might be watered down a bit from the World Cup’s previous 32-team field, but there are still banger matchups on the slate.
Here we’ve picked out 10 must-see group stage games for next summer’s World Cup:
Mexico vs. South Africa – June 11
This is the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, so of course we’ll all be watching. Mexico will be looking to start strong at the iconic Estadio Azteca after not advancing past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup. South Africa — which has never advanced past the group stage — will attempt to play spoiler. This is a rematch of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
USMNT vs. Paraguay – June 12
The United States’ opening game at SoFi Stadium might be its toughest (unless Turkey gets through the UEFA playoff). The U.S. and Paraguay recently played a friendly, which the USMNT won 2-1. That ‘friendly’ also got heated, and multiple players on both sides got into a late-game kerfuffle.
Brazil vs. Morocco – June 13
Morocco is a rising force in world soccer, placing fourth at the 2022 World Cup. Brazil is a five-time World Cup winner (most in men’s history), but it’s been 24 years since the Seleção last won the tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti will look to get Brazil on track after an unimpressive World Cup qualifying campaign. This is a tough opener for his team.
Netherlands vs. Japan – June 14
The Netherlands typically carries the title of ‘best team to never win the World Cup.’ Having reached the Round of 16 in the previous two World Cups, Japan is a formidable foe, and pulled off a stunner at the 2022 World Cup when it upset Germany in both squad’s opening game. The Oranje will aim to avoid such a fate.
Belgium vs. Egypt – June 15
What does Mohamed Salah have left? Can the generational talent push Egypt into the knockout rounds? Belgium followed up a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup by not even getting out of the group in 2022. This World Cup figures to be the last for Belgium’s aging stars Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois.
France vs. Senegal – June 16
This matchup is noteworthy as it is a rematch of one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. In the opening game of the 2002 World Cup, Senegal shocked the world with a 1-0 win over France, who were the reigning World Cup champs. Didier Deschamps’ squad will strive to avoid a similar stunner.
England vs. Croatia – June 17
Croatia and England headline the 2026 World Cup’s unofficial ‘Group of Death.’ This is a brutal opening draw for England, which will be on the short list of tournament favorites. Croatia are the No. 10-ranked team in the world and have enjoyed success in the previous two World Cups, advancing to the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022.
France vs. Norway – June 26
Hoo boy, drop whatever doing on June 26, because this could be the best game of the group stage. Behind the devastating goal-scoring prowess of Erling Haaland, Norway are back in the World Cup for the first time since 1988. France has made the final of the previous two World Cups, winning it in 2018.
Spain vs. Uruguay – June 26
In all likelihood, Group H will come down to this intriguing showdown of nations that have combined to win multiple World Cups. Spain won the 2024 Euros and features 18-year-old phenom Lamine Yamal. Uruguay had a disappointing 2022 World Cup and will have its sights set on a deep tournament run next summer.
Portugal vs. Colombia – June 27
Cristiano Ronaldo gets one last major tournament run (probably) with Portugal. Standing in the way of winning Group K is Colombia, which collected wins over reigning World Cup champs Argentina and Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying.