With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and kicking off June 11 across North America, a group-by-group preview lays out key players, schedule dates, and predicted finish orders—from the U.S. hosting Group D through Spain’s bid for a second star.
When World Cup fans in the U.S. start looking at their calendars for June 11, they’ll also be weighing something harder: which teams can survive the new, tougher reality of 12 groups and an expanded knockout bracket.
The tournament runs in a round-robin group stage from June 11 through June 27, with three points for a win and one for a draw. Each group sends the top two teams to the knockout stage, and the eight best third-place finishers also advance—joining a newly created Round of 32.
From the first match of the group phase to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, the storyline across the groups is familiar in feeling but different in stakes: every result matters more than before, and every margin can decide who stays in the tournament.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Mexico’s home-nation expectations come with a warning label. After winning both Concacaf trophies on offer in 2025. Mexico is still not feeling hopeful. especially after an “unheard of” group-stage elimination in Qatar. The counterpoint is that Mexico has excelled at World Cups on home soil. winning knockout games in both the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
Key players listed: Raul Jimenez, Gilberto Mora, Edson Alvarez.
South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting it. It dominated African qualification but brings a mostly domestic-based roster that “hasn’t often been tested outside of its home country.” Key players listed: Lyle Taylor, Themba Zwane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
South Korea’s question is whether the plan has caught up to its talent. With Son Heung-Min still at the center and with the nation in “love with soccer,” the focus turns to whether support can carry Korea beyond its higher ceiling.
Key players listed: Son Heung-Min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae.
Czechia needed two penalty shootout victories in March to reach the tournament, but the preview suggests a path in playing for set pieces and defending “staunchly.”
Key players listed: Patrick Schick, Tomáš Souček, Ladislav Krejčí.
Predicted order of finish: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia, South Africa.
Group A schedule:
– June 11: Mexico vs. South Africa — Mexico City, 3 p.m. — Fox
– June 11: South Korea vs. Czechia — Guadalajara, 10 p.m. — FS1
– June 18: Czechia vs. South Africa — Atlanta, 12 p.m. — Fox
– June 18: Mexico vs. South Korea — Guadalajara, 9 p.m. — Fox
– June 24: Mexico vs. Czechia — Mexico City, 9 p.m. — Fox
– June 24: South Korea vs. South Africa — Monterrey, 9 p.m. — FS1.
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Canada enters with momentum and a target that feels first-time by definition. Manager Jesse Marsch hopes to show the country’s rise by getting Canada’s first-ever point at a men’s World Cup and. more than that. advancing out of the group for the first time.
Key players listed: Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Stephen Eustaquio.
Bosnia and Herzegovina fought for its spot through playoffs and penalty shootouts in March, including spoiling what was expected to be a Canada-Italy opener by putting Italians out of the tournament. Key players listed: Edin Džeko, Sead Kolašinac, Esmir Bajraktarević.
Qatar qualified “just enough,” with the benefit of hosting the fourth round on home soil. Since then, Qatar has struggled, failing to win its next five matches and arriving with questions after stalling in the group stage on home soil last time around.
Key players listed: Almoez Ali, Abdulaziz Hatem, Hassan Al-Haydos.
Switzerland qualified undefeated and brings an experienced group that defends well and can score in bunches.
Key players listed: Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez, Breel Embolo.
Group B schedule:
– June 12: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — Toronto, 3 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland — San Francisco Bay Area, 3 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 18: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — Los Angeles, 3 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 18: Canada vs. Qatar — Vancouver, 6 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 24: Canada vs. Switzerland — Vancouver, 3 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 24: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar — Seattle, 3 p.m. ET — FS1.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
Brazil is coming off a long drought of belief at home. It’s been 24 years since Brazil, the winningest team in World Cup history, took home the trophy. The preview notes that despite a world-class coach. Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil struggled through qualifying and hasn’t inspired confidence with recent displays. Neymar was included on the roster. but the focus is on Vinicius Jr. described as the team’s centerpiece who has “often fallen short of expectations” with the national team.
Key players listed: Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Casemiro.
Morocco comes with history from 2022 but faces the challenge of repeating it. The Atlas Lions made history at Qatar 2022. yet the preview includes an “asterisk” related to the Africa Cup of Nations—stating Morocco actually lost the final but was controversially awarded the title two months later after Senegal was punished for leaving the field during the game. Still, the preview frames Morocco as having “every chance” for another run.
Key players listed: Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Ismaël Saibari.
Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 comes with an argument against being written off. The Scots won four of six games in qualifying to win its group. Key players listed: Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Andy Robertson. The preview also says it’s unclear whether Scotland has the depth or attacking firepower to make a major impact.
Haiti’s story is rooted in rarity—its second World Cup appearance and first since 1974. After a qualifying campaign that finished atop a group that also included Costa Rica and Honduras, Haiti is framed as lacking “high-end talent,” with the expectation that the tournament could be short.
Key players listed: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Wilson Isidor, Ricardo Adé.
Group C schedule:
– June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco — New York/New Jersey, 6 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 13: Haiti vs. Scotland — Boston, 9 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco — Boston, 6 p.m. — Fox
– June 19: Brazil vs. Haiti — Philadelphia, 9 p.m. — Fox
– June 24: Scotland vs. Brazil — Miami, 6 p.m. — Fox
– June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti — Atlanta, 6 p.m. — FS1.
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Curaçao
The U.S. hosts and is expected to make a run, but the preview emphasizes the lack of precedent. The team has won exactly one World Cup knockout match in its entire history, and pressure is described as building to “inspire a nation” in the summer.
The preview lays out recent results: mixed results under Mauricio Pochettino, a strong run of results in the fall, and then setbacks including losing both games of the Concacaf Nations League last year and falling short in spring friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
Key players listed: Christian Pulisic, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams.
Paraguay returns to the World Cup after its first appearance since 2010. The preview calls it “a difficult side for any opponent to break down.” It also gives specific qualifying numbers: Gustavo Alfaro’s team conceded just 10 times in 18 South American qualifiers—tied for the second-best defensive record—while also scoring just 14 times. the lowest total of any qualified South American team.
Key players listed: Diego Gomez, Julio Enciso, Miguel Almiron.
Australia is framed as less about top-end talent and more about experience, with appearances in the past five World Cups. It notes that the Socceroos advanced to the round of 16 in 2022, narrowly losing to eventual champion Argentina.
Key players listed: Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Jordan Bos.
Curaçao is described as the smallest county to ever qualify for the World Cup and draws on Dutch-born experience and Netherlands youth system exposure. The preview says the team gave up just five goals in 10 qualifiers. It also notes that MLS fans will recognize goalkeeper Eloy Room, who spent five seasons with the Columbus Crew.
Key players listed: Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong, Riechedly Bazoer.
Group D schedule:
– June 12: USA vs. Paraguay — Los Angeles, 9 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 13: Australia vs. Turkey — Vancouver, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) — FS1
– June 19: USA vs. Australia — Seattle, 3 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 19: Turkey vs. Paraguay — San Francisco Bay Area, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) — FS1
– June 25: USA vs. Turkey — Los Angeles, 10 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia — San Francisco Bay Area, 10 p.m. ET — FS1.
Additional Group D notes included in the preview:
– Turkey: third World Cup appearance, previously in 1954 and 2002; a “24-year drought” from the big stage; led by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız.
Group E: Germany. Ecuador. Ivory Coast. Curaçao
Germany enters after winning its fourth World Cup title in 2014 and then experiencing group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. The national team has been led by former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann since early 2023. and it reached the quarterfinals at Euro 2024 with an extra-time defeat to eventual champion Spain.
Key players listed: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger.
Ecuador is framed as difficult to score against. with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo sitting in front of PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie. two defenders who started in this year’s UEFA Champions League final. Ecuador’s fifth World Cup appearance includes its first in 2002; it advanced to the Round of 16 in 2006.
Key players listed: Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, Enner Valencia.
Ivory Coast returns after failing to qualify in 2018 or 2022 and is described as having a “strong chance” to advance out of the group stage for the first time. Captain Franck Kessie is highlighted as having played at AC Milan and Barcelona before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023. and already passing 100 caps at age 29 after a senior debut at 17.
Key players listed: Nicolas Pepe, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré.
Curaçao appears again here as part of the group, with the same preview description: five goals conceded in 10 qualifiers, goalkeeper Eloy Room with five seasons at Columbus Crew, and a roster shaped by Dutch-born players with Netherlands youth system experience.
Group E schedule:
– June 14: Germany vs. Curaçao — Houston, 12 p.m. ET
– June 14: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador — Philadelphia, 7 p.m. ET
– June 20: Germany vs. Ivory Coast — Toronto, 4 p.m. ET
– June 20: Ecuador vs. Curaçao — Kansas City, 8 p.m. ET
– June 25: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast — Philadelphia, 4 p.m. ET
– June 25: Ecuador vs. Germany — New York/New Jersey, 4 p.m. ET.
Group F: Japan. Netherlands. Sweden. Tunisia
Japan makes its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance and has advanced to the knockout stage more often than not during that run. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has led “Samurai Blue” since 2018. The preview cites major upsets against Spain and Germany in the 2022 World Cup group stage before Japan fell to Croatia in penalty kicks in the Round of 16.
Key players listed: Wataru Endo, Hiroki Itō, Kaishu Sano.
The Netherlands are described as having one of the best defensive units in this World Cup. with Virgil van Dijk. Jurrien Timber. and Denzel Dumfries. It also states Memphis Depay recovered from injury just in time to make the 26-man squad and could become the Netherlands’ third most-capped player in history with three appearances in the tournament.
Key players listed: Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo.
Sweden. coached by Graham Potter. includes Premier League’s expensive strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. with Gyökeres scoring four of Sweden’s six goals in the two qualifying playoff games. The preview says Sweden was winless in its first six qualifiers and reached the playoffs through Nations League route. Still, it points to players who can score goals for potential third-place tiebreakers.
Key players listed: Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak, Jesper Karlström.
Tunisia is coached by Sabri Lamouchi, making his second World Cup appearance after leading Ivory Coast at the 2014 tournament. It highlights 23-year-old midfielder Hannibal Mejbri with 45 caps and notes a contentious 2022 group stage finale where Tunisia scored a controversial upset of France that was overturned by VAR.
Key players listed: Hannibal Mejbri, Ellyes Skhiri, Ali Abdi.
Group F schedule:
– June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan — Dallas, 4 p.m. ET
– June 14: Sweden vs. Tunisia — Monterrey, Mexico, 10 p.m. ET
– June 20: Netherlands vs. Sweden — Houston, 1 p.m. ET
– June 20: Tunisia vs. Japan — Monterrey, 12 a.m. ET (June 21)
– June 25: Japan vs. Sweden — Dallas, 7 p.m. ET
– June 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands — Kansas City, 7 p.m. ET.
Group G: New Zealand. Egypt. Iran. Belgium
New Zealand’s World Cup debut story centers on internet buzz around Tim Payne. arriving as New Zealand plays in only their third World Cup ever and first since 2010. The preview says the All Whites finished with three draws in their last tournament. and they “yet to get a win on the global stage.” Striker Chris Wood is noted as setting the record for most caps for New Zealand just a week before kickoff. after playing in all three matches in the 2010 tournament.
Key players listed: Chris Wood, Tommy Smith, Tim Payne.
Egypt qualified undefeated despite switching managers to Hossam Hassan. It highlights Mohamed Salah as Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, adding that he scored nine of their 20 goals to return the Pharaohs to the tournament after missing 2022.
Key players listed: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trézéguet, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Hamza Abdelkarim.
Iran is described as having yet to advance out of the group stage of the World Cup in six appearances. The preview notes Team Melli’s history with three straight AFC Asian Cups in 1968, 1972, 1976 and a third-place finish in 1996—contrasting that success with struggle on the World Cup stage.
Key players listed: Mehdi Taremi, Mohammad Mohebbi, Mehdi Ghayedi.
Belgium is seeking redemption after not making it out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup. That came after a third-place finish at the 2018 tournament. Manager Rudi Garcia is said to have been introduced in January of 2025. The preview describes the squad as stacked with veterans. including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku (Belgium’s all-time leading scorer). along with Axel Witsel and Thibaut Courtois. It also points to youth in Manchester City forward Jérémy Doku, 24.
Key players listed: Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku.
Group G schedule:
– June 15: Belgium vs. Egypt — Seattle, 3 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 15: New Zealand vs. Iran — Los Angeles, 9 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 21: Belgium vs. Iran — Los Angeles, 3 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 21: New Zealand vs. Egypt — Vancouver, 9 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 26: Belgium vs. New Zealand — Vancouver, 11 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 26: Egypt vs. Iran — Seattle, 11 p.m. ET — FOX.
Group H: Spain. Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia. Uruguay
Spain is labeled as the favorite to win the 2026 World Cup. 16 years after winning the 2010 tournament. The preview ties expectations to proving itself after falling in the Round of 16 in 2022. It also points to Lamine Yamal’s World Cup debut. saying he is recovering from a hamstring injury but that hopes are high he’ll be ready for the opening match. Rodri, Pedri, and other core pieces are included.
Key players listed: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri.
Cape Verde’s World Cup history is described as first-ever participation. It names manager Pedro Leitao Brito. also known as Bubista. and includes details of independence in 1975 and establishment of a national team three years later. It says the Blue Sharks were undefeated at home in the journey to qualify. It also gives the leading scorer figure for Ryan Mendes.
Key players listed: Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento, Vozinha.
Saudi Arabia is framed as full-circle after making its debut in 1994 in the U.S. Now, it returns to try to repeat success of making it out of the group stage. The preview says the Green Falcons are a consistent presence at the World Cup and have missed only the 2010 competition since their first appearance.
Key players listed: Salem Al Dawsari, Saud Abdulhamid, Ali Majrashi, Ziyad Al Johani, Firas Al Buraikan.
Uruguay is described as entering “a new dawn” with Federico Valverde leading after the retirements of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez. named as La Celeste’s leading scorer. It says Valverde captained Real Madrid this year with eight assists and that the club finished second in La Liga behind Barcelona. The preview says Uruguay will be led by Marcelo Bielsa. coaching his third World Cup with his third different country. with the goal of upholding a legacy that includes World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950. It also says Uruguay failed to advance out of the group stage in 2022. but has been consistent contenders. making every tournament since 2010.
Key players listed: Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, José María Giménez, Fernando Muslera.
Group H schedule:
– June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde — Atlanta, 12 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 15: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay — Miami, 6 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Atlanta, 12 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 21: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde — Miami, 6 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 26: Uruguay vs. Spain — Guadalajara, 8 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 26: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia — Houston, 8 p.m. ET — FS1.
Group I: France. Iraq. Norway. Senegal
France’s attacking threat is laid out through specific names: Kylian Mbappé. Ousmane Dembélé (reigning Ballon d’Or winner and said to have led Paris Saint-Germain to consecutive Champions League titles). and Michael Olise starting on the right wing with 15 goals and 19 assists for Bayern Munich. A reserve option is Rayan Cherki of Manchester City, described as finishing second in the Premier League with 12 assists. The deciding factor in the preview is defense anchored by Arsenal center back William Saliba and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Key players listed: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, William Saliba.
Iraq’s path out of a group with three teams capable of deep runs is presented as difficult. The preview describes manager Graham Arnold’s formula from the team’s playoff win against Bolivia: stay solid on defense and be opportunistic. Arnold joined late in qualification and brings experience of leading Australia to the round of 16 in 2022. It notes most of the squad plays domestically, with some abroad experience. It also names Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali as leads in forward.
Key players listed: Amir Al Ammari, Ali Al Hamadi, Aymen Hussein.
Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Erling Haaland is highlighted after winning his third Golden Boot in four Premier League seasons with Manchester City. It lists Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid and Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace as additional striking options. Martin Odegaard’s role is described as crucial, especially after struggling in the past two seasons with Arsenal.
Key players listed: Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Kristoffer Ajer.
Senegal’s group identity centers on Sadio Mané. described as the biggest name after a remarkable Liverpool career before moving to Saudi Arabia. It highlights defender Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouoard Mendy. described as Chelsea’s keeper when it won the Champions League in 2021. It adds Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr and questions whether Senegal can play with cohesion rather than rely on individual quality.
Key players listed: Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, Kalidou Koulibaly.
Group I schedule:
– June 16: France vs. Senegal — East Rutherford, New Jersey, 3 p.m. — FOX
– June 16: Iraq vs. Norway — Foxborough, Massachusetts, 6 p.m. — FOX
– June 22: France vs. Iraq — Philadelphia, 5 p.m. — FOX
– June 22: Norway vs. Senegal — East Rutherford, New Jersey, 8 p.m. — FOX
– June 26: France vs. Norway — Foxborough, Massachusetts, 3 p.m. — FOX
– June 26: Iraq vs. Senegal — Toronto, 3 p.m. — FS1.
Group J: Argentina. Austria. Algeria. Jordan
Argentina arrives as reigning champions and “on the short list of favorites.” The preview frames the tournament as Lionel Messi’s record-tying sixth and likely final World Cup. describing it as a “last dance.” It says Argentina could make history by repeating; only Brazil (1958 and 1962) and Italy (1934 and 1938) have won back-to-back World Cups.
Key players listed: Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi.
Austria returns after 28 years and won’t be satisfied with only participation. The preview names coach Ralf Rangnick as known for gegenpressing. It says Austria won six of its eight World Cup qualifiers to reach 2026 and that this came after Austria won its group at Euro 2024 ahead of France and the Netherlands. It frames Austria as a challenger for Argentina.
Key players listed: David Alaba, Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer.
Jordan is playing in the World Cup for the first time since the field expanded. The preview says Jordan is one of four nations that will compete for the first time—Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan are the other three taking advantage of the expanded 48-team field. It says Jordan’s draw is tough.
Key players listed: Yazan Al-Arab, Musa Al-Taamari, Ali Olwan.
Algeria is making its fifth World Cup appearance. with its last showing in 2014 being its best as it reached the knockout stage for the first time. The preview says Algeria pushed eventual champion Germany to extra time before bowing out that year. It also points to inspiration from Morocco’s 2022 run to the semifinal of a World Cup.
Key players listed: Ramy Bensebaini, Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza.
Group J schedule:
– June 16: Argentina vs. Algeria — Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 17: Austria vs. Jordan — San Francisco Bay Area, 12 a.m. ET (9 p.m. local) — FS1
– June 22: Argentina vs. Austria — Dallas, 1 p.m. ET — Fox
– June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria — San Francisco Bay Area, 11 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 27: Algeria vs. Austria — Kansas City, 10 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 27: Jordan vs. Argentina — Dallas, 10 p.m. ET — Fox.
Group K: Portugal. Colombia. DR Congo. Uzbekistan
Portugal’s preview is built around the idea that Ronaldo isn’t the only answer at age 41. It says the attack won’t rely exclusively on him. while midfield strength is led by the PSG duo of João Neves and Vitinha. joined by veterans Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. The preview places João Félix and Rafael Leão among wingers. It also calls out fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Matheus Nunes as standouts. It says the talent across positions should lead to a first-place finish. while also acknowledging that not all World Cup groups hold form. It warns that if finishing lacks, Portugal could face issues.
Key players listed: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha.
Colombia’s deepest run was a quarterfinal appearance in 2014. The preview says this group is loaded with players in biggest leagues and says Colombia has the ability to make a run after finishing third in South American qualifying. It highlights Luis Díaz of Bayern Munich and Luis Suárez of Sporting Lisbon. and veteran talisman James Rodríguez returning at age 34. It adds Daniel Muñoz as a right back who joins the offense at Crystal Palace and has quality to cross and find goals.
Key players listed: Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez, Daniel Muñoz.
DR Congo is described as making its second World Cup appearance and first since 1974. The preview says it blends top club players and others further down the ladder. It notes Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa needs to find scoring form after a disappointing first season following a move from Brentford. Midfield is expected to lean on Noah Sadiki, described as a centerpiece for Sunderland reaching Europa League qualification. Defense is anchored by captain Chancel Mbemba. and it says solidity at the back is crucial against Colombia and Portugal if DR Congo is to advance.
Key players listed: Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, Noah Sadiki.
Uzbekistan’s rise is traced through youth World Cups and Olympics. building a foundation that led to the country’s first qualification. The preview names Abdukodir Khusanov as a physical and fast defender shining for Manchester City this season and only 22 years old. Up front, it cites captain Eldor Shomurodov leading the Super Lig with 22 goals for İstanbul Başakşehir. It says the strategy is relying on defense that allowed just seven goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers and being opportunistic when scoring chances come.
Key players listed: Abdukodir Khusanov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.
Group K schedule:
– June 17: DR Congo vs. Portugal — Houston, 1 p.m. — FOX
– June 17: Colombia vs. Uzbekistan — Mexico City, 10 p.m. — FS1
– June 23: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan — Houston, 1 p.m. — FOX
– June 23: Colombia vs. DR Congo — Guadalajara, Mexico, 10 p.m. — FS1
– June 27: Colombia vs. Portugal — Miami Gardens, Florida, 7:30 p.m. — FOX
– June 27: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan — Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. — FS1.
Group L: Croatia. England. Ghana. Panama
Croatia doesn’t often get placed among World Cup favorites. but the preview calls it a force with the iconic checkerboard jerseys. It says Croatia was runner-up in 2018 and finished third in Qatar in 2022. and also was a finalist in the 2023 UEFA Nations League competition. The preview frames Croatia as a safe bet to be a thorn for Group L favorite England and a tough out in the knockout stages.
Key players listed: Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić.
England’s storyline is anchored by expectations and proximity. The preview asks whether fans of the Three Lions will be singing “Football’s coming home” to the final on July 19. It says the U.S. setting offers near home-field experience for England due to a strong fan following. It also adds an expectation of title-level outcome because it has been 60 years since England’s lone World Cup triumph.
Key players listed: Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka.
Ghana’s preview combines consistency with disruption. It says Ghana has qualified for five of the last six tournaments after first playing in 2006. Despite that. Ghana “opted for chaos” before World Cup 2026 by sacking coach Otto Addo just 78 days before the start of the World Cup. replacing him with Carlos Queiroz on a hire announced on April 13.
Key players listed: Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams.
Panama’s history says it is making just its second World Cup appearance after finishing 32nd out of 32 teams at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The preview says Panama faces a tough task in Group L but enters the World Cup after going unbeaten in Concacaf qualifying.
Key players listed: Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, Ismael Díaz, Anibal Godoy.
Group L schedule:
– June 17: England vs. Croatia — Dallas, 4 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 17: Ghana vs. Panama — Toronto, 7 p.m. ET — FS1
– June 23: England vs. Ghana — Boston, 4 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 23: Panama vs. Croatia — Toronto, 7 p.m. ET — FOX
– June 27: Panama vs. England — New York/New Jersey, 5 p.m. ET — FOXCroatia vs. Ghana — Philadelphia, 5 p.m. ET — FS1.
For readers watching the tournament unfold. the first group match isn’t just entertainment—it’s the start of a new tournament architecture. With the Round of 32 widened by the best third-place finishers. there’s less room for error in every city. every kickoff. every day from June 11 through June 27.
2026 World Cup Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F Group G Group H Group I Group J Group K Group L USA Messi Spain England Brazil