The Top Matches to Watch in the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup is right around the corner as it returns to North America for the first time since 1994 when The United States hosted the tournament. However, things will be looking a little different this time around as the United States will be cohosting the tournament with both Canada and Mexico. As the tournament nears, we have every little bit of information you would want to know as you look to buy tickets.
The 2026 World Cup will feature matches in iconic venues across North America.
What is the format of the tournament?
For the first time in the tournament's history, there will be 48 teams playing for the most prestigious trophy in sports. Of those 48 teams, 42 teams are already determined. The 6 remaining teams will be playing determined through 6 separate playoffs happening over the next few months.
The format will be a little different this year. In years past, there were 8 groups of 4. Each team would play against the three other teams in their group. A team earns 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. At the conclusion of the round robin, the two teams with the most points would advance to the knockout stages. This year, however, there are 12 groups of 4. At the conclusion of the round robin group stage, the top 2 teams from the group automatically advance. The twist is that the top 8 third place teams will advance to the knockout stages for a total of 32 teams advancing. From there it will be a single elimination format until the end of the tournament.
The schedule has already been determined with each of the group stage games already set. The tournament begins with Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City. The tournament comes to an end with the World Cup Final on Sunday July 19 in New York/New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup Groups are set and have resulted in some incredible matches
What are the best matchups of the World Cup?
with the expanded format the tournament lost the thrill of the “group of death”. However, with 104 matches, there will be no shortage of entertaining games. The top games include teams from all over the world. Here are some of the games to look forward to:
The World Cup Opening Match: Mexico vs South Africa, Mexico City, June 11, 2026 1:00PM
This opening match is a rematch of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup where Tshabalala opened scoring for the tournament as South Africa garnered a point from Mexico. This match will set the tone for the entire tournament, and the fans will play a huge role and will favor Mexico, since they are playing on their home turf.
USA vs Paraguay, Los Angeles, CA, June 12, 2026 7:00PM
This match will set the tone for the co-hosts on their home soil. While not a storied matchup, this match represents North America vs South America. CONCACAF vs CONMEBOL
Canada vs Winner of European Playoff A, Toronto, June 12, 2026 1:00PM
This match is vital for the final co-hosts. Not only is it their opening match, but will surely be against some stiff competition. The European Playoff A includes some of the toughest teams like Italy or Wales. The winner of this match will likely advance from Group B as the winner of the group.
Brazil vs Scotland, Miami, FL, June 24, 2026 4:00PM
One of the most storied matchups in World Cup group play, this match represents the fifth time Brazil and Scotland face each other in the World Cup with Brazil never losing to Scotland. The biggest question about this matchup is whether or not Scotland will have the discipline to disrupt Brazil’s creative lines and even score on the counter. These two teams will have two of the most passionate fanbases of the tournament, and won’t be a match you want to miss.
Belgium vs Egypt, Seattle, WA, June 15, 2026 1:00PM
A storied Premier League rivalry, De Bruyne vs Salah, will now take place on soccer’s biggest stage. Two of the greatest players in Premier League history are set to face off on June 15. This tournament also marks the end of an era, as it’s the last chance Belgium’s “golden generation” will have to take home the World Cup trophy. Egypt plays in a way that is Belgium’s kryptonite, sitting deep and capitalizing on the counter-attack, making this group stage match a must-watch game.
England vs Croatia, Dallas, TX, June 17, 2026 2:00PM
This matchup has grown into a massive rivalry in recent years. England fans will remember the semi-final loss in the 2018 World Cup in extra time. A tournament in which France would go on to beat Croatia in the final. Fans of Croatia will remember the last time these two teams met in the group stage of the 2020 Euro Championship (which took place in 2021 due to Covid), a match which England won 1-0. There’s more on the line than 3 points in a matchup of this magnitude. It’s the first match of the tournament for each team, and a win or loss here can set the tone for the entire tournament. This is sure to be one of the most entertaining matches of the entire tournament.
France vs Norway, Boston, MA, June 26, 2026 1:00PM
Two of the greatest players of this generation. Mbappe vs Haaland. This match features two of the biggest superstars in the game. Kylian Mbappe is the world’s most explosive winger with dynamic movements off the ball and unmatched pace. Haaland is the world’s most lethal finisher, capitalizing on the thinnest of chances at every opportunity. This match isn’t just a battle for the top spot in group I, it’s a battle for the best player in the world.
Germany vs Cote d’Ivoire, Toronto, June 20, 2026 2:00PM
This match features a clashing of styles. Germany is known for structured, machine-like tactics. Whereas the Ivory Coast is known for individual brilliance and thriving on chaos. Germany must maintain their discipline to stay away from a track-meet. Germany is coming off of two disappointing world cups. With 2 group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. They’ll look to bounce back, and it starts with taking the top spot in Group E, and they’ll need a win against Cote d’Ivoire to do so.
Netherlands vs Japan, Dallas, TX, June 14, 2026 2:00PM
This match is slated to be a high speed chess match. With tactical decisions being made on the fly, this won’t be a physical brawl. It’s going to be a challenge of which team can outwit the other. The Dutch have made a name for themselves since they made a run to the 2010 World Cup Finals. As one of the most technical sides in the competition, earning even just a point against the Netherlands can be considered a victory. However, Japan has made a name for themselves as giant killers. They press high and are relentless in their defending. The thrive when they don’t have possession, meaning this is truly a perfect clash of styles and will be one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament for the true soccer fans and football purists.
Portugal vs Colombia, Miami, FL, June 27, 2026 5:30PM
Ronaldo. What else do you need to know? He had a slightly smaller role in 2022, and many thought that would be his last World Cup. But here we are, 4 years later. Assuming he makes the tournament squad, you can expect his role to be diminished slightly, but it will be his 6th tournament at age 41, which will set the tournament record. Aside from Ronaldo, this match features two high powered attacks with tons of individual flair. Both teams have players that can create chances out of thin air. If you like goals, this is the game to watch.
Spain vs Uruguay, Guadalajara, June 26, 2026 6:00PM
Spain made a name for themselves with their golden generation winning the world cup in 2010 with their famous “Tiki-Taka” style of play. They play the game beautifully. But the Uruguayan squad is known for their “Garra Charrúa” or grit. They aren’t afraid to buckle down and defend. It’s a perfect clash in which Spain will likely have the majority of possession, but Uruguay will sit in comfortably and hit Spain on the counter attack. It will be finesse vs power engine as Uruguay tries to disrupt Spain’s flow with physicality and tough tackles. Not to mention the big players like Pedri and Rodri running the midfield for Spain, and Federico Valverde doing the dirty work at the center of the pitch for Uruguay. This match will have everything, and won’t be one you want to miss.
Any Match with Argentina
Messi. That’s all there is to it. If he makes the Argentina squad and plays in any match, it’s a match worth witnessing live. As his career winds down, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to watch him play on the world’s biggest stage.
What to look for leading up to the tournament
Will Messi and/or Ronaldo return to the tournament?
Both legends are expected to make one final return to the World’s biggest stage. Ronaldo will be making his 6th appearance in a World Cup, setting the tournament record. At age 41, he will be one of the oldest players to ever play in the tournament.
Messi will return for one final tournament after he led Argentina to glory in 2022. He remains optimistic he will play in a large role for his team, including captaining the side. He also has been playing with Inter Miami for the past few seasons, so he will have an advantage having played in the United States leading up to this tournament.
This tournament will mark the end of an era as it will likely be the last time we see either of these legends play in the tournament. As Ronaldo chases the one trophy that has evaded him, Messi will be looking to defend the title.
The Travel Factor: A Continent-Sized Tournament
This is the first time in the tournament’s history that there will be 3 host countries. A full continent sized tournament. Compare that to the 2022 World Cup where all stadiums were in the same city and within an hour drive of each other. Teams will now have to travel thousands of miles to play each of their games. Some teams have easier travel schedules than others. It’s not just the travel, it’s crossing timezones, and changing climates. Miami will be very different from Seattle, for example. While each team has several days between games, a timezone change and travel can be the difference between lifting the trophy and going home early.
This tournament rolls around once every four years and only lasts a month. It’s a truly incredible event that brings people together from all around the world and comes and goes very quickly. Enjoy every second of it.
