Tournament dates: Opening Match: June 11, 2026 (Mexico vs South Africa, Mexico City) Round of 32: June 28 – July 3 Round of 16: July 4 – July 7 Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11 Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15 Third Place Match: July 18 Final: July 19 (New Jersey) Official FIFA schedule: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments...atch-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums Live fixtures page: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/scores-fixtures
Group A Group A appears to be one of the more balanced groups in the tournament. Mexico enter as favorites thanks to home advantage, while South Korea and Czechia are expected to battle for second place. South Africa will hope to take advantage of the expanded format and challenge for qualification. Mexico Mexico have reached the knockout stage in every World Cup from 1994 to 2018 before their elimination in the group stage in 2022. Playing at home, anything less than qualification would be considered a major disappointment. South Korea South Korea are probably the most established side in the group outside of Mexico. They have qualified for every World Cup since 1986 and reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022. On paper, they should be considered favorites to advance. Czechia Czechia return to the World Cup for the first time since Germany 2006. While they may not have many global stars, European teams are always difficult opponents and they could easily challenge South Korea for second place. South Africa South Africa are the lowest-ranked side in the group and enter as underdogs. However, the expanded 48-team format gives them a realistic chance of staying in contention, especially if they can pick up points against Czechia or South Korea. Group B Canada, Qatar, Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina make up one of the more balanced groups in the tournament. While Switzerland enter as slight favorites due to their consistency at major tournaments, Canada will benefit from playing at home and will see this as a huge opportunity to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Canada As co-hosts, Canada are under pressure to deliver. Led by players such as Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, they will hope to improve significantly on their 2022 campaign, where they exited in the group stage without a point. Playing all three group matches in front of home crowds could be a major advantage. Switzerland Switzerland are the most experienced World Cup side in the group and the only team here with a strong record of reaching the knockout rounds. They have become one of Europe's most consistent tournament teams and are widely viewed as favorites to finish first. Qatar After a disappointing home World Cup in 2022, Qatar return looking to prove they belong on the biggest stage. They arrive as Asian champions and will believe that qualification from this group is achievable in the expanded 48-team format. Bosnia & Herzegovina Bosnia return to the World Cup for only the second time in their history and their first appearance since 2014. With experienced veterans still in the squad, they will target a top-three finish and possibly a place in the Round of 32. Group C Group C is headlined by Brazil, but this may not be the straightforward group many expect. Morocco arrive with one of the strongest squads in Africa, Scotland return to the World Cup after a long absence, and Haiti will be hoping to write another chapter in their remarkable qualification story. Brazil Brazil enter the tournament under enormous pressure after two decades without a World Cup title. Much of the spotlight will be on Neymar, who returns for what is expected to be his final World Cup. With Carlo Ancelotti now in charge and stars such as Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha in attack, the Seleção remain one of the favorites for the trophy. Morocco Morocco were the surprise package of the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Four years later, many believe they are even stronger. Led by Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, the Atlas Lions have a realistic chance of challenging Brazil for first place. Scotland Scotland are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Driven by the goals of Scott McTominay and backed by one of the most passionate fanbases in international football, they will target a top-three finish and a place in the Round of 32. Haiti Haiti are one of the biggest underdogs in the tournament and are making their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Simply reaching the finals is a huge achievement, but they will be determined to prove they belong on football's biggest stage.
Group D The United States headline a very competitive Group D that also features Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. While the hosts will be expected to advance, this could end up being one of the most balanced groups in the tournament with all four teams having realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stage. United States Playing on home soil, the United States enter the tournament with high expectations. Their young generation has gained valuable experience over the last two World Cups and anything less than qualification would be considered a disappointment. Paraguay Paraguay return to the World Cup after a long absence and arrive with a reputation for being one of South America's toughest teams. They may lack star power, but they are traditionally difficult opponents. Australia Australia continue to punch above their weight at World Cups. After reaching the Round of 16 in both 2006 and 2022, they will believe they have every chance of progressing from this group. Turkey Turkey make their first World Cup appearance since 2002, when they famously finished third. Their return has generated excitement and many see them as a potential dark horse in the tournament. Group E Germany headline a fascinating Group E that also includes Ecuador, Ivory Coast and World Cup debutants Curaçao. While Germany are clear favorites to win the group, the battle for second place could be one of the most competitive in the tournament. Germany Germany arrive at the World Cup looking to re-establish themselves among the elite after disappointing exits in recent tournaments. With talents such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Joshua Kimmich, they are expected to top the group. Ecuador Ecuador continue to establish themselves as one of South America's most consistent teams. Built around a strong defensive core and a talented young generation, they will believe qualification for the knockout stage is well within reach. Ivory Coast The Ivorians return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Their squad combines physicality, pace and technical quality, making them a dangerous opponent for any team in the group. Curaçao Making their first-ever World Cup appearance, Curaçao are one of the stories of the tournament. They enter as underdogs, but any points earned would be historic for the small Caribbean nation. Group F Group F could be one of the strongest and most competitive groups in the tournament. The Netherlands enter as favorites, but Japan, Sweden and Tunisia all have realistic ambitions of reaching the knockout stage. Netherlands The Dutch arrive in North America as one of Europe's strongest teams. After several deep runs in recent tournaments, they will be expected to finish top of the group and could emerge as dark horses for the title. Japan Japan have become Asia's most consistent World Cup team. Their victories over Germany and Spain in 2022 proved they can compete with anyone, and many will see them as favorites for second place. Sweden Sweden return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022. Traditionally one of Europe's toughest international teams, they have enough quality and experience to challenge both Japan and the Netherlands. Tunisia Tunisia continue to be one of Africa's most reliable qualifiers. They may enter as outsiders, but they have a history of making life difficult for stronger opponents and could play a major role in deciding the group.
Group G Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand make up one of the more intriguing groups in the tournament. Belgium are the clear favorites on paper, but the battle for second place could be one of the most competitive in the entire World Cup. Belgium Despite their golden generation coming to an end, Belgium remain one of Europe's strongest teams. With a deep squad and plenty of tournament experience, anything less than first place would be considered a disappointment. Egypt Egypt return to the World Cup led by Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs have often dominated African qualifying campaigns but struggled to make deep runs at the World Cup itself. This could be their best chance in years to reach the knockout stage. Iran Iran have become one of Asia's most consistent teams and have qualified for several consecutive World Cups. They are well organized, difficult to break down and more than capable of challenging Egypt for second place. New Zealand New Zealand enter as clear underdogs, but the expanded 48-team format gives them a better opportunity than ever before. Picking up points against either Egypt or Iran could keep them alive heading into the final matchday. Group H Group H features one of the tournament favorites in Spain, but qualification is far from guaranteed. Uruguay are expected to challenge for top spot, while Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will both believe they can compete for a place in the knockout stage. Spain Spain arrive in North America as one of the strongest teams in the competition. Led by a talented young generation and one of the most exciting players in world football, Lamine Yamal, they will be expected to finish first and make a deep run in the tournament. Uruguay Uruguay remain one of South America's most respected football nations. Combining experienced leaders with emerging talent, they have the quality to challenge Spain and should be considered favorites to qualify. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia continue to establish themselves as one of Asia's strongest teams. Their famous victory over Argentina in 2022 proved they can compete with elite opposition, and they will be hoping for another surprise run. Cape Verde Cape Verde are making their World Cup debut and are one of the feel-good stories of the tournament. While they enter as outsiders, they have steadily improved over the last decade and could prove difficult opponents Group I Group I could be the closest thing to a traditional "Group of Death" in the expanded World Cup format. France enter as one of the favorites to win the tournament, but both Norway and Senegal have the quality to challenge for top spot. Iraq, meanwhile, face one of the toughest assignments of any team in the competition. France France once again arrive with arguably the deepest squad in world football. Kylian Mbappé remains the headline act after scoring 12 goals across the last two World Cups, while Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola give Didier Deschamps an incredible range of attacking options. With Deschamps set to leave after the tournament, France will be determined to end his reign on a high. Norway Norway finally return to a major tournament after years of disappointment and arrive with enormous momentum. Erling Haaland was unstoppable during qualifying, while Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa give the Scandinavians one of the most dangerous attacks in the tournament. Many believe Norway could be one of the surprise packages of the World Cup. Senegal Senegal remain one of Africa's strongest national teams and have the experience to handle a difficult group. Led by Sadio Mané and supported by a talented attacking core, the Lions of Teranga will expect to compete with both France and Norway for qualification. Iraq Iraq completed one of the most remarkable qualification campaigns of any team in the tournament, playing 21 matches to reach the World Cup. Simply getting here is an achievement, but they now face arguably the toughest group in the competition and every point would be a major success.
Group J Group J belongs to Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend enters his sixth and final World Cup looking to achieve something that has not been done since Brazil in 1962: winning back-to-back World Cups. Argentina are clear favorites, but Austria and Algeria both have enough quality to make life difficult. Argentina Argentina arrive as both world champions and two-time defending Copa América winners. Lionel Messi may be approaching 39, but he remains the heart of the team and finished as the top scorer in South American qualifying. Supported by stars such as Emiliano Martínez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, La Albiceleste once again have their sights set on the trophy. Austria Austria have become one of Europe's most entertaining national teams under Ralf Rangnick. Their high-intensity pressing and direct style impressed at Euro 2024, where they finished above France and the Netherlands in the group stage. The loss of Christoph Baumgartner through injury is a major blow, but players such as David Alaba, Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer still give Austria plenty of quality. Algeria Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 hoping to recreate their memorable run to the Round of 16. Riyad Mahrez remains the biggest name, but Mohamed Amoura has emerged as one of Africa's most dangerous forwards after a brilliant qualifying campaign. The presence of goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, adds another interesting storyline. Jordan Jordan are making their World Cup debut after several years of steady progress. They reached the Asian Cup final in 2023 and qualified directly from the third round of Asian qualifying. While they are clear underdogs in this group, they have already shown they are capable of exceeding expectations. Group K Group K is all about one final dream. At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo returns for what is expected to be his last World Cup, hoping to win the one major trophy that has always eluded him. Portugal are favorites, but Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan all have reasons to believe they can make this a very competitive section. Portugal Portugal arrive with one of the most talented midfields in the tournament. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha are among the best players in the world in their respective roles, while Nuno Mendes and a deep supporting cast give Roberto Martínez plenty of options. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the headline attraction, but Portugal's hopes may depend more on the players around him than on the veteran striker himself. Colombia Colombia return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022 and are widely viewed as one of the dark horses of the tournament. Luis Díaz arrives at the peak of his powers, while James Rodríguez continues to save some of his best performances for the national team. If Colombia rediscover the form that took them to the Copa América final, they can challenge Portugal for first place. DR Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo are one of Africa's rising forces. Their qualification campaign and recent performances have shown a team growing in confidence, athleticism and quality. They may not have the same star power as Portugal or Colombia, but they are capable of causing problems for anyone. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan make their long-awaited World Cup debut after years of coming close. Guided by a World Cup-winning coach and driven by a talented generation of players, they have already made history simply by qualifying and will be looking to go even further. Group L Group L features one of the tournament favorites in England, but the battle for qualification could be far more competitive than it first appears. Croatia still possess enormous tournament experience, Ghana continue to be one of Africa's most dangerous sides, and Panama will be eager to prove they belong on the biggest stage. England England arrive with one of the most talented squads in the world and genuine ambitions of ending their long wait for a major trophy. Led by Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane, the Three Lions are expected to finish first and make a deep run into the knockout rounds. Croatia Croatia continue to outperform expectations at major tournaments. Despite the gradual transition away from the golden generation that reached the 2018 World Cup final, they remain one of the most difficult teams to face and should be England's main rival for top spot. Ghana Ghana return to the World Cup looking to recreate some of the memorable runs that made them one of Africa's most respected football nations. Athletic, aggressive and dangerous on the counterattack, they have the quality to challenge for qualification. Panama Panama may enter as the outsiders of the group, but they have become a consistent presence in CONCACAF competitions over the last decade. Reaching the knockout stage would be a historic achievement, but they will believe they can compete for points.
Brazil or Portugal winning it and I'm good. Dark horses for me are Japan and Norway Disappointments Netherlands,England I see them getting KO by Mexico or something in the first rounds I want Brazil to win but honestly I see them losing to both Morocco and Scotland in the group stage and if that happens .......
Should be France or Spain, but after the help Argentine got in the last WC from fifa via the refs, I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens again
Thank you @WhiteRM Despite all the bullshit (and there is tons and tons of it) i have chosen to get myself hyped for this tournament. Ordered the wall poster, gonna follow it like i did back in the day. The football, once it starts, will be entertaining like it always is and its just so wonderful to see people from different countries and cultures, different styles etc. That's the best thing about events like these. When there is so much purposeful division in the world it'll be good to see people enjoying themselves together even if as hosts, we are not doing a good job and honestly, we should never put our hat in the ring for global events like these in the future.
Group C is one of the more interesting ones for me. Brazil are obviously favourites on paper, but Morocco are exactly the kind of team that can make a group uncomfortable. They are organised, experienced from 2022, and don’t panic in big games. Scotland could be tricky too, especially if they turn matches into physical, low-scoring games. Haiti are probably the underdogs, but in a 48-team World Cup, even one draw can change the whole group. I’d still go Brazil and Morocco to qualify, but I don’t think it will be as straightforward as it looks.
Over the last few days: - Embolo's visa was put under review and he was only able to join his team days later. - Aymen Hussein of Iraq was held for questioning for nearly 7 hours upon entering the United States. - The Iranian national team is only allowed entry on match days. Fifteen members of the delegation were denied visas. - Omar Abdulkadir Artan, CAF's Best African Referee of 2025, was denied a visa. Despite travelling to the U.S. with a diplomatic passport, he was refused entry and sent back. FIFA announced that he will not be able to officiate at the tournament. - The South African national team arrived in the United States much later than planned because part of the delegation was not granted visas. - Members of the Senegal national team staff were forced to remove their shoes and subjected to searches. - The Uzbekistan national team was searched with bomb-sniffing dogs. - Some Scottish supporters, despite being eligible to enter the U.S. visa-free, had their travel authorisations revoked just days before departure. It’s really hard to be excited or even care about this joke of a tournament for me. 2018 and 2022 were also shitshows. I only watched the final in 2022. I probably won’t bother with it this time. And we have the WC in Saudi in 2034 coming up. I never thought the world cup would become such a non factor in my life.
-- France seemed to be the strongest. But Mbappe might destroy the team chemistry. It is a long tournament. -- Ronaldo can lead, but he can also be destructive if the wrong energy takes over. That said, Portugal may have the most balanced team in the tournament. Their midfield pairs the best duo in European club football, alongside the FWA Player of the Year — the same man who broke the Premier League assist record. I found Nuno Mendes oveverated. Arsenal kelp beating him on the UCL Final, but he is still probably one of the best in the games. I have a weird philosophy in football: the right back is the most important position on the pitch. Why? Because the right back is usually the weakest link on the team. And he faces the opposing left winger — typically the best attacker. If a team can solve its right back position, it becomes a force to be reckoned with. Portugal has Dalot, Cancelo, and Matheus Nunes. Most teams struggle to field a one good rightback. For CB, i only knew Ruben Dias. -- Brazil: Carlos' relax style will work with Brazil. He helped VJ three seasons ago. But I also felt that he lose control of VJ in their last season together.
I absolutely love stuff like this. Not saying I agree or disagree with the theory but testing it over a long period of time based on records is some really interesting "while on lunchbreak" research kind of stuff.
Off the top of my head I've tried to remember a world champion with a really bad RB and I couldn't think of one. I spotted some meh choices but then again, it's hard to imagine Spain, France, Germany, Italy have a terrible player at any place in the lineup. Guys like Zambrotta and Lahm have had spectacular tournaments. I remember Rehhagel saying that you need a leader in every unit, defense, midfield, attack.
Midfield remains the issue for France. Pogba was key in 2018 as creative midfielder. Deschamps will play probably very defensive style like 2022 to grind out results with that midfield. Dembele has mostly been underwhelming for France, but Olise might be the difference maker. Mbappe struggled in Euro 2024 and has been out of form in last several months. Portugal has amazing midfield and good defense. Scoring will be the issue with 41 year old Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos who's underwhelming. Spain are defensively weaker compared to Euro 2024 and still lack a reliable #9 though Oyarzabal has delivered as false 9. Nico unlikely to be nearly as good as 2024 given his injury struggles. Argentina relied heavily on Messi's creativity in 2022 and he won't have the legs to do that in 2026. Him cooking Gvardiol to assist Alvarez and the assist against Netherlands were the highlights of last tournament.
Veteran #9 options for Brazil are underwhelming for Brazil just like every World Cup post 2006. If Endrick scores few goals as substitute in group stages and grabs the starting spot for knockout rounds, they will have an exciting attack to watch at least.
It was 2006 World Cup Finals when I came up with this weird theory. I did not recall the rightback situation of the other teams. No one had a completed team. I took one look at Italy. They would field Zambrotta on the RB. "They will win the World Cup Finals," I said to myself. Grosso on the left became their weak link. I took him on my bigsoccer draft without knowing much about him. That was also the reason why I looked into Italy too. And he played very well on the first game. Lippi took care both sides of fullbacks. Sergio Ramos and Lahm were the starting rightbacks for the next two WC winners. How good was Ramos asa rightback? As a Madridista, I overrated him. People here still recalled that I was very very against him switching back to the CB position.
The heat might be a concern. I was old enough to remember how it affected USA 1994. Some teams or even FIFA talked about not having midday games ever again if they ever hosted it in the USA. But it does not seem that people remember. I expected some miracle results.