10 Best Matches to Watch in World Cup Round 1
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup is less than 48 hours away from kicking off. With the biggest field that the tournament has seen, spanning 48 teams in 12 groups, there is no shortage of quality matchups. We’ve got 72 matches to work with in the group stage over the next couple of weeks before we get to the elimination stage.
As far as which matchups are the soccer world’s equivalent of NBC’s “Must See TV” in the group stage? We break down 10 matches, in no particular order, that are appointment viewing when it comes to group stage matches.
Major Matchups Featuring Big Names
France vs. Norway (Group I, 6/26):
Talk about a pair of sides with massive scoring threats. France is led by the explosive Kylian Mbappé while Norway has scoring machine Erling Haaland. When it comes to experience, Mbappé and the French have it in spades. Les Bleus won the World Cup in 2018 and were the runners-up in 2022 as Mbappé rolled up eight goals. Haaland leads a Norway side that outscored the opposition 37-5 in World Cup qualifying matches. He scored 16 of those 37 goals himself and is going to shine in his first World Cup action. Watch out for Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé offensively as well for France.
England vs. Croatia (Group L, 6/17):
This is a matchup of European powerhouses as England and Croatia square off here. England is one of the favorites to win the title and is led by the triumvirate of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saya and Declan Rice. Meanwhile, Croatia is an experienced team that looks to get one more run out of a veteran group. Ivan Perišić, Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić are anchors of the Croatian national team. The question remains if they have enough left to make a run here, especially against an English side that has weapons.
Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C, 6/13):
Talk about a clash of titans. In a match in the opening weekend of the tournament, we get a battle between a pair of dangerous teams. Brazil has won the World Cup five times in its history and they have plenty of talent. Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Igor Thiago and even 34-year-o\d Neymar are key weapons for Brazil. Morocco made a run to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup before falling to France. While they dropped the third-place match to Croatia, they’re a veteran squad. Meanwhile, this is a good test for Brazil out of the gate.
Argentina vs. Austria (Group J, 6/22):
Argentina is the defending World Cup champions, having beaten France on penalties in the 2022 final. This is likely the final go-round for Lionel Messi as he makes his sixth appearance in the World Cup. Austria is a tough team that has the ability to hang with anyone and won’t roll over for Argentina. As it stands, Austria finished first in their qualifying group for this World Cup. In addition, they finished first in their group for the European championships. The group they finished first in was a powerhouse one that featured Poland, the Netherlands and France.
Spain vs. Uruguay (Group H, 6/26):
A clash between a side that has won the World Cup twice and the betting favorites for this go-round square off. Spain expects to have Lamine Yamal back fully in the fold after his La Liga season was cut short with a hamstring injury. Uruguay is battle-tested and pushes Spain in this one. Still, unless Federico Valverde and company have the match of their lives, Spain’s talent carries them here.
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Portugal vs. Colombia (Group K, 6/27):
Sure, this match has Cristiano Ronaldo in his likely final go-round in World Cup action. The fact remains it may fly under the radar a bit because Colombia is a team that is perhaps underappreciated. This match may be the meat and potatoes of Group K. As Billy Red Lyons used to say, don’t you dare miss it.
Senegal vs. Norway (Group I, 6/22):
If all goes according to Hoyle and France wins this group, this matchup determines second place in the group. That means the difference between a guaranteed spot in the round of 32 and fighting for one. Senegal controversially lost the African region title after a protest by Morocco. We know that they can hang with anyone. Can they contain Haaland in this match?
Canada vs. Switzerland (Group C, 6/24):
These two sides are expected to be the top two in Group C. Canada has home field advantage with this match taking place at BC Place in Vancouver. Switzerland hung tough in international friendlies, falling 4-3 to Germany while battling to draws with Norway and Australia. Look for an entertaining tilt between a couple sides trying to make a splash.
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Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F, 6/14):
This is a matchup that may flu under the radar a bit but is worth the watch. The Netherlands are a veteran squad with the ability to adapt their style to that of the opposition. Meanwhile, Japan comes in with six straight wins under their belts entering the start of group play. They won their group at the 2022 World Cup, a group that featured Spain and Germany. This is a good litmus test for both teams and likely decides Group F.
Türkiye vs. USA (Group D, 6/26):
These two sides are likely battling for the top spot in Group D so this match has plenty at stake. We saw the two sides meet in an international friendly last June, with Türkiye picking up a 2-1 victory. In addition, Türkiye has a talented weapon in Arda Güler that the Americans have to keep in check. On the flip side, Team USA has been up and down heading into the World Cup. They beat Senegal 3-2 last week and fell 2-1 to Germany in their final tune-up match Saturday. Defensive play is going to dictate how things unfold here.
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