The 10 Best Matches to Watch in World Cup Round 1

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, with Mexico and South Africa getting the action underway on Thursday.

There is so much football action to look forward to over the next six weeks or so, and we pick out the best ten opening-round fixtures of the tournament.

Mexico vs South Africa

All eyes will be on Mexico City when Mexico and South Africa square off in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup on June 11th. These two nations also met in the first match of the 2010 World Cup, playing out a 1-1 draw. Will we see a winner in the tournament opener 16 years on?

Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Alongside Mexico and United States, Canada are also co-hosting the competition. The Canadians get their tournament up and running with a tricky Group B fixture with Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday. They have never won a World Cup match, but can the Canadians get off to a winning start in Toronto?

Brazil & Morocco

Brazil and Morocco meet in a tasty first-round World Cup fixture at MetLife Stadium. These two nations are set to battle it out for first place in Group C, so there is already a lot riding on this opening matchup. The Brazilians are the record winners, but they have not lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002.

United States vs Paraguay

United States are looking to go far on home soil, but Mauricio Pochettino’s men are involved in a tough Group D. The Stars and Stripes get their tournament going with a meeting with Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The co-hosts would love to start with all three points.

Netherlands vs Japan

The Netherlands vs Japan Group E fixture is one of the standout games of the opening round. Both countries are looking to go far this summer, and the pair are likely to battle it out for first place in the group. The meeting at AT&T Stadium in Arlington promises to be a cracker, but who will prevail?

Belgium vs Egypt

Belgium and Egypt lock horns on matchday one in Group G. With the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Mohamed Salah on the field, the teams should put on a show at the spectacular Lumen Field. The Belgians are the bookies’ favourites to get the victory, but can the Egyptians spring a surprise in Seattle?

France vs Senegal

France and Senegal meet in the opening round of Group I next Tuesday. The Senegalese pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when they edged past the French in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. However, Didier Deschamps’ boys will be tough to beat in this one.

Argentina vs Algeria

World Cup holders Argentina get their tournament up and running with a tasty Group J game against Algeria in Kansas City. The Argentines famously lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening match four years ago, but Lionel Scaloni’s troops dusted themselves down and went on to lift the trophy. Argentina will be desperate to avoid an upset on matchday one this time.

Portugal vs DR Congo

Many punters are backing Portugal to go far this summer, and Roberto Martinez’s men kick off their World Cup tournament with a game against DR Congo. Colombia could have a say, but the Portuguese are the Group K favourites. Portugal are looking to start with all three points against an unpredictable Congo outfit.

England vs Croatia

England and Croatia go head-to-head at AT&T Stadium in their Group L opener. These two European nations are hoping to go far in North America, and this meeting in Texas is arguably the standout fixture of the opening round. The pair met in the semi-finals in Russia eight years ago, with the Croatians nicking the win.