The 10 biggest group stage games at the 2026 World Cup

With 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup , there's more disparity across the four-team groups than we're typically used to. Now that there are 12 groups instead of eight, it's hard to find a Group of Death with four exceptionally strong teams. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any intriguing games in the group stage. Here are 10 pivotal matchups you'll see in group play before 32 teams move on to the knockout rounds. Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13) Will Neymar be available for Brazil? The 34-year-old star was selected for the team but suffered a calf injury and may miss the start of the World Cup. But even if he can't go, this game still has a lot of intrigue. It's the first World Cup game for Brazil under coach Carlo Ancelotti, and it comes against a team that just won the African Cup of Nations (in controversial fashion) and made it to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament Netherlands vs. Japan (June 14) The winner of Group F could be decided in the first match. And don't automatically assume that this is a group that's the Netherlands' to lose. Japan was a steamroller in Asian qualifying and has made the Round of 16 in each of the past two World Cups. Both teams should move on to the knockout rounds thanks to the expanded World Cup's format, and we're intrigued to see if they will be content for a tie or go for the win. France vs. Senegal (June 16) The 2022 runners-up open the tournament against a Senegal team that has plenty of talent to make a deep run in the knockout rounds. Morocco's controversial AFCON win we mentioned above? That came at the expense of Senegal, who had won the game in penalty kicks after leaving the field in a mass protest over officiating decisions in extra time. Months later, the Confederation of African Football ruled that Senegal officially forfeited the game by leaving the field, and gave Morocco a 3-0 win. England vs. Croatia (June 17) The first 2026 game for each team is a rematch of a 2018 semifinal that Croatia won 2-1 in extra time. The Croatians are again led by 40-year-old Luka Modric and 37-year-old Ivan Perisic, though Modric may may play more of a supporting role this time around. He came off the bench four times in Croatia's eight qualifiers. England is one of the favorites to win the World Cup, and whether or not the English finally break their World Cup drought will likely come down to how its wingers can advance beyond striker Harry Kane when he drops deep to collect possession. Mexico vs. South Korea (June 18) On paper, this is the toughest group stage game for Mexico as Group A also includes South Africa and Czechia. South Korea is led by former Tottenham star and current LAFC forward Son Heung-Min, and also features Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae. The South Koreans easily made it through Asian qualifying with no losses across 16 games. Germany vs. Ecuador (June 25) Four years after crashing out in the World Cup group stage, Germany should move on. After all, 32 of the 48 teams at this expanded World Cup will advance. But how will the Germans break down an Ecuador team that will certainly hunker down and look to strike on the counter? Across 18 CONMEBOL qualifying games, Ecuador allowed just five goals. Paraguay and Argentina were the second-stingiest teams in South America. They each allowed 10 goals. Türkiye vs. United States (June 25) Will this game determine who finishes first and second in Group D? Türkiye snuck into the World Cup via UEFA's knockout rounds but they are a much stronger side than you'd normally find in Pot 4. There's a case to be made that Türkiye is the best team in the group. The U.S., meanwhile, should be 2-0 heading into this game. Paraguay and Australia are far from gimmes, but anything less than victories against those teams on home soil is a disappointment. Norway vs. France (June 26) Is this the game of the group stage? With all due respect to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, this may be the tournament's matchup of star strikers with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Norway was a machine in qualifying and could present problems for a French team that isn't too keen on pressing. How will France slow down Haaland? And will Norway have enough talent at the back to keep up with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and the rest of France's attack? Uruguay vs. Spain (June 26) There's a chance this game could ultimately mean very little. With Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde also in Group H, both Spain and Uruguay have a very clear path to finishing in the top two. But there's a genuine reward for winning the group and Uruguay would be smart to push Spain for first place if possible. The second-place team in Group H will play the second-place team in Group L in the Round of 32. There's a chance that team could be England, but most likely Croatia, Ghana or Panama. The winner of the group plays the second-place team in Group J. If you assume Argentina is the runaway winner of J, then that team will be Algeria, Austria or Jordan. Colombia vs. Portugal (June 27) How far can James Rodriguez carry Colombia? The 34-year-old has been a magician for his national team at the World Cup. For Portugal, just how much will 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo play? Portugal couldn't fathom leaving Ronaldo home for the World Cup, but it might also be a better team without him on the field. Barring an upset or two, these are the two best teams in Group K.