2026 World Cup: 9 Non-USA Group Stage Matches We're Excited For
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The final six teams of the 48-team World Cup – the largest ever in history — will be decided this week. Expect powerhouse teams and big-time stars when the tournament kicks off this summer. The United States has a favorable Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and either Türkiye or Kosovo (who'll face each other on Tuesday). But there are plenty of other big-time clashes. Let’s take a look at nine other group stage matches that we’re excited to watch: Mexico vs. South Africa — June 11, Estadio Azteca (3 p.m. ET) We have to start here because it’s the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. It’s also a rematch of the 2010 opener, and who doesn’t love a World Cup rematch? Every nation desperately wants to win that first game, no matter who the opponent is. Estadio Azteca will be electric and probably unlike any environment we’ve ever seen at that historic stadium. There will undoubtedly be a lot of pressure on El Tri, especially, as a co-host to win that first game and make a statement. After winning the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup in 2025, Mexico is hoping for some more glory this summer. Expect Javier Aguirre to have his A team on the pitch. Brazil vs. Morocco — June 13, MetLife Stadium (3 p.m. ET) With the tournament field expanded to 48 teams, the top sides are more spread out, so there really is not a "Group of Death" scenario out there. However, putting Brazil and Morocco in a group together comes close. The Seleção may not be the team they were back in the days of Ronaldo, but they’re still Brazil, and they’re always going to have a chance to win the World Cup. Morocco, meanwhile, put the soccer world on notice in Qatar when it became the first African nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinal. Germany vs. Curaçao — June 14, NRG Stadium (1 p.m. ET) This one is fun because it’s a World Cup titan (four titles) vs. the smallest nation (estimated population of 153,000) to ever qualify for a World Cup. It’s strange to say this, but Germany has somethi
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The final six teams of the 48-team World Cup – the largest ever in history — will be decided this week. Expect powerhouse teams and big-time stars when the tournament kicks off this summer. The United States has a favorable Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and either Türkiye or Kosovo (who'll face each other on Tuesday). But there are plenty of other big-time clashes. Let’s take a look at nine other group stage matches that we’re excited to watch: Mexico vs. South Africa — June 11, Estadio Azteca (3 p.m. ET) We have to start here because it’s the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. It’s also a rematch of the 2010 opener, and who doesn’t love a World Cup rematch? Every nation desperately wants to win that first game, no matter who the opponent is. Estadio Azteca will be electric and probably unlike any environment we’ve ever seen at that historic stadium. There will undoubtedly be a lot of pressure on El Tri, especially, as a co-host to win that first game and make a statement. After winning the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup in 2025, Mexico is hoping for some more glory this summer. Expect Javier Aguirre to have his A team on the pitch. Brazil vs. Morocco — June 13, MetLife Stadium (3 p.m. ET) With the tournament field expanded to 48 teams, the top sides are more spread out, so there really is not a "Group of Death" scenario out there. However, putting Brazil and Morocco in a group together comes close. The Seleção may not be the team they were back in the days of Ronaldo, but they’re still Brazil, and they’re always going to have a chance to win the World Cup. Morocco, meanwhile, put the soccer world on notice in Qatar when it became the first African nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinal. Germany vs. Curaçao — June 14, NRG Stadium (1 p.m. ET) This one is fun because it’s a World Cup titan (four titles) vs. the smallest nation (estimated population of 153,000) to ever qualify for a World Cup. It’s strange to say this, but Germany has somethi
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