The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, delivering early drama, surprise results and standout performances as the biggest tournament in football history begins to take shape.
This year’s competition marks a historic expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup ever staged. The tournament opened on 11 June and will run until the final on 19 July, with fans already witnessing major storylines emerge across the group stage.
Strong Starts for Hosts Mexico and the United States
Mexico opened the tournament in impressive fashion with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Group A. The win gave the hosts an early advantage in the group and reinforced expectations that they could progress comfortably into the knockout rounds.
South Korea also made a positive start in Group A, defeating Czechia 2-1 to move level on points with Mexico after the opening round of fixtures.
In Group D, the United States produced one of the most eye-catching performances of the opening week, defeating Paraguay 4-1. The convincing victory immediately positioned the Americans as favourites to advance from the group.
Canada began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while fellow Group B contenders Switzerland and Qatar also shared points in a 1-1 draw.
Germany Deliver Tournament Statement
Germany produced the most dominant performance of the competition so far, defeating Curacao 7-1 in Group E.
The seven-goal display highlighted Germany’s attacking strength and instantly established them as one of the leading contenders for the trophy. The result also gave them a significant goal difference advantage that could prove crucial later in the group stage.
Elsewhere in Group E, Ivory Coast secured a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping pace with Germany at the top of the standings.
Germany’s next match against Ivory Coast is already being viewed as one of the most important fixtures of the group phase.
Brazil Held as Scotland Impress
Brazil were unable to secure victory in their opening match, being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in Group C.
While Brazil remains among the tournament favourites, the result serves as an early reminder that no team can afford to underestimate their opponents in the expanded World Cup format.
Scotland made a winning start to their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti. The result keeps Scotland firmly in contention and sets up a fascinating clash against Morocco in their second group match.
The battle for qualification in Group C remains wide open heading into the next round of fixtures.
Netherlands and Japan Share Thriller
One of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far came in Group F, where the Netherlands and Japan played out an exciting 2-2 draw.
The result leaves both teams with work to do heading into the next matchday, while Sweden took full advantage by defeating Tunisia 5-1 in a commanding display.
Sweden currently hold a strong position at the top of the group, but the Netherlands and Japan remain firmly in contention.
Surprise Results Create Open Groups
Several groups remain incredibly balanced after the opening matches.
Spain were unexpectedly held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in Group H, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also shared the points in a 1-1 draw.
Group G produced two draws as Belgium and Egypt finished 1-1, while Iran and New Zealand played out a dramatic 2-2 encounter.
These results have left both groups completely open heading into the second round of matches.
Major Fixtures Coming Up
Attention now turns to the next wave of group-stage fixtures.
Among the most anticipated matches are:
France vs Senegal
16 June
France begin their World Cup campaign against a dangerous Senegal side. The French are considered among the tournament favourites and will be eager to start strongly.
Argentina vs Algeria
16 June
Defending world champions Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria. Lionel Scaloni’s side will look to make an immediate statement in Group J.
England vs Croatia
17 June
One of the standout fixtures of the opening group stage sees England face Croatia in Group L. The match could have a significant impact on who finishes top of the group.
Portugal vs DR Congo
17 June
Portugal begin their tournament with high expectations and will aim to secure three points against DR Congo.
Mexico vs South Korea
18 June
The two Group A winners meet in a crucial clash that could determine who advances as group winners.
United States vs Australia
19 June
After their convincing victory over Paraguay, the United States will seek another strong result against Australia.
Germany vs Ivory Coast
20 June
A potentially decisive Group E showdown between the two opening match winners.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia
21 June
Spain will look to respond after their draw with Cape Verde.
Argentina vs Austria
22 June
A key test for Argentina as the group stage intensifies.
England vs Ghana
23 June
England’s second group match could be pivotal in the race for qualification.
Tournament Format Explained
The 2026 World Cup features a new format with 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four teams.
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage. They are joined by the eight best third-placed teams, creating a Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.
This expansion has increased the number of matches from 64 to 104 and has given more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
The group stage will continue until 27 June before the knockout rounds begin.
Teams Making Early Impressions
Several teams have already caught the attention of fans and analysts.
Germany
The 7-1 victory over Curacao demonstrated their attacking depth and tournament credentials.
United States
A 4-1 win over Paraguay has generated optimism among American supporters.
Mexico
A comfortable opening victory and home support could make them a dangerous opponent.
Sweden
Their five-goal performance against Tunisia was one of the strongest displays of the opening week.
Scotland
A disciplined victory over Haiti has given them a realistic chance of progressing.
Looking Ahead
With many of the tournament favourites yet to begin their campaigns, the coming days promise even more excitement.
France, Argentina, England and Portugal all enter the competition this week, while teams that have already played will look to strengthen their positions in the standings.
The expanded format means every point could prove vital as nations compete for places in the knockout rounds.
Early results have already shown that surprises are possible, and the first week of the tournament has delivered plenty of evidence that the 2026 World Cup could become one of the most competitive editions in history.
As the group stage continues, fans around the world will be watching closely to see which teams establish themselves as genuine contenders for the title and which nations can produce the next major upset on football’s biggest stage.
Key Results So Far
| Date | Group | Match | Result |
| 11 June 2026 | Group A | Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico 2-0 South Africa |
| 11 June 2026 | Group A | South Korea vs Czechia | South Korea 2-1 Czechia |
| 12 June 2026 | Group B | Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 12 June 2026 | Group D | United States vs Paraguay | United States 4-1 Paraguay |
| 13 June 2026 | Group B | Qatar vs Switzerland | Qatar 1-1 Switzerland |
| 13 June 2026 | Group C | Brazil vs Morocco | Brazil 1-1 Morocco |
| 13 June 2026 | Group C | Haiti vs Scotland | Scotland 1-0 Haiti |
| 14 June 2026 | Group D | Australia vs Turkey | Australia 2-0 Turkey |
| 14 June 2026 | Group E | Germany vs Curacao | Germany 7-1 Curacao |
| 14 June 2026 | Group F | Netherlands vs Japan | Netherlands 2-2 Japan |
| 14 June 2026 | Group E | Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador |
| 14 June 2026 | Group F | Sweden vs Tunisia | Sweden 5-1 Tunisia |
| 15 June 2026 | Group H | Spain vs Cape Verde | Spain 0-0 Cape Verde |
| 15 June 2026 | Group G | Belgium vs Egypt | Belgium 1-1 Egypt |
| 15 June 2026 | Group H | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay |
| 15 June 2026 | Group G | Iran vs New Zealand | Iran 2-2 New Zealand |
The latest World Cup scores and fixtures are listed by FIFA’s official match centre and ESPN’s 2026 World Cup schedule hub.
Upcoming Headline Fixtures
| Date | Group | Fixture |
| 16 June 2026 | Group I | France vs Senegal |
| 16 June 2026 | Group J | Argentina vs Algeria |
| 17 June 2026 | Group K | Portugal vs DR Congo |
| 17 June 2026 | Group L | England vs Croatia |
| 18 June 2026 | Group A | Mexico vs South Korea |
| 19 June 2026 | Group D | United States vs Australia |
| 20 June 2026 | Group E | Germany vs Ivory Coast |
| 21 June 2026 | Group H | Spain vs Saudi Arabia |
| 22 June 2026 | Group J | Argentina vs Austria |
| 23 June 2026 | Group L | England vs Ghana |
