The 2026 World Cup begins this Thursday, June 11th, with the kickoff between Mexico and South Africa. The tournament, which runs until July 19th, marks the biggest edition in the history of world football: 48 teams, 104 games and hosted for the first time in three countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For the first time, the group stage has 12 groups of four teams. The top two in each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to an unprecedented round of 32 finals. This increases the chances of underdogs and prolongs the dream of lesser teams.
Brazil is in Group C, alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. The team debuts on June 13th, against Morocco, at the MetLife Stadium, in New York/New Jersey. The second commitment is against Haiti, on June 19, in Philadelphia. The last game of the first phase will be against Scotland, on June 24, in Miami. All times are adjusted to the Brasília time zone.
What changes with the expanded format
The increase from 32 to 48 teams transforms the competition. There are 16 more games than in 2022. The knockout phase starts with 32 teams, which means that even a successful third place can go a long way. For fans, this means more football, but also a tighter schedule for athletes and a greater risk of injuries in the midst of an intense European season.
Countries like Haiti and Scotland return to the World Cup after long absences. Haiti plays its first World Cup since historic classification, while Scotland returns after 28 years. Morocco arrives with semi-finalist status in 2022 and as one of the best-ranked African teams.
Brazil games in the group stage
- Brazil x Morocco: June 13th (Saturday), 7pm (Brasília), MetLife Stadium – New York/New Jersey
- Brazil x Haiti: June 19 (Friday), 9:30 pm (Brasília), Lincoln Financial Field Stadium – Philadelphia
- Scotland x Brazil: June 24th (Wednesday), 7pm (Brasília), Hard Rock Stadium – Miami
The three stadiums are iconic and have a capacity of over 65 thousand fans. The Brazilian concentration should take advantage of the large immigrant community in the USA.
Complete table for the 1st round of the group stage
Thursday, June 11Group A: Mexico x South Africa – Mexico City, 4pm (Brasília) Group A: South Korea x Czech Republic – Guadalajara, 11pm (Brasília)
Friday, June 12thGroup B: Canada x Bosnia and Herzegovina – Toronto, 4pm (Brasília) Group D: United States x Paraguay – Los Angeles, 10pm (Brasília)
Saturday, June 13thGroup B: Qatar x Switzerland – Santa Clara, 4pm (Brasília) Group C: Brazil x Morocco – New York/New Jersey, 7pm (Brasília) Group C: Haiti x Scotland – Boston, 10pm (Brasília) Group D: Australia x Turkey – Vancouver, 1am (14/06, Brasília)
And so the extensive calendar continues, with games spread across 11 venues in the three host countries. The geographical distribution reduces the strain of long trips, but requires quick adaptation to time zones and a varied climate, ranging from humid heat in the American East to drier conditions in Mexico.
2026 World Cup groups
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Australia, Paraguay, Türkiye
- Group E: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
- Group G: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Group L: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
Brazil’s key is considered accessible on paper, but Morocco offers physical and tactical danger. Haiti and Scotland represent high-scoring opportunities to secure early classification.
Broadcast in Brazil
The games will be shown on open TV by Globo and SBT, with SporTV on closed TV. Streaming platforms such as Globoplay, GE and Cazé TV also cover the event. The expectation is for record attendance, especially in the Seleção’s games.
Knockout stage: from the 32nd round to the final
After the first phase, the tournament enters the knockout phase with crossover clashes between groups. The final is scheduled for July 19th at the MetLife Stadium, in New York/New Jersey — the same as the Brazilian debut. The third place match takes place on the 18th, in Miami.
This unprecedented format increases the number of decisive games and can hold surprises. Teams that finish in third place with a good campaign will have a longer path, which values consistency throughout the initial three rounds.
Why the 2026 World Cup is historic
In addition to the record number of participants, the edition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, held in 1930 in Uruguay. The choice of three venues reflects the growth of football in the Americas and seeks to leave a legacy in infrastructure. Stadiums such as MetLife, SoFi and Azteca (renovated) promise worthy spectacles.
For Brazil, five-time champion, the pressure is natural. The Seleção is looking for a sixth championship after finishing second in 2022. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, recently hired, has had little time to work, but has a young and experienced squad.
Brazilian fans are already planning trips. The favorable times — most of them in the afternoon or early evening in Brazil — make it easier to follow. The cultural proximity and the large Brazilian diaspora in the USA should transform the stadiums into “almost home”.
The full table is available on the FIFA website and will be updated with results in real time. With the tournament now starting, the countdown ends and the ball rolls for the biggest party in world sport.