The 2026 FIFA World Cup will start on June 11. Follow all the complete coverage on Mix Vale, with updates, real-time results and game schedules.
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents itself as a football marathon and a true test of endurance, with a total of 72 matches scheduled over more than two weeks, between June 11th and 27th.
Given the vast number of daily clashes, the schedule for the first days of the tournament may seem extensive.
To help fans, we highlight the five group stage games that promise to be the most electrifying and unmissable.
Brazil and Morocco open Group C in New Jersey
The clash between Brazil and Morocco, scheduled for June 13th at 6pm (local time) in East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA), promises to be the highlight of the first weekend of the World Cup. The Group C match will pit Brazil, five-time world champion, against Morocco, who surprised by reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Brazilian team arrives with an experienced squad and big names such as Vinicius Junior, from Real Madrid. Under the leadership of coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil is expected to advance to the decisive stages of the tournament. This initial duel is crucial for both of their ambitions in the group.
Morocco, in turn, seeks to replicate its historic success in Qatar. The team arrives in North America as champions of the African Cup of Nations, a title awarded after a controversial defeat to Senegal in the final. Players like Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi are highlights of the African team.
Netherlands and Japan meet in Group F in Dallas
The clash between the Netherlands and Japan, on June 14 at 3pm (local time) in Dallas, Texas (USA), is one of the highlights of the start of Group F. The Dutch team, led by Ronald Koeman, will face Japan at the vast Dallas Stadium, in Arlington, which holds 94 thousand people.
The Netherlands, who are chasing their first World Cup title, will have a significant challenge against the Japanese team, known for surprising people in major tournaments.
At the 2022 Qatar Cup, the “Samurai Blue” team achieved notable victories over Germany and Spain in the group stage, before being eliminated by Croatia on penalties in the round of 16, showing their potential to upset the balance.
Both teams will fight for the lead in Group F, which also includes Sweden and Tunisia, expected to offer less resistance in the other games.
Historic rematch: France versus Senegal in New Jersey
France and Senegal will meet on June 16, at 3pm (local time), in East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA), for a clash that takes place after more than two decades. The last clash between the teams was remarkable.
In 2002, at the opening of the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Senegal shocked the world by beating then champions France 1-0, in a surprising result.
This highly anticipated rematch promises to be as intriguing as the first duel, with both teams looking to assert their strength in Group I.
Nicknamed the “Group of Death”, Group I also includes Norway and Iraq. The winner of this clash will have a significant advantage in the fight for first place in the group.
England and Croatia relive 2018 semi-final in Dallas
England and Croatia face each other on June 17, at 3 pm (local time), in Dallas, Texas (USA), in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal. On that occasion, Croatia turned the score around to reach the final against France, in Russia.
Since that duel, the teams have met three more times, with England emerging victorious on two occasions and a goalless draw completing the results.
The clash will be a significant test for England coach Thomas Tuchel, who makes his debut in charge of the “Three Lions” in a major tournament.
With Ghana and Panama also in Group L, this match will be key to determining which team will secure the lead in the group stage and a possible advantage in the knockout stages.
Colombia and Portugal end group stage in Miami with sold out tickets
Miami Stadium will be the stage for an electrifying conclusion to Group K, on June 27, at 7:30 pm (local time), with the clash between Colombia and Portugal.
Demand for tickets for this match is so high that the stadium is already completely sold out, and authorized resale sites are offering tickets for between US$2,200 and US$3,000, making it the most expensive of the 2026 World Cup group stage. This fact underlines the enormous global interest in the tournament.
Colombia demonstrated great strength in the qualifiers and will count on the attacking talent of Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez to boost their team.
In a group that includes Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this game has great potential to define first place. Portugal, although favorites, should expect a challenge with many effective moves and intense competition.