Brazil vs Morocco to Argentina vs Algeria - 9 group-stage FIFA World Cup 2026 matches one shouldn't miss in opening week

Mexico vs South Africa - Group A

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opens with Mexico hosting South Africa in a re-match of the 2010 World Cup opener. Having not gone past the group stage in the previous two editions, Mexico will have a lot at stake, especially in front of 87,000 home fans at Estadio Azteca. With form on their side, Mexico start at favourites against the Bafana Bafana.

USA vs Paraguay - Group D

Similar to Mexico, the United States start their campaign on the second day at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay. Although USA start favourites, Paraguay can't be completely written off as they come into this tournament on the back of wins against Uruguay and Mexico, draws against Colombia and Japan, and a narrow loss to Morocco. Don't be surprised if Paraguay cause an upset against USA as Gustavo Alfaro's men are considered to be one of the dark horses.

Brazil vs Morocco - Group C

Coming after a semifinal finish in 2022 in Qatar, Morocco can no longer be considered as a dark horse, but are one of the serious contenders to make it deep into the tournament. Brazil are also one of the tournament favourites under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. A win for either of the teams would be massive under lights at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

England vs Croatia - Group L

England will be looking for a revenge against Croatia in 2026. The last time these two teams met in a FIFA World Cup was in 2018 in Russia, with Croatia edging past Three Lions in the semifinals in extra time. With Luka Modric headlining the Croatian side, they could pose a great threat to the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Argentina vs Algeria - Group J

Defending champions Argentina will be aiming for a winning start when they take on Algeria in a Group J clash at the Kansas City stadium. Despite injury concerns to Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Argentina start as strong favourites against the African side. While Messi played a few minutes against Iceland in a warm-up fixture, including a penalty conversion, Martinez is expected to be fit from the hand injury by June 16. Messi is probably playing his final World Cup.

Portugal vs DR Congo - Group K

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against a relatively easier side in DR Congo. The 41-year-old Ronaldo did miss some of the easiest of chances against Nigeria in a warm-up game the previous night, but his rustiness would all come to rest when the actual action begins NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

About the Author