2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule: Must-Watch Matches

After a thrilling first round of matches at the 2026 World Cup, the group stage moves into its second phase. Below are five must-see games from this round of fixtures, taking place from June 18 to 23.

Mexico vs South Korea
Guadalajara Stadium – 7:00 PM local time (01:00 GMT, June 19)
This clash pits the top-two teams from Group A. Both Mexico and South Korea won their opening matches. The passionate home crowd promises an electric atmosphere in the stands.

Netherlands vs Sweden
Houston Stadium – 12:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT) June 20
The Netherlands sit third in Group F after a 2-2 draw with Japan, while Sweden top the group following a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. Sweden's striking duo of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres pose a major threat to the Dutch defense.

Germany vs Ivory Coast
Toronto Stadium – 4:00 PM local time (20:00 GMT) June 20
Germany impressed with a 7-1 win over Curacao, while Ivory Coast also collected three points. This is a duel between the Group E leaders, with Germany holding a goal-difference advantage.

Spain vs Saudi Arabia
Atlanta Stadium – 12:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT) June 21
Spain are under pressure after a surprising 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia, who famously beat Argentina in 2022, sit second in Group H after a draw with Uruguay.

Norway vs Senegal
New York New Jersey Stadium – 8:00 PM local time (00:00 GMT June 23) June 22
Norway lead Group I with a 4-1 victory over Iraq, while Senegal are third after losing to France. Erling Haaland, who scored a brace in the opener, is the main threat to the Senegalese defense.

Full Group Stage Schedule from June 18

June 18:
Czech Republic vs South Africa (12:00 PM, 16:00 GMT)
Switzerland vs Bosnia (12:00 PM, 19:00 GMT)
Canada vs Qatar (3:00 PM, 22:00 GMT)
Mexico vs South Korea (7:00 PM, 01:00 GMT June 19)

June 19:
Scotland vs Morocco (6:00 PM, 22:00 GMT)
USA vs Australia (12:00 PM, 19:00 GMT)
Brazil vs Haiti (8:30 PM, 00:30 GMT June 20)
Turkey vs Paraguay (9:00 PM, 03:00 GMT June 20)

June 20:
Netherlands vs Sweden (12:00 PM, 17:00 GMT)
Germany vs Ivory Coast (4:00 PM, 20:00 GMT)
Ecuador vs Curacao (7:00 PM, 00:00 GMT June 21)
Tunisia vs Japan (10:00 PM, 04:00 GMT June 21)

June 21:
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (12:00 PM, 16:00 GMT)
Belgium vs Iran (12:00 PM, 19:00 GMT)
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (6:00 PM, 22:00 GMT)
New Zealand vs Egypt (6:00 PM, 01:00 GMT June 22)

June 22:
Argentina vs Austria (12:00 PM, 17:00 GMT)
France vs Iraq (5:00 PM, 21:00 GMT)
Norway vs Senegal (8:00 PM, 00:00 GMT June 23)
Jordan vs Algeria (8:00 PM, 03:00 GMT June 23)

June 23:
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (12:00 PM, 17:00 GMT)
England vs Ghana (4:00 PM, 20:00 GMT)
Panama vs Croatia (7:00 PM, 23:00 GMT)
Colombia vs DR Congo (8:00 PM, 02:00 GMT June 24)