World Cup 2026: Group Stage Schedule and Must-Watch Matches
Adam Hancock, Al Jazeera English
After 48 matches across North America, the 2026 World Cup group stage enters its final round, determining the 32 teams that advance to the knockout phase. Key fixtures include Scotland vs Brazil, Japan vs Sweden, Norway vs France, Uruguay vs Spain, and Egypt vs Iran from June 24-27.
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has completed 48 matches and is heading into its final round of fixtures, where 16 teams will be eliminated and 32 will advance to the knockout stage. Under the format, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, progress.
Here are five most notable matches from June 24-27.
Scotland vs Brazil – Miami Stadium, 6 p.m. ET (22:00 GMT, June 24). Brazil need a win to secure top spot in Group C, as they and Morocco each have four points. Scotland hope to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time and a single point would all but guarantee qualification. Neymar is expected to make his first appearance at this World Cup.
Japan vs Sweden – Dallas Stadium, 6 p.m. CDT (23:00 GMT, June 25). Sweden have been inconsistent: they beat Tunisia 5-1 then lost to the Netherlands 5-1. Japan just beat Tunisia 4-0. The winner will claim a top-two spot in Group F.
Norway vs France – Boston Stadium, 3 p.m. ET (19:00 GMT, June 26). Both teams have already clinched knockout berths, but the race for top spot in Group I is intense. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have each scored four goals, chasing Lionel Messi's record.
Uruguay vs Spain – Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico, 6 p.m. CST (00:00 GMT, June 27). Group H is tense after surprises: Uruguay drew with Saudi Arabia, Spain drew with Cape Verde. Spain lead, Uruguay trail by two points. A win would help Spain avoid Argentina in the round of 32.
Egypt vs Iran – Seattle Stadium, 8 p.m. PT (04:00 GMT, June 27). Neither side has ever progressed past the World Cup group stage. Victory would guarantee a knockout berth for one of these Group G teams. Iran have faced visa and travel difficulties leading into the tournament.
Full schedule of remaining matches:
Wednesday, June 24: Switzerland vs Canada (12 p.m. PT, Vancouver), Bosnia vs Qatar (12 p.m. PT, Seattle), Scotland vs Brazil (6 p.m. ET, Miami), Morocco vs Haiti (6 p.m. ET, Atlanta), Czechia vs Mexico (7 p.m. CST, Mexico City), South Africa vs South Korea (7 p.m. CST, Guadalupe).
Thursday, June 25: Ecuador vs Germany (4 p.m. ET, New Jersey), Curacao vs Ivory Coast (4 p.m. ET, Philadelphia), Japan vs Sweden (6 p.m. CDT, Dallas), Tunisia vs Netherlands (6 p.m. CDT, Kansas City), Turkiye vs USA (7 p.m. PT, Los Angeles), Paraguay vs Australia (7 p.m. PT, San Francisco).
Friday, June 26: Norway vs France (3 p.m. ET, Boston), Senegal vs Iraq (3 p.m. ET, Toronto), Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (7 p.m. CDT, Houston), Uruguay vs Spain (6 p.m. CST, Zapopan), Egypt vs Iran (8 p.m. PT, Seattle), New Zealand vs Belgium (8 p.m. PT, Vancouver).
Saturday, June 27: Panama vs England (5 p.m. ET, New Jersey), Croatia vs Ghana (5 p.m. ET, Philadelphia), Colombia vs Portugal (7:30 p.m. ET, Miami), DRC vs Uzbekistan (7:30 p.m. ET, Atlanta), Algeria vs Austria (9 p.m. CDT, Kansas City), Jordan vs Argentina (9 p.m. CDT, Dallas).
