The expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 is gaining momentum across the three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — with the tournament already delivering plenty of drama in its opening days. Twelve matches have been completed so far, with half of the record 12 groups having played their opening fixtures.
The first six groups, from A to F, have completed their opening round of matches, while teams in Groups G to L are set to begin their campaigns this week. A packed schedule awaits fans, with 25 more group-stage matches lined up across venues in the three host countries over the coming days.
After watching traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, and the three co-hosts get their World Cup journeys underway, attention now shifts to some of the biggest stars in modern football.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will begin their title defense against Algeria on Wednesday. Later the same day, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will open their campaign against Congo as the veteran forward looks to add another chapter to his illustrious international career.
Several former champions are also preparing for their opening assignments. Uruguay, two-time world champions, will face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, while Spain begin their campaign against Cabo Verde on Monday. France start against Senegal on Wednesday, and England will kick off their quest for glory with a heavyweight clash against Croatia on Thursday.
With more football giants and global superstars entering the fray, the second week of the World Cup promises even more excitement as the race for the knockout stages gathers momentum.
FIFA World Cup Schedule of the Week (15-21 June 2026)
15 June
- Group F: Netherlands vs Japan, Dallas, 0:30 AM IST
- Group E: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador, Philadelphia, 3:30 AM IST
- Group F: Sweden vs Tunisia, Monterrey, 7:30 AM IST
- Group H: Spain vs Cabo Verde, Atlanta, 9:30 PM IST
16 June
- Group G: Belgium vs Egypt, Seattle, 0:30 AM IST
- Group H: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, Miami, 3:30 AM IST
- Group G: Iran vs New Zealand, Los Angeles, 6:30 AM IST
17 June
- Group I: France vs Senegal, New Jersey, 0:30 AM IST
- Group I: Iraq vs Norway, Boston, 3:30 AM IST
- Group J: Argentina vs Algeria, Kansas City, 6:30 AM IST
- Group J: Austria vs Jordan, San Francisco, 9:30 AM IST
- Group K: Portugal vs Congo DR, Houston, 10:30 PM IST
18 June
- Group L: England vs Croatia, Dallas, 1:30 AM IST
- Group L: Ghana vs Panama, Toronto, 4:30 AM IST
- Group K: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Mexico City, 7:30 AM IST
- Group A: Czechia vs South Africa, Atlanta, 9:30 PM IST
19 June
- Group B: Switzerland vs Bosnia, Los Angeles, 0:30 AM IST
- Group B: Canada vs Qatar, Vancouver, 3:30 AM IST
- Group A: Mexico vs South Korea, Guadalajara, 6:30 AM IST
20 June
- Group D: USA vs Australia, Seattle, 0:30 AM IST
- Group C: Scotland vs Morocco, Boston, 3:30 AM IST
- Group C: Brazil vs Haiti, Philadelphia, 6:00 AM IST
- Group D: Turkiye vs Paraguay, San Francisco, 8:30 AM IST
- Group F: Netherlands vs Sweden, Houston, 10:30 PM IST
21 June
- Group E: Germany vs Ivory Coast, Toronto, 1:30 AM IST
- Group E: Ecuador vs Curacao, Kansas City, 5:30 AM IST
- Group F: Tunisia vs Japan, Monterrey, 9:30 AM IST
- Group H: Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Atlanta, 9:30 PM IST
