2026 FIFA World Cup: Portugal Draws, England Triumphs in Early Matches
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, spreading excitement across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This edition is set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups competing for the championship.
Matches are hosted in 11 U.S. cities, three Mexican venues, and two Canadian stadiums, with games unfolding over more than a month.
Groups at a Glance
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Qatar
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Group D: USA, Australia, Türkiye, Paraguay
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Egypt, Sweden, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, New Zealand
- Group G: Belgium, Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, New Zealand, Egypt, Iran
- Group H: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq
- Group J: Argentina, Austria, Jordan, Algeria
- Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Ghana, Panama, Croatia
Recent Results and Early Action
On June 17, Portugal drew 1-1 against DR Congo at Houston's NRG Stadium, while England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
Upcoming Fixtures (Eastern Time)
Key Matches in the Days Ahead
Fans can look forward to USA facing Australia on June 19 in Seattle, and Brazil taking on Haiti later that evening in Philadelphia. On June 20, the Netherlands meet Sweden in Houston, and Germany battles Ivory Coast in Toronto.
Knockout Stages Set
The Round of 32 will begin on June 28, featuring group runners-up and winners facing off at various venues, including SoFi Stadium and NRG Stadium. The tournament progresses through to quarterfinals starting July 9, semifinals on July 14-15, and the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
