5 Must-Watch Group Stage Matches at the 2026 World Cup

We’re just a couple of days from the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. In what promises to be an epic tournament, featuring 48 teams and over 100 matches, which games should we be looking forward to the most?

Today, we’ve put together a list of five group stage matches that you won’t want to miss. Sadly, for UK audiences, some of these games will have very late kick-off times. As such, either make sure you’ve got a kettle and plenty of coffee handy – or, at very least, record them on your preferred device.

For each individual game, we’ll list the date and time on which they’ll take place, in accordance with GMT. Which group games are you most looking forward to?

The Netherlands vs Japan (June 14, 9pm)

This could be one of the biggest upsets of the group stage. The Netherlands, for all their talent, aren’t the team they used to be. Many of their top talents are past their peak – meanwhile, Japan are entering the tournament as one of its most notable dark horses.

As a result, this could make for a fascinating encounter. Not many group games at the World Cup are as close as this one is – at least, on paper.

Furthermore, both The Netherlands and Japan have some very exciting attacking players in their ranks. The Dutch have Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo, while Japan have Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada and Daizen Maeda – this game will be an absolute must-see spectacle.

England vs Croatia (June 17, 9pm)

England’s 2026 World Cup campaign is set to commence on June 17, when the Three Lions take on Croatia. They’ve had some explosive encounters with the Kockasti in the past – this match will be the latest addition to their rich tapestry.

Ever since England were dumped out of the 2018 World Cup by Croatia in the semi-finals, England have generally gotten the better of their unlikely rivals – as such, Croatia will be out for revenge in this one.

Croatia aren’t quite the team they used to be – many of the players who helped the reach the final of the 2018 World Cup have now retired. Nevertheless, they often bring a certain x-factor to major tournaments – especially so when playing against England. Due to this, we expect you won’t be able to take your eyes off this one.

Germany vs Ivory Coast (June 20, 9pm)

Following their ruthless World Cup winning campaign in 2014, Germany have struggled to follow up on their success in the 12 years that have followed. They finished bottom of their group in 2018, then similarly failed to make it out of their group in 2022.

One would expect them to escape the group this year – but perhaps not, if Ivory Coast have anything to say about it. Featuring some electric forward players, including the highly-rated Yan Diomande, Les Éléphants pose a daunting obstacle for Die Mannschaft in Group E.

Can Germany contain Ivory Coast’s formidable attacking threat? Suffice to say, this game could provide audiences with goals galore.

France vs Norway (June 26, 8pm)

Norway have routinely underwhelmed on the international stage, despite having quality players at their disposal – but no longer. This year, they enter the tournament as one of the World Cup’s most daunting underdogs. With players such as Antonio Nusa, Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland, no-one will want to face them this time around.

However, they face perhaps the strongest team in the tournament in the group stage – none other than France, who reached the final in 2022. With a slew of world-class talents on their books, Les Bleus are the team to beat in 2026.

In particular, one battle we’d like to bring attention to is Arsenal’s William Saliba vs the aforementioned Erling Haaland. As perhaps the best defender vs the best striker in the Premier League, this will be a titanic tussle that you won’t want to miss.

Spain vs Uruguay (June 27, 1am)

It’s often hard to believe that fewer than 4 million people live in Uruguay. They’re a very successful footballing nation for their size, having won two World Cups and 15 Copa America titles – they might not be at their peak in 2026, but they’re still a threat to almost any team in the tournament.

Spain, on the other hand, are giants within the sport. Along with France, they can be considered tournament favourites, but face a real banana skin here.

Under the stewardship of the engimatic Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay have the potential to spring a major shock in this game. Unfortunately, it will take place at 1am for people living in the UK – so, if you don’t want to miss out, plan accordingly!