5 MUST-WATCH World Cup Matches This Week – Including Kick Off Times

The World Cup is just getting into full swing right now. We’re just over halfway through the group stage – we have already seen some scintillating games and some shocking scorelines.

But who is playing this week? In this piece, we’ve put together a list of five must-watch matches in the World Cup that will take place over the course of the next six days.

For reference, all kick-off times will be listed in Greenwich Mean Time – that is, of course, the time zone that the United Kingdom falls within.

Scotland vs Brazil – Wednesday, 23:00

This could be Scotland’s last stand at the 2026 World Cup. The Tartan Army have been doggedly valiant so far, but they’ll probably need a result in their third game to remain in the picture – and they’re facing Brazil.

While this would initially sound like a funeral dirge for the Scots, Brazil have not been as impressive as one may have initially thought they would be. Yes, they saw off Haiti, but they were desperately disorganised in their inaugural match against Morocco. In many ways, they were lucky to escape with a point.

Scotland will throw everything they can at Brazil – meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be looking to make a statement. Expect goals, drama and high emotions either way.

France vs Norway – Friday, 20:00

This is a real heavyweight group stage clash. Both France and Norway have looked very strong thus far – they have both already qualified, but they won’t want to compromise with a second-place finish in Group I either.

With France boasting Kylian Mbappe and Norway fielding Erling Haaland, we’ll see two of the best strikers in the world going toe-to-toe – assuming either of them aren’t given a rest.

Both of them have been in fine scoring form in the World Cup so far – they have each scored a quartet of goals in their first two games.

Japan vs Sweden – Friday, 00:00

Japan vs Sweden promises to be a game of goals, goals, goals. The two teams have each scored six in their first two games – what more do we need to say?

They’re both exciting teams who look to move the ball quickly – both the purists and the more casual audiences will be able to appreciate this one.

On top of this, they both have plenty to play for. Standing on three points and with a neutral goal difference, Sweden can’t afford to lose, but Japan will look to do everything they can to consolidate their position in the top two.

Ecuador vs Germany – Thursday, 21:00

The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. With nine goals in their first two games at the World Cup, Germany are the tournament’s top goalscorers at the time of writing.

Ecuador, on the other hand, are erudite at the back. With this being said, though, La Tricolor have only conjured up a single point so far.

As such, they will need to get a result against Germany – or face elimination. Die Mannschaft have little to play for, but they still cannot be underestimated.

England vs Ghana – Tuesday, 21:00

Of course, how could we forget England? The Three Lions’ opening game against Croatia was an all-time classic – it is fair to expect much of the same against Ghana.

England were excellent against Croatia, but Ghana are no slouches in their own right. Yes, they were off the pulse a bit against Panama, but you can expect more from them against a team who will allow them to run in behind.

We’re expecting England to win this, but they will have to deal with the likes of Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah and Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo – whatever the case, it’s going to be interesting.