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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is off to a thrilling start across North America! After the opening matches in Mexico City on June 11, the tournament is now in full swing with Groups A through D completing their first round of fixtures. From Scotland’s historic victory to the USA’s dominant display, here’s everything you need to know.
Group Stage Results So Far
Group A
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Czechia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Hosts Mexico kicked off their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The night earlier, South Korea impressed with a 2-1 victory over Czechia.
Group B
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Qatar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Group B saw two draws — Canada held 1-1 by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Qatar and Switzerland also finished 1-1. The group is wide open going into matchday 2.
Group C
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Brazil | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Morocco | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Haiti | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
History was made as Scotland won their first World Cup match in 36 years! John McGinn’s first-half strike secured a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti at Boston Stadium, sending the Tartan Army into raptures. Elsewhere, Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Morocco side — Vinícius Jr. scoring for the Seleção.
Group D — The Group of Big Statements
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| Australia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Turkey | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| Paraguay | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
The USA delivered the statement win of round one, crushing Paraguay 4-1 behind a Folarin Balogun brace. The Arsenal striker has emerged as Pochettino’s spearhead, looking every bit the elite No. 9 the USMNT has been searching for. Australia also impressed, with Nestory Irankunda writing his name in history books as the Socceroos stunned Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver.
Key Highlights
- Scotland’s 36-year drought ends: Steve Clarke’s brave call to start John McGinn over Ryan Christie paid off as the Villa captain scored the winner against Haiti. Scotland’s first World Cup win since 1990 — and their first appearance in 28 years.
- USA’s attacking firepower: Four goals against Paraguay signals that this USMNT generation is ready to compete. Balogun (2), Pulisic, and a Paraguay own goal sealed the deal.
- Brazil held: The five-time champions couldn’t break down a disciplined Morocco side, settling for a 1-1 draw. A reminder that no game is easy at this World Cup.
- Australia’s young stars: Teenager Nestory Irankunda delivered a moment of magic, while debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach made crucial saves to keep Turkey at bay.
Looking Ahead — What’s Next?
Groups E through L are yet to kick off, meaning the tournament is about to get even more intense. Germany, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands all enter the fray in the coming days.
Key matches to watch:
- Germany vs Ecuador (Group E opener) — Can Germany rediscover their form?
- Argentina vs Austria (Group J) — Messi’s final World Cup campaign begins.
- England vs Ghana (Group L) — Three Lions begin their quest under Gareth Southgate.
- France vs Senegal (Group I) — A rematch of the 2022 World Cup group stage.
- Scotland vs Morocco (June 19) — Can Scotland secure knockout qualification?
- USA vs Turkey (Group D) — A crucial test for the co-hosts.
FAQ
Q: How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
A: The 2026 tournament is the first with 48 teams, expanded from 32. Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4.
Q: When is the World Cup 2026 final?
A: The final will be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Q: Which countries are hosting?
A: The tournament is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time three nations have co-hosted a men’s World Cup.
Q: Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?
A: In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox, FS1, and streamed on Fubo. Check your local listings for specific match coverage.
Q: How does the new format work?
A: The top 2 teams from each of the 12 groups advance to the Round of 32, joined by the 8 best third-placed teams. It’s a completely new knockout path from previous tournaments.
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