BACKPanini Previews the Best FIFA World Cup 2026™ Matches after Group Draws
Written by: Julio Vega
Millions of fans across the planet waited in anticipation to see who was going to face off during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stage. With the draw confirmed and the groups having officially been drawn, we now know what to expect from what’s set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history.
Here, we’ll break down some of the most noteworthy matches that the football world will certainly be watching.
Mexico vs. South Africa, June 11
Next summer’s FIFA World Cup™ will kick off with Mexico taking on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. It’s a rematch of the 2010 tournament opener.
La Selección Azteca has a long history of kicking off the tournament, with the 2026 edition being the eighth time (including simultaneous first games) Mexico will be involved in the opening match. It also marks the third time that Estadio Azteca hosts the tournament opener, following the 1970 and 1986 editions.
United States vs. Paraguay, June 12
The U.S. Men’s National Team, headlined by talisman Christian Pulisic, is ready for action on home soil for the first time since 1994. The side will kick off its home campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Los Guaraníes, led by attacking star Miguel Almirón, returns to the tournament for the first time since 2010 and will attempt to match the performance from that edition with a trip to the quarterfinals.
Brazil vs. Morocco, June 13
This matchup puts the five-time FIFA World Cup™ champions against the historic African side from the 2022 edition. With Vini Jr., Raphinha and others, the Seleção look to kick off the tournament on a strong note. That’s easier said than done with the Atlas Lions boasting world-class talent such as Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou.
France vs. Senegal, June 16
Powered in attack by Kylian Mbappé, France are hoping to make another deep run in 2026, having reached the final in each of the previous two editions. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané-led Senegal are hoping to shock the world and make a deep run, just as the national team did back in 2002.
Argentina vs. Algeria, June 16
Reigning tournament champion Argentina cruised through qualifying and will hope to be the first country to repeat as the victors since Brazil retained the trophy in 1970.
The refreshed group will face a stiff test in Algeria, who are known to give powerhouses a battle and are set to feature a high-powered attack that includes captain Riyad Mahrez and all-time leading scorer Islam Slimani.
England vs. Croatia, June 17
Both England and Croatia are riding on strong tournament showings in recent years, including some memorable matches against each other. The two countries met in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2018™ semifinal, with the Vatreni emerging with a win. The Three Lions will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 1966, with star striker and captain Harry Kane spearheading the attack.
Mexico vs. Korea Republic, June 18
Mexico’s second matchup of the tournament will be against a familiar foe in Korea Republic. The two countries have faced off twice before, first in 1998 and again in 2018. Heung-min Son and co. will be hoping to hand the host its first-ever loss against an Asian national team at the FIFA World Cup™.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, June 21
As the reigning European champion, Spain enters the 2026 tournament with sky-high expectations and a squad that features some of the best individual talents on the planet. Saudi Arabia will look to play spoilers again, having provided a shock 2-1 win over Argentina last time in Qatar.
England vs. Ghana, June 23
Matchday 2 will see the Three Lions face another tough test in Ghana. The Black Stars, whose best performance was a quarterfinal effort in 2010, have plenty of talent in the mix, including Antoine Semenyo in attack and Mohammed Salisu in defense.
Scotland vs. Brazil, June 23
This marks the fifth time the Scots and Brazilians face off in the FIFA World Cup™ group stage, making it the joint-most played fixture in the round. The Tartan Army, headlined by Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson, will be aiming for its first victory.
Norway vs. France, June 26
This might just be the juiciest group-stage matchup of the entire tournament. Everyone knows what Kylian Mbappé is capable of at this stage. Now, Erling Haaland will have his long-awaited chance to shine on this stage as he spearheads Norway into the tournament for the first time since the 1998 edition.
Uruguay vs. Spain, June 26
Two Spanish-speaking powerhouses face off in Guadalajara, and it’s shaping up to be the match that decides Group H. Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and friends will be aiming to reach the knockout stage once again. Meanwhile, La Roja is entering the tournament with the ambition of winning it all thanks to a defense that boasts Unai Simón in goal.
Colombia vs. Portugal, June 26
Another group-defining matchup takes place in Miami as Colombia and Portugal face off. Having most recently reached the final of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™, La Sele will rely on James Rodriguez, who knows a thing or two about lighting it up on the world’s biggest soccer stage. On the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to guide his group on deep through the North American tourney.
There are months of waiting between now and the start of these must-see games. Through that time, Panini has you covered with a handful of premier soccer releases and blogs that’ll make the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ feel like a breeze.
