Top five ‘must-watch’ matches of the group stage at World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

The group stages at FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a feast of football – and a test of endurance – with 72 matches scheduled across more than two weeks from June 11 until June 27.

With numerous games being played each day, the fixture list looks a little overwhelming for the first few weeks of the tournament.

To help you out, we’ve picked the five “must-watch” fixtures of the group stage.

This Group C fixture should be the highlight of the first weekend of the tournament, as five-time champions Brazil take on Qatar 2022 surprise package Morocco in New Jersey.

Brazil come into the tournament with an ageing squad, but can still point to several superstars amongst their ranks, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. With veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti in charge, expect them to make the latter stages this summer.

Morocco will be bidding to emulate their record run to the semifinals in Qatar. They arrive in North America as African Cup of Nations champions, after being retrospectively awarded the title following a controversial final defeat to Senegal . Big names include Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi.

A cracking fixture to kick off Group F, as Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side take on the much-fancied Japan at the enormous 94,000 seat Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.