Today in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, three matches light up the schedule across English venues.
Australia take on Netherlands at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, before Pakistan face Bangladesh at the same ground later in the evening. Headingley in Leeds then hosts England against Scotland under the lights to round off a packed day of cricket
Today's Women's T20 World Cup Matches: Schedule & Venues
Profitable T20 betting is rarely about picking the obvious favourite. The best punters combine solid research with the ability to react quickly as conditions change. Whether you're betting on today's matches or planning for the rest of the tournament, these key principles can help sharpen your edge.
Pay Close Attention to Weather and Pitch Reports: English conditions can change rapidly, especially during evening fixtures. A bit of cloud cover or increased humidity can bring seam bowlers into the game and significantly impact scoring rates. Always review the toss, weather forecast, and pitch report before placing your bets.
Understand Venue Characteristics: Not all grounds play the same. Factors such as boundary size, pitch pace, and historical scoring trends can heavily influence match outcomes. Grounds like Edgbaston and Headingley often reward aggressive stroke-makers who are comfortable playing square of the wicket.
Take Advantage of Live Betting Opportunities: Momentum shifts happen quickly in T20 cricket. One expensive over or a key wicket can completely change the complexion of a match. In-play markets can offer excellent value for bettors who are able to identify pressure situations before the odds adjust.
Look Beyond the Main Match Markets: Popular match-winner bets often leave little room for value, particularly when strong favourites are involved. Player-focused markets, including runs, wickets, and performance points, can frequently present more attractive opportunities for those willing to dig deeper into the numbers.
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On June 14, the Ivory Coast earned a win at the World Cup for the first time in 12 years after a last-minute 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
The Ivory Coast, also known as Les Elephants, are back in the winning column at this summer's World Cup. A bonus that comes with that is garnering more eyes that may not have been familiar with the country before the tournament.
Fans tuning into the TV broadcast will have noticed that the Ivory Coast was abbreviated to 'CIV' in the score box. The fact that the team uses "CIV" and not "IVC" or "IVO" seemed to have confused many viewers.
Here's why the Ivory Coast has a different abbreviation than what many would have expected.
Ivory Coast's abbreviation is "CIV" because the country's official name is "the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire."
According to the Department of State, the United States has recognized the Ivory Coast, or Côte d'Ivoire, since 1960. In 1986, 26 years after being recognized by the U.S., the Ivory Coast officially changed its name to Côte d'Ivoire.
The official French name translates to "Ivory Coast" in English. Ivory Coast gained independence from France on August 7, 1960, according to the American African Registry.
The Ivory Coast is nestled on the Western side of Africa. The northwestern half of Africa protrudes outwards, and the Ivory Coast is on the Southern part of that edge.
It borders Guinea and Liberia to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, and Ghana to the east.
The 2026 World Cup group stage continues as Netherlands and Sweden meet in Houston in a Group F clash that could go a long way to deciding who tops the section.
Ronald Koeman's side arrive as clear favorites، unbeaten through qualifying and stacked with Premier League talent across the pitch. But they head into this one without Xavi Simons, Jurrien Timber, and Matthijs de Ligt, three players who were ruled out through injury before a ball was even kicked.
Sweden are no pushovers. Graham Potter's side qualified through the playoffs and have two of Europe's best strikers in Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, enough to cause the Dutch real problems in Houston.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
Netherlands vs. Sweden Africa live stream, TV channel
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Netherlands vs. Sweden Africa kick off?
This World Cup clash takes place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas and kicks off on Saturday, June 20 at 12 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across North America:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
The Sounders and former University of Washington Huskies soccer star, in his second World Cup playing for the United States, told his U.S. teammates how raucous Friday was going to be. Roldan tried to explain to them how packed Lumen Field — FIFA calling it “Seattle Stadium” — was going to be for the first U.S. World Cup match ever in the Pacific Northwest.
He tried to tell them about the noise, how it was going to shake the building, the bench and them.
Then just before noon Friday, Roldan and his U.S. teammates lined up shoulder to shoulder across the sideline plus the width field on its north, downtown half. The sold-out crowd of 66,925 stood. And all but the few thousand Australian “Socceroos” fans in gold behind the opposite goal — heck, maybe some of them, too — roared the words to The Star-Spangled Banner. Over the music. Without an on-field performer signing.
“It was amazing,” 27-year-old American center back Auston Trusty said, after he made his World Cup debut as a substitute late in Friday’s match. “Obviously, to not have a singer and have the whole, entire crowd singing, that just gives you chills.”
Then, just as the anthem ended, the Black Hawks arrived.
U.S. Army pilots for four attack helicopters from Joint Base Lewis-McChord made the short flight up from Pierce County. The choppers roared over the stadium. The sun-splashed, international spectacle now had its might.
The crowd gasped, then cheered.
The players stood on the pitch and looked to the sky — in awe.
“To have the Black Hawks fly over like that? Even more chills,” Trusty, a native of Media, Pennsylvania, who plays professional for Scottish side Celtic FC, said.
“It gives you the extreme national pride. And it really puts your mind on who you’re playing for.
“You play for yourself,” Trusty said.
“Well, you are playing for the badge (on the chest of the U.S. jersey). You are playing for this country.”
They excelled for this country.
For the second consecutive match to begin this World Cup co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Americans dominated. Seven days after a 4-1 drubbing of Paraguay, the U.S. scored against Australia in the 11th minute. That was because of dynamic Folarin Balogun’s zooming run, turn and cross. Balogun created an own-goal off an Aussie defender.
Later in the first half U.S. defender Alex Freeman wanted a free, deflected ball in the air more than the Aussie keeper and center back did in front of the goal. That’s why Freeman won the header. That’s why the USA led 2-0 before halftime.
With how the Americans consistently applied offensive pressure into the Australian’s five-man defense and midfield line, the match was over. It ended 2-0.
These are the first consecutive victories for the United States in a World Cup in 96 years, before the initial World Cup in 1930.
After his third goal created in two World Cup matches, after the two he scored against Paraguay in Los Angeles last week, Balogun marveled over the spectacle in Seattle Friday. He was in awe of the anthem. Of the Black Hawk flyover.
Of the whole, Pacific Northwest soccer vibe.
“It was special. So special. It’s tough to put into words,” Balogun said.
“The national anthem. And then you are seeing the helicopters go above. It was really special.
“It just gives us — not that we need it — it just gives us that extra bit of motivation before we go out there to just go out there and, really, just go crazy.”
On the United States’ bench throughout the team’s shutout victory, then in the locker room after the Americans clinched a spot in the round-of-32 knockout stage with one game still left in group play, teammates kept coming up to Roldan.
They couldn’t get over the fervor and fandom for this match, this World Cup, for soccer, in Seattle.
“Our teammates were raving about the crowd. And the city, in general,” said Roldan, who has yet to play in two World Cup matches but says he’s ready well called upon.
“You know, some of them even spoke to me about playing for Seattle in the future,” Roldan said.
Brazil enters its second Group C match under pressure after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, a result that left Carlo Ancelotti’s side searching for its first victory of the World Cup.
Despite possessing one of the tournament’s deepest squads and being a five-time world champion, Brazil struggled to find rhythm in its opener and is expected to make tactical adjustments against Haiti.
Haiti, meanwhile, arrives with plenty of belief despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland in its opening match. The Caribbean nation is making just its second-ever World Cup appearance and first since 1974. Head coach Sébastien Migné has embraced the underdog role, calling the opportunity to face Brazil a dream for his players and a source of pride for the Haitian people. Haiti still has a path to the knockout stage, but could face elimination pressure depending on other Group C results.
Historically, Brazil has dominated this matchup. The teams’ most recent meeting came during the 2016 Copa América Centenario, when Brazil earned a 7-1 victory over Haiti. However, World Cup matches often bring surprises, and Haiti will look to channel its energy and resilience into what would rank among the biggest upsets of the tournament. Brazil, meanwhile, knows that anything less than three points would significantly complicate its path out of Group C.
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In his career, Placide has 83 appearances for Haiti's senior national team.
Placide did see time with the French under-21 team, but he never got a senior call-up before deciding instead to play for Haiti.
His biggest moment internationally prior to this World Cup came in the 2019 Gold Cup, when Haiti won its group and reached the semifinals for the first time before being eliminated by Mexico.
Now, Placide takes on Brazil. There won't be a bigger test in his career.
The yellow card count resets after the group stage.
You could miss the Round of 32 if you get your second yellow in the final group match, but if you make it through the group with just one, your counter is then at zero to begin the Round of 32.
The next erasure comes after the quarterfinal. You could be suspended for the semifinal if you get a yellow in the Round of 16 and then again in the quarters, but the only way to be suspended from the final is a red card.
Haiti will be playing in its second World Cup in the country's history, their first since the 1974 tournament in West Germany. On the other side of the midfield line stands football giant Brazil, who are making their 23rd appearance and are the only country to win five World Cup trophies.
While Haiti has pulled the short end of the stick, being paired up in a group with Brazil, the country could make history with what would be their most significant football result, with a win or draw against A Seleção. Anything other than a blowout for Brazil would be a massive disappointment, regardless of the three points picked up with a win.
The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
Brazil and Haiti will each be taking the pitch for the second time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the two nations meet on June 19.
When it comes to soccer, Brazil is no stranger to the world stage. Seleção has hoisted the trophy more than any other country, with five wins across 70 years. Even with Neymar confirmed to join the national team one last time, Brazil enters the summer as more of an underdog than usual. Of course, anything could happen in this global tournament.
On the other hand, Haiti has a much different relationship with the World Cup — the Caribbean nation is only making their second-ever appearance this year. The Haitians qualified against all odds, and played each integral matchup on the road as their home country experienced political turmoil. Their reward? A global soccer giant.
Who will excel in Philly?
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of Brazil vs. Haiti, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
Brazil vs. Haiti free live stream
This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
While Australia was riding high after earning a full three points from its first match against Turkey, its second group-stage match against the U.S. got off to a less-than-ideal start.
The USMNT came out attacking from the opening whistle, and inside 15 minutes, it scored the first goal. To make matters worse for Australia, the American goal came courtesy of an Australian defender.
This is the second game in a row in which the U.S. was gifted a goal by an opponent after its first goal in the previous match came courtesy of a Paraguayan.
Here's who had the misfortune of gifting the U.S. a goal off an Australian boot.
In the 11th minute of the U.S. vs. Australia match, Folarin Balogun whipped in a cross in an attempt to find Ricardo Pepi in the center of the box. The first player to get a boot on the ball wasn't Pepi, but Australian defender Cameron Burgess.
The 6-foot-4 center back was unfortunate to redirect the cross into his own net while trying to clear the ball from danger. Instead, the own goal handed the U.S. an early lead.
Burgess is 30 years old, according to Transfermarkt, and plays center back for EFL Championship side Swansea. Burgess has 29 international caps for Australia and has yet to score a goal.
The Australian was not happy with the Americans' reaction to drawing Australia in their group ahead of the 2026 World Cup. According to Burgess, he would be keeping receipts to use as motivation.
USA media think the Socceroos will be easy beats at the World Cup. Cam Burgess is keeping receipts 🧾🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/5uWmtNDK9P
How many own goals have there been in World Cup history
Burgess's unfortunate kick into his own net has been tallied as the 61st own goal at the World Cup, according to Wikipedia.
This year's World Cup has already seen seven own goals, including the Burgess effort. The record for most own goals in a group stage is nine, set in 2018.
During the previous 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there were only two own goals throughout the tournament's entirety (Nayef Aguerd for Morocco and Enzo Fernandez for Argentina). Four years prior at the World Cup in Russia, there were a whopping 12 that set the record for most own-goals at a World Cup tournament.
In soccer, an own goal is when a player kicks, heads, or deflects the ball into their own net. They are a part of the game that is demoralizing to be responsible for. Sometimes, however, they can't be avoided in the case of an unlucky deflection.
In Burgess's case, he kicked the ball into his own net while trying to get the ball away from the doorstep of his own net.
In 1994, Andres Escobar, a Colombian, was assassinated in his home country after scoring an own goal for the United States in the 1994 World Cup. An ESPN documentary named The Two Escobars was created in 2010 to recount the events that led up to and followed the tragedy.
Mauricio Pochettino's side romped to a 4-1 victory in a match they fully dominated from start to finish, from Folarin Balogun's brace to Gio Reyna's late cherry on top.
They will do their best to follow up that performance with another strong showing against the Socceroos, who won their opener as well in an upset of Turkey.
The Sporting News brings you a full list of player ratings for the match, analyzing the USMNT's individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
This starting lineup for the UMSNT against Australia was almost identical to the XI deployed against Paraguay in the opening game. The only difference was that Chris Richards, now recovered from his ankle injury, slotted in for Miles Robinson along the back.
Safe hands in the very first minute of the game, making a stop at his near post on a shot from a tight angle. That was all the work Freese had to do through the opening 45 minutes, as he only touched the ball 10 times in the first half.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
RB — Alex Freeman: 8
After some loose possessional work in the opening five minutes, Alex Freeman locked down defensively and got forward in the attack as well. It was a sensational first half from the U.S. defender, who logged a whopping five defensive contributions, including two tackles, and completed 36 of his 39 first-half passes as well.
Freeman got the second goal for the U.S. as he reacted quickest to the deflection of Sergino Dest's shot, heading the ball in before VAR showed he was onside. An excellent first half from Freeman, who has grown leaps and bounds under Mauricio Pochettino over the last 18 months.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
A little loose with possession under pressure early on, but managed to prove a safe presence after. The few times he lost the ball, he worked exceptionally hard to win it back, and was often successful. Completed 53 of 54 passes in the first half, which was impressive considering he was occasionally under pressure, at least more than he was against Paraguay.
Good tackling and challenging in the air as well. Handled the pacey Nestory Irankunda off the bench very well, as the Watford star was flopping all over the place trying to win fouls in the penalty area but could not con the experienced German referee.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
LCB — Tim Ream: 5
A bit shaky whenever he was pressured on the ball, but as Australia sagged back throughout the first half, he was able to breathe a little more. After a strong passing performance against Paraguay, he struggled here, completing less than 90% of his passes in the first half, including just one of six long balls.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
Safe passing and defensive contributions from Jedi Robinson through the first half, as he was very solid preventing Australia from getting out on the counter. Not good crossing the ball, however, a strategy that was always going to be unsuccessful against the exceptionally tall Australia defensive line.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
LM — Malik Tillman: 7
Was a spark plug in the middle throughout the first half against Australia. He made the most of his 34 touches, creating two chances and winning three of his five ground duels, combining often with Folarin Balogun in the moments he got forward. A great first half performance, showing great physicality holding off multiple defenders to win the set piece that resulted in Freeman's late first-half goal.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
CM — Tyler Adams: 8
Not only did Tyler Adams repeatedly blow up Australia's possession through the middle of the field, but he also did an exceptional job relieving pressure on the ball once he won it back, winning two hard fouls in the opening 45 minutes while recovering a loose ball four times and intercepting possession twice.
On a yellow card suspension, Adams handled himself extremely well, not fouling once through the opening 70 minutes while collecting eight defensive contributions to that point. He hit on four of his five long balls, and won four of seven ground duels, an excellent overall performance.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
CM — Weston McKennie: 8
The best player for the U.S. in the first half against Australia, Weston McKennie was absolutely cooking in midfield, getting forward often, usually down the right half of the field where he combined effectively with Sergino Dest over and over again.
McKennie was a chaos merchant over and over, creating three first-half chances and getting two shots off of his own. He was good facing goal, facing the touchline, and facing his own net, causing all kinds of problems in various different situations. Also logged four defensive contributions in the opening 45 minutes, including one tackle and three interceptions and his marauding had Australia losing sight of him constantly.
The Juventus midfielder faded a bit in the second half, but still had massive influence on the game overall.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
Absolutely smoked defenders down the right side, able to combine with Weston McKennie or make things happen on his own. Nutmegged a defender in the penalty area in a delicious play with Malik Tillman that nearly resulted in a goal and ended up in the set-piece that led to Freeman's header.
His influence faded considerably in the second half. Had a very loose pass in the 73rd minute back to Tyler Adams that could have been really problematic had it not been safely dealt with by the back line.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
Didn't have a huge impact on the match through the opening 45 minutes, but played his role as a foil to Folarin Balogun effectively.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
FWD — Folarin Balogun: 7
Should have had more in front of goal through the opening 45 minutes, as a few promising moves forward failed to result in a shot, but overall caused good chaos up front as he tried to link up with Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie through the middle.
While not traditionally known as a strong player out wide, it was his run forward on the ball down the left that resulted in the early own-goal by Australia's Cameron Burgess.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 19, 2026
Did extremely poorly with a 52nd-minute counter-attack where he was clean through on goal but slowed considerably once he received the ball near midfield, allowing the defender to catch up.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary as the game progresses.
USMNT substitutes vs. Paraguay
74th min — Sebastian Berhalter: Grade pending
Came on for Ricardo Pepi with Australia building more and more pressure.
80th min — Auston Trusty: Grade pending
Came on for Antonee Robinson with 10 minutes to go.
80th min — Joe Scally: Grade pending
Came on for Sergino Dest with Australia's pressure building late in the game.
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary once substitutes enter the match for the United States and begin to influence the game.
USMNT coach vs. Paraguay
Mauricio Pochettino: Grade pending
This section will be updated with analysis and commentary on the performance of the USMNT head coach following the conclusion of the match.
As the World Cup returns to the United States, youth soccer programs across the Triangle say excitement around the sport is reaching new heights and inspiring the next generation of players.
At Soccer Genome in North Raleigh, young athletes of all ages are working to improve their skills, from children as young as 5 to college players seeking additional training.
Derick Appah, a coach at the soccer training facility, said the World Cup provides a major opportunity to grow interest in the sport.
"The World Cup is just like a huge vessel for interest in the sport. I mean, it's the most beautiful part of the game. I think it's the Mecca of what soccer is all about," Appah said.
Appah said youth soccer in the Triangle has already been growing in recent years, with more clubs and opportunities available for young players.
"We have a lot of big clubs, a lot of talent comes from North Carolina. And even with clubs opening like Charlotte FC, it's just given a lot more opportunity for youth to really take an interest in soccer," Appah said.
At NCFC Youth, the program connected to North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage, recreation director Andrew Tait said increased visibility of professional soccer has helped inspire young athletes.
"Seeing kids in the jerseys and getting really excited about it. Sticker boxes, TST last week. It's just it's really exciting to see, for me, the game over the last 25 years was like this little thing that was kind of 'oh, that's kind of cool', some people play in college -- to now where it is today," Tait said.
NCFC Youth works with thousands of aspiring players, and Tait said watching top-level athletes compete in person can help young players envision their own futures in the sport.
"I think for these kids to see it -- and now and they can see it, that hopefully they can believe it and dream at the same time," Tait said.
Youth soccer leaders say the continued growth of the sport is creating new opportunities for players across the Triangle.
Time zones were always going to make it tough for the United States to take on Australia at a match start that worked smoothly for everyone.
When the USMNT takes on the Socceroos in Seattle, though, it's going to be a particularly early start for those waking up to watch the World Cup game in Australia.
And to be clear -- they'll be waking up. The sun won't have risen yet.
FIFA chose, a bit oddly, to make the USA-Australia game the first one on Friday in North America. It has a 3 p.m. ET kickoff on the East Coast of the United States, but it's being played on the West Coast -- in Seattle, which has Pacific Time, making it a 12 noon start.
Australia will be in a totally different universe when it comes to the start time, though.
The 2026 World Cup has turned out to be an awesome experience because of all of the different countries and cultures coming to North America and having a wonderful time. But in the case of the BBC, they may have taken some creative liberties when it comes to celebrating the city of Houston.
Houston has a lot going for it. The city is the fifth most-populous metropolitan area in the country. Its port on the Gulf of Mexico drives international and global trade. It’s the center of American space travel. It’s one of the most diverse cities in America. And for the 2026 World Cup, it’s serving as one of the host cities for the tournament.
One thing Houston does not have is mountains.
Houston sits on the Gulf Coastal Plain and rests at just 105 feet above sea level. Nobody is going to confuse it with Denver anytime soon.
However, when the BBC was at halftime of the Portugal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo game that was taking place in the city, they showcased a green screen backdrop of the Houston skyline. Except for some unknown reason, they added mountains in the background to try to dress it up a little bit in what may have been some kind of stroke of AI or CGI genius.
.@BBC adding mountains to the green screen background of Houston is one of the most dubious things I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/3AltHaHwLR
The pro sports teams in Houston had some fun with the BBC’s geographical error with both the Dynamo and the Rockets making light of their newfound mountain scenery.
We’ve seen some creative liberties or oversights in B-roll footage around sports telecasts happen before, but never quite to this level. But if the BBC is going to give Houston a nice desert mountain range they should just go all the way with it. Let’s see some beautiful waterfalls in New York, a Kansas City tropical paradise, and a view of Los Angeles that has no traffic to speak of.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup decided on a new tiebreaker rule for this edition of the massive tournament.
If there is a tie on points in the group stage, and one of those teams defeated the other team, the team with the head-to-head win takes the spot above the team with the head-to-head loss.
It switches the within-group first tiebreaker from goal differential, which now becomes the second tiebreaker.
It has a potentially disastrous side effect, though.
Before, it was very rare that a team could clinch the group win after just two matches. Now, it's very possible.
Mexico has already done it. Mexico beat South Africa on the first matchday, while South Korea beat Czechia. Then on the second matchday, Mexico was playing the Korean side, and whichever won would clinch the group.
Mexico pulled out a 1-0 win, which means the third group stage game doesn't matter at all for Mexico. They'll be atop Group A no matter what, because the best South Korea can do is be tied on six points but not hold the tiebreaker.
As the tournament goes on, this will be a conceptual possibility for group favorites who won their first match of the group stage -- like the United States, and England, and Germany, and the list goes on.
It greatly impacts the third matchday of the group, when a lesser team has a much better chance of beating a strong side if the better roster is actually resting all its key players with no group positioning to play for.
Because of the new tiebreaker Mexico has clinched their group and can rest their entire team.
Czechia in turn has a really good shot at getting 3 points in a game they would’ve been massive underdogs in.
In that situation, it becomes advantageous for a lesser team to play the group's best team third, rather than first or second.
For Czechia, they might face a much-reduced Mexican side on matchday three in Group A, rather than the full-strength outfit South Africa had to deal with in the opener.
Will it decide who wins the entire World Cup? Maybe not. But will it impact who gets out of the groups? Almost certainly, given that the eight-best third-place teams advance, too.
This rule change matters, and we'll just have to see how it all plays out.
The scene was incredible, of course -- Lionel Messi's hat trick for Argentina in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played in Kansas City, Missouri.
The financial implications of the match for the state of Missouri, though? Something was missing -- in this case, tax dollars.
It's a problem recently revealed by The Athletic, and it pertains to Missouri, Georgia and Florida.
With Kansas City, Atlanta and Miami all in the running to host games at this World Cup in the United States, those three states made a bold decision to ensure they'd get the games.
They aren't taking taxes on World Cup ticket sales.
How FIFA World Cup costs $57 million to Florida, Georgia, Missouri
The Athletic determined that the decision to waive taxes on ticket sales in those three states adds up to a combined $57.8 million in lost revenue, at least.
"Missouri, Georgia and Florida introduced exemptions on taxes ordinarily applied to ticket sales for matches at their Arrowhead (Kansas City), Mercedes-Benz (Atlanta) and Hard Rock (Miami) stadiums. Each state signed legislation which approved the tax waiver in early 2022, giving up both state and local taxes from games," The Athletic writes.
It also sounds like estimates may have been done poorly. The Athletic calculated that Florida will lose $14.9 million in tax revenue, when the state's estimate had only been $7.5 million.
The same is true in Missouri, with The Athletic's estimate of $15.7 million more than double the state's projection of $7.2 million.
Georgia was closer, projecting $25.6 million lost while The Athletic came up with $27.2 million.
The rest of the U.S. states hosting games did not take this same step.
The idea, of course, is that the overall local economy gets a boost from the worldwide fans who come to town. So these states made a concession to FIFA to ensure that the traveling circus would arrive.
Those bigger-picture numbers will come out eventually, but the losses in tax revenue are already pretty clear.
One week of the World Cup is officially in the books. And for all the complaints over hydration breaks, Fox’s coverage of the event, or whether other networks are giving the tournament requisite attention, one thing remains abundantly clear. The World Cup is a viewership event like no other.
Through the first weekend, Fox’s viewership is up 152% versus its Group Stage average for 2022 in Qatar. Telemundo, the Spanish-language broadcaster, is up an even more eye-watering 234%. Unsurprisingly, both are on record pace.
The data would seem to indicate that viewers are still quite happy finding the World Cup on good, old-fashioned linear television. Sure, these numbers include streaming viewership on Fox One and Peacock, respectively, but by-and large, World Cup viewers are watching on linear television.
Next year, no such option will be available. The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will stream exclusively on Netflix in the United States. It’ll be the first major global sporting event to air exclusively on streaming in this country, and could very well be a sign of things to come as we look towards who will broadcast the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
It’s worth examining the differing economic models at play here between streamers and traditional broadcasters, because that could very well determine where that 2030 tournament goes.
The World Cup is a unique property in the context of other live sporting events, most of which occur on an annual, or at least biannual in the case of the Olympics, basis. That’s an important distinction. Traditional broadcasters like Fox, NBC, or ESPN are still largely in the business of distribution fees. Since the advent of cable and satellite bundles, the overarching economics of these networks can be boiled down to one question: How much is your content worth to viewers? That question determines the per-subscriber fee distributors like DirecTV, Comcast, or Fubo are willing to pay networks. It’s why NFL programming, far and away the most popular content left on television, is borderline existential for legacy broadcasters.
However, the quadrennial nature of the World Cup makes it a difficult bargaining chip for networks during distribution negotiations. Most major distribution deals are done on a three-year cycle. So for Fox, it’s possible that there have been distribution agreements in the past where the network wasn’t able to leverage its World Cup rights at all, or at least had to extend the deal’s term to ensure the value of the event was included, perhaps at a discount. But it’s not simply the cycle disparity that creates issues, it’s the difficulty of valuating an event that only happens once every four years, in different parts of the globe, broadcast to an audience that is historically soccer-agnostic.
The value of a World Cup varies greatly based on where it’s played, and the time zones the American audience will be dealing with. Obviously, one held in North America, with the United States having a guaranteed spot in the tournament as a host country, is going to be a much easier sell to distributors than, say, the 2018 tournament in Russia, where the United States failed to qualify. Location, of course, can be accounted for during distribution negotiations. Those are known far in advance. Whether the United States will be participating? At least back when the field was 32 teams, rather than 48, that was far from a guarantee. That downside risk, at least previously, made the World Cup far more challenging for networks to leverage during distribution negotiations than a surefire annual property like the NFL or college football.
There’s no such calculus for a streamer, whose business fortunes are determined by selling subscriptions directly to the consumer, rather than through a middleman distributor. In that way, purchasing a sports property like the World Cup is similar to producing a handful of big-budget feature films. You hope that the subscriptions generated from the event make the rights fee worthwhile. What you don’t have to do is convince DirecTV that it should pay you more for a five-week-long sporting event that’s 28 months away.
Fox is paying a reported $485 million for this year’s World Cup, a price that some experts say is two- or three-times under market value, thanks to the no-bid contract FIFA awarded the network on account of moving the 2022 Qatar World Cup to autumn. It’s safe to assume, then, that when FIFA goes to market with the 2030 World Cup, it’s expecting upwards of $1 billion for the rights.
The question becomes, does the quadrennial event drive more than $1 billion in incremental distribution revenue for legacy broadcast networks? Maybe, but it’s a tough sell, particularly when the majority of that event will be played in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Of course, this is a bit of an oversimplification. The World Cup also drives plenty of ad revenue and streaming subscriptions for legacy broadcasters. But at a time when these same broadcasters are tightening content spends in preparation for an expected increase in price of NFL rights, the World Cup might fall firmly in the “nice to have” rather than “must have” category. Between the volatility in value and the fact that it’s simply hard to capitalize on an event that happens in only one of every 48 months, the World Cup just seems to make more sense for a streamer.
If so, the World Cup Final one month from today could mark the end of an era.
This originally appeared in the Friday edition of The A Block, Awful Announcing’s daily newsletter with the latest sports media news, commentary, and analysis. Sign up here and be the first to know everything you need to know about the sports media world.
As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico are set to embark on a potentially defining summer.
Hosted two World Cups previously in 1970 and 1986, El Tri are embedded in global soccer lore. Yet they have a dodgy past at the FIFA tournament, and currently sit on the precipice of troubled times.
After seven straight appearances in the Round of 16, Mexico fans were hoping to finally break through their World Cup glass ceiling in 2022, but instead found themselves embarrassed in Qatar with a group stage elimination, their first since 1978.
Now, Javier Aguirre leads El Tri into the 2026 tournament hoping not only for redemption, but a chance to provide fans with a return to global prominence on home soil. They will look to pull from past experience, as their only two appearances in a World Cup quarterfinal both came on familiar ground during their two previous hosting opportunities.
Can Mexico reverse course and put themselves back on the World Cup map? The Sporting News brings you a closer look at their next match at the 2026 World Cup, knowing the trek is fraught with danger at every turn.
The opening match of the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup will be televised in the United States on FOX network channel. After that, all World Cup games will be televised on either FOX or FS1.
Mexico's game against South Africa, along with every other World Cup match through the 2026 tournament, is available to stream on Fubo.
Fubo offers a FREE trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Mexico World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group A
The winner and runner-up from each group enter the bracket on opposite sides.
The Group A winner will meet a third-place finisher from either groups C, E, F, H, or I, while the group's second-place finisher will take on the second-place from Group B, which includes Canada.
The third-place finisher in Group A has several potential landing spots in the bracket, but only eight groups will have a third-place qualifier for the knockout stage.
Until all third-place qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play because there are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers.
After winning hearts and minds but crashing out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup, Canada hope to take a more tangible step towards building their soccer credentials as they contest the 2026 FIFA tournament on home soil.
Having qualified for their first World Cup in decades, Les Rouges failed to earn a single point in Qatar four years ago, but their plucky nature gave many hope for a brighter future.
Now, under head coach Jesse Marsch's steady leadership, the CanMNT hopes to win more than just emotional victories, having lost all six of their World Cup matches to date.
The Sporting News brings you a closer look at Canada's next match at the 2026 World Cup, with Les Rouges aiming to rewrite their FIFA history.
The broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada are owned by Bell Media, who will air all matches in English on TSN and CTV, and in French on RDS.
All 104 matches of the tournament will be televised in Canada, with streaming available on both CTV GO and TSN GO. Audio commentary will also be broadcast on TSN Radio.
TSN channels set to air games in English include TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.
TSN can also be added as a separate subscription channel on Amazon Prime with fans able to access all of TSN's live and on demand content.
Canada World Cup 2026 draw bracket for Group B
As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada were pre-drawn out of Pot 1 into Group B.
This is a traditional process, as the host of every World Cup is given Pot 1 treatment, and is pre-drawn into a group ahead of time to maximize the home nation's positioning amongst the venues and bracket.
They were then drawn alongside Switzerland from Pot 2, Qatar from Pot 3, and late UEFA playoff qualifiers Bosnia & Herzegovina from Pot 4.
Should Canada advance through the group stage and into the knockout stage, their placement within the 32-team bracket will be dependent on their finish within the four-team Group B table.
If Les Rouges qualify for the Round of 32, either by placing top two in their group or being one of the eight third-place qualifiers, they have four potential places they could end up in.
Here are all four possible locations Canada could wind up slotting into, as well as their path to the final from each one.
Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 1st place in Group B
Winning Group B would place Canada in an exceptional position, slated to host both their Round of 32 and potential Round of 16 matches on home soil.
Date
Competition
Match
Location
Time (ET)
TV
Streaming
Thu, Jul. 2
FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Canada vs. TBD (3rd place qualifier Group E/F/G/I/J)
Canada vs. TBD (1st, Group K/3rd place qualifier Group D/E/I/J/L)
BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)
4 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sat, Jul. 11
FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals
Canada vs. TBD
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
9 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Wed, Jul. 15
FIFA World Cup Semifinals
Canada vs. TBD
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sun, Jul. 19
FIFA World Cup Final
Canada vs. TBD
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 2nd place in Group D
Date
Competition
Match
Location
Time (ET)
TV
Streaming
Sun, Jun. 28
FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Canada vs. TBD (2nd, Group A)
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sat, Jul. 4
FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Canada vs. TBD (1st, Group F/2nd, Group C)
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
1 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Thu, Jul. 9
FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals
Canada vs. TBD
Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)
4 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Wed, Jul. 15
FIFA World Cup Semifinals
Canada vs. TBD
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sun, Jul. 19
FIFA World Cup Final
Canada vs. TBD
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Path for Canada in World Cup knockout — 3rd place qualifier
As a member of Group B, Canada have two potential places in the knockout stage bracket they could be sorted into should they qualify as one of the eight third-place qualifiers.
Until all qualifiers are known, it is impossible to predict where or when they could potentially play should this come to pass. There are 495 mathematical combinations of third place qualifiers. All of these have been spelled out in advance, and every potential outcome can be found in Annex C (pg. 80) of the 2026 FIFA World Cup regulations.
Potential path 1 — Face Winner of Group D
Of Canada's 330 potential sorting options as a potential Group B third-place qualifier, 329 of those see them face the winner of Group D, which is the group featuring the United States.
Date
Competition
Match
Location
Time (ET)
TV
Streaming
Wed, Jul. 1
FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Canada vs. TBD (Winner Group D)
Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
8 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sat, Jul. 4
FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Canada vs. TBD (Winner Group I/3rd place qualifier Group C/F/G/H)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
5 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sat, Jul. 11
FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals
Canada vs. TBD
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
4 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Wed, Jul. 15
FIFA World Cup Semifinals
Canada vs. TBD
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sun, Jul. 19
FIFA World Cup Final
Canada vs. TBD
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
3 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Potential path 2 — Face Winner of Group E
Of Canada's 330 potential sorting options as a potential Group B third-place qualifier, only one of those see them face the winner of Group E.
Date
Competition
Match
Location
Time (ET)
TV
Streaming
Mon, Jun. 29
FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Canada vs. TBD (1st, Group E)
Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)
4:30 p.m.
TSN
Amazon Prime
Sat, Jul. 4
FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Canada vs. TBD (1st, Group I/3rd place qualifier Group D/F/G/H)
On Friday, Team USA and Australia will share the pitch at 9 p.m. ET from Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Team USA will be making its 12th appearance in a World Cup, and the first in front of its home crowd since hosting the 1994 tournament. Australia, on the other hand, will be making its seventh World Cup appearance, and sixth in a row.
This game could have massive consequences for both sides in relation to who will finish where in Group D. As the second of three games in the group stage for each of these teams, how they finish today in Seattle could have massive consequences. Their knockout qualification picture will be painted after Friday's game, with the U.S. taking on Turkey in its final game, while Australia will face Paraguay in its third and final group stage match.
The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does USA vs. Australia start?
This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
The ghosts of Tim Cahill, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell still linger on the soccer fields that litter Australia's landscape more than a decade after they last laced their cleats.
The Socceroos have been one of the region's most successful sides, emerging as a titan of Asian and Oceanian soccer in the 21st century. Now, they're setting their sights at a new pinnacle — securing a spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second-straight trip. Armed with a gaggle of talented youngsters and wily veterans, they look well-equipped to compete for a spot in the business end of the competition.
The Group D outfit isn't quite faultless. But it is enticing, particularly in the attacking areas of the pitch. It proved as much in its 2-0 triumph over Turkey in its first match, showcasing all the typical tenets of Australian soccer — speed, dynamism and creativity.
With that, here's a look at the Socceroos' roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Australia has rolled out a 26-man roster ahead of this year's World Cup in North America. The Socceroos' roster features talent spanning as far as Cyprus and as nearby as Melbourne City.
Here's a look at Australia's full roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Caps and stats are correct as of June 1.
Position
No.
Player
Club
Age
Caps
GK
1
Mathew Ryan
Levante UD (La Liga, Spain)
34
104
GK
12
Paul Izzo
Randers FC (Superliga, Denmark)
31
4
GK
18
Patrick Beach
Melbourne City (A-League, Australia)
22
1
DEF
16
Aziz Behich
Melbourne City (A-League, Australia)
35
83
DEF
5
Jordan Bos
Feyenoord (Eredivisie, Netherlands)
22
3
DEF
21
Cameron Burgess
Swansea City (Championship, England)
30
26
DEF
3
Alessandro Circati
Parma (Serie A, Italy)
22
12
DEF
2
Milos Degenek
Apoel FC (First Division, Cyprus)
32
56
DEF
6
Jason Geria
Albirex Niigata (J-League, Japan)
33
13
DEF
25
Lucas Herrington
Colorado Rapids (MLS, USA)
18
3
DEF
4
Jacob Italiano
Grazer AK (Bundesliga, Austria)
24
4
DEF
19
Harry Souttar
Leicester City (Championship, England)
27
37
DEF
15
Kai Trewin
New York City (MLS, USA)
25
5
MID
14
Cameron Devlin
Hearts (Premiership, Scotland)
27
4
MID
10
Ajdin Hrustic
Heracles Almelo (Eredivisie, Netherlands)
29
37
MID
22
Jackson Irvine
St Pauli (Bundesliga, Germany)
33
81
MID
8
Connor Metcalfe
St Pauli (Bundesliga, Germany)
26
35
MID
24
Paul Okon-Engstler
Sydney FC (A-League, Australia)
21
5
MID
13
Aidan O'Neill
New York City (MLS, USA)
27
30
FWD
17
Nestory Irankunda
Watford (Championship, England)
20
14
FWD
7
Mathew Leckie
Melbourne City (A-League, Australia)
35
80
FWD
11
Awer Mabil
CD Castellon (Segunda, Spain)
30
38
FWD
9
Mohamed Toure
Norwich City (Championship, England)
22
9
FWD
23
Nishan Velupillay
Melbourne Victory (A-League, Australia)
25
7
FWD
20
Cristian Volpato
Sassuolo (Serie A, Italy)
22
0
FWD
26
Tete Yengi
Machida Zelvia (J-League, Japan)
25
0
Australia players to watch in 2026 World Cup
Australia is quietly blessed with a handful of gifted young stars. Nestory Irankunda earned rave reviews for his performances at Watford and, at 20 years old, is already being tipped for greatness. He found the target in Australia's shock 2-0 win over Turkey in the Socceroos' group stage opener. He's joined in Australia's attacking corps by Norwich winger Mohamed Toure, who tallied nine goals in 11 appearances for Championship side Norwich City upon his arrival in Feb. 2026.
Christian Volpato got the nod, having made his bones at Sassuolo in Serie A. He'll look to add pace and dynamism into an attacking unit teeming with it already.
Captain Mathew Ryan has spent more than a decade in Europe, plying his trade for powerhouses like Club Brugge, Valencia, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal, Lens and, most recently, Levante.
Other noteworthy talents include St. Pauli pairing Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe and hulking Leicester City defender Harry Souttar.
Who is coaching Team Australia in the 2026 World Cup?
Australian soccer legend Tony Popovic holds the reins for the Socceroos. The Sydney native starred at the domestic and international level, playing more than 100 times for Crystal Palace during the early 2000s. Popovic was a fully fledged Australian international, earning 58 caps with his home nation from 1995-2006.
After retiring from the sport in 2008, Popovic got into coaching. He was named the head coach of Western Sydney Wanderers in May 2012. Popovic led Wanderers to an A-League title in his first season with the club. In his second, they triumphed in the AFC Champions League, besting Al-Hilal in the final.
Popovic has remained a coaching star in the years since his coaching debut. He lent his services to Karabukspor, Perth Glory, Xanthi and Melbourne Victory before agreeing terms to become Australia's head coach in Sept. 2024.
Under Popovic’s tutelage, the Socceroos have shined. They are 11-4-4 in 19 appearances, cementing themselves as one of Asia’s finest sides.
Australia World Cup history
The Socceroos are one of Asian soccer's most decorated outfits, having appeared in seven World Cups in their history.
Formerly a member on the Oceania Football Confederation, Australia made its first World Cup appearance in 1974. The Socceroos' deepest run saw them qualify for the Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022, respectively.
Here's a look at the Aussies' history in soccer's grandest international competition.
Year
Result
Final game
2022
Round of 16
Argentina 2-Australia 1
2018
Group stage
Australia 0-Peru 2
2014
Group stage
Australia 0-Spain 3
2010
Group stage
Australia 2-Serbia 1
2006
Round of 16
Italy 1-0 Australia
1974
Group stage
Australia 0-0 Chile
Australia World Cup 2026 schedule
Australia will play in Group D at this year's World Cup. It will be joined by Paraguay, Turkey and the United States. Here's a look at their slate of games during the group stage of the 2026 tournament:
As the United States Men's National Team continues its journey as a home World Cup team, it will travel throughout the country.
The team begins its quest out west for all three of its group stage matches, which is why those games are scheduled for late at night in many parts of the country. Depending on where the USMNT is placed in the knockout stage, however, it could make its way to other parts of the country in hopes of making a championship run.
The key to the USMNT making a legitimate run is its path through the knockout stage, and the team should benefit from always playing on home soil. Certain locations should also provide the team with a more raucous home-field advantage than others.
Here's a look at where the USMNT could play its World Cup matches.
The USMNT opened its World Cup campaign at SoFi Stadium, known as Los Angeles Stadium for this tournament, with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers provided a fitting stage as the United States played a World Cup match on home soil for the first time since 1994.
SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and has since hosted a Super Bowl and a College Football Playoff National Championship before becoming one of the primary venues for the 2026 World Cup.
June 19: Lumen Field/Seattle Stadium
For their second matchup, the United States will travel north to Seattle to take on Australia on June 19. This game will take place at Lumen Field, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, and it will be the second match at the stadium after Belgium and Egypt played earlier in the tournament.
Lumen Field opened in 2002 and has gone through multiple names, including Seahawks Stadium, Qwest Field and CenturyLink Field.
June 25: SoFi Stadium/Los Angeles Stadium
The United States will return to Los Angeles for its third and final group stage match against Turkiye on June 25. The game will take place at 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. local time, as the USMNT looks to secure a a good seed in the knockout stage.
Depending on where the United States finishes in the group stage standings, the team has five potential options for its round of 32 match.
Levi's Stadium/San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
The United States has a great opportunity to win Group D, which would send it to Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., for its Round of 32 match. The match would take place on Wednesday, July 1.
AT&T Stadium/Dallas Stadium
If the United States finishes as the runner up in Group D, then they would travel to Dallas to play the round of 32 game at AT&T Stadium, which is where the Dallas Cowboys play their home games. If this is the USMNT's path, this game would be played on Friday, July 3.
Gillette Stadium/Boston Stadium
If the United States finishes third in Group D, the team has three possible stadium options for the knockout stage. First, the USMNT could play at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, on Monday, June 29.
MetLife Stadium/New York New Jersey Stadium
Another possibility is that the USMNT could travel to New Jersey to play its Round of 32 match at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30.
Arrowhead Stadium/Kansas City Stadium
Finally, the United States could also play a round of 32 match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, which is the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. This would mean the USMNT plays on Friday, July 3.
Round of 16
Lumen Field/Seattle Stadium
The path in which the United States wins its group includes a round of 16 match at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday, July 4.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Atlanta Stadium
If the USMNT finishes in second in their group, that path would have the team heading to the Atlanta Falcons Stadium in the round of 16. This match at Mercedes-Benx Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7.
Lincoln Financial Field/Philadelphia Stadium
A third place finish in the group stage would likely but the United States on the path that includes playing in Philadelphia for the round of 16. Lincoln Financial Field, which is where the Philadelphia Eagles play their home games, is the host stadium, This match will occure on Saturday, July 4.
BC Place/Vancouver Stadium
There is one unlikely scenario that would have the United States playing a game in Canada. The USMNT would have to not only third in their group, but would also have to be placed on a path that would lead to game in Vancouver. This match will take place on Tuesday, July 7.
Quarterfinals
SoFi Stadium/Los Angeles Stadium
The United States could return to Los Angeles for a quarterfinal match if they make it this far after winning Group D. This quarterfinal match is scheduled for Friday, July 10.
Arrowhead Stadium/Kansas City Stadium
There is also a path that would have the United States playing a quarterfinal match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11.
Gillette Stadium/Boston Stadium
Another possible match in Boston for the United States could be in play, as this stadium will host a quarterfinal match on Thursday, July 9.
Semifinals
AT&T Stadium/Dallas Stadium
There are two designated stadiums for the semifinal round. First, the USMNT could find itself playing in Dallas at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Atlanta Stadium
If the United States makes it to the second semifinal game, it would take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.
Third place match
Hard Rock Stadium/Miami Stadium
The United States would welcome a possibility to play in the third-place match, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Finals
MetLife Stadium/New York New Jersey Stadium
It's unlikely that the United States makes it all the way to the World Cup final, but if they do, the game is set for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
The World Cup is underway, and the USA's second match may be its most important yet.
The co-host face Australia in a Group D matchup in Seattle. While the USA stands as the strongest contender to advance out of the group, it won't be a walk in the park for anyone. Now is the chance to make a move.
The Socceroos faced the USMNT just a matter of months ago in October, and while it ended in a 2-1 loss for Australia, that doesn't guarantee the same results again.
The Sporting News takes a look at key details for the USA-Australia matchup including TV channel and start time.
What time is USA vs. Australia?
USA vs. Australia at the World Cup takes place Friday, June 19 at 12 p.m. local time from Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
Date
Kickoff time
Eastern Time
Fri., June 19
3 p.m.
Central Time
Fri., June 19
2 p.m.
Mountain Time
Fri., June 19
1 p.m.
Pacific Time
Fri., June 19
12 p.m.
USA vs. Australia live stream, TV channel
TV channel: Fox
Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
This match will be broadcast on Fox with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
As five-time winners of the global tournament, Brazil is always a nation to watch when it comes to the World Cup. Seleção have not reached the mountaintop in 24 years though, with early exits at the quarterfinal stage in four of the last five tournaments. With this summer expected to be veteran star Neymar's last dance representing his country, anything could happen.
Amidst political instability in Haiti, the national team did the improbable and qualified for the World Cup while playing each game away from home. This marks only the second time the country has ever competed in soccer's pinnacle tournament, with the last being nearly 60 years ago in 1974.
Be sure to tune in for this group stage matchup.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of Brazil vs. Haiti, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
What time does Brazil vs. Haiti kick off?
This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
This World Cup season has countless games to watch for teams from 48 countries. But with greater teams comes greater broadcasters.
And in 2026, the World Cup broadcasting team is massive. For the group stage matches, there are a total of nine duos that will be on the call, joined by six different sideline reporters and two rules analysts.
This team will ensure that Fox has English-language coverage for each match during this World Cup season. As of now, the assignments are only revealed for the first eight days of the event. The rest will be released at a later date.
Here is what to know about each broadcasting pair.
Between 48 teams across 12 groups, there is no shortage of a need for broadcasters during this World Cup season. In total, there will be nine duos tackling the group stage announcing duties.
Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves
Darren Fletcher is a Scottish former soccer player and coach. Currently, he coaches the Manchester United U18 team.
Owen Hargreaves is a Canadian former midfielder. He spent over a decade bouncing between Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Derek Rae and Robert Green
Derek Rae is a longtime Scottish soccer commentator. He works for ESPN and ABC, typically broadcasting La Liga and the Bundesliga.
Robert Green is the lead match for Sky Sports and BBC Sport's Premier League coverage. He is a former goalkeeper for Chelsea.
Ian Crocker and Danny Higginbotham
Ian Crocker is a soccer broadcaster for Sky Sports, frequently featured on Premier League coverage. He was also the voice of Scottish soccer from 1998-2002.
Danny Higginbotham is an analyst for Apple TV's MLS coverage and NBC Sports' Premier League coverage.
Ian Darke and Landon Donovan
Ian Darke is an icon in the soccer broadcasting world. He currently works for ESPN as their lead broadcaster for all things soccer. He also commentates boxing.
Landon Donovan is a former USMNT player, who is tied for the record of most international goals in team history. Since retirement, he has served as an analyst and coached in the USL and NWSL.
Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton
Jacqui Oatley is an English broadcaster who is primarily known for her work with TNT Sports UK. She has broadcasted for many leagues, including the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the NWSL.
Warren Barton is a coach, analyst and former soccer pro. He played at Wimbledon and Newcastle before eventually coaching the San Diego Flash.
John Strong and Stu Holden
John Strong is the leading voice of MLS games on Fox. The American broadcaster has also appeared on NBC and ESPN.
Stu Holden is a Scottish former midfielder turned Fox Sports analyst. He played soccer in college for the Clemson Tigers before spending most of his career with the Houston Dynamo of the MLS.
JP Dellacamera and Lori Lindsey
JP Dellacamera broadcasts games for the Philadelphia Union of the MLS. He has covered 18 World Cups between men's and women's in his nearly half-century-long career.
Lori Lindsey is a former midfielder turned analyst. She spent most of her playing career in the United States and played with the USWNT from 2005-2013.
Mark Scott and Cobi Jones
Mark Scott is a soccer broadcaster for the BBC, known for BBC Match of the Day and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Cobi Jones is a former midfielder for the LA Galaxy. He now broadcasts the sport as an analyst for Apple TV.
Tyler Terens and Maurice Edu
Tyler Terens is a play-by-play broadcaster for Fox Sports, who recently joined for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. He also broadcasted the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS games. He previously played soccer at Hobart College.
Maurice Edu was the first overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Today, the former USMNT member is a broadcaster for Apple TV's MLS coverage.
The United States started their 2026 World Cup slate in blistering fashion, blitzing Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of Group D play.
However, the one negative from that match was the mysterious withdrawal of Christian Pulisic at halftime, as the USMNT superstar had been their best player through the first 45 minutes.
With a spot in the knockout stage now there for the taking, the United States will now meet Australia, winners of their opening match against Turkey, and the absence of their star left winger is a real possibility.
The Sporting News discusses what could be the Plan B if Pulisic is unable to pass fit for action in the USA's next World Cup match.
Christian Pulisic exited the USMNT's 4-1 win at halftime, departing after taking "a bit of a kick" he told Fox Sports postgame. While Mauricio Pochettino at the time said it was a "precaution," he also noted that Pulisic "could not walk" after his calf seized up.
As of June 18, it's unclear if Pulisic will take part in the USMNT's match against Australia. The American forward has yet to take part in full team training this week, missing each of the past three sessions with an apparent calf injury.
Pulisic has taken to the pitch for individual training, spurning the wider team sessions for one-on-one work. Interestingly, Pulisic's left leg was cloaked in a sleeve when he was seen practicing. He did not return to full team training at any point before the match, still remaining in individual training for the team's final training session the day before the match, often a sign that he may not be fully fit for the game.
In his pre-match press conference, Pochettino would not give a definitive update on Pulisic's status, saying only that the medical staff would meet that evening to make a determination on his status.
Mauricio Pochettino says they will meet with the medical staff today and make a call on Christian Pulisic’s status tomorrow
“He’s doing a massive effort to get ready” but will likely be available for Turkiye game if he can’t play against Australia#USMNTpic.twitter.com/1sUJIpm9GA
Who could replace Christian Pulisic for the USMNT vs. Australia?
There are three viable options to replace Christian Pulisic should he not be fit to start against Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino won't change his formation or approach to the game, but he could move personnel around the cover the absence.
Option 1: Haji Wright — Like-for-like
USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 17. Tillman — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 19. Wright — 20. Balogun.
The simplest change is the most like-for-like, where Mauricio Pochettino could keep everyone in their positions and bring Haji Wright in to play on the left wing.
Many USMNT fans are familiar with Wright’s talent as a central striker — and Australia are too, as the Coventry City star bagged a brace as the No. 9 the last time these teams squared off — but fans may be surprised by the fact that Wright most regularly plays out wide left for his club, a position he’s thrived in in the Championship in helping Coventry earn promotion to the top flight.
This would be an exciting option for Pochettino to take if Pulisic is out or only fit for a place on the bench.
Option 2: Tim Weah — Flip sides
USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 17. Tillman — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 21. Weah — 20. Balogun.
Similar to bringing on Haji Wright to replace Christian Pulisic would be slotting Tim Weah into that position.
Weah is most commonly a right-sided player, but he does have some experience playing on the left for both club and country. He saw some action early in the season on the left with his French club Marseille, and did so for the USMNT against South Korea in a 2-0 defeat last September.
The son of a former Ballon d’Or winner, Weah is a spark plug on the field for the U.S., but it’s hard to argue he’s the right addition in a non-natural position.
Option 3: Sebastian Berhalter — The Paraguay option
USA (4-4-2, right to left): 24. Freese (GK) — 16. Freeman, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 5. A. Robinson — 4. Adams, 14. Berhalter — 2. Dest, 8. McKennie, 17. Tillman — 20. Balogun.
The most likely option is probably the one which Mauricio Pochettino made at halftime of the opener against Paraguay when Christian Pulisic first came off injured.
At that time, Pochettino brought Sebastian Berhalter into midfield and moved Malik Tillman out wide on the left.
It was a move that made the U.S. noticeably worse, but it's hard to tell if that's simply because Pulisic was no longer on the field, or because the replacement was the wrong one. Tillman had been playing quite well in a deeper role next to Tyler Adams while Weston McKennie had freedom to roam in a No. 10 role, so the dismantling of that dynamic was a net negative in the second half.
The World Cup is underway, and that means the second round of group stage action is here. Mexico will now face South Korea in Guadalajara.
These squads know each other well, facing off just a matter of months ago for a friendly. While that ended in a draw, the 2018 World Cup match did not as Mexico earned a 2-1 victory over South Korea in that group stage meeting.
To continue to the knockouts, every point counts, and there's no time like the present to put three-points next to your nation's standings.
The Sporting News breaks down key details for the Mexico vs. South Korea match including live stream and start time information.
This game is available to stream for FREE on fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Mexico vs. South Korea channel, live stream
TV channel: Fox
Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
The Mexico vs. South Korea match will be broadcast on Fox with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
What time does Mexico vs. South Korea kick off?
Mexico vs. South Korea kicks off on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. local time from Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
Here's how that time translates across the United States:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
Mexico is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup, but the team faces extra pressure entering the 2026 tournament.
Along with the United States and Canada, Mexico is serving as a co-host for the tournament, making this the third time the World Cup has come to Mexico. Each of the last two times Mexico was the tournament's host, in 1970 and 1986, Mexico made it all the way to the quarterfinals, the furthest Mexico has advanced in the World Cup.
From 1994 to 2018, Mexico made the Round of 16 seven-straight before failing to make it out of the group stage in 2022. Therefore, Mexico hopes to make it back on track and return to the knockout stage this year.
In Mexico's way is South Korea, who has been a fierce competitor over the past four decades. South Korea has appeared in every World Cup since 1986, peaking with a fourth-place finish in 2002 and making two other Rounds of 16 in that span.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Mexico vs. South Korea start?
This World Cup battle between Mexico and South Korea will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. local time at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
A giant American flag belonging to American Outlaws—the largest of three official supporters groups for the U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams—has been displayed inside venues at four World Cups.
Last week, however, it wasn’t allowed into Los Angeles Stadium (temporarily renamed from SoFi Stadium) for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, which it won in dominant fashion before a sold-out crowd of approximately 70,000.
“We submitted the flag for approval by FIFA, and it was denied for its size,” says Whitney Zaleski, operations manager for American Outlaws. “We’ve resubmitted it for approval for [the USMNT’s] next game in Seattle this Friday. It seems like it comes down to both FIFA and the stadium itself … things are kind of changing all the time.”
The rejected flag is one of several frustrations that U.S. fan-group leaders tell Front Office Sports they’ve encountered before the World Cup and during its opening week.
Their complaints are primarily tied to layers of approval from FIFA, stadium operators, security personnel, and U.S. Soccer. What they see as opaque, labyrinthine policies and procedures have left the American Outlaws and other fan groups confused about who is making the decisions—and a growing sense among U.S. supporters that they’re being pushed to the margins.
“It’s on our own soil, so we thought [the experience] was going to be bigger and better at home,” Zaleski says.
While American Outlaws’ oversized flag was denied entry to Los Angeles Stadium altogether, another official U.S. Soccer supporters group, Sammers SC, encountered different challenges. Board member Craig Hahn says the group’s smaller flag was approved but could not be displayed in its usual fashion—hung over a railing at the base of a seating section—because of restrictions surrounding advertising signage.
Sammers SC also spent several hours trying to get its drum into the stadium despite receiving prior approval. “We had the FIFA paperwork, but then stadium security itself said no,” says Hahn. “There’s some kind of disconnect between what FIFA says and what the stadiums are actually doing.”
Beyond the difficulty with celebration rituals, however, one of the most visible issues for supporters groups specifically has been where their ranks can sit. Instead of having dedicated sections in high-visibility areas such as behind the goal—a common set up in international soccer—members of U.S. supporters groups are largely dispersed across the nosebleeds due to a complicated ticketing process.
“We were spread out in the 300-level,” says American Outlaws’ chapter management lead, Trevin Wurm, of the USMNT’s first match in L.A. on June 12. “A lot of countries do have supporters behind the goal. But for the U.S., our sections are mostly up in the 300 or 400-levels, depending on the stadium.”
FIFA and U.S. Soccer ticketing denied the American Outlaws their usual section behind the goal. Despite placed on the third-highest tier, they still impacted the atmosphere that #USMNT players and Pochettino raved about postgame. @AmericanOutlaws
Late last year, following backlash over high World Cup ticket prices and limited availability of affordable tickets, FIFA made a small number of additional $60 tickets available for fans of each country through what it called the “Supporter Entry Tier.” The low-cost tickets were limited to roughly 500 seats per participating team, per match—and members of official supporters groups were supposed to have priority access.
However, the rollout of these tickets did not go as planned. Wurm says the “whole allocation process was murky,” adding that many people in his group didn’t even know where their tickets were going to be until a couple of weeks before kickoff. The scattered arrangement, he argues, comes at a cost: “[Our group] not being together cuts down on our ability to push the players.”
Gerald Foston, president of Sammers SC, places some additional blame on U.S. Soccer and its “Insiders” loyalty program, which directed fans to apply for the discounted tickets via unique links and codes that did not pan out. (Most supporters group members are also U.S. Soccer Insiders because the program promises to deliver extra exclusive benefits.)
“We are not happy with U.S. Soccer,” says Foston. “We have people who are higher-up ‘Insiders’ members. They pay $4,000 or $5,000 a year and they got zero tickets.”
U.S. Soccer did not respond to a request for comment.
Still, the USMNT’s 4–1 victory over Paraguay “really gave people something to get excited about,” says American Outlaws’ Zaleski, who added that the group drew “several thousand fans” to its pregame festivities around L.A. last Friday.
Supporters are particularly optimistic about the USMNT’s next group-stage matchup against Australia. Hahn of Sammers SC says he expects Seattle Stadium “may be more lenient” given the city’s reputation as a U.S. soccer hub.
After the final whistle blows in July, Foston says the official U.S. supporters groups, which also include Barra 76, will likely hold a post-mortem to discuss their experiences and potentially reach out to U.S. Soccer with ideas for improvements moving forward.
For now, U.S. supporters are trying their best to focus on enjoying a World Cup they waited decades to host. “As big as FIFA tries to make themselves,” Wurm says, “they’re still not bigger than the World Cup.”
As the World Cup group stage enters its second round of matches, some nations will be booking their places in the knockout stages, while others will be heading home.
The new tournament format means most routes to the latter stages will remain open heading into the third round of games.
At the previous seven World Cups, a 32-team slate was reduced to 16 for the knockout rounds, with the simple equation of the top two from each of the eight four-team groups going through.
Now a 48-team tournament, the top two from each of the 12 groups will be joined by the eight best third-place teams.
It means that we will lose 16 teams at the end of the round-robin phase, with plenty of moving parts to keep track of, especially when it comes to the ranking of the best third-place finishers.
Below is a breakdown of every World Cup group as they stand and what each team needs to progress to the knockout rounds or avoid early elimination.
JUMP TO GROUP:A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L
World Cup bracket 2026
SN
World Cup Group A standings and scenarios
Pos
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1.
Mexico
3
1
1
0
0
2
0
+2
2.
South Korea
3
1
1
0
0
2
1
+1
3.
Czechia
1
2
0
1
1
2
3
-1
4.
South Africa
1
2
0
1
1
1
3
-2
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Mexico
Will qualify as group winner if they beat South Korea.
South Korea
Will qualify as group winner if they beat Mexico.
South Africa
Cannot be eliminated yet after draw vs. Czechia.
Czechia
Cannot be eliminated yet after draw vs. South Africa.
After each game in the first round of matches finished 1-1, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.
Group B schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Fri, June 12
Canada 1, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1
3 p.m.
Sat, June 13
Qatar 1, Switzerland 1
3 p.m.
Thu, June 18
Switzerland 4, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1
3 p.m.
Thu, June 18
Canada vs. Qatar
6 p.m.
Fri, June 24
Switzerland vs. Canada
3 p.m.
Fri, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
3 p.m.
World Cup Group C standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Scotland
3
0
1
0
0
1
0
+1
2. Brazil
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
3. Morocco
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
4. Haiti
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
-1
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Scotland
Will guarantee a knockout place if they beat Morocco. If Steve Clarke's men secure this result and Brazil fail to beat Haiti they would be confirmed as group winners.
Haiti
Will be eliminated if they lose to Brazil and Morocco beat Scotland.
Morocco and Brazil
Neither can be eliminated nor guaranteed qualification after their opening match finished 1-1.
Group C schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Sat, June 13
Brazil 1, Morocco 1
6 p.m.
Sat, June 13
Scotland 1, Haiti 0
9 p.m.
Fri, June 19
Scotland vs. Morocco
6 p.m.
Fri, June 19
Brazil vs. Haiti
8:30 p.m.
Wed, June 24
Scotland vs. Brazil
6 p.m.
Wed, June 24
Morocco vs. Haiti
6 p.m.
World Cup Group D standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. United States
3
1
1
0
0
4
1
+3
2. Australia
3
1
1
0
0
2
0
+2
3. Turkey
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
-2
4. Paraguay
0
1
0
1
0
1
4
-3
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
United States
Will qualify as group winners if they defeat Australia and Turkey do not beat Paraguay
Australia
Will qualify as group winners if they defeat the United States and Paraguay do not beat Turkey.
Paraguay
Will be eliminated if they lose to Turkey and Australia avoids defeat against the United States
Turkey
Will be eliminated if they lose to Paraguay and the United States avoids defeat against Australia.
Group D schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Fri, June 12
United States 4, Paraguay 1
9 p.m.
Sat, June 13
Australia 2, Turkey 0
12 a.m.
Fri, June 19
United States vs. Australia
3 p.m.
Fri, June 19
Turkey vs. Paraguay
11 p.m.
Thu, June 25
Turkey vs. United States
10 p.m.
Thu, June 25
Paraguay vs. Australia
10 p.m.
World Cup Group E standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Germany
3
1
1
0
0
7
1
+6
2. Ivory Coast
3
1
1
0
0
1
0
+1
3. Ecuador
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
-1
4. Curacao
0
1
0
1
0
1
7
-6
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Germany
Will qualify as group winners if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador does not beat Curacao.
Ivory Coast
Will qualify as group winners if they beat Germany and Curacao does not beat Ecuador.
Ecuador
Will be eliminated if they lose to Curacao and Germany avoids defeat against the Ivory Coast
Curacao
Will be eliminated if they lose to Ecuador and the Ivory Coast avoids defeat against Germany.
Group E schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Sun, June 14
Germany 7, Curacao 1
1 p.m.
Sun, June 14
Ivory Coast 1, Ecuador 0
7 p.m.
Sat, June 20
Germany vs. Ivory Coast
4 p.m.
Sat, June 20
Ecuador vs. Curacao
8 p.m.
Thu, June 25
Curacao vs. Ivory Coast
4 p.m.
Thu, June 25
Ecuador vs. Germany
4 p.m.
World Cup Group F standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Sweden
3
1
1
0
0
5
1
+4
2. Japan
1
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
3. Netherlands
1
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
4. Tunisia
0
1
0
1
0
1
5
-4
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Sweden
Will qualify with a victory over the Netherlands. Will go through as group winners if they beat the Dutch and Japan does not beat Tunisia.
Tunisia
Will be eliminated if they lose to Japan and the Netherlands beat Sweden.
Netherlands and Japan
Neither can be eliminated nor guaranteed qualification after their opening match finished 2-2.
Group F schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Sun, June 14
Netherlands 2, Japan 2
4 p.m.
Sun, June 14
Sweden 5, Tunisia 1
10 p.m.
Sat, June 20
Netherlands vs. Sweden
1 p.m.
Sat, June 20
Tunisia vs. Japan
12 a.m.
Thu, June 25
Japan vs. Sweden
6 p.m.
Thu, June 25
Tunisia vs. Netherlands
6 p.m.
World Cup Group G standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Iran
1
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
2. New Zealand
1
1
0
0
1
2
2
0
3. Belgium
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
4. Egypt
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Iran, New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt
After each game in the first round of matches finished all square, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.
Group G schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Mon, June 15
Belgium 1, Egypt 1
3 p.m.
Mon, June 15
Iran 2, New Zealand 2
9 p.m.
Sun, June 21
Belgium vs. Iran
3 p.m.
Sun, June 21
New Zealand vs. Egypt
9 p.m.
Fri, June 26
Egypt vs. Iran
11 p.m.
Fri, June 26
New Zealand vs. Belgium
11 p.m.
World Cup Group H standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Uruguay
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
2. Saudi Arabia
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
3. Spain
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
4. Cape Verde
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde
After each game in the first round of matches finished all square, no team can qualify or be eliminated in their second match. Any team that takes at least four points from their next two matches (a win and a draw) will be guaranteed a top-two spot.
Group H schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Mon, June 15
Spain 0, Cape Verde 0
12 p.m.
Mon, June 15
Saudi Arabia 1, Uruguay 1
6 p.m.
Sun, June 21
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
12 p.m.
Sun, June 21
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
6 p.m.
Fri, June 26
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
8 p.m.
Fri, June 26
Uruguay vs. Spain
8 p.m.
World Cup Group I standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Norway
3
1
1
0
0
4
1
+3
2. France
3
1
1
0
0
3
1
+2
3. Senegal
0
1
0
1
0
1
3
-2
4. Iraq
0
1
0
1
0
1
4
-3
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Norway, France, Senegal and Iraq
Norway and France, as the two winners from the first matches, playing the two defeated teams next means that no qualification or elimination matters can be decisively settled in the forthcoming round of fixtures.
Group I schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Tue, June 16
France 3, Senegal 1
3 p.m.
Tue, June 16
Norway 4, Iraq 1
6 p.m.
Mon, June 22
France vs. Iraq
5 p.m.
Mon, June 22
Norway vs. Senegal
8 p.m.
Fri, June 26
Norway vs. France
3 p.m.
Fri, June 26
Senegal vs. Iraq
3 p.m.
World Cup Group J standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Argentina
3
1
1
0
0
3
0
+3
2. Austria
3
1
1
0
0
3
1
+2
3. Jordan
0
1
0
1
0
1
3
-2
4. Algeria
0
1
0
1
0
0
3
-3
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Argentina
Will qualify as group winners if they beat Austria and Jordan does not beat Algeria.
Austria
Will qualify as group winners if they beat Argentina and Algeria does not beat Jordan.
Jordan
Will be eliminated if they lose to Algeria and Argentina avoids defeat against Austria.
Algeria
Will be eliminated if they lose to Jordan and the Austria avoids defeat against Argentina.
Group J schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Tue, June 16
Argentina 3, Algeria 0
9 p.m.
Tue, June 16
Austria 3, Jordan 1
12 a.m.
Mon, June 22
Argentina vs. Austria
1 p.m.
Mon, June 22
Jordan vs. Algeria
11 p.m.
Sat, June 27
Algeria vs. Austria
10 p.m.
Sat, June 27
Jordan vs. Argentina
10 p.m.
World Cup Group K standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. Colombia
3
1
1
0
0
3
1
+2
2. DR Congo
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
3. Portugal
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
4. Uzbekistan
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
-2
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Colombia
Will qualify as group winners if they beat DR Congo.
DR Congo and Portugal
Neither can be eliminated nor guaranteed qualification after their opening match finished 1-1.
Uzbekistan
Will be eliminated if they lose to Portugal and DR Congo defeats Colombia.
Group K schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Wed, June 17
Portugal 1, DR Congo 1
1 p.m.
Wed, June 17
Colombia 3, Uzbekistan 1
10 p.m.
Tue, June 23
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
1 p.m.
Tue, June 23
Colombia vs. DR Congo
10 p.m.
Sat, June 27
Colombia vs. Portugal
7:30 p.m.
Sat, June 27
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan
7:30 p.m.
World Cup Group L standings and scenarios
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1. England
3
1
1
0
0
4
2
+2
2. Ghana
3
1
1
0
0
1
0
+1
3. Panama
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
-1
4. Croatia
0
1
0
1
0
2
4
-2
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
England
Will qualify as group winners if they beat Ghana and Croatia defeats Panama.
Ghana
Will qualify as group winners if they beat England and Panama defeats Croatia.
Panama
Will be eliminated if they lose to Croatia and England defeats Ghana.
Croatia
Will be eliminated if they lose to Panama and Ghana defeats England.
Group L schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Wed, June 17
England 4, Croatia 2
4 p.m.
Wed, June 17
Ghana 1, Panama 0
7 p.m.
Tue, June 23
England vs. Ghana
4 p.m.
Tue, June 23
Panama vs. Croatia
7 p.m.
Sat, June 27
Panama vs. England
5 p.m.
Sat, June 27
Croatia vs. Ghana
5 p.m.
World Cup 2026 group stage tiebreakers
When wins, losses and draws alone aren't enough to determine a group's standings, the following tiebreaking procedure will be used. Expect these to come into play as the permutations noted above play out.
Overall goal difference: whichever team has the higher margin between how many goals they score and allow.
Total goals scored: whichever team scores the most goals in the group stage.
Head-to-head points: most points in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goal difference: the highest margin of goals scored/against in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Head-to-head goals scored: most goals in group matches when the teams tied in the standings went against each other.
Highest team conduct score: a score that is diminished as team players/personnel get carded.
Higher FIFA/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking: the team with the higher international team rank will move on. If the teams somehow have the same ranking, the most recent past edition of the rankings will be examined.
The FIFA World Cup has taken over Philadelphia with six matches taking place in the city and watch parties popping up throughout area over the course of the 39-day tournament.
We've rounded up a few spots where soccer fans and those looking to experience the energy can catch a game in the city.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill is the official viewing party of the city. The festival is free for the public, but you do need to pre-register online for a ticket to enter.
Brauhaus Schmitz in Center City is know for its German beer and cuisine, but they welcome all soccer fans for the World Cup.
They are having viewing parties for every match at the German beer hall on South Street. For five select dates, they are moving the party outside for a block party. It's also the perfect spot to watch the championship match on July 19.
To enter the venue, go to the secured entry point at the corner of Kelly and Sedgely drives near Boathouse Row.
Mamajuana Café in Fishtown is hosting World Cup watch parties with a special soccer-themed menu that includes sushi made in the national team colors of Brazil, Argentina, USA and more.
There are cocktails based around the event and a giant screen for viewing. The restaurant also got a special exemption from the city to stay open until 4 a.m. on select nights to keep the party rolling after the game.
Gio Reyna gave United States fans another reason to celebrate after scoring in the USMNT‘s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old midfielder revealed that he and his wife, Chloe Reyna, are expecting their first child during a memorable goal celebration in the Americans’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12.
Reyna entered the Soccer match as a substitute and capped off the dominant win with a stunning 98th-minute trivela finish. After finding the net, he tucked the ball underneath his jersey and sucked his thumb, a gesture commonly used by soccer players to announce a pregnancy.
The announcement marked a major milestone for Reyna and Chloe, who have been together since their teenage years. The couple married in July 2025 after getting engaged the previous year.
Gio Reyna’s goal highlights a strong tournament start for USMNT
The goal capped a perfect evening for both Reyna and the USMNT. Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, the United States opened Group D with three points and moved to the top of the standings after the convincing win over Paraguay.
For Reyna, the moment represented another positive chapter in a career that has experienced significant ups and downs. After a difficult 2022 World Cup cycle and limited club minutes with Borussia Monchengladbach, he has entered the 2026 tournament with renewed confidence.
United States midfielder Gio Reyna (7) with the ball at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
His impact against Paraguay showed why Pochettino values him as a creative option off the bench. Reyna’s late strike completed a dominant U.S. performance and highlighted the technical quality that has long made him one of the country’s most gifted players.
With Australia next on the schedule, Reyna and the USMNT will look to build on their strong start. For one night, however, the biggest news came after the final touch of a brilliant goal.
There is no bigger stage for a young soccer star to announce their arrival than the World Cup.
Because the tournament only arrives every four years, some up-and-coming players have had to wait until their early 20s to compete for their country — but others, like Mexico's Gilberto Mora in 2026, have been given a shot as a teenager.
At the 2026 World Cup, Mora is officially joining some elite company among the youngest players to make their debut in the international tournament.
Here's a look at where Mora now falls among the youngest World Cup debuts ever.
Mora is 17 years old. After already becoming the youngest player to make his international debut last summer at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, he's now the youngest player in the entire 2026 World Cup.
Born on Oct. 14, 2004, Mora won't be turning 18 until long after the 2026 World Cup is over.
When Mora recently made his official World Cup debut in Mexico's opener vs. South Africa, he joined exclusive company.
He's now one of eight players to play in a World Cup match before their 18th birthday — although no player has made their tournament debut at 16 years old. Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside remains the youngest player to appear in the World Cup, competing at 17 years and 41 days old in 1982.
Here's a look at where Mora now ranks among the youngest World Cup debuts:
Rank
Player
Country
Age For Debut
Year, Opponent
1
Norman Whiteside
Northern Ireland
17 years, 41 days
1982, vs. Yugoslavia
2
Samuel Eto’o
Cameroon
17 years, 99 days
1998, vs. Italy
3
Femi Opabunmi
Nigeria
17 years, 101 days
2002, vs. England
4
Salomon Olembe
Cameroon
17 years, 185 days
1998, vs. Austria
5
Pele
Brazil
17 years, 235 days
1958, vs. USSR
6
Gilberto Mora
Mexico
17 years, 240 days
2026, vs. South Africa
7
Bartholomew Ogbeche
Nigeria
17 years, 244 days
2002, vs. Argentina
8
Rigobert Song
Cameroon
17 years, 354 days
1994, vs. Sweden
9
Youssoufa Moukoko
Germany
18 years, 3 days
2022, vs. Japan
10
Carvalho Leite
Brazil
18 years, 25 days
1930, vs. Bolivia
How old was Messi in his first World Cup?
Lionel Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006, when he was 18 years old. On June 16, 2006, he and the Argentina squad faced off against Serbia and Montenegro, and Messi came off the bench with his first World Cup goal and assist in a 6-0 win.
How old was Ronaldo in his first World Cup?
When Cristiano Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006, he was 21 years old. He made his debut for Portugal on June 11, 2006, against Angola.
Over six appearances in his debut run, Ronaldo scored one goal for Portugal, which finished fourth in the tournament.
The first round of games have concluded at the 2026 World Cup. There are still 80 more contests to go before a champion is crowned. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped people from using social media as a sounding board for their most fiery takes.
There has been plenty made about this year's tournament, held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The on-field competition has proved eye-catching, even as political turmoil has erupted behind the scenes.
The first week of action proved enchanting. Giants were tamed, underdogs were cemented and the game's greatest stars embraced the spotlight. Suffice to say, it was hard to separate fact from fiction during the opening round of fixtures, with hyperbole running amok.
With that, The Sporting News looks at the fool's gold that took hold on spectators during the first week of action at this year's World Cup.
The Americans enjoyed a glistening showcase at SoFi Stadium on Friday, sweeping aside Paraguay 4-1 as Folarin Balogun shined. Predictably, that brought about some notable reactions from U.S. soccer fans, with some believing it was a sign that the side could compete for a spot in the quarterfinals — or beyond.
Don't get it twisted; the USMNT is in pole position to secure a spot in the knockout stage. It's understandable why the performance had some people swooning: after all, it was the most goals the USMNT ever scored in a World Cup fixture.
We'd advise to proceed with a little more caution, however. The U.S. put forth solid displays in its tune-up games against Senegal and Germany and have generally looked more capable of taking on the world's elite than it has in the past. Still, the Americans are without a win against a European foes for nearly five years.
Paraguay were unable to test the USMNT fully in their group stage opener. Turkey and Australia appear better equipped to do so. Let's wait and see before deciding to buy tickets to the USMNT's semifinals
‘Spain are sinking after 0-0 draw with Cape Verde’
The Spaniards endured a difficult day at the office in their World Cup opener, seeing effort after effort turned away en route to a momentous — and infamous — draw to Cape Verde.
There was reason for concern within the Spanish ranks. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two players who entered into this year's tournament mending injuries, were forced to be called upon as Luis de la Fuente looked for some edge from the substitute's bench.
Yamal and Williams keyed Spain's run to the European Championships title in 2024. They are dynamic, blessed with explosive strides and dancing feet. There might not be a side in world soccer that can boast of having as good of wing options as Spain.
The lack of a No. 9 to hang your hat on does bring some concerns for Spain, as does the depth on the flanks beyond Yamal and Williams. Nevertheless, the talent is there to make another deep run in the tournament — even if it didn't look like it during Matchday 1.
‘Portugal will turn things around after stinker in group stage opener’
Portugal has ample talent within its ranks, with Bruno Fernandes, Rafa Leao, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes anchoring a roster laden with stars. And yet, there might not be a European giant more susceptible to shocks than the Selecao das Quinas, who looked second-best for much of its group-stage opening draw against DR Congo.
Let's not be mistaken here: if any team was going to win that game, it was going to be DR Congo. Roberto Martinez's side looked toothless at the top of the pitch, both in terms of chance creation and execution when the ball got into dangerous places.
Cristiano Ronaldo's selection was a large reason for the underwhelming display. The 41-year-old (yes, 41!) produced a forgettable showing in front of NRG Park faithful, failing to record a shot on target while tallying his second-fewest touches in a World Cup start.
Martinez, who has been Portugal's manager since before the 2024 European Championship, has shown no willingness to drop the aging No. 9 — even if his skills are waning in real time. It's hard to see a route to real success for the Portuguese if Ronaldo keeps on getting his number called. The Al-Nassr star hasn't scored in 10 consecutive major international matches. Martinez didn't feel compelled to take him off despite his woeful record, perhaps an indication of his clout within the Portuguese ranks.
Simply, Cristiano Ronaldo should not be the starting No. 9 for Portugal at this year's World Cup. If he continues to play in such a role, he'll limit Portugal's potential to advance deep in tournament play.
There's a notion in world soccer that Europe is an infallible force. It's reflected in the sport's media across the Western world, with those tasked with offering analysis often, implicitly or explicitly, talking down upon the countries and lands that are housed by the "wretched of the Earth."
Portugal's draw to DR Congo inspired think pieces about Ronaldo's place on the team, not DR Congo's tactical flexibility or how the Leopards used transitions to threaten the Portuguese backline. Cape Verde's draw against Spain became a forum to talk about Spain, not the archipelago nation that has overcame all odds to become one of Africa's best sides.
South Korea, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Japan all showed signs of life during their World Cup openers. And yet, it feels that they've disappeared into the background, replaced by whispers that, more or less, work to exaggerate Europe's dominance in international competition.
So, here's to a paradigm shift. The Global South isn't merely a site of Euro-American extraction. It is a living and breathing locale that is rapidly rising up soccer's food chain. Morocco's run at the 2022 World Cup was just the start. Expect more stories like that to become the norm as the infrastructure in Global South countries begins to match the talent level.
‘Canada will be the worst-performing host nation at this year's World Cup’
The Canadians were the lone host nation to fail to record a win in their group stage opener, drawing with Bosnia & Herzegovina following a late Cyle Larin equalizer. Given the USMNT and Mexico's showings, some might have felt compelled to take a victory lap on Jesse Marsch's side.
Canada struggled to contain the Bosnians' threat in the first half. In the second, however, things looked a bit more steady. If not for some timely interventions from Bosnia & Herzegovina's defenders and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, the net could have already bulged by the time Larin entered the contest. Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio anchored the midfield while Larin produced a moment of magic to bring things level.
Oh, and did we mention Alphonso Davies didn't play? The Canadians are in prime position to advance to the knockout stages in this year's World Cup, no matter what people think of their exploits in their opening match.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to electrify soccer fans not only across the three host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, but across the globe as the biggest sporting event on the planet descends upon North America.
For five weeks in June and July, the greatest football tournament will be played throughout the three host nations, as 48 qualifiers do battle for the most famous trophy in the sport.
In the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, and the first-ever expanded edition of the competition, top teams from around the world will push to write their name in soccer history.
The Sporting News brings you a look at what games are on the docket today, and what the schedule looks like throughout the entire World Cup so you can plan your viewing experience accordingly.
2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be broadcast nationally on either FOX or FS1 in the United States, with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
World Cup round-by-round schedule 2026
Stage
Round
Dates
Group stage
Matchday 1
June 11-17
Matchday 2
June 18-23
Matchday 3
June 24-27
Knockout stage
Round of 32
June 28-July 3
Round of 16
July 4-7
Quarterfinals
July 9-11
Semifinals
July 14-15
Third place match
July 18
Final
July 19
FIFA World Cup daily schedule, results 2026
Thursday, June 11
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group A, Round 1
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group A, Round 1
South Korea 2-1 Czechia
Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)
10 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Friday, June 12
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group B, Round 1
Canada 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group D, Round 1
United States 4-1 Paraguay
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
9 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Saturday, June 13
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group B, Round 1
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group C, Round 1
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
6 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group C, Round 1
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
9 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group D, Round 1
Australia 2-0 Turkey
BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)
12 a.m.*
FS1, fubo
* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Sunday, June 14, which is 9 p.m. local on Saturday, June 13 in Vancouver
Sunday, June 14
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group E, Round 1
Germany 7-1 Curacao
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
1 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group F, Round 1
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
4 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group E, Round 1
Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
7 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Group F, Round 1
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)
10 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Monday, June 15
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group H, Round 1
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
12 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group G, Round 1
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group H, Round 1
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)
6 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Group G, Round 1
Iran 2-2 New Zealand
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
9 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Tuesday, June 16
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group I, Round 1
France 3-1 Senegal
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group I, Round 1
Iraq 1-4 Norway
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
6 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group J, Round 1
Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
9 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group J, Round 1
Austria 3-1 Jordan
Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
12 a.m.*
FS1, fubo
* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Wednesday, June 17, which is 9 p.m. local on Tuesday, June 16 in California
Wednesday, June 17
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group K, Round 1
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
1 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group L, Round 1
England 4-2 Croatia
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
4 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group L, Round 1
Ghana 1-0 Panama
BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)
7 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Group K, Round 1
Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia
Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)
10 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Thursday, June 18
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group A, Round 2
Czechia vs. South Africa
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
12 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group B, Round 2
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Switzerland
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group B, Round 2
Canada vs. Qatar
BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)
6 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Group A, Round 2
Mexico vs. South Korea
Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)
9 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Friday, June 19
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group D, Round 2
United States vs. Australia
Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
3 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group C, Round 2
Scotland vs. Morocco
Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
6 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group C, Round 2
Brazil vs. Haiti
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
9 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group D, Round 2
Turkey vs. Paraguay
Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)
11 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Saturday, June 20
Round
Game
Location
Time (ET)
TV/Streaming
Group F, Round 2
Netherlands vs. Sweden
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
1 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group E, Round 2
Germany vs. Ivory Coast
BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)
4 p.m.
FOX, fubo
Group E, Round 2
Ecuador vs. Curacao
Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
8 p.m.
FS1, fubo
Group F, Round 2
Tunisia vs. Japan
Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)
12 a.m.*
FS1, fubo
* Kicking off 12 a.m. ET the morning of Sunday, June 21, which is 9 p.m. local on Saturday, June 20 in Monterrey
Lionel Messi, No. 10 of Argentina, celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria on June 16, 2026, at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
What else, besides sports?
What else could provide a rollercoaster of emotions from frustration to ecstasy, from civic embarrassment to regional pride within a few hours?
Consider Tuesday night’s World Cup match in Kansas City.
As Lionel Messi, the consensus best soccer player alive, netted his third goal in the city’s inaugural World Cup game, I spun around to face my son, a Kansas soccer kid from the start, looked him in the eyes and screamed with joy. Thousands of fellow fans joined us.
Both wearing Argentina jerseys after years of following Messi’s career, my son and daughter hugged. The Argentina fans surrounding us pointed to their hero, their GOAT, and cheered.
As I high-fived strangers in the surrounding seats, I yelled, “I can’t believe it!”
The scene at Kansas City (née Arrowhead) Stadium was everything the World Cup marketing promised. Celebrities flocked. The crowd sang. And the soccer delivered with crackling quality.
The World Cup was here — at home — with the most electric moment of this tournament so far.
All of the fun almost allowed me to forget the sourness from an hour before, when our family and thousands of others had been scrambling to get to our seats in time. Along with dozens of other buses and cars, our shuttle was marooned on Blue Ridge Cutoff, the main artery of traffic into the stadium. An hour before kickoff we were in a dismal gridlock.
We were going to miss it — surely the pregame and perhaps the game — I was sure.
It seemed bleak enough that I bargained with the bus driver to let our family off the bus so that we could walk along the side of the road. Yes, I even shamefully faked an illness. After all, the column of people walking into the stadium was maddeningly faster than the bus.
The driver sensibly held firm and told me to stay put.
At that moment, close enough to see the stadium but not get there, I was sure that our tickets — expensive enough to cover a modest vacation — would be largely wasted. I was also sure that my worries about the World Cup and our city’s preparations were coming true.
When the traffic eased, I relaxed a bit.
Corrals outside of Arrowhead Stadium directed fans on a long and often confusing path toward the match between Algeria and Argentina on Tuesday. (Photo by Eric Thomas for Kansas Reflector)
That didn’t last, because the scene outside the stadium was a Seuss-ian maze of corrals sending fans zigzagging away from the stadium and then toward it, left and then right, wondering why. We looped from one corner of the stadium to another, obeying the gate recommendations on our tickets and cheerful, if misguided, event volunteers who were providing directions.
We were rerouted a few times, only to return to where we were 30 minutes earlier.
“This is ridiculous” was the most common refrain muttered by fans who, like me, have attended dozens of football games or concerts at the complex and have never seen such a labyrinth just to get through the turnstiles. If it worked for Taylor Swift and the Chiefs, why such a drastic change?
(In fairness, the shuttle system was wildly efficient after the game, as a sea of buses waited and quickly delivered fans to their starting points across the metro area.)
In all, the arrival process took us nearly two hours and 2.5 miles of walking, from the time we entered the corrals at the transportation hub on the Country Club Plaza to arrival at our seats. (That didn’t include our drive from the Kansas suburbs to the Plaza.)
Luckily, the rollercoaster had reached its low point.
As it often does, the game redeemed, this time spectacularly.
An Argentina fan uses a cellphone to record the reaction of fans and players to Lionel Messi’s first goal in Kansas City during Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria on Tuesday. (Photo by Eric Thomas for Kansas Reflector)
Messi was at the center of it all.
Again and again, he received the ball in the middle of the field and pivoted toward goal. When he did, crowd members rose from their seats in a surging wave, from left to right, tracking his run toward goal. He stood apart from a field full of elite international players, and the crowd sensed it.
Caring about soccer is to marvel at Messi. Everyone, except perhaps some Algeria fans, wanted to see a Messi goal. We got three. Each Messi goal (even the one called back for offsides) triggered pandemonium that rivaled any Chiefs touchdown I have seen in that stadium.
We got more, too. On the bus ride back to our parking spot, I sat next to an Argentinian who took three flights to arrive at an Airbnb rental in Kansas. He will spend thousands of dollars (or millions of Argentinian pesos) plus weeks away from home to follow his national team through the tournament.
We talked about his soccer son (“He’s pretty good, actually”), his team’s chances to repeat as champions (“They play so well together”) and his respect for local preparations (“It has been very easy, so far”).
If you would have asked me when I was stuck on the bus, the region’s World Cup trade-off looked like a blunder. Or, one week earlier, when I was obsessed with local event spaces sitting empty, I would have given the same answer of no. Or when I was worried the Kansas Statehouse had better things to worry about, I would have said probably not.
But three hours later, I had converted my hometown embarrassment into ecstasy after watching the best player in international soccer play at the highest level less than 20 miles from my house in Kansas.
If you asked that version of me, enjoying my soccer-loving family on a perfect summer night, I was distracted and manic enough to say yes — over and over and over.
Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Zlatko Dalić criticised Croatia's defending after a 4-2 defeat to England in their World Cup opener.
Croatia conceded twice from set-pieces despite specifically preparing for England's aerial threat.
The head coach warned his side must improve significantly ahead of their crucial clash with Panama.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić admitted his side's defending was "disastrous" after England punished a series of set-piece mistakes in Wednesday's 4-2 defeat in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dalić's team made a competitive start to the Group L encounter and remained in the contest for long periods, but England's effectiveness from dead-ball situations ultimately proved decisive as Croatia suffered an early setback in their campaign.
The Croatia manager was particularly frustrated because his players had spent significant time preparing for England's strength from corners and free-kicks before the match.
"Allow me first to congratulate England on the win," Dalić said after the game. "It was quite a strange game, quite a difficult game, as we expected it to be.
"In the first half, we played quite well. We really did good saves and we actually kept to everything we agreed on, but unfortunately we knew that the set-pieces were the greatest danger, and we conceded two goals after a corner."
Croatia's inability to deal with England's aerial threat proved costly, with Dalić revealing his disappointment that the team failed to execute plans that had been worked on extensively during preparation.
"Until now we were quite good in the set-pieces," he said. "We did not concede goals that easily and we practised for this opponent.
"We knew England's way of play, we knew that they're making a block and we failed to do what we practised. After the first corner, we concede a goal. After the second set-piece, a player just jumps in and scores again, so it was disastrous for us, specifically when it comes to a team such as England."
Dalić highlighted England's long-established reputation as one of the most dangerous teams in international football from dead-ball situations, insisting his players were fully aware of the challenge they faced.
"They are strongest when it comes to goals from set-pieces," he added. "About 40% of their goals are from set-pieces. We analysed that game, we knew that."
The defeat leaves Croatia under pressure heading into their second Group L fixture against Panama, a match that could have a major impact on their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Dalić made it clear that a repeat of the defensive lapses shown against England will not be acceptable if Croatia are to remain competitive in the tournament.
"We made a lot of mistakes," he said. "We must be much, much better than we were today in our performance."
Croatia will now turn their attention to Panama knowing a positive result is likely to be essential if they are to keep their World Cup campaign on track.
After starting its 2026 World Cup journey in the Bay Area, Switzerland is heading to Southern California for a Group B matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is looking to prove it isn't as much of an underdog as some believe in a group that arguably doesn't feature a powerhouse club. Switzerland entered the World Cup as the favorite to win Group B, so Bosnia and Herzegovina can make a statement in Thursday's contest before a winnable match against Qatar in the group play finale.
For Switzerland, Thursday's match is a chance to assert itself as a team that can win Group B and do more than just get to the knockout stage having struggled to hit the ground running in previous tournaments.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina live stream, TV channel
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina start?
This World Cup clash kicks off Thursday, June 18 at 3 p.m. local time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Here's how that time translates across the United States time zones:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with a matchup between two teams back in the tournament after long absences.
South Africa returns to the national stage for the first time since 2010, when the country played host to the tournament. The team secured a berth for the tournament through CAF qualifiers in the Fall of 2025, as Bafana Bafana will play in just its fourth ever World Cup.
Their opponent will be Czechia, who hasn't played in the World Cup since 2006. The Czechs were once a consistent performer in this tournament, as they are a two-time runner up, but they haven't made it out of the group stage since 1990.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Czechia vs. South Africa start?
This World Cup matchup between Czechia and South Africa will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 12 p.m. local time from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here's how that time translates across the United States timezones:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
Can I stream the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Streaming options will depend on the match, language and broadcast partner. In the U.S., Fox Sports lists FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for English-language coverage, while Telemundo will stream every match live on Peacock and the Telemundo App for Spanish-language coverage.
What channel is the 2026 World Cup on?
In the U.S., English-language matches are expected across FOX and FS1, which are available on fubo for those without cable, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo, which you can stream on DIRECTV and Peacock. Check the schedule for the specific match you want to watch.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
Is the United States playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. The United States automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations, along with Canada and Mexico.
World Cup co-host Canada hopes home-field advantage will make a difference when they host Qatar.
It’s the first time Canada has two straight World Cup appearances. The team, featuring the likes of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, attempts to move past the group stage for the first time in history.
Qatar also attempts to advance out of the group stage for the first time, after hosting the World Cup in 2022. They will rely on captain Hassan Al-Haydos to lead the way.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff times.
What time does Canada vs. Qatar kick off?
This World Cup clash takes place at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and kicks off on Thursday, June 18 at 3 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across North America's time zones:
Date
Kickoff time
Eastern Time
Thurs., June 18
6 p.m.
Central Time
Thurs., June 18
5 p.m.
Mountain Time
Thurs., June 18
4 p.m.
Pacific Time
Thurs., June 18
3 p.m.
Canada vs. Qatar live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup match in Canada:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026. It will be the first World Cup hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being played?
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities in North America, with matches taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three countries.
The 16 host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle in the United States; Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; and Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanding from the 32-team format used in previous tournaments. The larger field also means more matches, more knockout-round games and more countries involved than ever before.
The 48 teams are Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Curaçao, Czechia, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Türkiye, United States, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.
How many games are in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That includes the group stage, knockout rounds and the final.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium, FIFA’s tournament name for MetLife Stadium.
What time do World Cup games start?
Kickoff times vary by date, host city and round. Because the tournament is being played across multiple time zones in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans should check the official match schedule for start times in their local time zone.
England fans celebrate during a watch party for the FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia at The Londoner Pub in Dallas Wednesday, June 17, 2026. England defeated Croatia, 4-2. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News)
England fans cheers following their side’ win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News)
It's still early in the World Cup, but we're learning an interesting lesson: Dallas Stadium is the place to be.
After a scintillating opening match between the Netherlands and Japan, the good times continued when England and Croatia faced off Wednesday in North Texas. Harry Kane's star power stood out as the England squad came away with a 4-2 victory.
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