India will look to make it three wins in three games at the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup when they face South Africa in Sunday's Group A clash in Manchester.
The Women in Blue arrive with some momentum following two consecutive victories, the last of which was against the Netherlands on Wednesday. A victory will see them increase their chances of securing a place in the semi-finals.
On the other hand, after being defeated by Australia, Proteas staged a recovery against Pakistan, ensuring that their hopes of reaching the knockouts remain alive.
The Sporting News has all the details on how to watch the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup match between India and South Africa.
The Indian top-order is in fine form, including the hundred-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in the 95-run victory over Netherlands.
The bowling department is led by the likes of Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt is likely to have the same team from the Pakistan win, but will hope for a better show by the batters after their tight run chase.
Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk contributed significantly in the middle order last time out, and the spin bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba could be an important factor against India.
South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Dané van Niekerk, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke, Karabo Meso (wk), Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune.
India Women's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
Date
Match
Venue
Result
June 14
India vs Pakistan
Birmingham
India won by 64 runs
June 17
India vs Netherlands
Leeds
India won by 95 runs
June 21
India vs South Africa
Manchester
June 25
India vs Bangladesh
Manchester
June 28
India vs Australia
Lord's
India vs South Africa: Betting odds
India are the favourites to win this tie at 1.52 on Dafa, while the odds for South Africa to win are 2.50.
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change.
The battle for places in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup is heating up, but it is vital that players keep their cool where possible.
Stars from nations looking to go deep in the tournament will try to stay on the right side of match officials, knowing repeat offences could lead to suspension.
The most commonly recognised way of his happening in soccer is when a player is shown a red card and sent off. In this situation, their team will play the rest of the game with 10 men and the player dismissed will miss the next match.
But yellow cards also carry a risk of suspension through accumulation at FIFA's showpiece tournament.
How many yellow cards before suspension in World Cup?
The most common understanding of the rules around yellow card suspensions at the World Cup is that a player will be banned if they collect two bookings. This is true, but the risk is mitigated by two amnesty periods.
Players will have their slate wiped clean after the three group games and again after the quarter-final stage. So, if a player is booked twice during the group stage, they will have to serve a suspension. If a player receives their second booking in the third group game, their suspension will apply to the first knockout game.
After the group stage, all players on one yellow card will have their count set to zero ahead of a potential run through the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
The second amnesty kicks in after the quarter-finals. This means that the only way a player can be suspended from a World Cup final on account of an on-field offence in the semi-final is if they receive a red card.
Previously, the only amnesty in the competition applied after the quarter-finals, but FIFA has introduced a second to account for the World Cup being expanded from 32 teams to 48.
Suspension for yellow card accumulation
Players who collect two yellow cards within the group stage or knockout pre-amnesty windows will be suspended for one match.
South Africa's Teboho Mokoena became the first player in the tournament to receive yellow cards in separate matches. The suspension list below will be updated as other players collect bans.
Nation
Player suspended
Match suspended
South Africa
Teboho Mokoena
Group A vs. South Korea (Thu, Jun. 25)
World Cup yellow cards rules
Yellow cards from the group stage carried over to the knockout stage, meaning that any yellow cards picked up in the group stage did count for accumulation purposes in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals.
However, the yellow card count resets for all players to zero after the quarterfinals are done. So the slate is wiped clean for all four semifinal teams. That means that any semifinal participants will not risk missing a potential final for receiving a yellow card in the semifinal.
Only a red card in the semifinal, either directly or via two yellows, would cause a player to be suspended for the final. That happened in the quarterfinals to Morocco's Walid Cheddira, who will miss the semifinal against France after picking up a red card in the win over Portugal.
Lastly, any suspension that cannot be served during the 2022 World Cup will be carried over to that team’s next official FIFA-sanctioned match.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there were 227 yellow cards and four red. Three red cards in the first game of the 2026 tournament alone suggested that record will be under threat.
Most yellow cards at a World Cup
The FIFA World Cup introduced yellow and red cards at the 1970 tournament.
The World Cup with the most yellow cards was the 2006 World Cup in Germany, which saw 373 cards handed out, including 345 yellows and 28 reds, both of which are World Cup records.
That 2006 World Cup featured an infamous Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and Portugal, known as the "Battle of Nuremberg." Officiated by Russian referee Valentin Ivanov, the match featured 16 yellow cards and four red cards, including nine yellow cards to the Netherlands. All of those numbers are World Cup records.
The most yellow cards ever issued in a FIFA World Cup final was a whopping 14, which were distributed by referee Howard Webb at the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, in which Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0. Nine were given to the Netherlands, including two to John Heitinga, while five were picked up by Spain. The second-highest was six in the 1986 World Cup final between West Germany and Argentina.
MORE: England next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket for Three Lions
Player with most yellow cards in World Cup history
Argentina's Javier Mascherano has the unwanted title of being the player with the most World Cup yellow cards in the competition's history.
He earned his seventh and final booking in his last World Cup match, booked as Argentina fell to France 4-3 in the 2018 World Cup.
HOUSTON — For one weekend, Houston was even more orange than usual.
The Netherlands trounced Sweden 5–1 in Houston on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed crowd wearing orange and yellow.
Though the flag of the Netherlands is red, white, and blue, the national team and its supporters wear orange because it’s the color of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, and a symbol of Dutch independence. (King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Ariane attended Saturday’s win.) It was easy for locals to jump on board, as the Astros, Dynamo, and Dash all have bright orange in their color schemes.
The Dutch brought their Oranje Fanwalk to Houston after doing the same march in Dallas last week. An estimated 15,000 people gathered at Rice University and followed the bright orange fan bus about two and a half miles to the Texans’ stadium, which will take on its new corporate name of Reliant Stadium when FIFA leaves town. It was a spectacle: standing in one spot, it took 10 minutes for the sea of orange to pass by. Most supporters were Dutch, but quite a few Houstonians dressed in Astros and Dynamo gear blended into the crowd.
Two Houston natives, brothers Mason and Mac, told FOS they inherited Dutch fandom from their dad, who watched the team play at the last U.S.-hosted World Cup in 1994. “He brought us over here to give us a similar experience,” Mason said from underneath a bright orange wig.
The Swedes also showed up in droves to Houston. A long line of blue and yellow spanned more than a full block to get into a pre-match Midsommar celebration at soccer bar Pitch 25 on Friday night, and on Saturday morning, between 4,000 and 6,000 supporters held an impressive march from Helix Park to the stadium. But while the crowd felt large on the ground, the Swedes were badly outnumbered once they got to the stands. Pockets of bright yellow poked out in a stadium that was otherwise predominantly highlighter orange, creating perhaps the most striking color combination of the tournament so far.
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
European fans in particular have descended on Texas excited to experience an Americana alternative to big cities like New York and Los Angeles. Several English fans told FOS they specifically sought out Houston—where England does not have any group stage matches—so they could experience the city.
Johan from Sweden told FOS he’s been enjoying “meat, of course, it’s in Texas,” and said the state is “a very nice place.” His son, Dennis, agreed: “It’s amazing. I love USA. And Texas!”
The biggest adjustment for European travelers was easily the weather. The Texas summer heat combined with rainstorms and thick humidity made for a sticky, sweaty atmosphere all weekend.
“We are not used to these temperatures,” said Edna from Holland.
Hours before the match, the get-in price on resale sites was $1,166, about 110% higher than they were a month ago, according to Ticket Data. Between flights, roughly $430 match tickets, and an Airbnb, Edna from the Netherlands said, “It’s not cheap, but it’s once in a lifetime.”
The stadium announced a FIFA sell-out crowd of 68,777 fans. Unlike some othermatches in the tournament, the official attendance seemed to be accurate, with few empty seats visible in the stands.
Immediately after the match ended, the stadium announced a shelter in place warning over the loudspeaker due to lighting in the area, with messages on the video boards. The vast majority of fans did not heed the warning, and the stands were mostly empty about 15 minutes after the final whistle, even as the directive stayed on the screens.
The win was an important one for the Netherlands after drawing 2–2 with Japan in their opening match. The team will head back to Kansas City, where it set up base camp at the KC Current’s training facility, to play Tunisia on June 25 to try to clinch the group. Sweden, which beat Tunisia 5–1 last weekend, will try to beat Japan to stay alive and advance to the knockout round. (Eight of the best 12 third-place teams will also advance.)
As for Houston, the city is roughly midway through its hosting slate of seven World Cup matches. The city will stage Portugal–Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia–Cape Verde next week before it hosts two matches in the knockout round, including a Round of 16 game on July 4.
A group of young athletes from the Manayunk-based Starfinder Foundation experienced what many soccer fans only dream of: walking onto the field alongside professional players before the Brazil vs. Haiti match in South Philadelphia Friday night.
More than 100 Starfinder participants were selected to serve as player escorts for five of the six matches taking place in the city. Among them were Emma Miller of Mount Airy, Isabella Ritter of Roxborough, and Bryan Frazier of North Philadelphia.
"It was really fun meeting all the players, they would wave to us and give us high fives," Miller said. "It was nerve-wracking, but it was also a lot of fun."
Frazier said he was especially excited to walk out with the Brazilian team. "I think their team is amazing because yesterday they won the game," he said.
The young athletes stepped onto the field as more than 68,000 fans filled the stadium with cheers. For Starfinder coach, Andrea Rodgers, watching the moment unfold was emotional.
"Oh my gosh, when I watched them walk out on the field with those players, the amount of chills and tears that welled up - just because we talked about it leading up to the opportunity, but not until they're on the field could they recognize how huge it was," Rodgers said.
"It was very energetic. Just crazy," Ritter said. "I could feel a bunch of vibrations through me and when we were rehearsing one time, the seats are empty. The next, the seats are full of people!"
The opportunity came through Common Goal, a global charitable organization that partners with Starfinder to expand access to soccer.
"We are about reducing barriers to entry and so for many of our youth and families, obviously the price of entry for the World Cup is out of reach," she said. "And the fact that not only could they go, could they participate, but they got to actually be on the field is just incredible."
And the experience may have earned these kids a little celebrity status among their friends.
"They were in shock," Ritter said. "Very shocked that I got to do that and probably a little jealous!"
Rodgers hopes the World Cup's presence in Philadelphia will inspire more young people to get involved in the sport. "We will be a place for those kids to be able to land," she said. "They don't have to have skill, they don't have to have tremendous resources. They can just come here, we give equipment, we give resources, we give instruction and we really do create a community where everybody is included and welcome and I'm excited for what that will look like after FIFA leaves Philly."
Another group of Starfinder players is scheduled to escort athletes during Monday's match between France and Iraq.
Germany have endured a World Cup nightmare since winning their fourth title in 2014.
Die Mannschaft bowed out at the group stage in 2018 and 2022, to widespread derision in their homeland.
The 2026 World Cup should be different after Julian Nagelsmann's side teed off on minnows Curacao to claim an opening 7-1 win in Group E.
But game two in Toronto against the Ivory Coast became more of a struggle when a face familiar to European football aficionados gave the African nation a first-half lead.
With half an hour on the clock at BMO Field, highly rated winger Yan Diomande attacked the Germany backline and drilled in a low cross from the left wing.
Amad Diallo struggled to get the ball out of his feet, but when the Manchester United star had his attempt blocked on the line, Kessie was on hand for an instinctive first-time finish.
It was Kessie's 15th goal for his country and first at the World Cup.
IVORY COAST TAKES THE LEAD OVER GERMANY! 🇨🇮
Yan Diomande sends a beautiful ball in and it's the captain Franck Kessié who cleans it up with the goal! pic.twitter.com/mRVfy6Ypkh
Kessie plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, who he joined in 2023 after one year at Barcelona. He has won two AFC Champions League titles with Al-Ahli.
The hydration break. The scourge of the soccer fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (well, the other one, aside from Alexi Lalas).
Aside from who you think is going to win it all, it’s been the most hotly debated aspect of this year’s tournament.
Not because they’re entirely new, per se. There were three-minute breaks around the 22nd minute at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, the extreme temperatures in that climate gave them credence and a valid reason for their existence.
In 2026, however, when many of the matches are played in climate-controlled domes and at temperatures well within the normal range, their continued existence was presumed to be more about the possibility of incorporating advertising into the middle of a match than about player welfare.
Sure enough, some World Cup broadcasters took FIFA up on the offer. The governing body left it up to each broadcaster to decide whether to show ads or remain with the game. The BBC, ITV, and Telemundo are among those who declined to show commercials, but many others have. American English-language rights holder Fox Sports and Canadian host broadcaster TSN are among those showing ads, as are the broadcasters in Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Ireland, and Germany (per The Athletic).
And if one thing has become abundantly clear to all of them, it’s that these hydration break ads, which add up to around 10 hours of extra ad time over the course of the whole tournament, are incredibly lucrative.
“This is a tremendously valuable move from the standpoint of sports media, and Fox has indicated as much by taking advantage of the ad breaks to run at least four commercials within each half,” Ed Desser, the president of consultancy Desser Sports Media Inc., told CBC.
“Many may not like it as it’s a change in tradition,” said John Kosner, the president of Kosner Media. “But in time, it will become the bathroom/kitchen break for hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.”
Deitsch also spoke with former MLS star and Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman, who said that there are valid situations where a hydration break is helpful, but it can “really kill rhythm and momentum” of a match. Still, he thinks the most obvious reason, money, is what will ensure they’ll be back for the 2030 World Cup and beyond. He also thinks you might start to see them appear elsewhere.
“I think the amount of money made here will catch FIFA’s attention,” Twellman told CBS. “COVID brought five subs to our game, and we never thought we’d see five subs. Now no one even thinks twice about that. I think it’s a conversation that’s going to be had post-World Cup, and if FIFA keeps this, UEFA is going to be like, “Whoa, look at how much money we can make for Champions League?” You are looking at a conversation that is going to go on for quite some time.”
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 - Q
6
2
2
0
0
3
0
+3
2.
South Korea
3
2
1
1
0
2
2
0
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
Has qualified as group winner with a win over South Korea
South Korea
Will qualify as second-place team with win or tie vs South Africa
South Africa
Is still alive to qualify as second-placel with win over Mexico and and South Korea loss to Czechia.
Czechia
Is still alive to qualify as second-place with win over South Korea and and South Africa loss or draw to Mexico.
Group A schedule, results
Date
Match
Time (ET)
Thu, June 11
Mexico 2, South Africa 0
FINAL
Thu, June 11
South Korea 2, Czechia 1
FINAL
Thu, June 18
Czechia 1, South Africa 1
FINAL
Thu, June 18
Mexico 1, South Korea 0
FINAL
Fri, June 24
Czechia vs. Mexico
9 p.m.
Fri, June 24
South Africa vs. South Korea
9 p.m.
World Cup Group B standings and scenarios
Pos.
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1.
Canada
4
2
1
0
1
7
1
+6
2.
Switzerland
4
2
1
0
1
5
2
+3
3.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1
2
0
1
1
2
5
-3
4.
Qatar
1
2
0
1
1
1
7
-6
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Canada and Switzerland
Canada and Switzerland are tied atop the group with four points apiece. The two teams are set to face each other next with first place on the line. Switzerland must win to finish atop the group because Canada holds the goal-differential advantage. Canada will secure first place with either a win or a draw.
Bosnia and Qatar
It's not mathematically impossible for either team to finish second in the group, but that would require significant help in the goal-differential tiebreaker. That said, the two countries are set to face each other in the final group-stage match, and the loser still stands a solid chance of advancing as a third-place finisher.
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 6, Qatar 0
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
Pos
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1.
Brazil
4
2
1
0
1
4
1
+3
2.
Morocco
4
2
1
0
1
2
1
+1
3.
Scotland
3
2
1
1
0
1
1
0
4.
Haiti - E
0
2
0
2
0
0
4
-4
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
Morocco
Will be through with a win or draw in their final group stage match against Haiti.
Scotland
Will be through to the knockout rounds with a victory in final group stage match against Brazil
Haiti
Eliminated with 3-0 loss to Brazil
Brazil
Will get through with draw or win vs. Scotland
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
Morocco 1, Scotland 0
6 p.m.
Fri, June 19
Brazil 3, Haiti 0
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
Pos
Team
PTS
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
1.
United States - Q
6
2
2
0
0
6
1
+5
2.
Australia
3
2
1
1
0
2
2
0
3.
Paraguay
3
2
1
1
0
1
2
-1
4.
Turkey - E
0
2
0
2
0
1
5
-4
Q = Qualified to Knockout Stage
E = Eliminated
United States
Won Group D and qualified for the knockout rounds after beating Australia 2-0 and Turkey's loss to Paraguay.
Australia
Clinched a spot in the knockout round with Turkey's loss to Paraguay. Can finish second in Group D with a win against Paraguay.
Paraguay
Clinched a spot in the knockout round with win against Turkey. Can finish second in Group D with a win against Australia.
Turkey
Eliminated after 1-0 loss to Paraguay
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 2, Australia 0
3 p.m.
Fri, June 19
Paraguay 1, Turkey 0
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. Netherlands
4
2
1
0
1
7
3
+4
2. Sweden
3
2
1
1
0
6
6
0
3. Japan
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 to knockout stage if Japan loses to Tunisia or if they beat Japan in their final match.
Tunisia
Will be eliminated if they lose to Japan and the Netherlands beat Sweden.
Netherlands
Will clinch a knockout stage position if Tunisia beats Japan, or if the Netherlands wins against Tunisia in their final group-stage match.
Japan
Must beat either Tunisia and/or Sweden in their final two group-stage matches.
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 5, Sweden 1
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.
During the first half of Saturday's group-stage match between the Netherlands and Sweden, Brian Brobbey introduced himself to a broader audience that may not have tuned into the English Premier League this season.
The Sunderland AFC attacker was thrust into the Oranje's starting lineup after a fellow forward was managing an injury. Saying Brobbey picked up the slack would be an understatement.
Brobbey scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes, giving the Netherlands a commanding lead over a Sweden side featuring dangerous forwards Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. After settling for a draw against Japan in their opening match, the Dutch needed a big result in their second outing, and they appeared well on their way to getting it.
Here's a closer look at Brobbey, who wreaked havoc on the Swedish defense in the first half.
In the fifth and 17th minute of Saturday's Netherlands vs. Sweden group-stage match, Brobbey introduced himself to the world by adding a double tally of goals. The Sunderland AFC attacker was filling in for Crysencio Summerville, who was on the bench after picking up a slight injury.
Brobbey is playing in the striker position for the Netherlands with Cody Gakpo on his left and Donyell Malen on his right.
According to Transfermarkt, Brobbey has made 14 caps for his country and has scored his first two World Cup goals of his career. It is yet to be determined whether or not Brobbey will continue starting for the Dutch when Summerville is fit again.
In under 20 minutes, Brobbey wrote his name on the scoresheet not once, but twice for the Netherlands. Le Oranje needed a new forward to establish himself after Summerville was managing an injury. Brobbey filled his shoes, and then some.
In the fifth minute, Brobbey scored his first goal of the match after Cody Gakpo crossed the ball in from the left wing.
About 12 minutes later, in the 17th minute, it was Brobbey again who doubled the Netherlands' lead and put the match's favorites up 2-0. Inside 20 minutes, the Orange Army found themselves cruising on the shoulders of the Sunderland attacker.
With the 2026 World Cup well into play now, it's never too early to look ahead to the knockout stages.
Co-hosts Mexico and the United States were the first two teams to lock in positions in the Round of 32, and more teams will join them in the future. After that, the world's best will continue to fill out that stage and future knockout rounds at the latest edition of the World Cup.
Once the knockout stages begin, each match can be a country's last, so anything can happen. While the group stages feature a format of each team playing each other, a country has one game per round of the knockout stages. A win means they move onto the following stage, and a loss means a flight home and the end of their 2026 World Cup campaign.
Here's a live look at how the knockout stages have shaped up thus far for the 2026 World Cup.
Co-host nation Mexico became the first team to qualify for the Round of 32 after winning its first two games of the 2026 World Cup. Less than 24 hours later, fellow co-host the United States also punched its ticket into the next round.
In the coming days, more countries will move out of the group stages and into the knockouts. Here are the countries that have qualified for the Round of 32 so far:
Qualified
Group winner
Runner-up
Group A
Mexico
Mexico
TBD
Group B
TBD
TBD
Group C
TBD
TBD
Group D
United States
United States
TBD
Group E
TBD
TBD
Group F
TBD
TBD
Group G
TBD
TBD
Group H
TBD
TBD
Group I
TBD
TBD
Group J
TBD
TBD
Group K
TBD
TBD
Group L
TBD
TBD
Third place qualifiers
Rank
Third-place team
1.
TBD
2.
TBD
3.
TBD
4.
TBD
5.
TBD
6.
TBD
7.
TBD
8.
TBD
Mexico
After being one of the teams to win their first two games of the 2026, Mexico has already clinched a prime spot in the knockout stages. With their win over South Korea, the second-place team in Group A, Mexico has already clinched the top seed in their group. In the Round of 32, they will take on a third-place team that qualifies from Group C, E, F, H, or I.
United States
The USMNT also punched their ticket into the Round of 32, and won Group D — the third time ever finishing first in the group stage and first since 2010. The U.S. will played their Round of 32 match on July 3 against a third-place opponent from either Group B, E, F, I, or J.
The Round of 32 is the start of what is commonly referred to as the knockout rounds because every match is single elimination from here on out.
There are no points earned. There are no standings. There's simply a winner and a loser.
What happens if knockout matches finish tied?
There has to be a winner on the day for each Round of 32 match and for subsequent knockout-round matches (Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place match, final). So if teams are tied after 90 minutes of regulation, the match goes into a 30-minute period of extra time.
If the deadlock persists after those 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout will determine the team that moves on to the quarterfinals.
The Round of 32 pairings are set in advance. Teams that finish in first place in the group stage match up against teams that are runners-up in their respective groups.
How third place qualifiers work
All 12 third-place finishers are sorted into a table just like the groups based on their points gained in group stage play and other metrics such as goal differential.
The top eight teams in this table will advance to the knockout round.
Knockout stage tiebreakers for 2026 World Cup
If teams are tied on points in their group, which comes through three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss, the following tiebreakers are enacted to determine final standings, in accordance with the official 2026 World Cup rules (page 26):
Overall goal differential: 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 2026 Women's T20 World Cup is in full swing across England and Wales, with an expanded 12-team field competing for cricket's biggest prize in the shortest format. Featuring 33 matches across seven iconic venues, the tournament has already produced thrilling contests, surprise results, and plenty of talking points. With the final set for July 5 at Lord's, the race for the trophy remains wide open.
Australia entered the tournament as favourites, eager to reassert their dominance after New Zealand claimed the 2024 title, and they have wasted little time making their intentions clear. A nine-wicket dismantling of Bangladesh at Headingley sent an early and emphatic message to the rest of the field.
India have matched them stride for stride. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma powered a commanding total against the Netherlands before the bowlers finished the job in style.
Hosts England, meanwhile, made a statement of their own in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, piling up their highest-ever T20I total against Sri Lanka. A four-wicket win over Ireland in their second match cemented England at the top of Group 2.
Defending champions New Zealand, however, are in serious trouble. They have now lost twice, to West Indies in their opener and to Sri Lanka in a thrilling final-over finish. A calamitous fielding display has compounded their problems, and their semi-final hopes are hanging by a thread.
South Africa, runners-up in 2024, are showing exactly why they cannot be written off. They came from the brink of collapse to edge past Pakistan by two wickets, with Annerie Dercksen's half-century doing the rescue work. It was nervy, it was scrappy, but it was a win and that is exactly the kind of character that goes deep in a tournament.
As the group stage enters its middle phase, the battle for semi-final spots is tightening. Australia and India look the class of Group 1. In Group 2, England are ahead of the pack, but Sri Lanka, fresh off two upsets, are very much in the conversation.
Who Will Win The Women's T20 World Cup?
We are backing Australia to win the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. While the Australian women's team remains one of the most powerful powers in international sport, their relative silence over the last 18 months has been deafening, at least by their own lofty standards.
However, underestimating them is a mistake. The team had a big yet very smooth change. While famous individuals such as Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy have left, the current roster still has an unrivalled depth of quality and tournament experience.
Why Australia Represents The Best Betting Value
Tournament Record: Six T20 World Cup titles. More than any other nation. Australia do not just win this tournament, they define it. They have set the standard by which all other teams are measured.
The Vengeance Factor: Losses in the semi-finals of both the 2024 T20 World Cup to South Africa and the 2025 ODI World Cup to India will be stinging them. That is not a statistic Australian cricket forgets. T20 World Cups are where this team has always excelled, and they arrive in England with something to prove.
Squad Depth: Sophie Molineux has assembled a terrific squad. Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll have the technical skill and aggression to take down any bowling attack. The middle order features players who have played 100 international matches. And the bowling lineup of Megan Schutt, Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham is among the most potent in world cricket.
Think Australia can capture the crown, or fancy an English masterclass? Lock in the best tournament outrights today with Dafabet!
When is the Women's T20 World Cup? Key Dates And Schedule
The 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup runs from June 12 to July 5, with 12 teams competing across seven venues in England and Wales. This is the first edition to expand to 12 teams, creating more group stage matches and more opportunities for the unexpected to happen.
Here are the key fixtures critical for your betting strategy:
Date
Fixture
Venue
Why It Matters
June 20
England vs Scotland
Headingley, Leeds
Historic home nations encounter
June 21
India vs South Africa
Old Trafford, Manchester
Critical Group A progression match
Early July
Semi-Finals 1 & 2
TBA
In-play markets peak during knockouts
July 5
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final
TBA
Outright market settlement
Group A contains Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Group B features England, New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and Sri Lanka.
The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
Australia head the Dafabet market at 1.72, with England their closest pursuers at 3.75. India at 6.00 carry genuine each-way appeal, and South Africa at 15.00 are the final name in the frame for anyone hunting a longer-priced flutter.
Team
Odds
Australia
1.72
England
3.75
India
6.00
South Africa
15.00
West Indies
26.00
Sri Lanka
101.00
New Zealand
151.00
Scotland
251.00
Bangladesh
401.00
Pakistan
501.00
Ireland
2001.00
Netherlands
2001.00
Note: Odds are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
Betting on the ICC Women's T20 World Cup offers multiple markets and opportunities for profit. Here is how to approach the tournament:
Tournament Outright Winner: A simple bet on which country lifts the trophy on 5 July. Great for locking in early value on teams like Australia, England or India.
Match Betting (Moneyline): Wager on individual fixtures. The Australia vs South Africa clash and India vs Pakistan encounter are likely to attract the heaviest betting volume and most competitive odds.
Prop Bets (Player Markets): High-yield options include Top Tournament Batter (watch Georgia Voll, Smriti Mandhana, Nat Sciver-Brunt), Top Bowler (Megan Schutt, Alana King), or Player of the Match markets across individual fixtures.
In-Play / Live Betting: T20 cricket's volatility makes live betting particularly rewarding. Bet on the next wicket to fall, individual over runs, or match outcomes as they shift throughout the innings.
Ready to place your tournament bet? Don't just watch the action, experience it. Access competitive cricket odds, secure deposits and exclusive promotions through Dafabet today.
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.
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
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