The 2026 World Cup is almost here in all its glory and that means non-stop action for fans to watch during a newly expanded tournament.
A record 48 teams will be playing a total of 104 matches across three countries for the most prized trophy in world soccer. Of those 104 contests, 72 matches make up the group stages of the tournament – the most ever in a World Cup.
With that many games across 17 days, it’s hard to keep track of which ones you should watch. If you’re like us at CNN Sports (well, at least myself and my colleague Ben Church), you’re likely to try to watch every single match at the tournament – even if the time zones are not friendly. Unfortunately, if you’re not really a big soccer fan or you’ve just gotten into “The Beautiful Game,” that’s probably not an option.
Have no fear, we’re here to give you some suggestions on which matches are likely to be the best contests on the pitch, so you can tune in and catch the most interesting games of the group stage. Remember, these are the 10 best games of the group stage, not necessarily all the notable storylines (like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo’s first matches of the tournament).
Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C)
When: Saturday, June 13 @ 6 p.m. ET
Where: New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Why: Five-time winner Brazil heads into the competition on somewhat of an up-and-down trajectory: The Seleção finished fifth in Conmebol qualifying and had played lackluster soccer. However, the team has looked much better recently, winning three in a row. It also features some of the game’s biggest talents in Vinícius Jr., Raphinha and Endrick, along with star veterans like Neymar Jr. and Casemiro. Morocco, meanwhile, is the current African champion (controversially) and is a very well-balanced team – featuring names like Brahim Díaz, Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou – that made the World Cup semis in 2022.
Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F)
When: Sunday, June 14 @ 4 p.m. ET
Where: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas
Why: The Netherlands is one of those teams that fans always proclaim as a dark horse – and for good reason. The Oranje has a lot of talent in both attack and defense and has recently progressed deep into the knockout rounds in both the Euros (semifinalists in 2024) and World Cup (quarterfinalists in 2022). Meanwhile, Japan is the best team from Asia and comes into the tournament on a six-match win streak. The Samurai Blue topped their group – which featured powerhouses Spain and Germany – in the 2022 World Cup, so they will be afraid of no one in North America. This game will likely decide who is top of Group F.
France vs. Senegal (Group I)
When: Tuesday, June 16 @ 3 p.m. ET
Where: New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Why: This battle of Francophone nations, in what is arguably this tournament’s Group of Death, will be electric. France is one of the favorites heading into the tournament with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki in its squad. Senegal, meanwhile, was the 2025 AFCON champion before a bizarre sequence of events stripped it of the title. The Lions of Teranga have a talented squad and will likely progress to the knockout stage, either as the runner-up or one of the best third-place teams.
England vs. Croatia (Group L)
When: Wednesday, June 17 @ 4 p.m. ET
Where: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas
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