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England, Ghana, and Colombia are among the teams targeting early qualification to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Matchday 13 features four key fixtures, including England vs. Ghana and Portugal vs. Uzbekistan.
Argentina face Austria in a top-of-the-table Group J clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while France take on Iraq in Group I. Both European sides can secure early qualification, while their opponents seek first points.
Matchday 11 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 features the second round of fixtures in Groups G and H, with all teams still seeking their first victory after opening draws. Spain take on Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay meet Cabo Verde.
The 2026 World Cup features an expanded 48-team format with new tiebreaker rules. The top two from each of 12 groups advance, plus eight best third-placed teams. Head-to-head results now supersede goal difference, and a disciplinary score may decide ties.
After defeat to Morocco, Scotland's most likely route to the knockout stage is as one of the best third-placed teams. A win against Brazil would guarantee at least second place, but other results across the group stage also matter. Here's a guide to the key fixtures.
USA defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle to secure a spot in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. Goals from an own goal and Alex Freeman extended the co-hosts' winning streak, marking their first back-to-back World Cup wins since 1930.
FIFA will use head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tiebreaker for tied teams at the 2026 World Cup. The change, already used at the Club World Cup, could allow teams to secure group wins before matchday three.
BBC Sport's Chris Sutton predicts outcomes for the second round of World Cup group games, including Czech Republic vs South Africa and Mexico vs South Korea. He also reflects on surprising results from the opening matches.
Colombia secured a victory to close out the first set of group matches at the FIFA World Cup.
Mexico and Korea Republic can secure a spot in the Round of 32 with wins on Thursday, while South Africa and Czechia face elimination after opening losses. The second round of Group A and B fixtures also features Canada vs Qatar and Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage underway, teams in Groups A-L are vying for spots in the Round of 32. Co-hosts Mexico can secure Group A top spot on June 18 if they beat Korea Republic and Czechia fails to beat South Africa. South Korea also has a path to first place, while South Africa and Czechia face elimination scenarios.
Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features Spain vs. Cabo Verde in Atlanta, Uruguay seeking to avoid an upset, and Group G clashes including Iran vs. New Zealand and Belgium vs. Egypt.
Scotland's nervy 1-0 win over Haiti in their World Cup opener raises questions about their approach against Morocco and Brazil. Manager Steve Clarke may shift formation as the team seeks to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Scotland's 1-0 victory over Haiti in their World Cup opener puts them top of Group C. The win improves their chances of advancing, but narrow margins mean goal difference could be crucial. A draw in either remaining match would almost guarantee progression.
Matchday 4 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 features Germany vs. debutants Curaçao, Ecuador vs. Côte d'Ivoire, Netherlands vs. Japan, and Sweden vs. Tunisia. Key group stage action unfolds across Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Monterrey.
Côte d'Ivoire begin their World Cup campaign against Ecuador in Philadelphia, seeking to reach the knockout stages for the first time in four attempts. Coach Emerse Fae and players express confidence despite facing a tough Ecuador side.
For the first time since 1994, third-placed teams in the World Cup group stage can advance. With 48 teams and a new knockout round, eight of 12 third-placed finishers progress. Historical data suggests three points may not be enough, with goal difference often decisive.
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has released his score predictions for the first round of group games at the 2026 World Cup, offering early insights into potential outcomes.
Brazil, England and Spain face lower-ranked opponents in the 2026 World Cup group stage, with ranking gaps of up to 77 places. History shows rankings guarantee nothing, as past upsets like Saudi Arabia vs Argentina prove.
