Summary

  • World Cup 2026: Mexico take on South Africa later in the first game of the tournament at 20:00 BST in Mexico City

  • The other game in Group A takes place at 03:00 on Friday between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara

  • Scotland are in Group C along with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti

  • England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama are in Group L

  • Each of the host nations will put on their own opening ceremony, with Canada and the USA having theirs over the weekend

  • Predict the outcomes for this round's selected fixtures before the first match kicks off with our World Cup predictor

Send us your views

Live Reporting

Written by Bobbie Jackson, Tasnim Chowdhury, Flora Snelson, Alastair Telfer & Melissa Edwards

  1. Santa Monica gets in the mood

    Gary Rose
    BBC Sport in Los Angeles

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    Will he still be smiling after seeing his picture?

    West of downtown Los Angeles there's Santa Monica and there was certainly more of a global football feel there as tourists - football and non-football fans alike - flocked - to the beach's iconic pier.

    I spotted a variety of football shirts on my wander there including Argentina, Mexico, Germany, Paraguay and France, as well as hosts USA.

    These pictures also give an idea of the conditions in LA, with bright sunshine and temperatures of around 23-27C forecast for the next week or so. Hot, but manageable. Certainly compared to some other host cities.

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  2. A slow burner?

    Gary Rose
    BBC Sport in Los Angeles

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    Electronic billboards advertised USA's upcoming opener in LA

    All eyes are on Mexico today for the World Cup opener but tomorrow will see fellow hosts USA kick off their tournament on home soil when they take on Paraguay in Los Angeles.

    It has been interesting to have a wander around the city over the last couple of days to get a feel for the excitement for the World Cup, and that perhaps can best be described as a slow burner.

    There are World Cup banners hanging from posts along the roads out of Los Angeles Airport and throughout downtown, while there are electronic screens dotted around with the USA players on them, but generally it has felt like to find signs of the impending World Cup, you have to go looking for it.

    That said, from speaking to local organisers and fans the expectations are that enthusiasm for the World Cup will grow as more games are played and, in particular, if the USA do well. Many are expecting them to reach the knockouts at the very least.

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    There were more World Cup-related adverts and football shirts on show in downtown LA

  3. It's hard to believe as we've been at it for a while, but we are now officially halfway through our previews for the group stage of the tournament.

    That's right, there are TWELVE sets of four teams - through A to L - all fighting for a place in the knockout stage.

    So let's just pause for a moment and hear from Gary, our man on the ground in Los Angeles, to see how the atmosphere is building Stateside.

  4. Group F - who are the key players?

    Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

    Skipper Virgil van Dijk will need to put a difficult season behind him if the Netherlands are to go deep in this tournament. he same goes for Dutch record scorer Memphis Depay and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who have both had injury-hit campaigns.

    In the absence of the injured Kauro Mitoma, Real Sociedad playmaker Takefusa Kubo could play a key role for Japan.

    Premier League stars Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak will look to fire Sweden to the knockouts, while for Tunisia, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and experienced Eintracht Frankfurt man Ellyes Skhiri are worth keeping tabs on.

    Alexander Isak of Sweden gestures during the international friendly match between Sweden and Greece at Strawberry Arena on June 04, 2026 in Solna, SwedenGetty Images

  5. Group F - who are the favourites?

    Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

    The Netherlands are the only nation to reach three World Cup finals without winning, but aren't expected to reach the showpiece this year.

    The perennial bridesmaids have plenty of Premier League quality, but have an ageing squad that is reliant on journeyman forward Memphis Depay for goals.

    Japan shocked the world in Qatar four years ago by beating Spain and Germany to top a difficult group, but their lack of experience showed as they were eliminated in the last 16. Over the past year they have beaten England, Brazil and Ghana.

    Sweden failed to win a single qualifying match, but earned a play-off place through the Nations League and looked improved after appointing manager Graham Potter.

    Tunisia are the weakest side on paper, but will hope their solid defensive structure can get them to the knockout stage for the first time.

    Players of Netherlands pose for a team photograph prior to the international friendly match between Netherlands and Algeria at De Kuip on June 03, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Getty Images

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    My completely unfounded prediction - going entirely by vibes - is that the Netherlands won't make it past the group stage, and Uzbekistan will make at least the quarter final.

    Sam, London

    Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands applauds the fans after the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Norway at the Johan Cruijff Arena on March 27, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.Getty Images

  7. Group F

    Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

    Netherlands

    World ranking - 7

    World Cup appearances - 12

    World Cup best performance - runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)

    Japan

    World ranking - 18

    World Cup appearances - 8

    World Cup best performance - round of 16

    Sweden

    World ranking - 38

    World Cup appearances - 13

    World Cup best performance - runners-up (1958)

    Tunisia

    World ranking - 44

    World Cup appearances - 7

    World Cup best performance - group stage

    Tunisia's forward #19 Firas Chaouat (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Mali and Tunisia at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on January 3, 2026Getty Images

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    I'm predicting Japan, Norway and Portugal will all have deep runs. Quarters at least for all 3 (assuming they don't meet each other before then).

    Luke

    Japan's defender Yuto Nagatomo (L) takes part in a training session at the Club Monterrey Training Center at El Barrial in Santiago, Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, on June 4, 2026, ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup football tournamentGetty Images

  9. Group E - who are the key players?

    Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

    MusialaGetty Images

    Though not fully fit after returning from a broken leg and dislocated ankle, Germany's Jamal Musiala is among the most exciting young players on the planet.

    Kai Havertz could be key up top for the group favourites, as will recently un-retired goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

    Juninho Bacuna is the main creative force for Curacao, while his brother and captain Leandro Bacuna has nearly 100 Premier League appearances under his belt.

    Bundesliga rookie of the year Yan Diomande will look to fire Ivory Coast into the knockouts, as will Manchester United's Amad Diallo.

    Two-time Champions League winning defender Willian Pacho will organise the Ecuador defence, while Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo offers quality in midfield.

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    I fancy Ecuador as dark horses this year. Second in qualifying and unbeaten since 2024! A solid mix of experience and youth too.

    Gethin, Pembrokeshire

    Ecuador team poses for a photo before a game between the Ecuador and Saudi Arabia in a game prior to the World Cup at Sports Illustrated Stadium on May 30, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey.Getty Images

  11. Group E - who are the favourites?

    Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

    Germany are the clear favourites to top Group E. As four-time winners, they are among the most succesful teams in World Cup history.

    However, Germany's last victory in a World Cup knockout match was the 2014 final - since then they have suffered group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

    The rest of the group looks open. Ivory Coast arrive having beaten France in their final warm-up match, and have the youngest squad in the tournament.

    Ecuador unexpectedly finished second in South American qualifying after conceding just five goals in 18 games, so will be tough to break down.

    Curacao, the smallest nation in World Cup history, are an unknown. 25 of the 26 players representing the debutants were born outside of the tiny Caribbean island, and play for professional clubs around the world. As such, they should not be underestimated.

    David Raum of Team Germany warms up with team mate Nico Schlotterbeck during a training session at W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Winston-Salem, North CarolinaGetty Images

  12. Group E

    Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

    Germany

    World ranking - 10

    World Cup appearances - 21

    World Cup best performance - champions (1954, 1974 and 1990 as West Germany, 2014 as Germany)

    Curacao

    World ranking - 82

    World Cup appearances - debut

    World Cup best performance - n/a

    Ivory Coast

    World ranking - 34

    World Cup appearances - 4

    World Cup best performance - group stage

    Ecuador

    World ranking - 23

    World Cup appearances - 5

    World Cup best performance - round of 16

    Ivory Coast's defender #17 Guela Doue celebrates scoring the equalizing goal during the international friendly football match between France and Ivory CoastGetty Images

  13. We're about to meet the first of the debutants at this World Cup.

    And if there's one thing I love about the World Cup, it's the pride of a bunch of players representing their corner of the world on the biggest football stage for the very first time.

    Here are Curacao, celebrating their qualification to the finals in Jamaica in November.

    Curaçao players and fans celebrate World Cup 2026 qualification after a 0-0 draw with Jamaica at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on November 18, 2025.Getty Images

    Now, let's find out what fun awaits them in Group E...

  14. So, that's Duncan and Denley both tipping Paraguay to be a surprise package.

    Who do you think will outperform expectations at this tournament?

    Let us know by clicking 'Get Involved'.

    We want to hear your most baseless and unhinged takes - before Phil McNulty takes over at lunchtime and brings a bit of sense to proceedings.

  15. Get Involved

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    My group winners predictions: A - Mexico B - Switzerland C - Brazil D - Paraguay E - Germany F - Netherlands G - Belgium H - Spain I - France J - Argentina K - Portugal L - England

    Duncan, England

  16. Group D - who are the key players?

    USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

    BalogunGetty Images

    Christian Pulisic is the poster boy of American soccer, and will be looking to overcome a poor 2025-26 season. After finishing the season with 11 goals in 14 games for Monaco, Folarin Balogun could be the reliable striker the US have long lacked.

    Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez could shine for Paraguay with former club team-mate Julio Enciso an injury doubt for the group opener.

    Jordan Bos, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure bring pace to a young Australia side, while Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler and Juventus man Kenan Yildiz are the difference makers for Turkey.

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    My sweepstake teams are Paraguay and Sweden..... Heavily relying on them being the 2022 Morocco of 2026! Quietly Paraguay have a decent squad!

    Denley, Hereford

    Miguel Almiron of Paraguay celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the international friendly match between Paraguay and Nicaragua at the Defensores del Chaco stadium on June 5, 2026 iGetty Images

  18. Group D - who are the favourites?

    USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

    usmntGetty Images

    Group D is one of the more difficult groups to call.

    As tournament co-hosts and the highest ranked side in the group, the United States will be targeting top spot.

    But results have been inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, which could open the door to a high-pressing but tactically flexible Turkey side boasting talents like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.

    Australia come into this tournament with a young squad full of exciting but untested attacking gems, while Paraguay are the weakest side having nicked the final South American qualifying spot.

  19. Group D

    USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

    United States

    World ranking - 16

    World Cup appearances - 12

    World Cup best performance - third (1930)

    Paraguay

    World ranking - 40

    World Cup appearances - 9

    World Cup best performance - quarter-finals

    Australia

    World ranking - 27

    World Cup appearances - 7

    World Cup best performance - round of 16

    Turkey

    World ranking - 22

    World Cup appearances - 3

    World Cup best performance - third (2002)

    Turkiye poses ateam photo for the media before the International Friendly match between Turkiye and North Macedonia at Fenerbahce Chobani StadiumGetty Images

  20. If you're right, Steven, and Feyenoord's Bos does have Premier League credentials - then there's no better shop window than the World Cup for him to get his agent's phone ringing off the hook.

    Let's see who he's set to face...