2026 World Cup Underway Across Three Nations with Expanded Format

Historic Three-Nation Tournament Opens with Expanded Field

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The historic competition marks the first time three countries have jointly hosted the FIFA World Cup. The tournament features 42 qualified teams and six additional playoff spots, creating an expanded format. December’s World Cup draw placed the qualified teams into their respective groups, with the playoff winners filling the remaining positions.

All three co-host nations automatically qualified for the tournament and received guaranteed group placements. The expanded format brings more matches and opportunities for nations to compete on soccer’s biggest stage. Major stadiums across North America are hosting the matches, with venues including Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, BC Place in Vancouver, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosting crucial group stage encounters.

United States Begins World Cup Campaign in Group D

The United States secured automatic placement in Group D as a co-host nation. The Americans launched their World Cup campaign by defeating Paraguay in the opening match on June 12. The team now faces Australia on Friday before closing out the group stage against Türkiye.

The United States roster features experienced talent and emerging stars eager to make an impact. The Americans carry high expectations as they compete on home soil with strong fan support across multiple venues. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for U.S. Soccer to showcase its development and compete against the world’s elite teams.

Mexico Dominates Group A with Perfect Start

Mexico began the tournament with an impressive 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. The team followed up that performance with a hard-fought 1-0 win against South Korea on June 18. This puts them atop the group standings with six points from two matches.

The co-hosts still have Czechia remaining in Group A, with that decisive match scheduled for June 24 at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Fox at Estadio Azteca. South Korea currently sits in second place with three points, while both Czechia and South Africa have one point each. The first match saw South Korea defeat Czechia 2-1, while the second round produced a 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa.

Canada Makes Statement with Dominant Victory

Canada competes in Group B and made a powerful statement in its second match by crushing Qatar 6-0 after opening with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. The Canadians will finish the group stage against Switzerland, who also sits on four points after two matches.

Switzerland opened with a 1-1 draw against Qatar on June 13, then delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 18. The decisive match between Canada and Switzerland will take place on June 24 at BC Place in Vancouver. The match will be broadcast on Fox at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Group C Features Competitive Balance

Group C began with Brazil and Morocco playing to a 1-1 draw on June 13, while Scotland earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti that same day. The second round of matches saw Morocco defeat Scotland 1-0 on June 19, while Brazil secured a convincing 3-0 triumph over Haiti the same day.

The group concludes on June 24 with Scotland facing Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Fox, while Morocco takes on Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at the same time on FS1. Both matches will determine the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout stage.

Group G Features Belgium and Egypt in Tight Race

Group G includes Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand, with matches taking place in U.S. cities Seattle and Los Angeles and in Canada’s Vancouver. Belgium and Egypt played to a 1-1 draw on June 15 in Seattle, while Belgium and Iran battled to a 0-0 stalemate on June 21 in Los Angeles.

Egypt secured a crucial 3-1 victory over New Zealand on June 22 in Vancouver to strengthen their position. The Belgian squad features experienced stars including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne from Napoli, and forward Romelu Lukaku from Napoli. Manager Rudi Garcia leads the Belgian team through the tournament.

Broadcast Coverage and Scheduling Details

Fox and FS1 provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament across multiple time slots. All match times are listed in Eastern Time to accommodate North American audiences. The group stage continues through June 24, with simultaneous kickoffs for the final matches in each group to ensure competitive integrity.

The tournament’s expanded format creates additional opportunities for nations to compete and advance beyond the group stage. Third-place teams from various groups may also advance depending on their records and goal differentials. Fans should note that all scheduling information is subject to official FIFA confirmation, and viewers should check local listings for the most current broadcast details.