Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C)
When: June 13, 6 p.m. ET
Brazil's Neymar Jr. celebrates with teammates after scoring in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia in 2023.Pedro Vilela/Getty Images
One cannot have a watch guide and not include a game that involves the Brazilians. Winners of more World Cups than any country, Brazil is always a favourite.
Ask our soccer experts your questions about the World Cup
In Morocco, Brazil faces a team that owned a dominant storyline at the last World Cup, when it came out on top of a very difficult group in 2022 to reach the knockout round before bowing out in the semi-final. They lost the third-place game to Croatia.
England vs. Croatia (Group L)
When: June 17, 4 p.m. ET
England's Harry Kane during the World Cup soccer match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, in November, 2022.Abbie Parr/The Associated Press
This match between two powerhouse football nations could be the most anticipated of the group stage. It is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, which Croatia won before losing out in the final to France.
After a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, it is fitting that a path back to the final for Croatia will run through England.
This match pits Luka Modrić, Croatia’s greatest-ever player, and his supporting cast against a star-studded English lineup that features the likes of Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
France vs. Norway (Group I)
When: June 26, 3 p.m. ET
France's forward Kylian Mbappe (L) and forward Rayan Cherki (R) attend a training session at the Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on March 28, 2026.FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
It’s the 2022 World Cup runners-up vs. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker who scores goals like he’s playing a free slot machine during his day job as Manchester City’s star player.
Buoyed by a roster stacked top-to-bottom with stars, the French are heavily favoured, with household names such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé leading the way.
Norway, which is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, will need Haaland’s best to stand a chance.
Spain vs. Uruguay (Group H)
When: June 26, 8 p.m. ET
Spain's Lamine Yamal during a World Cup qualifying match between Turkey and Spain at Konya Buyuksehir stadium in Turkey, in September, 2025.Khalil Hamra/The Associated Press
It’s basically a toss-up between Spain and France for the world’s best team, so consider Spain a heavy favourite in this match.
Still, winning as the underdog is in Uruguay’s DNA. The country orchestrated arguably the greatest upset in the history of the sport at the World Cup in 1950, when it knocked off the heavy favourite Brazil to win it all.
They’ll need to summon the same energy against Spain, which boasts A-list talent, including Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
Portugal vs. Colombia (Group K)
When: June 27, 7:30 p.m. ET
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo walks off the pitch after a World Cup qualifying match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, in October, 2025.Armando Franca/The Associated Press
If Portugal were to flame out in the group stage, then this one would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup contest ever. That’s unlikely to happen, but every time he takes the field, all eyes are drawn to No. 7.
The tournament marks a return for Colombia, which did not qualify for Qatar 2022. Luis Díaz, who played wing for his club team Bayern Munich, is the player to watch for the Colombians.
Ask us your questions about the World Cup
FIFA frenzy is taking hold, and on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. ET, our soccer experts are answering your questions about the 2026 men’s tournament. From Canada’s chances at a deep run to new rules and the politics of co-hosting with the U.S. and Mexico, submit your questions in the form below or send an e-mail to audience@globeandmail.com with “World Cup question” in the subject line.