FACTBOX: World Cup 2026: results, key players and fixtures

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The expanded tournament features 48 teams and is being played across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19.

Below is a breakdown of team performances and key storylines from the group stage so far.

GROUP A

Mexico

As a three-time World Cup host, Mexico opened their campaign with a 2–0 win over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. Julián Quiñones delivered a standout performance, helping secure all three points in a match that featured three red cards.

Coach Javier Aguirre selected goalkeeper Raúl Rangel over veteran Guillermo Ochoa, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora became the youngest player in the tournament when he was introduced late in the match. Ochoa’s squad inclusion marks his sixth World Cup appearance, matching Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

South Africa

South Africa began their return to the World Cup with a 2–0 loss to hosts Mexico. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made several key saves to limit the damage.

Bafana Bafana, competing in their fourth World Cup, remain without a knockout-stage appearance. Their upcoming match against the Czech Republic is crucial to their hopes of advancing.

South Korea

South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2–1. Goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu secured the comeback win.

They now sit level on points with Mexico at the top of Group A. Key players include Kang-in Lee and Heung-min Son.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic took an early lead through Ladislav Krejci but were ultimately overpowered by South Korea’s technical quality. A set-piece goal from Tomáš Souček was disallowed for offside.

It is their first World Cup appearance in 20 years.

GROUP B

Canada

Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point with a 1–1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cyle Larin scored the equalizer in Toronto.

Led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Canada field one of their strongest squads to date.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia led for much of their match against Canada after Jovo Lukić’s header. The team, led by veteran striker Edin Džeko, will next face Switzerland.

Qatar

Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point with a 1–1 draw against Switzerland. Boualem Khoukhi scored a stoppage-time equalizer.

Coach Julen Lopetegui has overseen a rebuilding phase focused on balance and experience.

Switzerland

Switzerland were seconds away from victory before conceding a late equalizer against Qatar. Captain Granit Xhaka continues to anchor the midfield.

GROUP C

Brazil

Brazil opened with a 1–1 draw against Morocco. Vinícius Júnior scored the equalizer after Morocco took the lead.

Despite dominating possession, Brazil were unable to convert chances into a win.

Morocco

Morocco impressed again on the world stage, holding Brazil to a draw. Ismael Saibari opened the scoring.

The 2022 semifinalists remain strong contenders to advance.

Haiti

Haiti suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Scotland in their opening match. Frantzdy Pierrot came close to equalizing late on.

Scotland

Scotland secured a 1–0 win over Haiti through a John McGinn strike, marking a strong start to their return to the World Cup.

GROUP D

United States

The United States opened with a dominant 4–1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored twice.

Paraguay

Paraguay were outclassed in their opening match but remain hopeful of recovery in their next fixtures.

Australia

Australia shocked Turkey with a 2–0 win, highlighted by Nestory Irankunda’s opening goal.

Turkey

Turkey struggled in a disappointing defeat but still aim to recover in their remaining group matches.

GROUP E

Germany

Germany began with a commanding 7–1 win over Curaçao. Kai Havertz scored twice in a dominant display.

Curaçao

Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao made history with their first World Cup goal through Livano Comenencia.

Ecuador

Ecuador fell 1–0 to Ivory Coast in a tightly contested match.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast secured a late 1–0 victory over Ecuador through Amad Diallo.

GROUP F

Netherlands

The Netherlands were held to a 2–2 draw by Japan despite goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville.

Japan

Japan earned a valuable point after a late equalizer, continuing their strong World Cup record.

Sweden

Sweden delivered a dominant 5–1 win over Tunisia, led by Yasin Ayari and Viktor Gyökeres.

Tunisia

Tunisia suffered a heavy defeat and responded by replacing their head coach after the match.

GROUP G

Iran

Iran drew 2–2 with New Zealand in a match marked by travel disruptions and controversy.

New Zealand

New Zealand extended their unbeaten World Cup streak and earned a valuable point through Elijah Just’s brace.

Belgium

Belgium were held to a 1–1 draw by Egypt despite a late impact from Romelu Lukaku.

Egypt

Egypt came close to a historic win but were denied by an own goal in a 1–1 draw.

GROUP H

Spain

Spain were held to a 0–0 draw by Cape Verde despite dominating possession.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde earned a historic point in their World Cup debut with a disciplined defensive performance.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia drew 1–1 with Uruguay after a competitive match.

Uruguay

Uruguay also opened with a draw, sharing points in a tightly contested group.

GROUP I

France

France defeated Senegal 3–1, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice.

Senegal

Senegal showed promise but fell short against the defending finalists.

Iraq

Iraq lost 4–1 to Norway in their return to the World Cup.

Norway

Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a strong opening win.

GROUP J

Argentina

Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.

Algeria

Algeria struggled against the reigning champions but remain in contention.

Austria

Austria opened with a 3–1 win over Jordan.

Jordan

Jordan showed fight but fell short in their World Cup debut.

GROUP K

Portugal

Portugal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo despite an early goal.

DR Congo

DR Congo earned a historic point in their return to the World Cup after 52 years.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan lost 3–1 to Colombia in their World Cup debut.

Colombia

Colombia opened strongly with a 3–1 win, led by Luis Díaz.

GROUP L

England

England defeated Croatia 4–2, with Harry Kane scoring twice.

Croatia

Croatia showed attacking strength but struggled defensively.

Ghana

Ghana secured a late 1–0 win over Panama.

Panama

Panama narrowly lost and remain winless in World Cup history. -Reporting by Jesus Calero, Danny Callaghan, Basile Day, Paolo Laudani, Sacha Malgeri, Mirko Miorelli, Mateusz Rabiega, Enrico Sciacovelli, Romolo Tosiani, Canan Sevgili, Tristan Veyet and Mathias de Rozario in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak/Reuters