World Cup schedule: the full list of matches for your bets
by Cydias Aujard | by Cydias Aujard
The 2026 World Cup match schedule
With just over a week to go until the tournament kicks off, today we’re taking a look at the big matches of the 2026 World Cup, focusing in particular on England’s fixtures, those of a few African teams, and those of other English-speaking nations.
Will the Three Lions manage to prove our 2026 World Cup prediction right? In any case, they’ve been drawn in a tight group with some tough opponents.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the Three Lions’ campaign and those of the other teams we’re interested in.
2026 World Cup: England’s fixtures
England are in Group L and will face a formidable opponent on paper, as well as two teams that should not be underestimated. Here is the Three Lions’ schedule:
- England v Croatia | Wednesday 17 June – 21:00
- England v Ghana | Tuesday 23 June – 21:00
- Panama v England | Saturday 27 June – 22:00
To finish top of their group, England will need to make a strong start against Croatia, then cement their dominance against Ghana, whilst also securing a win against Panama. It is by no means an easy schedule, which will lend even more credit to England’s campaign should they go all the way.
2026 World Cup: Scotland’s fixtures
Scotland are in Group C and face two very tough opponents in Morocco and Brazil; they will have to fight tooth and nail to qualify for the round of 16. Here is the The Tartan Army’ schedule:
- Haiti v Scotland | Sunday 14 June – 02:00
- Scotland v Morocco | Friday 19 June – 23:00
- Scotland v Brazil | Wednesday 24 June – 23:00
After their opening match against the weakest team in the group, they will need to beat Morocco and then Brazil, who will be keen to go far in this World Cup.
2026 World Cup: South Africa’s fixtures
South Africa finds itself in a challenging Group A:
- Mexico v South Africa | Thursday 11 June – 20:00
- Czechia v South Africa | Thursday 18 June – 17:00
- South Africa v South Korea | Thursday 25 June – 02:00
In our opinion, it would take nothing short of a miraculous performance for South Africa to make an impact in this group, which looks set to be a tough one to navigate.
2026 World Cup: Ghana’s fixtures
Ghana has been drawn in one of the hardest groups, which includes one of the favourites.
- Ghana v Panama | Thursday 18 June – 00:00
- England v Ghana | Tuesday 23 June – 21:00
- Croatia v Ghana | Saturday 27 June – 22:00
The Black Stars will need to pick up points from their very first match if they are to have any chance of finishing in the qualifying third place.
2026 World Cup: Sweden’s fixtures
Sweden's group F is a difficult one.
- Sweden v Tunisia | Monday 15 June – 03:00
- Netherlands v Sweden | Saturday 20 June – 18:00
- Japan v Sweden | Friday 26 June – 00:00
If Sweden get off to a good start against Tunisia, The Blue and Yellow could secure a strong third-place finish and progress to the next round.
2026 World Cup: Norway’s fixtures
Norway is in Group I, which is undoubtedly the most competitive group, featuring two major footballing nations, including France.
- Iraq v Norway | Tuesday 16 June – 23:00
- Norway v Senegal | Tuesday 23 June – 01:00
- Norway v France | Friday 26 June – 20:00
To stand any chance of qualifying for the round of 16, the Norwegians will need to win their opening match against Iraq and try to hold their own against Senegal and France. Third place is up for grabs.
2026 World Cup: New Zealand’s fixtures
In New Zealand's third World Cup campaign, they found themselves in a group that seems too ambitious.
- Iran v New Zealand | Tuesday 16 June – 02:00
- New Zealand v Egypt | Monday 22 June – 02:00
- New Zealand v Belgium | Saturday 27 June – 04:00
It is in their opening match against Iran that the All Whites will have the best chance of getting a result. Then come Egypt and Belgium, who are in a completely different class.
2026 World Cup: Japan’s fixtures
Japan can look forward to a busy schedule in Group F.
- Netherlands v Japan | Sunday 14 June – 21:00
- Tunisia v Japan | Sunday 21 June – 05:00
- Japan v Sweden | Friday 26 June – 00:00
Starting with a big opening match against the Netherlands, which they must negotiate well, the Samurai Blue have the talent needed to beat their two opponents and set their sights on the last 16!
2026 World Cup: Australia’s fixtures
In Group D, Australia will face some serious competition, starting with Turkey.
- Iran v New Zealand | Tuesday 16 June – 02:00
- New Zealand v Egypt | Monday 22 June – 02:00
- New Zealand v Belgium | Saturday 27 June – 04:00
It’s hard to see Australia going any further.
2026 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s fixtures
In this Group H, Saudi Arabia won't have it easy.
- Saudi Arabia v Uruguay | Monday 15 June – 23:00
- Spain v Saudi Arabia | Sunday 21 June – 17:00
- Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia | Saturday 27 June – 01:00
We believe it would take a real achievement for the Green Falcons to make any headway in this group, which might seem out of their reach.
Follow the World Cup matches live
The 2026 World Cup clashes
| Match | Date et heure |
|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa | 11 June - 20:00 |
| Brazil vs Morocco | 13 June - 23:00 |
| Netherlands vs Japan | 14 June - 21:00 |
| France vs Senegal | 16 June - 20:00 |
| Argentina vs Algeria | 17 June - 02:00 |
| Portugal vs DR Congo | 17June - 18:00 |
| England vs Croatia | 17 June - 21:00 |
| Scotland vs Morocco | 19 June - 23:00 |
| Netherlands vs Sweden | 20 June - 18:00 |
| Saudi Arabia vs Spain | 21 June - 17:00 |
| New Zealand vs Egypt | 22 June - 02:00 |
| Norway vs Senegal | 23 June - 01:00 |
| England vs Ghana | 23 June - 21:00 |
| Scotland vs Brazil | 24 June - 23:00 |
| Japan vs Sweden | 26 June - 00:00 |
| Norway vs France | 26 June - 20:00 |
| Uruguay vs Spain | 27 June - 01:00 |
| Round of 32 | From 28 June to 4 July |
| Round of 16 | From 4 to 7 July |
| Quarter-finals | From 9 to 12 July |
| Semi-finals | 14 and 15 July - 20:00 |
| Third place play-off | 18 July - 22:00 |
| Final | 19 July - 20:00 |
The group stage has some great matches in store for us. But it is the knockout stage that everyone is really looking forward to, full of suspense and thrilling clashes. We’re in for some real excitement!
