World Cup 2026 — daily viewing guide archive

Jun 12 (Fri) Group Stage 1

North America hosts again after 32 years — Mexico opens the tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins. Co-host Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa at Estadio Ciudad de México (JST 04:00 KO) — the historic opening fixture.

Later that day, South Korea (six consecutive World Cups, anchored by Son Heung-min) face Czechia, back in the tournament for the first time since 2006.

Group A's two matches set the day, offering the first read on the group's pecking order.

Jun 13 (Sat) Group Stage 1

Host Canada opens at home and USA take the field as Group D kicks off

Group B's opening match sees host Canada welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina to Vancouver (JST 04:00 KO). Canada boasts the unique advantage of playing all three group games on home soil — with Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David as the attacking spearhead, the hosts aim for a historic first Round of 16 appearance. Bosnia arrive with momentum from a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Italy in qualifying, as 40-year-old Edin Džeko takes the World Cup stage for what may be his final time.

Later, co-host USA open their Group D campaign (JST 10:00 KO). Pochettino's side — featuring Pulisic, McKennie, and Pepi — face Paraguay, who battled through South America's gruelling qualifiers with wins over both Brazil and Argentina in the second half of the campaign. Both matches carry the special weight of a host nation's opening fixture.

Jun 14 (Sun) Group Stage 1

Brazil vs Morocco headlines a four-match day as Groups B and C ignite

Day opens with Group B's Qatar vs Switzerland (JST 04:00 KO). Qatar, who made history as 2022 hosts, now arrive as genuine qualifiers through the AFC process; they face a Switzerland side boasting 18 players with World Cup experience, including Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.

The day's marquee clash is Brazil vs Morocco (JST 07:00 KO) at MetLife Stadium. Ancelotti's Brazil — Vinicius Júnior, Raphinha, and a returning Neymar — collide immediately with the team that stunned the world to reach the 2022 semi-finals. The Hakimi vs. Vinicius duel is among the most anticipated individual matchups of the entire tournament.

Also in Group C: Haiti vs Scotland (JST 10:00 KO) — 52 years of waiting for Haiti, 28 for Scotland. Robertson, McTominay, and McGuinn face Nazon, Pierrot, and Belgarde in a pivotal third-place battle before the group has even fully begun.

Finally, Group D's Australia vs Turkey (JST 13:00 KO). Turkey, despite Pot 4 seeding, bring Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Çalhanoğlu — a top-calibre XI by any measure. Australia look to capitalise on their Asian qualifying momentum and chase a first-ever quarter-final berth.

Jun 15 (Mon) Group Stage 1

Netherlands vs Japan — Group F opens as Germany and Ivory Coast also make their debuts

The day opens with Germany's World Cup comeback bid (JST 02:00 KO). After two consecutive group-stage exits, Julian Nagelsmann's side — built around Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala — face first-time qualifiers Curaçao, whose 155,000-strong nation arrives at the biggest stage in football history. How Dick Advocaat's side defend collectively on debut will be a story in itself.

The day's centrepiece for Japanese fans is Group F's opening match (JST 05:00 KO): Netherlands vs Japan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Dutch — three-time World Cup runners-up — face the Japan side that stunned Germany and Spain in 2022. After a 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup, Moriyasu's squad now arrive with a squad full of European starters ready to test whether the shock-and-press formula can work again.

Group E continues with Ivory Coast vs Ecuador (JST 08:00 KO). The reigning AFCON champions — Kessié, Sangaré, Adingra — meet Ecuador's formidable defensive core of Caicedo, Pacho (PSG, CL winner) and Hincapié (Arsenal) in what is effectively a Group E second-place playoff from matchday one.

Finally, Sweden vs Tunisia (JST 11:00 KO) rounds out Group F's opening day. Sweden return after missing 2022, while Tunisia make their seventh World Cup appearance. The outcome here will directly shape the group standings alongside the earlier Netherlands–Japan result.

Jun 16 (Tue) Group Stage 1

Euro champions Spain debut alongside Belgium, Egypt's Salah and Uruguay in Group G and H openers

The day starts with Group H's opening fixture (JST 01:00 KO): Spain vs Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Euro 2024 champions Spain — Rodri, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams — face first-timers Cape Verde, who claimed Africa's Group D ahead of Cameroon in their historic qualifying campaign. Spain's headline-grabbing decision to select zero Real Madrid players adds an extra talking point.

Early morning brings Group G's headline match (JST 04:00 KO): Belgium vs Egypt in Vancouver. Belgium — third in 2018, group-stage exit in 2022 — reunite De Bruyne (117 caps) and Lukaku (124 caps, 89 goals) in what could be their final World Cup. Egypt counter with Mohamed Salah (116 caps, 67 goals), 33 years old and hungry to leave his mark on what may be his last World Cup appearance.

Group H continues with Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (JST 07:00 KO) in Miami. Saudi Arabia — the team that shocked Argentina in 2022 — are led again by captain Salem Al-Dawsari, while Bielsa's Uruguay bring Valverde, Ugarte, and Núñez looking to avenge their 2022 group-stage exit.

The day closes with Group G's second match: Iran vs New Zealand (JST 10:00 KO). Iran, AFC qualifiers' top side led by Mehdi Taremi, are determined to break their six-tournament group-stage exit run. New Zealand, back after 16 years away, rely on Chris Wood (88 caps, 45 goals) and a young defensive unit to spring a surprise.

Jun 17 (Wed) Group Stage 1

Messi defends the crown in Group J opener as France face Senegal in a 2002 rematch

A packed day beginning in the early hours. At JST 04:00, Group I opens with France vs Senegal — a rematch of 2002 when Senegal famously beat the then-world champions 1-0. Mbappé (56 international goals) and Sadio Mané (55 goals) headline this blockbuster tie.

At JST 07:00, Group I's second match sees Iraq face Norway. Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since Mexico 1986 — 40 years ago — while Norway arrive with Haaland and Ødegaard for their first finals since 1998. Haaland's World Cup debut is the day's marquee storyline.

At JST 10:00, Group J's centrepiece: Argentina vs Algeria. Captain Lionel Messi, 38, seeks an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance as defending champion. Algeria, back after 12 years with Mahrez at the helm, aim to spring the upset.

Finally at JST 13:00, Austria (28 years absent, revamped under Rangnick) face Jordan in their historic World Cup debut. Groups I and J ignite simultaneously on this extraordinary Wednesday.

Jun 18 (Thu) Group Stage 1

England vs Croatia renew their 2018 semi-final rivalry as Group Stage 1 reaches its climax

Groups K and L complete the first round of fixtures. At JST 02:00, Portugal face DR Congo in Houston: Ronaldo marks an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance at age 41, while DR Congo — absent since 1974 as Zaïre — return to football's biggest stage after 52 years.

The day's headline match arrives at JST 05:00: England vs Croatia (Group L). Their 2018 semi-final meeting, won by Croatia in extra time, denied England a final place; now they meet again in the group stage. Modrić, 40, leads Croatia's golden generation swansong against Kane, Bellingham, and Saka.

At JST 08:00, Ghana take on Panama (Group L) in Toronto. Ghana bring Semenyo (Manchester City), Iñaki Williams, and Thomas Partey; Panama seek their first ever World Cup win.

The day closes at JST 11:00 with Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K). Cannavaro's debutant Uzbekistan face the Luis Díaz–James Rodríguez combination in a tough baptism on the biggest stage.

Jun 19 (Fri) Group Stage 2

Group Stage 2 begins — Group A standings start to take shape

With Group Stage 1 complete across all groups, the second round of fixtures begins. From now on, every match carries added weight — teams must respond to their first-game results with the knockout stages in mind.

At JST 01:00, Group A's Czechia vs South Africa kicks off: Patrick Schick (25 international goals, Leverkusen) looks to get Czechia's campaign on track against a South Africa side anchored by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. At JST 04:00, Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) features Granit Xhaka (144 caps) leading Switzerland against a Bosnia side anchored by Edin Džeko, 40, with 73 international goals.

At JST 07:00, host Canada face Qatar (Group B) in Toronto. Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David (39 international goals) spearhead Canada's bid for a historic first Round of 16. Qatar, who recorded zero points in 2022, aim to show their growth.

Finally at JST 10:00, Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): Son Heung-min (54 goals) challenges host Mexico's remarkable run of seven consecutive Round-of-16 appearances.

Jun 20 (Sat) Group Stage 2

Brazil and USA return in Group Stage 2 as Groups C and D take centre stage

Groups C and D return for their second matches on Saturday, with hosts USA and five-time champions Brazil both in action.

At JST 04:00, USA face Australia (Group D) in Seattle. Pochettino's USMNT, led by Pulisic (32 international goals), aim to build on their opening result; Australia's Matthew Ryan (104 caps) and towering CB Harry Souttar anchor a defence that has caused problems throughout qualifying.

At JST 07:00, Scotland face Morocco (Group C) in a rematch 28 years in the making — Scotland lost 0-3 to Morocco at France 1998. Robertson, McTominay (14 goals), and McGinn (20 goals) lead Scotland's quest for redemption against a Morocco side featuring Hakimi, Bounou, and Amrabat, who reached the semi-finals in 2022.

At JST 09:30, Brazil vs Haiti (Group C). Ancelotti's first major tournament in charge sees Brazil's attacking trio of Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Neymar (79 international goals, all-time record) take on Haiti in their first World Cup since 1974. The day closes at JST 12:00 with Türkiye vs Paraguay (Group D): Çalhanoğlu (Inter, 22 international goals), Arda Güler (Real Madrid, 20) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus, 21) face a Paraguay team back in the finals after 16 years.

Jun 21 (Sun) Group Stage 2

Japan face Tunisia while Germany and Netherlands enter crucial second group stage fixtures

Japan meet Tunisia in Group F's second round of fixtures (JST 13:00 KO). Tunisia — famous for their stunning victory over France in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final group round — provide a difficult test as Japan look to build on their first match.

Earlier in Group F (JST 02:00), Netherlands take on Sweden in a critical head-to-head that could shape the group's top spot.

In Group E, Germany face Ivory Coast (JST 05:00) — a match that carries enormous weight for a side desperate to end two consecutive group-stage exits. Ecuador vs Curaçao (JST 09:00) completes a day that will clarify the standings in both Groups E and F.

Jun 22 (Mon) Group Stage 2

Defending Euro champions Spain face Saudi Arabia as Belgium enter their Group G second fixture

Group H's headline act sees Spain take on Saudi Arabia (JST 01:00). The Euro 2024 champions bring Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, while Saudi Arabia — famous for their shock win over Argentina in 2022 — aim to cause another upset.

Also in Group H, Uruguay (under Bielsa) face first-timers Cape Verde (JST 07:00), contrasting 100-plus years of World Cup heritage against debutant passion.

In Group G, Belgium and Iran meet (JST 04:00) — De Bruyne and Lukaku's side versus a team chasing their first ever Round of 16 appearance after six consecutive group exits. New Zealand vs Egypt (JST 10:00) pits Chris Wood against Mohamed Salah, with both talismans carrying the weight of their nation's ambitions.

Jun 23 (Tue) Group Stage 2

Messi's Argentina and Deschamps' France both in action as Norway-Senegal delivers the day's star clash

Argentina face Austria (Group J, JST 02:00) as Messi begins his record sixth World Cup tournament's second round. Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández surround the captain against Rangnick's high-press Austria, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998.

France then take on Iraq (Group I, JST 06:00) in Deschamps' farewell campaign — Mbappé headlining against a side making their first World Cup appearance since 1986.

The day's most anticipated match-up comes at JST 09:00: Norway vs Senegal, where Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard face their first real test at a major tournament, up against Sadio Mané's experienced Senegal. In Group J (JST 12:00), debutants Jordan face Algeria and Mahrez's 12-year returnees in a crucial head-to-head.

Jun 24 (Wed) Group Stage 2

Ronaldo's Portugal and Modrić's Croatia in action as Group K and L round out the second stage

Group K's night (JST 02:00) opens with Portugal vs Uzbekistan — Cristiano Ronaldo's record-extending sixth World Cup, where Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Dias support the 41-year-old captain against Fabio Cannavaro's debutants, led by Eldor Shomurodov.

England then face Ghana in Group L (JST 05:00): Kane, Bellingham and Saka against Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) and Iñaki Williams. Croatia vs Panama (JST 08:00) is where 40-year-old Modrić and Gvardiol's Croatia look to confirm their passage, while Panama seek an upset.

The day closes with Colombia vs DR Congo (JST 11:00) — James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz (Bayern) against the Congo side ending a 52-year World Cup absence, in a game that could settle the Group K runner-up spot.

Jun 25 (Thu) Group Stage 3

Group C's fate decided simultaneously as Brazil and Morocco close their group stage — Japan's decisive match follows on June 26

Group Stage 3 arrives, and Groups A, B and C each see their two final fixtures kick off simultaneously — the FIFA rule that turns every last matchday into a high-wire act.

The early kick-offs (JST 04:00) belong to Group B. Host Canada face Switzerland in Vancouver, while Bosnia and Herzegovina meet Qatar simultaneously. Bosnia — who upset Italy on penalties to qualify — are led by 40-year-old Edin Džeko (148 caps) in what could be his final World Cup appearance.

The headline simultaneous KO (JST 07:00) is Group C: Scotland vs Brazil and Morocco vs Haiti at the same moment. Scotland face the same two opponents they met in 1998 — still seeking their first World Cup win over Brazil or Morocco in 28 years. Ancelotti's Brazil look to seal top spot behind Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha; Morocco vs Haiti pits the 2022 semi-finalists against Haiti's historic side, back for the first time since 1974.

Finally (JST 10:00), Group A's simultaneous closer: Czechia vs Mexico and South Africa vs South Korea. Son Heung-min's Korea and host Mexico both need results to secure progression.

Jun 26 (Fri) Group Stage 3

Japan vs Sweden and Netherlands vs Tunisia kick off simultaneously — Group F's final night decides who advances

Groups D, E and F all conclude on the same day — and for Japanese fans, the night of June 26 is the most eagerly awaited of the tournament.

First up (JST 05:00) is Group E's simultaneous closer: Ecuador vs Germany and Curaçao vs Ivory Coast. Germany — carrying the burden of back-to-back group-stage exits — need Wirtz and Musiala to deliver in the decisive match. First-timers Curaçao finish their debut World Cup campaign against 2024 AFCON champions Ivory Coast.

The centrepiece of the day arrives at JST 08:00: Group F's simultaneous final round. Japan vs Sweden (Dallas) and Tunisia vs Netherlands (Kansas City) kick off together. Japan chase their third consecutive Round of 16 appearance; Sweden — back at the World Cup for the first time since 2018 via the playoffs — stand in their way. Netherlands, seeded and with three runner-up finishes to their name, look to lead the group while Tunisia seek a historic first knockout-stage appearance.

Group D's simultaneous closer (JST 11:00) follows: USA vs Turkey in Los Angeles and Paraguay vs Australia. Host nation USA play all three group games on home soil; Turkey counter with a squad featuring Çalhanoğlu (Inter), Arda Güler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus).

Jun 27 (Sat) Group Stage 3

Uruguay vs Spain and Haaland's Norway vs France — Groups H and I decide their qualifiers as the knockout picture sharpens

Groups G, H and I all reach their simultaneous conclusions on June 27, confirming a large batch of Round of 16 qualifiers.

First (JST 04:00): Group I's simultaneous closer — Norway vs France at Foxboro and Senegal vs Iraq in Toronto. France, with Didier Deschamps managing his final tournament, are led by captain Mbappé (Real Madrid, 56 international goals). The personal storyline belongs to Norway: Erling Haaland finally steps on a World Cup pitch, alongside Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, as Norway return to the tournament for the first time since 1998. Senegal vs Iraq pits Mané (Al-Nassr) and Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)'s golden generation — seeking to surpass their 2002 quarter-final — against Iraq, back for the first time since 1986.

Group H's simultaneous closer (JST 09:00) is the day's marquee match: Uruguay vs Spain in Guadalajara at 1,500m altitude. Holders of the Euro title, Spain feature 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, Rodri (returning from injury), and Nico Williams. Uruguay's Bielsa-coached side counter with Valverde (Real Madrid), Darwin Núñez (Al-Hilal), and one of the world's best CB pairings in Araújo and Gimeneź. Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia runs simultaneously as W Cup debutants Cape Verde meet the team famous for their 2022 win over Argentina.

Closing the day (JST 12:00): Group G's simultaneous finale — Egypt vs Iran and New Zealand vs Belgium. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 67 international goals) faces a last chance at World Cup glory; Iran bid to end six consecutive group-stage exits. Belgium's De Bruyne (Napoli) and Lukaku (Napoli) look to lead their side through.

Jun 28 (Sun) Group Stage 3

Messi's sixth, Ronaldo's sixth, Modrić's last dance — the final day of Group Stage 3 writes football history

The final day of Group Stage 3 closes out Groups J, K and L — six matches, all sealing every remaining Group Stage fate. Three legends are writing their last chapters simultaneously.

First (JST 06:00): Group L's simultaneous closer — Croatia vs Ghana and Panama vs England. A 40-year-old Luka Modrić (AC Milan) faces his final World Cup match: a side with two runner-up finishes and a third place, still capable of surprising anyone. England, led by Kane (Bayern Munich, 73 international goals) and Bellingham (Real Madrid), chase the nation's first title since 1966.

Group K concludes simultaneously at JST 08:30: Colombia vs Portugal and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al-Nassr) becomes the first player ever to appear at six World Cups, anchoring a Portugal side powered by Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves. Colombia's James Rodríguez (Minnesota) and Luís Díaz (Bayern Munich) contest the group's top spot. DR Congo vs Uzbekistan is a historic meeting: 52 years absent versus a first-ever appearance — their combined waiting time stretching back to 1974.

Group J's simultaneous finale (JST 11:00) is the day's emotional summit: Jordan vs Argentina and Algeria vs Austria. Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) makes his unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance, chasing back-to-back titles alongside Julián Álvarez (Atlético), Lautaro Martínez (Inter) and Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa). Jordan — W Cup debutants, 2023 Asian Cup runners-up — stand between Argentina and a perfect group stage. Algeria's Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) and Austria's David Alaba (Real Madrid, 33) meet in a head-to-head with second place at stake.

Jun 29 (Mon) Round of 32

Knockouts begin — South Africa vs Canada opens the Round of 32

Single-elimination football arrives: 32 nations that survived the group stage now enter the Round of 32. The opening day offers just one tie — South Africa vs Canada (JST 04:00) — where extra time and penalties mean one moment can decide everything.

South Africa lean on captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, with Teboho Mokoena pulling the strings and Lyle Foster leading the line. Co-hosts Canada bring the surging Alphonso Davies and the clinical Jonathan David. An African side and a North American one, contrasting in style, get the knockouts under way.

Jun 30 (Tue) Round of 32

Brazil vs Japan — Japan take on the five-time champions, with Germany and the Netherlands also in action

The Round of 32 hits full stride with three ties. The headline act is at JST 02:00: five-time world champions Brazil against Japan. Can Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda's Japan trouble a Seleção featuring Vinícius Júnior and Neymar? It could be a historic night in Japan's pursuit of a first-ever quarter-final.

At 05:30, Germany meet Paraguay: a four-time champion built around the new generation of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, versus the resolute defending of captain Gustavo Gómez's side. Then at 10:00, the Netherlands face Morocco — Van Dijk, De Jong and Gakpo against an organised Morocco led by Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Jul 1 (Wed) Round of 32

Haaland & Ødegaard's Norway and Mbappé's France headline day three

A run of three ties packed with star power. At JST 02:00, Ivory Coast face Norway: an African heavyweight anchored by Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré, against a Norway boasting two of the world's finest in Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.

At 06:00, France meet Sweden — Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé's title contenders versus a Sweden carrying Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga. Then at 10:00, a CONCACAF–CONMEBOL clash: hosts Mexico, with Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez, against a sturdy Ecuador built around Moisés Caicedo and Piero Hincapié.

Jul 2 (Thu) Round of 32

Kane's England, De Bruyne's Belgium and hosts USA all in action

At JST 01:00, England face DR Congo: the firepower of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka against a DR Congo marshalled by captain Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa. At 05:00, Belgium vs Senegal pits the golden generation of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku against an Africa powerhouse led by Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly.

At 09:00, co-hosts USA meet Bosnia & Herzegovina. Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams' side, buoyed by home support, take on a Bosnia spearheaded by the veteran finisher Edin Džeko. Roared on by their crowd, the USA chase a place in the last 16.

Jul 3 (Fri) Round of 32

Yamal & Rodri's Spain, and Ronaldo vs Modrić — a meeting of legends

At JST 04:00, Spain face Austria: title contenders driven by Rodri, Pedri and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, against an Austria led by David Alaba and Marko Arnautović.

At 08:00, Portugal vs Croatia brings together two icons in the twilight of their careers — Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing at a record sixth World Cup, against 40-year-old Luka Modrić and a Croatia that has been a fixture in the latter stages. At 12:00, Switzerland meet Algeria in a duel of craft between Granit Xhaka and Riyad Mahrez.

Jul 4 (Sat) Round of 32

Messi's Argentina and Salah's Egypt close out the Round of 32

Three ties bring the Round of 32 to a close. At JST 03:00, Australia face Egypt — Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush against an Australia anchored by goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. At 07:00, holders Argentina meet Cape Verde: Lionel Messi (38), Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez against the island nation enjoying a breakout run on the biggest stage.

At 10:30, Colombia vs Ghana pits James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz against a Ghana featuring Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Thomas Partey. The winners across the day advance to the last 16 and the next step toward the summit.

Jul 5 (Sun) Round of 16

The last 16 begins — Hakimi's Morocco and Mbappé's France take the stage

The Round of 16 kicks off. At JST 02:00, co-hosts Canada — with Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David — face a Morocco side built around Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the heroes of their run to fourth place in 2022.

At JST 06:00, Paraguay meet France. The 1998 and 2018 champions boast Kylian Mbappé as captain alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Paraguay, back at a World Cup after 16 years, look to captain Gustavo Gómez and Miguel Almirón for an upset.

Jul 6 (Mon) Round of 16

Haaland meets Brazil; hosts Mexico face England at the Azteca

At JST 05:00, Brazil face Norway. Carlo Ancelotti's five-time champions meet the Norway of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard — back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, with anything beyond the last 16 uncharted territory.

At JST 10:00, co-hosts Mexico take on England at the Estadio Azteca, 2,200m above sea level. Captain Edson Álvarez and Milan striker Santiago Giménez carry home hopes against a Thomas Tuchel side stacked with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.

Jul 7 (Tue) Round of 16

An Iberian derby — Ronaldo's Portugal collide with Yamal's Spain

At JST 04:00, the pick of the round: Portugal vs Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, against Lamine Yamal, 18 — a headline duel across generations. Euro 2024 winners Spain field Rodri and Pedri in midfield; Portugal answer with Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.

At JST 09:00, hosts USA meet Belgium — a rematch of their 2014 Round of 16 tie, twelve years on. Christian Pulisic captains the host nation against the golden generation of De Bruyne, Lukaku and Courtois.

Jul 8 (Wed) Round of 16

Messi vs Salah — the Round of 16 closes with a meeting of legends

At JST 01:00, holders Argentina meet Egypt. Lionel Messi, 39, playing a record-equalling sixth World Cup, goes head to head with Mohamed Salah, 34. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez lead the champions' attack against an Egypt spearheaded by Salah and Omar Marmoush.

At JST 05:00, Switzerland face Colombia. Captain Granit Xhaka and Inter's Manuel Akanji anchor the Swiss against a Colombia of James Rodríguez, the 2014 Golden Boot winner, and Bayern's Luis Díaz. By day's end the quarter-final line-up is complete.

Jul 10 (Fri) Quarter-finals

The quarter-finals begin — France vs Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final

The quarter-finals are here. At JST 05:00, France vs Morocco replays the 2022 semi-final in Qatar. Chasing a third straight final, France are driven by captain Kylian Mbappé and PSG's Ousmane Dembélé.

Morocco, who made history in 2022 as Africa's first semi-finalists, still lean on captain Achraf Hakimi and shoot-out hero Yassine Bounou in goal, with Brahim Díaz supplying the craft. Can they stand in France's way once more?

Jul 11 (Sat) Quarter-finals

Spain vs Belgium — Courtois stands between Yamal and the last four

At JST 04:00, Euro 2024 champions Spain face Belgium. With Lamine Yamal, 18, and Nico Williams on the wings and Rodri and Pedri controlling midfield, Spain's depth of talent is the envy of the tournament.

Belgium answer with the pride of their golden generation — De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois. Yamal against Courtois, sword against shield, is the duel to watch.

Jul 12 (Sun) Quarter-finals

Haaland's Norway in a first-ever quarter-final; holders Argentina meet Switzerland

At JST 06:00, Norway meet England. Back at a World Cup after 28 years, Norway stand in their first-ever quarter-final behind Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. England counter with Kane, Bellingham and Saka — a tie full of familiar Premier League faces.

At JST 10:00, holders Argentina face Switzerland. Lionel Messi, 39, takes his sixth World Cup into the business end. Switzerland, in a first quarter-final since 1954, send captain Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji's back line against the champions.

Jul 15 (Wed) Semi-finals

The first semi-final: France vs Spain — Mbappé, Yamal and a European summit

At JST 04:00 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the first semi-final. France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, chase a third straight final against Euro 2024 winners Spain. Mbappé versus Yamal — the game's headline acts, with a final at stake.

France pair that attack with a spine of Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba; Spain look to Rodri and Pedri to dictate the midfield. The culmination of Didier Deschamps' long reign meets Luis de la Fuente's Spain.

Jul 16 (Thu) Semi-finals

The second semi-final: England vs Argentina — one of the World Cup's great rivalries

At JST 04:00 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the second semi-final. From Maradona's legend in 1986 onwards, these two have produced some of the World Cup's most storied battles — and now meet with a final on the line.

England, chasing a first title since 1966 behind Kane, Bellingham and Saka, face holders Argentina and the 39-year-old Messi at his sixth World Cup. The winner meets France or Spain in the final.