Five unmissable 2026 World Cup group-stage clashes: Brazil-Morocco, England-Croatia, more | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here as football's biggest event returns. There are more games than ever in the expanded format and we've picked out five of the best fixtures to watch during the group stages.

Brazil vs Morocco - Saturday 13th June, kick-off 11pm

Brazil endured a turbulent qualification campaign but write them off at your peril. The Selecao similarly struggled prior to their 2002 success, the last of a record-breaking five World Cup wins.

The South Americans will want to start positively, but face a tough test in their opening fixture. AFCON championsMorocco, albeit after Senegal were stripped of the title, await at MetLife Stadium in a terrific group-stage game.

The Atlas Lions have some fantastic talent in their ranks, including back-to-back Champions League winner Achraf Hakimi. It will represent a serious test Brazil's credentials to win a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.

Netherlands vs Japan - Sunday June 14th, kick-off 9pm

There's a fascinating match-up in Group F as theNetherlands take on European giant-killers Japan.

The Netherlands are considered outsiders when it comes to World Cup contention, but the Oranje have defensive depth and a midfield group that can make an impression.

Japan enter the tournament riding a six-game winning run, which includes successes over Scotland andEngland in March. The Samurai Blue have not lost to a European team in normal time since being eliminated from the 2018 World Cup by Belgium, a run of nine games.

France vs Norway - Tuesday June 16th, kick-off 8pm

France will seek to reach a third consecutive World Cup final this summer, as Didier Deschamps pursues the perfect end to his reign with Les Bleus. The French are, arguably, the favourites for the trophy but have been drawn into a tough group.

France facestripped AFON winners Senegal, Iraq, and Norway in Group I, facing the latter in their final fixture.

Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, Norway blitzed through qualification with eight wins from eight games. A talented team will be spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in those eight qualification games.

England vs Croatia - Wednesday June 17th, kick-off 9pm

England andCroatia will do battle in their Group L opener. The teams know each other well from recent tournaments, with Croatia overcoming England in their 2018 World Cup semi-final, before the Three Lions exacted revenge at Euro 2020.

AreThomas Tuchel's team the real deal? Or can Croatia's ageing Golden Generation make another impact at the World Cup? The opening fixture will tell us plenty about both side's hopes.

Ecuador vs Germany - Thursday June 25th, kick-off 9pm

After successive group stage exits,Germany arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a point to prove. Previously perennial contenders, Germany will want to restore that status in North America. Julian Nagelsmann's side have been drawn into an intriguing group, alongside debutant minnows Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

The latter are dark horses to make the latter stages, with a golden generation of talent having emerged. Ecuador finished as runners-up to Argentina in South America's qualification phase, ahead of Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil. The Ecuadorians have world-class talent in Moises Caicedo and Willian Pacho in their ranks.