The 2026 World Cup group stage features some of the most exciting matchups in tournament history. With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, there are 48 group stage matches to look forward to. Here are the 10 best group stage matches to watch.

## 1. Mexico vs South Korea (Group A)

The opening group stage match between co-hosts Mexico and South Korea is one of the most anticipated. The two sides have a history of close matches, including the 2018 group stage which Mexico won 1-0. The match will set the tone for both teams' tournaments.

## 2. France vs Norway (Group I)

The matchup between France and Norway is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. The match features Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, the two most dangerous attackers in world football, facing off in what could be a preview of a future final.

## 3. England vs Croatia (Group L)

The rematch of the 2018 semi-final is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. England have improved significantly since 2018, and Croatia are the defending bronze medalists. The match will likely determine the winner of Group L.

## 4. Brazil vs Morocco (Group C)

The rematch of the 2022 group stage, which Brazil won 2-1, is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. Morocco are the 2022 semi-finalists and one of the strongest African sides, and the match is a potential preview of a knockout round matchup.

## 5. Argentina vs Algeria (Group J)

The matchup between defending champions Argentina and Algeria is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. The match features Lionel Messi and Riyad Mahrez, two of the most dangerous attackers in world football, facing off in what could be a classic.

## 6. Germany vs Ecuador (Group E)

The rematch of the 2006 group stage, which Germany won 3-0, is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. Ecuador have improved significantly since 2006, and the match will likely determine the winner of Group E.

## 7. Spain vs Uruguay (Group H)

The rematch of the 2018 quarter-final, which Spain won on penalties, is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. Uruguay have improved significantly under Marcelo Bielsa, and the match is a potential preview of a knockout round matchup.

## 8. USA vs Australia (Group D)

The matchup between co-hosts USA and Australia is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. The two sides have a history of close matches, including the 2014 group stage which the USA won 2-1. The match will set the tone for both teams' tournaments.

## 9. Portugal vs Colombia (Group K)

The matchup between Portugal and Colombia is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. The two sides have not met at a World Cup, and the match features Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Díaz, two of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

## 10. Netherlands vs Japan (Group F)

The matchup between the Netherlands and Japan is one of the most anticipated of the group stage. The two sides have not met at a World Cup, and the match features Cody Gakpo and Takefusa Kubo, two of the most exciting young players in world football.

## Conclusion

The 2026 World Cup group stage is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in tournament history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, there are countless storylines to follow and matches to watch. The 10 matches highlighted above are just a sample of the excitement to come.