The World Cup Blog
Everything happening on the road to the 2026 World Cup, in one place. Match previews, recaps, group news, and the ticket and travel updates you actually need, written for fans following every kickoff.
France vs England: both wanted the trophy, now they play for pride
France and England both came to this World Cup believing they would win it. But instead both teams saw their dream coming to an end in the semi-final. Now they get 1 last game in Miami to finish this tournament with some pride, and it is also Didier Deschamps' goodbye after 14 years as France's manager.
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Spain vs Argentina: can Messi lead Argentina to a back to back win?
This final is Lionel Messi against the Spanish defense. He has been the best player at this World Cup. They have been the best defense in it. But we think the defense wins this time, and we are going with 1-0 for Spain.
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France vs Spain Prediction: Is This the Real World Cup Final?
Before this World Cup started, most people picked these 2 teams to meet in the final. Instead they meet in the semi-final as both teams remain undefeated in the competition. But one of them has to go home on Tuesday night. And for us, it is France that will go to the final.
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England vs Argentina: Even the Experts Cannot Agree on This One
England and Argentina meet at a World Cup for the first time in 24 years, and the winner plays in the final. And the funny thing is that even the experts cannot agree on this one. But in the end the odds have England as slight favorites to go to the final. So here is our call for this semi-final in Atlanta.
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Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction: Can Switzerland Stop Messi?
Lionel Messi is the top scorer of the competition so far with 8 goals, and he saved Argentina after it was losing 2-0 for most of the game against Egypt. Now he faces Switzerland, one of the hardest teams to score against. So we tell you who we think wins this quarter-final in Kansas City.
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Norway vs England: Can Haaland Shock England Too?
Norway already knocked out Brazil, and now only England stand between them and the semi-finals. All thanks to Erling Haaland, who is in the best form of his life and has waited his whole career for this. So can he shock another big team, or do England end the Norwegian fairytale?
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United States vs Belgium: Can the Co-Hosts Avenge 2014?
This is the one American fans have been waiting 12 years for. Belgium broke their hearts at the 2014 World Cup, and Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still here to do it again. So can the co-hosts finally get their revenge at home in Seattle?
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Spain vs Belgium Prediction: Can Belgium Break the Spanish Wall?
Spain have the best defense left in the World Cup, and almost nobody has found a way past it. Belgium have Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, so they can hurt anyone. So we tell you who we think wins this quarter-final in Los Angeles.
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France vs Morocco: Can Morocco Get Revenge for 2022?
We have seen this game before, and Morocco have not forgotten it. France beat them in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, and now the two meet again in the quarter-finals. So can Morocco get their revenge this time, or do France go through again?
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Switzerland vs Colombia: Can Colombia's Attack Break the Swiss Wall?
Two of the most solid teams left in the World Cup meet in Vancouver, and both arrived unbeaten. Switzerland are hard to break down, but Colombia have Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez to unlock any defense. So we tell you who we think wins a tight game.
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Argentina vs Egypt: Messi's Last Dance Against Salah's Egypt
This could be one of the last times we ever see Lionel Messi at a World Cup, and he is playing like a man on a mission to achieve greatness one last time. Standing in his way is Mohamed Salah and a brave Egypt team living their first ever run this deep in the competition. So we tell you who we think wins it.
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Portugal vs Spain: Ronaldo's Last Dance Against the Young Champions
Portugal and Spain are neighbors, and they meet in the biggest game of the round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 years old, is chasing one last World Cup, while Spain bring the best young team in the world. So we tell you who we think wins this Iberian derby.
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Colombia vs Ghana: Can Ghana Stop Colombia's Attack?
Colombia finished above Portugal to win their group, and many now see them as a real title contender. We break down this round of 32 game against a very tough Ghana defense and tell you who we think wins.
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Argentina vs Cape Verde: The Champions Meet the Fairytale
The world champions and Lionel Messi against a tiny island of 525,000 people, the smallest country ever to reach a World Cup knockout round. We break down this round-of-32 game and tell you who we think wins.
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Mexico vs England: Can the Azteca Stop England's Stars?
Mexico are the host nation, playing at the famous Estadio Azteca with a whole country behind them. But England are one of the favorites and want to end the home dream. So we tell you who we think wins.
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Brazil vs Norway: Can Haaland and Norway Shock the Champions?
Brazil are 5-time world champions with a dazzling attack. But Norway now have real stars too, including the world-famous Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. So we tell you who we think wins this clash of two great attacks.
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Canada vs Morocco: Can the Home Dream Survive Morocco?
Canada are co-hosting this World Cup, and the whole country is dreaming of more. But Morocco reached the semifinals in 2022 and know how to win big games. So we tell you who we think wins.
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Paraguay vs France: Can Paraguay Shock France Too?
Paraguay just knocked mighty Germany out on penalties, and now they face France. So can the fearless underdog take down another giant? We tell you who we think wins.
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Switzerland vs Algeria: This Knockout Game in Vancouver Is Anybody's Game
Switzerland won their group and never make it easy. Algeria have real firepower up front, but we have a feeling this one is Switzerland's night.
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Spain vs Austria: Can the Underdogs Stop the Favorites?
Spain won their group and arrive as one of the big favorites to win the whole World Cup. But Austria, the underdogs, are ready to stay back and catch Spain the moment they leave an opening. We break down this round-of-32 game and tell you who we think wins.
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Portugal vs Croatia: Ronaldo or Modric, One Legend Goes Home
This is almost surely the last World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, and only one of them will survive this game. We break down the clash and tell you who we think wins.
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Jordan vs Argentina: Debutants Face the Champions in Group J
Jordan are out and Argentina have already won Group J, so the table is settled. The real story is a first-time nation getting one game against the world champions and Lionel Messi. A goal here would be the moment of their tournament.
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Algeria vs Austria: A Group J Shootout for Second Place
Argentina have already won Group J, so this last game is a straight shootout for 2nd place. Austria go through with a draw or a win, while Algeria must win to grab that spot.
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DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: Congo Chase a Win to Stay in the World Cup
Group K is already settled at the top, so this last game is about the bottom two. DR Congo must win to keep a faint hope of sneaking into the knockouts, while Uzbekistan are already out after their first ever World Cup.
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New Zealand vs Belgium: Belgium Must Win or Risk Going Out
New Zealand vs Belgium closes Group G with Belgium under real pressure to win and reach the knockouts. New Zealand are bottom and chasing a first ever World Cup win, while Belgium have the stars to take over, at BC Place in Vancouver.
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Egypt vs Iran: Salah Chases the Win That Sends Egypt Through
Egypt vs Iran is the Group G decider, led by Mohamed Salah. Egypt sit at the top of the group, and if they win, they qualify for the knockout round. Iran most likely have to win too, at Lumen Field in Seattle.
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Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: A Win Sends One Into the Knockouts
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia closes Group H with both teams still alive. The winner can still reach the knockout round as a best 3rd-place team, and Cape Verde chase a historic result at their first World Cup, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
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Uruguay vs Spain: Spain Chase Top Spot, Uruguay Fight to Stay In
Uruguay vs Spain is a big Group H game. Spain are already at the top of the group and a draw is enough for them to go through, while Uruguay need a result to be safe. Spain are favorites, but Uruguay are tough and you can expect them to put on a fight at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
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Senegal vs Iraq: Pride on the Line as Both Head Home
Senegal vs Iraq is a Group I game between two teams already out of the World Cup. Senegal have far more quality and are big favorites, while Iraq chase a proud moment at their first World Cup since 1986, at BMO Field in Toronto.
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Norway vs France: Haaland vs Mbappé, With 1st Place on the Line
Norway vs France is a heavyweight Group I finale, with both teams already through and 1st place up for grabs. France lead on goal difference, so Norway must win, in a Haaland against Mbappé showdown at Gillette Stadium.
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Croatia vs Ghana: Croatia Must Win, Ghana Need Only a Draw
Croatia have to win this Group L decider to reach the knockouts, while Ghana go through with just a draw. That should make for an intense, interesting game, with Croatia the favorites and Ghana yet to let in a single goal all tournament.
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Colombia vs Portugal: A Group K Decider for First Place
Both teams are already through to the knockout bracket, so this game is all about who finishes 1st in Group K. Colombia top the group on 6 points and a draw is enough for them, while Portugal must win to take 1st place.
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Panama vs England: England Eye Top Spot, Panama Are Out
England are top of Group L and only need a draw to move on to the bracket phase. Panama are already out of the World Cup and have not scored a single goal yet, so England are big favorites at MetLife Stadium.
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Paraguay vs Australia: The Group D Decider for the Last 16
Paraguay vs Australia decides who joins the USA in the last 16. Both teams have 3 points, Australia can go through with a draw, and Paraguay most likely need to win. That's why we expect a tight and low scoring game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
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Turkey vs USA: USA Chase a 3rd Win, Turkey Play for Pride
The USA are already through as Group D winners and can finish with a perfect record against Turkey, who are out of the World Cup after failing to score in 2 games. The co-hosts are clear favorites at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
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Tunisia vs Netherlands: Netherlands Eye Top Spot, Tunisia Are Out
The Netherlands can win Group F and reach the last 16 with a victory over Tunisia, who are already out of the World Cup. The Dutch are huge favorites and scoring freely, while Tunisia have shipped 9 goals in 2 games, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
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Japan vs Sweden: Japan Can Top the Group, Sweden Must Win
Japan can win Group F and reach the last 16 with a victory over Sweden, who must win to be sure of going through. Japan have the meanest defense in the group, but Sweden's star strikers make this one dangerous, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
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Ecuador vs Germany: Ecuador Must Win to Stay Alive
Ecuador must beat group winners Germany to keep their slim hopes of reaching the knockout round alive, but they have not scored a single goal yet and have lost a key player to suspension. Germany are already through and big favorites at MetLife Stadium.
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Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast Need a Win to Reach the Last 16
Ivory Coast must get past World Cup debutants Curaçao to reach the knockout round, and even a draw might be enough. Ivory Coast are big favorites, while Curaçao, the smallest nation ever at a World Cup, chase one more proud night in Philadelphia.
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South Africa vs South Korea: A Fight for the Last Group A Spot
South Korea need just a draw to reach the round of 32, while South Africa must win to stay in the World Cup tournament. South Korea have the firepower of Son Heung-min, but a desperate South Africa will throw everything forward.
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Czech Republic vs Mexico: Mexico Eye a Perfect Group A
Mexico have already won Group A with a perfect record and no goals conceded, and they want to finish the job at the Estadio Azteca. But in front of them, Czech Republic must win to keep a small hope alive, against a Mexico side full of confidence at home.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar: Win or Go Home in Group B
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar are both on 1 point, so this is a must-win if either wants a faint chance of going through. Bosnia are clear favorites with Edin Dzeko still scoring goals up front, while Qatar need a big result after losing 6-0 to Canada.
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Switzerland vs Canada: A Shootout for Top Spot in Group B
Switzerland and Canada are level on points, so the winner tops Group B and a draw very likely sends both through to the round of 32. Canada have the home crowd and Jonathan David in form, while unbeaten Switzerland must win to finish in first place in the group.
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Morocco vs Haiti: One Win From the Knockout Round
Morocco need just one win against an already-eliminated Haiti to reach the knockout round, and if they win with a big margin it could even send them to the top of Group C. Haiti are out, but they will fight for pride and try to score their first goal of the tournament.
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Scotland vs Brazil: Win and Make History, or Go Home
Scotland must beat 5-time world champions Brazil to reach the knockout round for the first time in their history, while Brazil need only a draw. Brazil are heavy favorites, but Scotland have everything to play for, since only a win keeps them in the tournament.
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Norway vs Senegal: The In-Form Underdogs Meet a Big Name in Trouble
Senegal are higher ranked and have the bigger stars, but they lost their opener and now sit on 0 points. Norway are flying with Erling Haaland and sit at the top of Group I. The lower-ranked team are the favorites, Senegal are under huge pressure, and both sides love to attack.
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Jordan vs Algeria: Both Lost, One Goes Home Early
Jordan and Algeria both lost their first game, so they are stuck on 0 points with Argentina and Austria already pulling ahead to win the group. The loser here is almost certainly out. Algeria are the favorites with a squad full of European stars, while Jordan are dreaming at their first ever World Cup.
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Portugal vs Uzbekistan: A Big Name Under Pressure Meets a World Cup Debutant
Portugal were meant to walk through this group. A draw in their opener dropped them to 3rd place, so Ronaldo and company need a big win to take charge. Uzbekistan are at their first ever World Cup, coached by Italy's 2006 winner Fabio Cannavaro. Portugal are huge favorites, but the pressure is all on them.
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England vs Ghana: Two Winners Meet, and the Group Lead Is Up for Grabs
Both teams won their opener, so both sit on 3 points, and this one decides who will end up at the top of Group L. England are the big favorites with Harry Kane and a stacked squad. Ghana are the underdogs, but they arrive full of belief after winning their opener.
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Panama vs Croatia: Two Beaten Teams, One Last Chance
Both teams lost their first game, so both sit on 0 points, and the loser here is almost certainly out. Croatia were World Cup finalists in 2018 and are the clear favorites, but they let in 4 goals last time. Panama could not find a goal against Ghana. This one is win or bust.
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Colombia vs DR Congo: The Group Leaders Meet the Team Who Held Portugal
Colombia are flying after a 3-1 win and sit at the top of Group K. DR Congo just held Portugal to a 1-1 draw and walked away with belief. Colombia are the clear favorites, but DR Congo showed they can hang with the very best.
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France vs Iraq: Mbappe and the Champions Face a Team on the Brink
France are 2-time world champions and one of the favorites to win the whole thing, and Kylian Mbappe scored twice in their opening win. Iraq are 58th in the FIFA rankings and lost their first game 1-4, so another defeat would almost certainly knock them out. This is a giant against a team fighting to survive in Group I.
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Argentina vs Austria: Messi and the Champions Meet a Surprise Package
Argentina are the reigning world champions and the number 1 ranked team, and Lionel Messi just scored a hat-trick (3 goals) in their opening win. Austria are ranked 25th, but coach Ralf Rangnick has them flying and they won their first game too. Both teams have 3 points, so this is a fight for the top of Group J.
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New Zealand vs Egypt: Salah Tries to Push Egypt Clear
Egypt arrive with one of the most famous players on the planet, Mohamed Salah, and a defense that did not let in a single goal in qualifying. New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the group, but they already showed some fight by coming back to draw their opener. A win here would put either team in a strong spot in Group G.
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Uruguay vs Cape Verde: A Tiny Island Dares to Dream
Cape Verde are the story of the World Cup so far. A tiny island of about 500,000 people, in their first ever tournament, who just held mighty Spain to a 0-0 draw. Now they meet Uruguay, a 2-time World Cup winner coached by Marcelo Bielsa, who badly need a win after their own slip-up.
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Belgium vs Iran: The Big Names Want Their First Win
Belgium arrived with a squad full of stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, then only managed a 1-1 draw with Egypt. Now they face Iran, a tough team with a real goal threat in Mehdi Taremi. Belgium are clear favorites, but Iran love to hit teams fast and will not make this easy.
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Spain vs Saudi Arabia: The Favorites Need a Response
Spain came in as one of the teams to win the whole World Cup, then stumbled to a goalless draw with tiny Cape Verde. Now they meet Saudi Arabia, the team that beat Argentina in 2022 and loves to spoil the party. Spain are huge favorites, but the giant-killers will make them work for it.
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Germany vs Ivory Coast: Two Winners Meet in a Group E Showdown
Both teams won their first game, so this is a top-of-the-group clash in Group E. Germany are 4-time world champions and the clear favorites, but Ivory Coast are well organized and will be a much tougher test than Curacao were. The winner here will take a big step toward the next round.
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Tunisia vs Japan: A Settled Japan Face a Team in Crisis
Japan are the favorites after a brave 2-2 comeback draw with the Netherlands, while Tunisia arrive in chaos after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and a coaching change. Japan can take a big step toward the next round here, and for Tunisia this is close to a must-win.
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Ecuador vs Curacao: Both Lost, Now One Goes Home
Both teams lost their first game, so they sit at the bottom of Group E on 0 points and badly need a win. Ecuador are the clear favorites, but Curacao showed some fight by scoring against Germany. The loser of this one is very likely out of the tournament.
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Netherlands vs Sweden: The Favorites Chase a Win After a Slow Start
The Netherlands are big favorites in Group F, but they slipped to a 2-2 draw with Japan. Sweden are the surprise of the group, sitting top after a big 5-1 win over Tunisia. The favorites are under pressure, the underdogs are flying, and this game can shake up the whole group.
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USA vs Australia: The Group D Winner Books a Spot in the Next Round
Both teams won their first game, so they each sit on 3 points. And whoever wins this one books a place in the round of 32 with a game to spare. The USA are home favorites in Seattle, but Australia shocked the world by beating Turkey, and are ready to do it again.
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Turkey vs Paraguay: Win or Go Home
Both teams lost their first game, so both are stuck on 0 points while USA and Australia already have 3. The loser of this one is very likely out of the World Cup. It is that simple, and it is that brutal. Let me walk you through it.
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Brazil vs Haiti: Brazil Need Their First Win, and They Need It Now
Brazil are 5-time world champions, but they have not won a game yet at this World Cup. They only drew their opener, and now they sit 3rd in Group C. Haiti are the big underdogs, sitting at the bottom of the group. Let me show you why Brazil should fix this fast.
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Scotland vs Morocco: A Win Sends Scotland Where They Have Never Been
Here is what makes this one special. Scotland sit at the top of Group C and a win over Morocco puts them in the knockout round for the very first time at a major tournament. Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, have other ideas. Let me walk you through it.
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Mexico vs South Korea: The Group A Game With a Knockout Spot on the Line
Both teams won their openers and sit on 3 points, so the winner of Mexico vs South Korea books a place in the round of 32. Mexico are slight favorites with home advantage and altitude, but Son Heung-min makes South Korea dangerous. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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Canada vs Qatar: Two Teams Hunting Their Very First World Cup Win
Here is the wild part. Canada and Qatar have never won a single World Cup game, ever, and tonight one of them finally can. Canada are co-hosting at home in Vancouver, their fans are roaring, and they have won their last 4 games here. Let me walk you through it.
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Switzerland vs Bosnia: A Group B Game Both Teams Want
Both teams drew their opener 1-1, so both want this win to take control of a tight Group B. Switzerland go in as favorites, but Bosnia are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and they fancy an upset. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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Czechia vs South Africa: A Game That Both Teams Will Fight to Win
Both teams lost their first game, so they sit on 0 points and there is a very high chance the loser is out of the World Cup. Czechia go in as favorites, but South Africa are fighting for their lives. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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Uzbekistan vs Colombia: Uzbekistan's First Ever World Cup in Group K
This is Uzbekistan's first ever World Cup, and they are coached by Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro. Colombia go in as clear favorites at the famous Estadio Azteca. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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Ghana vs Panama: The Group L Game Both Teams Target
Group L also has England and Croatia, so Ghana vs Panama feels like a must-win for both. Ghana go in as favorites thanks to their attacking talent, even though Panama are actually ranked higher. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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England vs Croatia: A 2018 Semi-Final Rematch in Group L
England and Croatia meet again, 8 years after Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. England arrive unbeaten and as clear favorites, but Croatia have the experience to make it tight. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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Portugal vs DR Congo: DR Congo's 52-Year World Cup Return in Group K
DR Congo are back at the World Cup after 52 years, and they ran into one of the favorites. Portugal are loaded with stars and chasing the one trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has never won. Here is what to know before kickoff.
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We post when something on the World Cup actually moves. A group gets decided. A match shifts. A new ticket window opens. A squad list drops.
If it changes how you follow the tournament, it lands here.
- Match previews. Before each big match we break down the form, the lineups, the head to head, and what's actually at stake.
- Match recaps. What happened, who decided it, and what it means for the group or the bracket. Written while it's still fresh.
- Group and bracket news. Who qualified, who went out, who they play next. The standings update the moment the math is settled.
- Ticket updates. When a new sales window opens, when a phase sells out, and how the official process works. The stuff that decides whether you're in the stadium.
- Travel and host cities. Getting between the 16 host cities across three countries, where to stay, and how to plan a trip around the matches.
- Team news. Squad announcements, injuries, and the form going into the tournament for the sides everyone's watching.
- Standout moments. The goals, upsets, and games that people will still talk about years from now, with the story behind them.
- Players to watch. The young names breaking through and the veterans chasing one last shot at the trophy.
- Stadium guides. What each venue is like to actually attend, from the seating to getting in and out on a match day.
- History and context. How past World Cups shaped this one, and the records on the line in 2026.
Every post is written for fans following the 2026 World Cup, not for a press box. We focus on what changed, why it matters, and what you do with it next if anything.
If there's something you'd like to see covered, the contact page is open. We read every message.