The World Cup 2026 feels like it has taken an age to arrive, but the June 11 kick-off is finally on the horizon to offer fans a summer feast of football.
Set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the Scotland national team begin their own campaign with a clash against Haiti in the early hours of June 14 as they aim to make history by qualifying for the knockout stages for the very first time.
Football fans the world over will be excited to see how a host of the world’s best footballers perform under the microscope of the sport’s premier tournament, with France’s Kylian Mbappe, England’s Harry Kane, and Scotland’s Scott McTominay expected to line up for their respective nations.
While the knockout stages are often the most thrilling parts of any major tournament, the group stages have thrown up a superb selection of clashes. Want to know which group stage battles you have to tune into this summer?
Here are 10 World Cup group games you should definitely not miss!
1. Mexico vs South Africa - June 11 - 8pm
The tournament opener is always a must watch. However, this one should be extra special, with a amped up atmosphere likely to have the stands bouncing in Mexico City as the co-hosts supporters look to roar them onto victory in the Group A opener. | Getty Images
2. Brazil vs Morocco - June 13 - 11pm
The five time World Cup winner vs the AFCON finalists has all the hallmarks of a group stage classic. Add in the importance of the result to Scotland, this Group C game is well worth staying up for. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Netherlands vs Japan - 14 June - 9pm
The Dutch side are slowly beginning to get back to their best under Ronald Koeman, but will face a serious test from a technically excellent Japanese team aiming to go deep in the competition. A 9pm kick-off makes it perfect viewing for Scotland fans who plan to stay up late for their opener against Haiti in the early hours of the morning, too. | Getty Images
4. France vs Senegal - June 16 - 8pm
A re-run of the two nations opening game of the 2002 tournament that saw Senegal shock then-world champions France, the AFCON finalists will fancy their chances of shocking Didier Deschamps side once again when they meet in New Jersey. An ideal kick-off time for UK viewers to tune in, too. | Getty Images