The 2026 World Cup: A New Era of Football
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a landmark event in the world of football, with an expanded format that will see 40 additional matches played across North America. While the number of games has increased, the ultimate goal for each team remains unchanged: to win the final match and lift the coveted trophy. For some teams, this goal seems more achievable than for others, but the start of the tournament brings hope and excitement for all 48 participating nations.
As the teams take to the pitch, they carry the hopes of their home fans, eager to make their mark on the global stage. With North America hosting all 104 matches, the continent becomes the epicenter of the world’s most prestigious football event. Teams from Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the international football scene.
Live Coverage and Streaming Options
Fans around the world can watch the 2026 World Cup live through various platforms. In the United States, fubo offers a free trial for those interested in following the action. This allows fans to catch every match, whether it’s a group stage game or a crucial knockout round encounter.
Matches Scheduled for Wednesday
On Wednesday, June 17, four matches are set to take place as part of the group stage:
- Group K, Round 1: Portugal vs. DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, starting at 1 p.m. (ET). This match features Cristiano Ronaldo and his team as they kick off the day against DR Congo.
- Group L, Round 1: England vs. Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, at 4 p.m. (ET). This high-stakes encounter promises to be a thrilling clash between two strong football nations.
- Group L, Round 1: Ghana vs. Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, at 7 p.m. (ET). This match is expected to be a competitive battle.
- Group K, Round 1: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, at 10 p.m. (ET). This late-night match rounds out the day’s action.
Wednesday marks the final game for teams making their 2026 World Cup debut, with Groups K and L starting their tournament. This includes the opening match featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal against DR Congo, followed by England facing Croatia.
Recent Results from the 2026 World Cup
Here are the results of matches already played at the 2026 World Cup:
- June 17: England defeated Croatia 4-2, while Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo.
- June 16: Austria beat Jordan 3-1, and Argentina won 3-0 against Algeria. Norway triumphed over Iraq 4-1, and France beat Senegal 3-1.
- June 15: Iran drew with New Zealand 2-2, and Saudi Arabia defeated Uruguay 1-0. Belgium tied with Egypt 1-1, and Spain drew with Cape Verde 0-0.
- June 14: Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1, and Ivory Coast won 1-0 against Ecuador. The Netherlands drew with Japan 2-2, and Germany defeated Curacao 7-1.
- June 13: Australia beat Turkey 2-0, and Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0. Qatar drew with Switzerland 1-1, and Brazil tied with Morocco 1-1.
- June 12: The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1, and Canada drew with Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1.
- June 11: South Korea beat Czechia 2-1, and Mexico won 2-0 against South Africa.
Matches Played Yesterday
On Tuesday, June 16, several matches took place:
- Group I, Round 1: France defeated Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
- Group I, Round 1: Norway beat Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
- Group J, Round 1: Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
- Group J, Round 1: Austria beat Jordan 3-1 at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, CA.
