With the expansion to 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup, fans will have to sit through 72 group games and 108 hours of football just to reach the round of 32. Given the unsociable kick-off times for many, we've selected 10 unmissable matches to help you focus your viewing.
Mexico v South Africa
June 11, 8pm BST
A repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, this match takes place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals, and the 2010 meeting is remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning goal. Expect a vibrant crowd of 87,500.
Brazil v Morocco
June 13, 11pm BST
Five-time champions Brazil face surprise 2022 semi-finalists Morocco. Brazil's squad is packed with attacking talent, while Morocco have adopted a more attacking style since Qatar. This promises to be an enthralling clash in New Jersey.
Morocco players celebrate after beating Portugal in the quarter-finals in 2022.
Netherlands v Japan
June 14, 9pm BST
Group F opens with the Netherlands, who have talent but recent struggles, against Japan, who stunned Germany and Spain in 2022. A win could throw the group wide open.
The Opta supercomputer gives Japan a 26.7% chance of finishing first in Group F and a 76.2% of advancing to the last 32.
Spain v Cape Verde
June 15, 5pm BST
European champions Spain, tournament favourites, face debutants Cape Verde. Spain's opening game in 2022 was a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, so this could be one-sided.
France v Senegal
June 16, 8pm BST
These sides met only once before, in 2002, when Senegal shocked defending champions France 1-0. France will seek revenge in their Group I opener.
The numbers behind Senegal’s defeat of France 24 years ago.
Iraq v Norway
June 16, 11pm BST
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, while Norway boast stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Norway were top scorers in European qualifying and could be dark horses.
Ecuador v Curaçao
June 21, 1am BST
Ecuador conceded just five goals in qualifying and could be surprise packages. Curaçao, the smallest country ever to qualify, will be the feelgood story of the tournament.
Scotland v Brazil
June 24, 11pm BST
Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time this century, facing Brazil in a rematch of their 1998 opener. Scotland have never advanced past the group stage in 12 major tournaments.
Scotland fans enjoy the atmosphere at the 1998 World Cup.
DR Congo v Uzbekistan
June 28, 12:30am BST
Neither team has high hopes in Group K, but their final group game could decide who advances as a best third-place team. Both may need to go for broke.
Jordan v Argentina
June 28, 3am BST
Reigning champions Argentina face one of the weakest teams, but holders have often struggled in group stages. Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in 2022 despite dominating xG.
This is an article by Opta Analyst
