The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway this weekend and there are several matches that immediately catch the eye. The standout fixture is Brazil against Morocco on Saturday, a fascinating clash between one of the tournament favourites and the team that surprised the world by reaching the semi-finals in 2022.
On Friday, hosts USA begin their campaign against Paraguay, with the pressure firmly on the Americans to make a strong start in front of their home fans. Sunday brings another intriguing encounter as the Netherlands take on Japan, a match that could prove to be one of the most entertaining of the opening round thanks to the Dutch attacking talent and Japan’s tactical discipline. Germany’s meeting with World Cup debutants Curaçao will attract attention as fans look to see whether the newcomers can produce an early upset, while co-hosts Canada will be hoping to make a positive start against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other games worth watching include Ivory Coast versus Ecuador, which could be a key battle between two potential dark horses, and South Korea against Czechia, a fixture that may have a significant impact on qualification from their group. Overall, the opening weekend offers a mix of heavyweight contenders, ambitious hosts and potential surprise packages, making it an exciting start to the biggest tournament in world football.