WC 2026 is already deep into the first round: three groups have played their opening matches, and the standings are beginning to take shape. This evening and tonight bring the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. The key question: will the favorites in Groups C and B assert their status from the very first game?
Group A: Mexico and South Korea — 3 Points Each, Czech Republic Already in Trouble
Group A looks surprisingly clear after the first round. Mexico opened the tournament with a 2:0 win over South Africa, while the Republic of Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2:1. Both teams have 3 points and will face each other on June 18 — effectively a battle for the top of the group. The Czech Republic and South Africa started with defeats and are already under pressure: any further points dropped will sharply narrow their chances of even finishing third.
Group D: USA Set a Record, Paraguay in Crisis
The biggest result of the first round was the USA's 4:1 demolition of Paraguay in Los Angeles. The Americans scored four goals in a single World Cup match for the first time in history. Florian Balogun netted twice in the first half, while Giovanni Reyna sealed the win late on. The USA top Group D with a perfect points tally and a +3 goal difference. Paraguay, returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, are already in a difficult spot: their next match against Turkey on June 20 is effectively a must-win.
Group B: Canada Didn't Lose, But Didn't Win Either
Canada, as tournament hosts, drew 1:1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. It is the first draw of WC 2026. Qatar and Switzerland have yet to play — their match is scheduled for tonight at 22:00 Kyiv time in San Francisco. The result of that game will determine who becomes Canada's real rival for a place in the knockout stage: a Swiss win would immediately make them favorites, while a Qatari victory would open up an unpredictable scenario in the group.
Scenarios
- Qatar — Switzerland (tonight, 22:00 Kyiv): A Swiss win puts them level with Canada on 3 points and turns Group B into a two-horse race for first place. A Qatari win leaves the group completely open after the first round, raising the stakes for Canada in the second round.
- Brazil — Morocco (June 14, 01:00 Kyiv): If Brazil win, they immediately become the clear Group C favorites. A draw or defeat opens the group up to any scenario, as Scotland and Haiti play the same morning.
- Mexico — South Korea (June 18): The decisive clash for Group A leadership. The winner almost guarantees themselves first place; the loser faces pressure heading into the third round.
The Race for the Eight Best Third-Place Finishers
So far only two groups have completed the first round (A and partially B and D), so the third-place rankings have not yet taken shape. But it is already clear that the Czech Republic and South Africa (0 points, goal differences of −1 and −2 respectively) and Paraguay (0 points, −3) have made the worst starts of any teams in the tournament. Even if they finish third, they will need to significantly improve their goal difference in the remaining rounds to make it into the top eight third-place finishers and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Tonight, watch Qatar vs Switzerland: this match will set the tone for all of Group B. Then late at night comes the Group C opener, where Brazil against Morocco promises the first real test for both contenders. Tomorrow morning Group D gets another fixture: Australia vs Turkey — and it will become clear whether there is any genuine competition for the USA.
