CNN Sports Picks 10 Must-Watch 2026 World Cup Group Matches From 72-Game Slate
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 9
CNN Sports Picks 10 Must-Watch 2026 World Cup Group Matches From 72-Game Slate
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 9
Summary
CNN Sports narrowed the 2026 World Cup’s 72 group-stage matches to 10 standout games, highlighting Brazil-Morocco on June 13 and Netherlands-Japan on June 14 among the earliest marquee contests.
The list is meant to guide viewers through the expanded 48-team tournament, which will stage a record 104 matches across three host countries over 17 days of group play.
Group I features most heavily, with France-Senegal on June 16, Norway-Senegal on June 22 and Norway-France on June 26 all flagged as likely to shape qualification.
Other picks include England-Croatia, Ecuador-Germany, Turkey-USA, Uruguay-Spain and Colombia-Portugal, with several matches framed as likely deciders for first place in their groups.