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World Cup 2026: Group Stage round one concludes

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KATHMANDU: The first round of matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, currently being held across North America, has concluded in all 12 groups from Group A to Group L, setting up an intense race for places in the Round of 32.

Former champions including France, Argentina, England, and Germany began their campaigns with victories, while five-time champions Brazil and former winners Spain were held to draws.

Brazil were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Morocco, while Spain—2010 champions—were held goalless by debutant African opposition. Portugal also shared points after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo.

Host nation Mexico impressed with a win over South Africa, while the United States comfortably defeated Paraguay.

Co-host Canada played out a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina after their opponent arrived following a strong European qualifying campaign.

In other results, South Korea secured a victory over the Czech Republic, while Japan drew 2–2 with the Netherlands.

Qatar also shared points with Switzerland, and Uruguay were held after Saudi Arabia produced a disciplined performance to earn a draw.

With the expanded format featuring 48 teams, the top two teams from each group—along with the best third-placed sides—will advance to the Round of 32, making every point crucial even at this early stage.

Group A: Mexico and South Korea Take Early Lead

Mexico and South Korea have strengthened their chances of reaching the Round of 32 in the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup being held across three North American countries.

With one round of matches completed in Group A, both teams have won their opening games and now sit in a strong position to qualify for the next stage. Mexico and South Korea each have three points from their first match.

In this four-team group, South Africa and the Czech Republic both suffered defeats in their opening matches, making their remaining games crucial for survival in the tournament.

Mexico currently tops the group due to a superior goal difference. They have scored two goals without conceding any. South Korea is in second place with three points as well, having defeated the Czech Republic but conceded one goal in the process.

The Czech Republic sits third after scoring one goal despite their loss, while South Africa is at the bottom of the table, having conceded two goals without scoring.

For Mexico and South Korea, even a draw in the upcoming matches could be enough to secure a place in the Round of 32. However, for the Czech Republic and South Africa, victories in their remaining fixtures are essential to keep their qualification hopes alive, as another defeat could push them to the brink of elimination.

Group B: All Teams Level on Points After Opening Matches

In Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026, all four teams have started evenly, with one match each completed and every side sitting on one point.

Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have all drawn their opening matches and share identical records in both points and goals scored, making the group completely balanced at this stage.

Host nation Canada played out a 1–1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Switzerland and Qatar also shared points in their opening encounter after another draw.

With two matches still to play for each team, the group remains wide open. Canada is yet to face Qatar and Switzerland, while Switzerland still has matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada. Bosnia and Herzegovina will also play Qatar and Switzerland in their remaining fixtures.

In this tightly contested group, a win will significantly strengthen any team’s chances of reaching the Round of 32. Even draws may keep qualification hopes alive, but defeats could severely damage their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Group C: Brazil Held to a Draw by Morocco

In Group C of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, all teams have completed their opening matches, with Scotland leading the table with three points. Scotland secured a 1–0 victory over Haiti, a team that has returned to international football after a long period of conflict, placing them at the top of the group.

In the other Group C match, five-time world champions Brazil were held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco. Morocco took the lead through Ismael Saibari, who scored in the 21st minute. However, they were unable to maintain their advantage beyond 11 minutes after taking the lead.

Brazil, a team that has participated in every edition of the World Cup since its inception, managed to come back to avoid defeat but could not secure all three points.

After the first round of matches, Scotland sit top of Group C with three points. Brazil and Morocco each have one point from their draw, while Haiti remain at the bottom with zero points. Scotland now have a relatively easier path to the Round of 32, while Brazil and Morocco still have strong chances to qualify. Haiti, however, must secure positive results in their remaining matches against Brazil and Morocco to keep their hopes alive.

Group D: USA and Australia Level on Points

In Group D of the FIFA World Cup, Australia’s victory over Turkey has resulted in both the United States and Australia sitting on three points each.

Australia, representing the Asian region, defeated Turkey, who had previously secured third place in the World Cup, by 2–0. Earlier, in the group’s opening match, hosts the United States defeated Paraguay 4–1.

In the group standings, the USA lead with three points due to goal difference, having scored four goals and conceded one. Australia also have three points but have scored two goals. Turkey, despite their loss, are placed third as they have conceded only two goals, while Paraguay sit at the bottom after conceding four goals and scoring one.

At this stage, a draw may be enough for both the USA and Australia to qualify for the Round of 32, while Paraguay and Turkey will need victories to stay in contention. Paraguay and the United States still have matches remaining against Australia and Turkey.

Group ‘E’: Germany Strong, Ivory Coast Close Behind

Germany made a dominant start in Group ‘E’ with a huge 7–1 victory over debutants Curaçao, immediately establishing themselves as strong contenders in the group. After the first round of matches, the four-time world champions sit at the top of the table with three points.

Ivory Coast, who defeated Ecuador 1–0 in their opening match, also have three points. However, they are placed second due to goal difference. Germany have scored seven goals and conceded just one, while Ivory Coast have scored one goal and kept a clean sheet.

Ecuador are in third place in the group, while Curaçao sit at the bottom. Ecuador have not scored any goals yet but have conceded only once, whereas Curaçao have scored one goal but conceded three.

Although Germany and Ivory Coast look well placed to qualify for the Round of 32, Ecuador and Curaçao still retain mathematical chances. The upcoming matches are crucial for both sides. A win or even a draw could keep their hopes alive, while a defeat could result in an early exit from the tournament.

Germany still have matches remaining against Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Curaçao will also face Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Similarly, Ivory Coast are set to play Germany and Curaçao, while Ecuador will meet Curaçao and Germany.

Historically, Germany are one of the most successful teams in world football, having won the World Cup four times, finished runners-up four times, and secured third place on four occasions. Ivory Coast, once part of a French colonial territory, qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2006 and have appeared in three editions so far (2006, 2010, and 2014).

Ecuador are participating in their fourth World Cup and previously reached the Round of 16 in 2006. Curaçao, meanwhile, are making their debut appearance at the World Cup.

Group ‘F’: Sweden Lead, Japan and Netherlands Follow

Sweden top Group ‘F’ with three points. Japan and the Netherlands, both considered strong football nations, sit jointly in second place with one point each. Tunisia are at the bottom of the group without a point.

Sweden, who have participated in the World Cup since the second edition in 1934, began their campaign with a commanding 5–1 win over Tunisia.

Japan and the Netherlands played out an entertaining 2–2 draw in their opening match. Sweden are in a comfortable position to qualify for the Round of 32, while Japan and the Netherlands also remain strong contenders.

Tunisia face a difficult situation after a heavy defeat and will need victories to keep their hopes alive.

Japan will face Sweden and Tunisia in their remaining matches. Sweden still have to play both Japan and the Netherlands. The Netherlands will also meet Sweden and Tunisia, while Tunisia must face Japan and the Netherlands.

For Tunisia, even a win or draw could revive their chances, but another loss could eliminate them early.

A win in the upcoming matches would likely secure Sweden a place in the next round even before their final group game. For Japan and the Netherlands, victories would ease their path to the Round of 32, while defeats would significantly increase pressure.

Sweden are former World Cup runners-up and have also finished third twice. The Netherlands have been runners-up three times and finished third once. Japan have never progressed beyond the Round of 16, while Tunisia have never advanced past the group stage.

Group G: Belgium Under Pressure

All four teams in Group G—New Zealand, Iran, Belgium, and Egypt—have collected one point each. However, New Zealand and Iran are ahead in the table due to scoring more goals, having netted two goals each. In their opening match, New Zealand and Iran played out a 2–2 draw.

Despite having the same one point, Belgium and Egypt are placed below New Zealand and Iran because they have scored only one goal each. Even with identical goal difference, teams with more goals scored are ranked higher, leaving Belgium and Egypt behind.

Belgium, who finished third in the 2018 World Cup, are under pressure in their 15th appearance. They now need positive results in both remaining matches. If other results go in their favor, their pressure could ease, but another draw could put them in serious danger of an early exit.

Belgium featured in the very first World Cup and also the second edition. After that, Egypt returned to the World Cup after a long gap—appearing once in 1990 and again in 2018, making this their fourth appearance, and they currently have one point. Ranked 9th in FIFA rankings, Belgium are still considered title contenders.

Iran will face Belgium and Egypt in their remaining two matches. After a comeback draw, Iran now need at least one win and one draw from their remaining fixtures to reach the Round of 32. For Egypt and New Zealand as well, positive results are crucial.

Group H: All Teams Level on One Point with Spain

In Group H of the ongoing World Cup in North America, all four teams—Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde—have one point each. Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have scored one goal each, while Spain and Cape Verde are yet to score.

The race to reach the Round of 32 remains open, with two group matches still to be played. However, the upcoming second round of fixtures is expected to give a clearer picture of which teams may advance.

In the opening matches, Spain, a former World Cup and European champion, were held to a draw by a strong opponent. Saudi Arabia still have matches remaining against Spain and Cape Verde, while Uruguay will also face Spain and Cape Verde. Cape Verde and Spain will each play Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their remaining fixtures.

Group I: France and Norway Ahead

After the first round of group matches, France and Norway lead Group I with three points each. Senegal and Iraq remain without points.

In the opening match, France defeated Senegal 3–1 with a brace from Kylian Mbappé. In another match, Norway secured a convincing 4–1 victory over Iraq.

Although both France and Norway have three points, Norway top the group due to goal difference and goals scored. Senegal sit third due to fewer goals conceded despite their loss, while Iraq are at the bottom.

Group J: Argentina and Austria Lead

After the first round of matches in Group J, three-time world champions Argentina and Austria have each collected three points. Jordan and Algeria remain without points.

Jordan and Algeria now need victories in their next matches to stay in contention for the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Argentina and Austria need only a draw in their remaining games to secure progression.

In the opening match, Argentina defeated Algeria 3–0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. With those goals, Messi equaled Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, the highest in tournament history.

Austria also began strongly, defeating Jordan 3–1 in their opening match.

Group K: Portugal Under Pressure, Colombia in Command

In Group K of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are under pressure after being held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening match. With only one point so far, Portugal now need at least one win from their remaining matches to strengthen their chances of reaching the next round.

Colombia, meanwhile, have taken control of the group after defeating Uzbekistan 3–1. After the first round of matches, Colombia sit top of the table with three points, while Portugal and DR Congo both have one point each. Uzbekistan remain bottom without a point.

For Colombia, even a draw in their remaining matches could be enough to secure qualification to the next stage, while Uzbekistan have no option but to win their upcoming games to stay in contention.

Group L: England and Ghana Lead, Croatia Under Pressure

In Group L of the FIFA World Cup, former champions England and Ghana are leading the way with three points each.

England secured a dominant 4–2 victory over Croatia, with Harry Kane scoring twice, while Ghana edged past Panama 1–0 to claim all three points. England now look well placed to qualify, with even a draw likely enough to advance to the next round.

Croatia, however, are under pressure after their defeat and must win their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive. Panama are also in a must-win situation, as they sit at the bottom of the group and face an uphill battle to progress.