The World Cup 2026 group stage offers 72 matches in 17 days, but not all of them carry the same weight. Some are appointments with history: defending champions, stars at sunset, derbies and revenge matches. We have picked the ten matches no fan should miss, from the opening game on June 11 to the decisive clashes of the final matchday. Put them in your calendar.

1. Mexico vs South Africa, the opening match

On June 11 at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico open the World Cup against South Africa. It is the match that starts everything: the opening ceremony, the first goal of the tournament, the emotion of 87,000 people. The opening game is always an event in itself, and this one is special because the Azteca becomes the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches. Mexico cannot afford a slip in front of their own fans.

2. Argentina vs Austria, the champions' debut

Defending champions Argentina open against Austria, the most organised team in Group J. It is Lionel Messi's first match at his last World Cup, and the whole world will be watching. Austria press high and give opponents no time to breathe: it will be a real test for the Argentinians, who must show straight away that they are still the team to beat.

3. Portugal vs Colombia, Ronaldo against Luis Diaz

On June 27, Portugal face Colombia in what could be the most spectacular match of the group stage. Ronaldo, at his sixth World Cup, against Luis Diaz, one of the best wingers in the world. First place in Group K could be at stake, and neither team will settle for a draw.

4. Spain vs Uruguay, the favourites against the garra

Spain, among the favourites for the title, face Uruguay in Group H. It is a clash between two opposite schools of football: Spanish possession against Uruguayan garra. Uruguay have a history of giant-killing against favourites, and Spain will have to show they can handle the pressure of a team expected to win the tournament.

5. France vs Norway, Mbappé against Haaland

Group I offers the most awaited duel between stars: Kylian Mbappé against Erling Haaland. France and Norway are two of the strongest teams in the tournament, and their meeting could decide first place. Haaland, at his first major tournament with Norway, wants to prove he is the best striker in the world. Mbappé wants to confirm he is the best.

6. England vs Croatia, the 2018 revenge

England and Croatia meet again in Group L, eight years after the 2018 World Cup semi-final won by the Croats. It is a revenge the English have waited a long time for, with Harry Kane leading a generation that wants to finally win. Croatia, with Modric at his last World Cup, will give nothing away.

7. Brazil vs Morocco, the Group C showpiece

Brazil face Morocco, the revelation of the 2022 World Cup, in a match that promises entertainment. The Brazilians play the most beautiful football in the tournament, the Moroccans defend in an orderly way and break at speed. It is the clash between the group favourites and the team nobody wants to meet.

8. Germany vs Ivory Coast, the Germans' test

Germany open Group E against Ivory Coast, the African champions. It is the first real test for the Germans, who must show they have moved past the disappointments of recent tournaments. The Ivorians have physicality and talent, and a win against Germany would change the whole group.

9. Netherlands vs Japan, the 2022 lesson

Japan beat Germany and Spain in 2022, and now they face the Netherlands in Group F. It is the match that will tell us whether the Japanese really are a top team. The Netherlands cannot afford a slip in such a balanced group, and the Japanese know how to take advantage of every mistake.

10. Canada vs Bosnia, the story of Group B

On June 12, Canada play the first World Cup match in their history at home, in Toronto, against Bosnia. It is a match full of meaning: the hosts making their home debut against the team that knocked Italy out of the tournament. For Italian fans, it will be impossible not to watch it with special attention.