The group stage at a World Cup is usually treated like a warm-up. People wait for the knockouts. But sometimes, the group stage provides drama as well. In the last tournament, Argentina lost their first game, only to proceed and win the title. And now, in a 48-team format, where an awkward result can suddenly turn a comfortable draw into a mess. Even if you’re watching from Europe and mainly follow UEFA competitions, but want to bet on the soccer World Cup, there are early matches in 2026 that are worth clearing your schedule for.
France vs Norway
France don’t ease into tournaments. They tend to start fast and settle early. Norway, though, aren’t there to sit back quietly. They have enough attacking quality to make this uncomfortable if France lose focus. What makes this interesting isn’t just the talent gap. It’s the pressure dynamic. If Norway keep it level for an hour, nerves creep in. If France score early, the match opens up and becomes more about control than survival. Either way, it won’t feel like a routine group fixture.
England vs Croatia
These two don’t need introductions. There’s history here. The 2018 semifinal still sits somewhere in the background, whether players admit it or not. England are deeper now. Croatia are older, but still tactically sharp. This won’t be chaos. It will be about midfield control. If England’s tempo is high, Croatia will try to slow it. If Croatia dictate rhythm, England will need patience. Group game or not, this has knockout energy.
Portugal vs Colombia
Portugal against Colombia feels like one of those matches that could swing wildly. Portugal are comfortable keeping the ball and building patiently. Colombia are far more direct and emotional in the way they play. If Colombia score first, it becomes frantic. If Portugal control possession without finishing, frustration builds. It has the ingredients of a game that shifts momentum two or three times.
Netherlands vs Japan
This match is anything but boring. Japan don’t fear bigger names anymore. They press well, move the ball quickly, and stay organized. The Netherlands will try to stretch the pitch and use physical presence in key areas. This is less about individual stars and more about system against system. If you enjoy watching structure rather than just highlights, this one has depth.
Spain vs Uruguay
Spain will want the ball. Uruguay will want to disrupt. That’s the entire story. Spain’s patience can either suffocate opponents or become predictable. Uruguay’s intensity can either force mistakes or leave gaps. There’s very little middle ground. It may not be the fastest match of the group stage, but it could be one of the most tense.
Brazil vs Morocco
Brazil bring expectation every time they walk onto the field. Morocco bring defensive discipline and belief. Morocco have shown in recent tournaments that they are comfortable absorbing pressure. Against Brazil, that matters. If they stay compact and clinical on the counter, this could be tighter than most expect. Brazil rarely lack flair. The question is whether they maintain concentration.
Even early matches matter
Group stages don’t allow recovery time. A slow start creates pressure. A surprise draw changes the table immediately. Goal difference suddenly becomes important by the second matchday.
For European fans, it’s not just about supporting UEFA teams. It’s about watching how different approaches collide. Tactical patience against aggression. Possession against counterattack. Experience against momentum. The knockout rounds will get the headlines. But the group stage is where things start to wobble.
