Soccer Fans’ Guide: Eight World Cup Matches You Shouldn’t Miss

Devoted football fans know that the World Cup is not just a celebration for the general public, but above all the dramatic pinnacle of world football. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada may create a packed schedule, but the current group stage brings with it some real gems, meetings that bring together long-standing traditions, historic world champions, undeniable superstars and a great deal of prestige. If you live and breathe football, these are the eight matches you should not miss under any circumstances, all times adjusted precisely to Israel time:

1. Brazil vs. Morocco (Group C) When: Sunday, June 14, at 1:00 a.m. (Saturday to Sunday) Stadium: New York / New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) In short: The record holder with five World Cup titles opens its campaign with a particularly tough fire test. Standing in its way will be Morocco, a team that became a neutral crowd favorite after its wonderful run to the semifinals in Qatar 2022. This is a meeting between traditional Brazilian jogo bonito and Moroccan heart, nonstop rhythm and tactical discipline.

2. Netherlands vs. Japan (Group F) When: Sunday, June 14, at 11:00 p.m. Stadium: Dallas (AT&T Stadium) In short: The Dutch Orange are considered one of the most beloved teams and most closely associated with attacking football, despite the historic tragedy of three appearances in the final without winning it. Opposite them will be Japan, one of the most fascinating teams in the world today, which proved in Qatar that it can take down giants, with wins over Spain and Germany. A match full of pace, modern ball movement and high intensity.

3. England vs. Croatia (Group L) When: Wednesday, June 17, at 4:00 p.m. Stadium: Dallas (AT&T Stadium) In short: The biggest match of the first round. The Three Lions, world champions from 1966, arrive with one of the most talented and deepest squads they have ever had. Opposite them will be 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia, in a rematch of that semifinal that broke English hearts. A charged meeting with a rich history and a tough modern rivalry.

4. Germany vs. Ivory Coast (Group E) When: Saturday, June 20, at 7:00 p.m. Stadium: San Francisco (Levi's Stadium) In short: The German Mannschaft, with four stars above the crest, four World Cup titles, arrives to prove it is back at the forefront. Standing in its way is Ivory Coast, one of the most talented, physical and beloved African teams, which will try to use its attacking weapons to surprise the German defense. A classic match for fans of European tactics versus African power.

5. Argentina vs. Austria (Group J) When: Monday, June 22, at 9:00 p.m. Stadium: Seattle (Lumen Field) In short: The reigning world champions, Argentina, arrive at every match with enormous pressure and the expectation of repeating the title. They will face the Austrian team led by Ralf Rangnick, which presents one of the most impressive versions of Gegenpressing, high and aggressive pressing, in Europe. This may not be the flashiest game for the average reader by name, but for tacticians it is a feast of control versus mad pressure.

6. France vs. Norway (Group I) When: Friday, June 26, at 11:00 p.m. Stadium: Boston (Gillette Stadium) In short: The duel everyone was waiting for. France, world champion twice, in 1998 and 2018, has a monstrous squad, but with all due respect to tactics, the focus here is entirely personal. Kylian Mbappe on one side, against Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard on the Norwegian side. A direct meeting between two of the best and most beloved forwards of the current generation.

7. Spain vs. Uruguay (Group H) When: Saturday, June 27, at 4:00 a.m. (Friday to Saturday) Stadium: Houston (NRG Stadium) In short: Absolutely worth staying up for. A giant clash between the 2010 world champions, Spain, and Uruguay, two-time world champions in 1930 and 1950. Two completely different football schools, the technical style and patient ball movement of La Roja, against the garra charrúa, the physicality, heart, aggression and quick transitions of the Uruguayans.

8. Portugal vs. Colombia (Group K) When: Sunday, June 28, at 10:00 p.m. Stadium: Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium) In short: The highest-quality meeting, pure star power, and one that will likely decide the top spot in the group. Cristiano Ronaldo, in what could be his very last dance at the World Cup, leads a Portuguese team packed with talent alongside Bruno Fernandes. On the other side, a hot Colombia with Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez in one of the tournament’s most stunning stadiums.