The FIFA World Cup Match Schedule Is Out: Here's What Everyone is Most Excited For

Simar Gill
2 hours ago
3 min read

On December 6th at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule was revealed. The Final Draw revealed who the 42 qualifying teams (and the 22 in contention) will play. Mexico will kick off the first-ever 48-team tournament on June 11th in Mexico City and will play South Africa. Fans are particularly excited for this matchup since it is a rematch of the 2010 opener. With the full schedule now set, attention is quickly shifting to which matchups are generating the most excitement among fans.

Germany vs. Curaçao

Though seemingly an odd choice for a game fans are excited for, this matchup solidifies the first time such a small nation will play in the FIFA World Cup. With a population of 150,000, Curaçao is the smallest nation by population to qualify for the tournament. Fans are excited to see this match up since Curaçao secured the top spot in Group B on the final match day of the Concacaf finals. Though it's a team without much fame and historic FIFA appearances, fans are excited to see this underdog perform against the team of Germany, a traditional powerhouse in soccer. If Curaçao can manage to beat them, it may change the trajectory of the entire World Cup onwards.

France vs. Norway

With stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, this matchup is not surprising to make it to the list of what fans are most excited to see. Though both teams have other big names, Mbappe and Haaland are two players recognized globally and have been discussed as two of the contenders to be the top overall scorer of the tournament. So far, Mbappe has scored 30 goals in 24 games for Real Madrid and France, while Haaland has had 33 in 24 games for Machester City and Norway.

Spain vs. Uruguay

With two past World Cup winners, this matchup is considered a clash of champions and is highly anticipated from fans worldwide. The feature will also showcase two polarizing styles of soccer, with Spain having a possession-based system versus Uruguay's traditional tough and physical style of play. Additionally, matchups between the young Spanish phenom, Lamine Yamal, and Uruguay's defender, Ronald Araujo, are expected to generate fan excitement due to star talent. As the two strongest teams in Group H, this match is likely to determine who finishes first. Finishing second could mean a tougher match against the winner of Group J, which is likely to be Argentina.

Portugal vs. Colombia

At 40 years old, this World Cup may be Cristiano Ronaldo's last. This is also the first time Portugal and Colombia will play each other in an official game, adding to the unpredictability. This matchup has also become the most expensive group stage match of the entire tournament. The cheapest tickets have been listed for over $2,200 for the match in Miami. Additionally, as the Group K finale, this match could determine which team wins the group and secures a more favorable path to the knockout stages.

USA vs. Australia

For American fans, hosting the World Cup is already filled with lots of excitement. Obviously, to see the U.S. Men's team compete in the World Cup is a dream of many fans, and the matchup between USA and Australia in Seattle is sure to draw major attention. For the Australians, if they can gain a point or even a win, it can take them far in the knockout stage. Additionally, this matchup is significantly better for the Americans. With matchups against Paraguay and Australia, the odds are in the USA's favor to advance since they have already beaten these teams in the World Cup tuneups which are the friendly matches played to prepare for the tournament.

Japan vs. Tunisia

Though at first glance this match may seem insignificant, the Japan vs. Tunisia game marks the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. In Monterrey, Mexico, this is a landmark event expected to draw a large global audience. Fan opinions suggest that Group F is well matched with an additional competitor, the Netherlands, being in this group as well; however, Tunisia still has a chance to potentially advance to the knockout rounds for the first time.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, the release of the full World Cup schedule has transformed early speculation into genuine anticipation. From traditional powerhouses facing rising talent to unexpected pairings that could spark early drama, fans now have a clear picture of the clashes that will define the opening stage of the tournament. No matter which fixtures draw the most attention, one thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup promises a thrilling blend of history, unpredictability, global energy, and amazing athleticism that will captivate audiences from the very first whistle.

Edited by: Isabella Messerli