FIFA World Cup Week Schedule (15-21 June 2026): Messi, Ronaldo in action as Argentina, Portugal kick off campaigns

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (ANI Photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion is gathering pace across the three host countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada – and the tournament is already bringing plenty of drama in its opening days. Twelve matches have been played so far, with half of the record 12 groups playing opening matches.The top six from Groups A to F have had their opening round of matches completed, while the teams in Groups G to L will begin their campaigns this week. A packed schedule awaits fans, with a further 25 group stage matches lined up across venues across the three host countries in the coming days.After watching traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany and the three co-hosts launch their World Cup journeys, the spotlight now shifts to some of modern football’s biggest stars.Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, begin their title defense against Algeria on Wednesday. Later in the day, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side begin their campaign against Congo as the veteran striker looks to add another chapter to his illustrious international career.Several former champions are also gearing up for their inaugural assignments. Two-time world champions Uruguay face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, while Spain open their campaign against Cabo Verde on Monday.France take on Senegal on Wednesday and England begin their quest for glory with a heavyweight clash with Croatia on Thursday.With more soccer giants and global superstars entering the fray, the second week of the World Cup promises even more excitement as the race for the knockout stages heats up.

DateGroupTeamsVenueTime (IST)15. JuneGroup FNHolland vs JapanDallas0:30 AMGGroup Ivory Coast vs Ecuador Philadelphia3:30 Group FSSweden vs TunisiaMonterrey7:30 AMGGroup HSSpain vs Cabo Verdey vs. Cabo VerdeAtl. EgyptSeattle0:30AMGroup HSaudi Arabia vs UruguayMiami3:30AMGroup GIran vs New ZealandLos Angeles6:30AM17. June Group IFrance vs. SenegalNew Jersey0:30AMGroup IIRaqRaq vs. NorwayBoston3:30AMGroupJArgentina vs. Australia vs. AlgeroMG JordanSan Francisco9:30 AM Group KPortugal vs DR CongoHouston10:30 PM18. JuneGroup LEEngland vs CroatiaDallas1:30AMGroup LGhana vs PanamaToronto4:30AMGroup KUzbekistan vs ColombiaMexico City7:30AMSouth Africa AMGroup JuneGroup BSSwitzerland vs BosniaLos Angeles0:30AMGroup BCanada vs QatarVancouver3:30AMGroupAMexico vs. South KoreaGuadalajara6:30 AM20 JuneGroup DUSA vs AustraliaSeattle0:30 AMGGroup CScotland vs MoroccoBostons3:30 AMGGroup Vs. Brazil HaitiPhiladelphia6:00 AMGroup DTurkiye vs ParaguaySan Francisco8:30AMGroup FNetherlands vs SwedenHouston10:30 PM21. June Group EGermany vs Ivory CoastToronto1:30 AMGroup EEcuador vs Curacao vs. JapanMonterrey 21:30 AMGroup HSpain vs. Saudi ArabiaAtlanta 9:30 PM