Previous FIFA World Cup Matches 2026

Looking back at previous FIFA World Cup matches can provide valuable insight into how teams have performed on football’s biggest stage. This section highlights recent results, key moments, and historical trends that may help fans better understand each team's strengths, weaknesses, and tournament experience ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup Preview 

The World Cup kicks off with one of the co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa. These teams met in the first match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw. 

Mexico vs. South Africa – The Details 

• Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico 
• Date and Time: Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. EST
• FIFA Ranking: Mexico #14 / South Africa #60 

Odds from Top Canadian Sportsbooks 

• Mexico 1.45 / South Africa 7.50 / Draw 4.20 
• Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.15) / Under 2.5 goals (1.75) 

Mexico vs. South Africa Match Preview 

Mexico comes into the World Cup opener in solid form, having won their last three friendly matches and conceding only one goal. On the other side of the coin, South Africa won their last match 1-0 facing Jamaica after playing to a draw and loss in their previous two matches. 

South Africa has not played top talent in their friendly tune-ups, while Mexico, going unbeaten in eight 2026 friendlies, faced top-tier teams such as Belgium and Portugal. 

The Mexico Attack 

One key question for South Africa is whether its defense can hold up against the solid Mexico attack. The hosts have Raul Jimenez from Fulham of the EPL, and he has 10 international goals since the start of 2025. El Tri scored five goals in their last match in a 5-1 win over Serbia, and they will press the issue on the offensive side of the field. 

One player who is key for South Africa is 22-year-old Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya. He will anchor the defense, which will be under pressure throughout the match. 

The South Africa Attack 

In their five 2026 matches, South Africa has only scored four goals. Burnley striker Lyle Foster is the leader of the attack and will pair with young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates of the South African league. While this duo is key, Mexico will likely win the time-of-possession battle, and the African squad will have to pounce on counterattack opportunities. 

Top Tier Talent 

While Mexico has several players at major clubs, South Africa does not. There are many South African players in that country’s top league, which is not a powerhouse, to say the least. Goalie Ronwen Williams is the captain playing for Sundowns and has to play well in the box. 

Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina World Cup Preview 

Canada kicks off their World Cup campaign as the host, facing Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto. 

Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina – The Details

• Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 
• Date and Time: Friday, June 12, at 3 p.m. EST
• FIFA Ranking: Canada #30, Bosnia & Herzegovina #64

Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina Odds 

• Canada 1.80 / Bosnia & Herzegovina 4.40 / Draw 3.50
• Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.25) / Under 2.5 goals (1.70) 

Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina Match Preview 

While not playing any elite teams, Canada is unbeaten in five friendlies this year, with three draws and two wins. Bosnia & Herzegovina has played to draws in its last two friendlies and has not faced top-tier talent. However, in winning their last two FIFA qualifying matches to make the tournament, they also played to a couple of draws and won on penalties, including a big upset in the last one, taking out four-time World Cup champion Italy. 

The First Time 

Canada is the betting favorite in this match and is looking for its first World Cup win, having lost all six group matches in the two tournaments it has played in, including the last one. 

The Canadian Pace 

Canada plays at a fast, direct pace, aiming to get the ball to their star attacker, Jonathan David, who was up and down for Juventus this season. Tani Oluwaseyi or Cyle Larina are the other attackers that may pair with David, and they will look to pressure the Bosnia & Herzegovina defense. 

Defensive Keys 

A couple of key defensive players for the hosts are Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies and Orlando City goalie Maxime Crepeau. Davies is a star, but it was recently confirmed that he will miss the opening World Cup match with an injury. Big loss to say the least.  

Crepeau won the starting spot and will be counted on to be the anchor of the defense. He will be facing a Bosnia & Herzegovina that is strong on the flank and in sending high balls into the box for scoring chances. He has to hold the line and keep the taller Bosnians from getting scoring chances in the air. 

Physical Play 

This match is one of contrasting styles, as Canada plays a fast-paced game dictated by pushing the ball forward, while Bosnia & Herzegovina is a physical team that led all European qualifiers in fouls per match (17.7). 

Edin Džeko is a 40-year-old Bosnian legend who is still the heart and soul of the team. He looks to get the ball to the attackers of Amar Memic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, or Kerim Alajbegovic and also set up the counterattack. 

The Styles Matter 

This match may come down to which team can dictate its style. If Canada plays with pace and fluidity, it favors them, while if Bosnia & Herzegovina is more physical and slows the pace, it favors them. 

In Toronto, Canada, has a golden chance to get its first-ever World Cup win, but Bosnia & Herzegovina is a dangerous, physical foe. Davies' loss is a big one, and while the hosts are on home soil and the betting favorites, this may be a more evenly matched game than the odds dictate. 

USA vs. Paraguay World Cup Preview 

One of the World Cup co-hosts, the USA, faces Paraguay in the opening match in Los Angeles in Group D play. 

USA vs. Paraguay – The Details 

• Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA 
• Date and Time: Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m. EST
• FIFA Ranking: Paraguay #40 / USA #17 

USA vs. Paraguay Odds 

• Odds: USA 1.98 / Paraguay 3.80 / Draw 3.30 
• Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.30) / Under 2.5 goals (1.65) 

USA vs. Paraguay Match Preview 

The USA automatically qualified for the World Cup as a host and has not had the best of its 2026 tune-ups. They have played four friendlies this year, losing three. Ok, so they played top-notch teams in Germany, Portugal, and Belgium, but in those three losses, they were outscored 9-3. 

Paraguay has played three friendlies this year, winning two, and in their last one, beat Nicaragua 4-0 on June 6. The team is back in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals. 

These teams met in the USA for a friendly in November last year, with the Americans winning 2-1. 

Can the USA Score? 

Paraguay does not have a great attack but a lockdown defense that has allowed only 10 goals in 16 World Cup qualifying matches. Captain Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete are two solid fullbacks and the spine of the defense. 

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic is the main USA striker and, as the brightest star, has a lot of pressure on him in this World Cup. He will likely pair up with Folarin Balogun up front and face a tall task against a stout Paraguay back line. 

While the USA will press to score, they have to limit mistakes against a more-than-solid Paraguayan counterattack. 

The Midfield Matchup 

There is a great midfield matchup between the USA’s Weston McKennie and Paraguay’s Diego Gómez. McKennie is a physical player who likes to break off on runs toward the opposing goal, and Gómez is a young rising star who is elite at player tracking and is the heart of the Paraguay midfield. The winner of this matchup gives their team a big tactical advantage.

Midfield play will be crucial for the Americans, as the friendlies showed they have some defensive liabilities. 

Big Blow 

One of the top USA defenders, Chris Richards, injured his ankle in May and may not be ready for this match. His loss will be a big one if he cannot go. 

Freese the Likely Keeper 

New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese is expected to get the start in goal and was up and down in friendly tuneups. He will not be facing a top-tier attack, but he has to be the anchor as the last man. 

To Wrap it Up 

This is a great opening match, with the hosts facing a South American squad featuring a strong defensive backline. The USA are the betting favorites in the match, and can they handle the pressure as the hosts and live up to the high expectations for the tournament? Big question. 

Brazil vs. Morocco World Cup Preview 

In an opening Group C match, five-time World Cup winners Brazil face a dangerous Morocco team that is only one spot behind them in the current FIFA rankings. 

Brazil vs. Morocco – The Details 

• Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey  
• Date and Time: Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. EST
• FIFA Ranking: Brazil #6 / Morocco #7 

Brazil vs. Morocco Odds 

• Odds: Brazil 1.63 / Morocco 5.25 / Draw 3.90
• Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.05) / Under 2.5 goals (1.85) 

Brazil vs. Morocco Match Preview 

Brazil had a far-from-easy qualifying process, finishing fifth in South America, during which legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti took over. After losing their first friendly this year to France, they have won their last three, outscoring their opponents 11-4. 

Morocco came off its surprising 2022 World Cup semifinal run to dominate African qualifying, winning eight matches in a row. They have three wins and two draws in their five friendlies this season and have a full head of steam heading into the tournament. 

The New Legend in Charge 

With Brazil struggling in World Cup qualifying, they sacked the manager and brought in legendary Ancelotti. He has a record five Champions League titles, but this is his first time managing an international side. 

He has implemented his defensive organization and control strategy in the midfield, which will free up the world-class strikers Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. 

Pressure on the Back Line 

With such a great attack and a controlling midfield, the back line defense of Morocco has a ton of pressure. The key matchup may be Vinicius Junior facing PSG defender Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi is a world-class defender, and with him flanking Vinicius Junior, it could open up space and scoring chances for Raphinha and the attacking midfielders. 

Morocco must hold their ground on the back line and pounce on counterattack chances. 

Main Guy Has to Step Up 

Brahim Diaz is the main goal scorer for the Atlas Lions and was the hero in Morocco’s win in the African Cup of Nations with five goals in five matches. He may not see many shots with the great controlling nature of the Brazil squad, but has to take advantage of them when he gets them. 

Limit Mistakes 

With Brazil looking to dominate possession in the midfield, Morocco has to stay patient and avoid mistakes. They have to stay the course with precision passing and cutting off the angles to keep the Brazilians from constantly attacking. Morocco cannot make mistakes in the midfield, or Brazil will make them pay. 

Will Neymar Play? 

Former superstar Neymar was a surprise addition to the Brazil squad and is nursing a calf injury. But off the bench, he may be a spark if he can regain past form. 

Back in the States 

Brazil comes into this World Cup with high expectations as usual. Their opening match is in New Jersey, and Brazil won the World Cup the last time it was held in the United States. In the last five World Cups, Brazil’s best finish was fourth, after they were embarrassed in the semifinals, losing to Germany 7-1 on home soil. 

This Brazil vs. Morocco match is likely the most anticipated in Group C, as the other two teams, Scotland and Haiti, do not rank in the top 40 of the FIFA rankings. 

Argentina vs. Algeria World Cup Preview 

In an opening Group J match, defending World Cup champions Argentina are major favorites facing Algeria in America’s Heartland.

Argentina vs. Algeria – The Details 

• Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
• Date and Time: Tuesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. EST
• FIFA Ranking: Argentina #1 / Algeria #28 

Argentina vs. Algeria Odds 

• Odds: Argentina 1.41 / Algeria 7.75 / Draw 4.50
• Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.95) / Under 2.5 goals (1.90) 

Argentina vs. Algeria Match Preview 

Argentina won the World Cup in 2022 and topped the tough CONMEBOL (South America) WC qualifying group. They come to this tournament with a full head of steam, having won all four of their 2026 friendlies, conceding one goal. 

Algeria was a dominant team in their African qualifying group, and they are back in the World Cup after missing out on the last two tournaments. 

Since the Desert Lions’ loss in the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations, they have won three of their friendlies and drawn one. They beat the Netherlands and drew with Uruguay, and both of those teams are in the World Cup. 

Can Algeria Score? 

While Argentina is known for Lionel Messi and his goal-scoring mastery, the team is actually led by the defense. They only gave up 10 goals in 18 World Cup qualifying matches and in their four friendlies in 2026 had three clean sheets.

Algeria has star midfielder Riyad Mahrez, and Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri, and Ibrahim Maza highlight the attack. They have a tall task facing the Argentine defense anchored by goalie Emiliano Martínez, who had a solid season for EPL side Aston Villa. 

Messi is Still the Man 

While Messi is 39 years old and has played in the MLS for the last four years, he is still dangerous. The striker in the GOAT debate scored eight goals in World Cup qualifying and has the second-most goals in the MLS this season. 

The Counter is Key 

Center-back Rayan Aït-Nouri will be key in this match, as he is the anchor of the Desert Lions’ defense. He and the other defenders will have to look for the counterattack, as that will likely be their best chance to score. 

Control the Match 

Argentina will look to control the match in midfield, and they have two great MFs in Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, both of whom played on the 2022 squad. 

Algeria cannot count on winning the time-of-possession battle against Argentina's midfield. They have to pick and choose their times to push forward, leaving them vulnerable in the back. The Desert Lions will pack the backfield to help the defense, as their best chance to win is a low-scoring match. 

It Has Happened Before 

While Algeria is the major underdog in this match, Argentina lost their group opener at the last World Cup to Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest upsets ever. However, Argentina won all of their remaining matches to win the tournament, where Messi received the Golden Ball for the best player.