In the second World Cup hosted by the U.S., the field will be filled with 16 more teams than previous years, with a newly introduced 32-team knockout stage, all hoping to hold the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy at the end. Top players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé will duke it out as the world watches intently.
As the world gears up for the 72-game pool play beginning Thursday between Mexico and South Africa, here is a list of 10 matches to watch before the knockout stage begins June 28.
Group D: USA vs. Paraguay
The 16th-ranked U.S. men’s team begins its quest for a first-ever World Cup trophy against 40th-ranked Paraguay.
Where: Los Angeles
Date: Friday, June 12
When: 7 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group D: USA vs. Australia
Featuring a solid defense, the Australian team, ranked 27th, will look to control the pace against a high-intensity U.S. men’s team, looking for the right moment to strike in Seattle.
Where: Seattle
Date: Friday, June 19
When: 1 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group D: USA vs. Turkey
Ranked 22nd, Turkey will use its unpredictability to try and catch the U.S. off guard and pull out a Group D victory.
Where: Los Angeles
Date: Thursday, June 25
When: 8 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group J: Argentina vs. Austria
At 39 years old, this World Cup could very well be Messi’s last, unless the all-time great chooses to return for a seventh as a 43-year-old. The third-ranked Argentine team will face likely its toughest matchup in pool play against the 24th-ranked Austrians.
Where: Dallas
Date: Friday, June 22
When: 11 a.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group I: France vs. Senegal
As one of the groups with the most competitive balance, France’s pool with Norway and Iraq was dubbed the “Group of Death.” But Mbappe’s toughest matchup will likely come against 14th-ranked Senegal, a team known for physicality and counterattacks.
Where: New Jersey
Date: Tuesday, June 16
When: 1 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group K: Portugal vs. Colombia
Like Messi, Ronaldo may be heading into his final sixth and final World Cup. At 41 years old, the legend will face a difficult Colombian team in pool play before the expanded knockout stage.
Where: Miami
Date: Saturday, June 27
When: 5:30 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco
Sixth-ranked Brazil is always a major player to look for in the World Cup, though during the past two cups, the team suffered frustrating tournament exits in the quarterfinals. This year, the squad will face eighth-ranked Morocco in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive matchup between the two countries.
Where: New Jersey
Date: Saturday, June 13
When: 4 p.m. MDT
Channel: FS1
Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa
Forty years removed from the last time Mexico hosted the World Cup, the event’s opener is sure to bring an electric energy, as the stadium is expected to sell out when Mexico opens its World Cup run.
Where: Mexico City
Date: Thursday, June 11
When: 1 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group L: England vs. Croatia
Having won only one World Cup in its history, England has fallen short time and time again after consistently being poised for a deep run. The mother country of the U.S. has seen only three semifinals appearances, with one finals appearance when they won on their own soil 60 years ago. England opens up in a difficult opener against 11th-ranked Croatia.
Where: Dallas
Date: Wednesday, June 17
When: 2 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan
Boasting Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, seventh-ranked Netherlands looks strong heading into the world event, but will face Takefusa Kubo, who fans call the “Japanese Messi,” in their first matchup in Dallas.
Where: Dallas
Date: Sunday, June 14
When: 2 p.m. MDT
Channel: Fox
Schedule details were provided by the Athletic.