Updated June 23, 2026 · Matchday 2–3
The expanded 48-team World Cup means a longer group stage than ever before — and with favorites flying high and underdogs biting back, the first knockout bracket is shaping up to be unpredictable. Eleven matches are in the books, one is live right now, and the picture is starting to crystallize.
The big story: Portugal sends a message
Portugal came into Matchday 2 needing a statement. They got one — a 5–0 demolition of Uzbekistan, the biggest scoreline of the tournament so far. Ronaldo and co. look ominous heading into the knockouts, and every other contender should be paying attention.
The dominant sides
Six teams sit on perfect six-point records through two matches: Mexico, USA, Germany, France, Argentina, and Norway. France’s 3–0 over Iraq and Argentina’s 2–0 over Austria were both composed, professional performances. Germany has quietly put together back-to-back wins in Group E. The USA leads Group D with maximum points on home soil, feeding into one of the tournament’s more electric atmospheres.
Norway deserve special mention. Their 3–2 thriller over Senegal was the most dramatic finish of the round — and combined with France’s win, Group I is effectively settled, with both sides through and the final matchday likely to feature heavy rotation.
The Belgium problem
The true shock of Matchday 1 was Belgium being held to a 0–0 draw by Iran. Then they drew again. Two draws, two points, and Egypt sitting clear at the top of Group G with four points. Belgium and Iran are now in a genuine fight for survival, and if Belgium don’t start scoring, one of the pre-tournament favorites goes home in the group stage.
Group H chaos
Spain won emphatically — 4–0 over Saudi Arabia — and look every bit the contenders they were billed as. But below them, Group H is a mess. Uruguay, one of the South American powerhouses, were held to a 2–2 draw by Cape Verde. That leaves Uruguay and Cape Verde level on two points apiece, with Saudi Arabia just one point behind. Three teams can still realistically claim second place.
Live right now
Panama vs. Croatia, Group L — currently 0–0. Both sides are sitting on one point and need a result. Above them, England and Ghana are locked level on four points each after drawing with each other earlier today. The outcome of Panama vs. Croatia could shape whether the Group L finale becomes a winner-takes-all affair.
Recent results
Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia · Uruguay 2–2 Cape Verde · Egypt 3–1 New Zealand · France 3–0 Iraq · Argentina 2–0 Austria · Norway 3–2 Senegal · Algeria 2–1 Jordan · Portugal 5–0 Uzbekistan · England 0–0 Ghana
What’s coming up
Colombia vs. Congo DR kicks off tonight (Group K, Colombia favored at 63%). Then Wednesday brings Switzerland vs. Canada — one of the tightest matchups on the board with a 30% draw probability — and Brazil vs. Scotland, where Brazil are overwhelming favorites at 71%. Thursday closes out the week with Germany vs. Ecuador and Netherlands vs. Tunisia, where the Dutch are dominant favorites at 87%.
The broader picture
The group stage concludes before the Round of 32 bracket is officially set, but the contours are clear: France, Argentina, Portugal, Germany, and the USA look like the teams to beat. Brazil haven’t been tested yet. Spain are purring. And somewhere in Group G, Belgium are having a very long team meeting.
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