World Cup games today: A closer look at today’s schedule

June 26, 2026, 5:31 a.m. ET

Day 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is matchday three for Groups G, H, and I. Six games unfold across three pairs of simultaneous kickoffs.

Norway and France open the day at Gillette Stadium while Senegal plays Iraq in Toronto. Then Uruguay meets Spain in Guadalajara as Cape Verde plays Saudi Arabia in Houston. The night closes with New Zealand against Belgium in Vancouver and Egypt against Iran in Seattle.

All times Eastern and accurate as of Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:51 p.m.

Group I: Norway vs France

Time/TV: 3:00 p.m. ET on Fox at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Why watch: Two of the most exciting attacking sides in the tournament so far. Two of the best players in the world. Winner gets top of the group. What more reason do you need?

Why it could disappoint: With all that said, Norway seems happy with second in the group and could rest some players. In fact, there’s a scenario where both sides could do so to stay fresh for the knockouts. If that happens, a heavyweight clash turns into an undercard bout at best.

Group I: Senegal vs Iraq

Time/TV: 3:00 p.m. ET on FS1 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario

Why watch: There’s not a ton here, if we’re being honest. Senegal needs a win and help to have a chance at a third-place wildcard berth into the knockouts. Iraq are toast already. Maybe some weird shenanigans happen and this one gets wild?

Why it could disappoint: Both teams were unlucky to be drawn into this group and having to play the two best teams first. Confidence is already low on both sides, this could be a slow walk to the finish line.

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Group H: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia

Time/TV: 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas

Why watch: Can the Cinderella story of the tournament continue on? Cape Verde has scored two improbable draws against Spain and Uruguay. Now it gets a winnable matchup against a disappointing Saudi Arabia side which also needs to win to keep its hopes alive. It could be an exciting track meet if we’re lucky.

Why it could disappoint: Both teams are used to sitting back and countering. Neither might not know what to do if they have to control possession. This is either an all-out slugfest, or a chaotic mess with both sides struggling to finish.

Group H: Uruguay vs Spain

Time/TV: 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco

Why watch: Spain woke up against Saudi Arabia and looked like potential favorites. Now it gets a good test against a feisty Uruguay team capable of giving any big team fits. Both sides want the win and could go for it. That would make for some very interesting viewing.

Why it could disappoint: Uruguay’s confidence is waning. If Spain grab an early goal, they could get demoralized pretty easily and fold. That would make for an anti-climactic 90 minutes.

Group G: Egypt vs Iran

Time/TV: 11:00 p.m. ET on FS1 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington

Why watch: Egypt wants to top the group and Iran needs three points to clinch its first-ever knockout round berth. We can only hope that mixture of desperation and aspiration produces some magic.

Why it could disappoint: These are very similar sides who are usually satisfied to sit back and play on the break. This could be a scenario where playing out of their comfort zones gives us some awkward soccer.