2026 World Cup Group Stage Matches Schedule in Cairo Time

As the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention is focused on the host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition of the tournament marks a historic milestone, featuring 48 teams for the first time ever. The competition kicks off on June 11, generating excitement for several highly anticipated matches in the group stage.

The tournament will commence with a new format, allowing for more teams to participate and increasing the number of matches significantly.

Egypt’s Participation in Group G

The Egyptian national team, under the guidance of coach Hossam Hassan, will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. The Pharaohs are aiming for a standout performance as they seek to advance to the knockout stages while striving for their first-ever victory in World Cup history.

Egypt’s journey begins with a challenging match against Belgium on June 15, followed by a game against New Zealand on June 22, and concluding their group stage with a face-off against Iran on June 27.

Exciting Matches in the Group Stage

The opening round features several key matchups, including Morocco versus Brazil and Algeria taking on Argentina—two highlight games within the initial phase. Fans of Arab football will be thrilled to see eight Arab nations competing: Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Qatar, Iraq, Algeria, and Jordan—marking the largest Arab representation in World Cup history.

Opening Match of the 2026 World Cup

The official kickoff for the tournament is set for Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at 10 PM Cairo time. Spectators anticipate an exceptional version of the World Cup this year due to its new structure involving 12 groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify alongside the best eight third-placed teams for the Round of 32.

Group Stage Match Schedule

Thursday, June 11, 2026.

• Mexico vs. South Africa – 10 PM

Friday, June 12, 2026.

• South Korea vs. Czech Republic – 5 AM
• Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 10 PM

Saturday, June 13, 2026.

• United States vs. Paraguay – 4 AM
• Qatar vs. Switzerland – 10 PM

Sunday, June 14, 2026.

• Brazil vs. Morocco – 1 AM
• Haiti vs. Scotland – 4 AM
• Australia vs. Turkey – 7 AM
• Germany vs. Curaçao – 8 PM
• The Netherlands vs. Japan – 11 PM

Monday, June 15, 2026.

• Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador – 2 AM
• Sweden vs. Tunisia – 5 AM
• Spain vs. Cape Verde – 7 PM
• Belgium vs. Egypt – 10 PM

Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

• Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay – 1 AM
• Iran vs. New Zealand – 4 AM
• France vs. Senegal – 10 PM

Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

• Iraq vs. Norway – 1 AM
• Argentina vs. Algeria – 4 AM
• Austria vs. Jordan – 7 AM
• Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of Congo – 8 PM
• England vs. Croatia – 11 PM

(…and so on through each day until).