2026 World Cup Countdown - Day 6: Six must-watch group-stage matches

• Mexico vs South Africa (Thursday, 11 June - 20:00 BST)

• Belgium vs Egypt (Monday, 15 June - 20:00 BST)

• England vs Croatia (Wednesday, 17 June - 21:00 BST)

• Scotland vs Brazil (Wednesday, 24 June - 23:00 BST)

• Ecuador vs Germany (Thursday, 25 June - 21:00 BST)

• Norway vs France (Friday, 26 June - 20:00 BST)

Mexico vs South Africa kicks off the 2026 World Cup, so anyone and everyone will be tuning in to this match, with this fixture being a repeat of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The first game of any World Cup always whets the appetite for the rest of the tournament, and with so many games to follow, this one will set the tone for what should be an unforgettable summer.

Belgium vs Egypt brings together some really intriguing battles, with Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah notably facing off again - having both dominated the Premier League for so many seasons. The two clear favourites to qualify from Group G, the winner of this one will likely pick up crucial momentum for the remainder of the campaign, so while opening matches aren't always the most pressurised, this one feels big.

As does England vs Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel leading the Three Lions into a World Cup match for the very first time, and coming up against their fiercest competitors in Group L, this carries real importance. While England did beat Croatia at Euro 2020, they still need to exact revenge for that semi-final defeat in 2018 - and what better way to do that than with an opening-day victory this time around?

In the Tartan Army's first World Cup since 1998, Scotland vs Brazil presents the chance for the players to immortalise themselves in Scottish history - and if the likes of John McGinn and Scott McTominay can play to their best, they might just spring a surprise. The flair and firepower of the Selecao meet the sheer grit of Steve Clarke's Scotland, so this should be an occasion to remember for a host of reasons.

Ecuador vs Germany sees Group E's two favourites go head-to-head in what could be a deciding fixture, and while Julian Nagelsmann's side arrive as the frontrunners, Sebastian Beccacece's well-balanced outfit have all the ingredients to be this summer's dark horse. Huge names like Willian Pacho and Moises Caicedo are good enough to give any nation a scare, so we're tipping them to exceed expectations.

Norway vs France is arguably the most eye-catching game in the entire group stage, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe going head-to-head in a battle between two Golden Boot favourites. Norway's blistering form en route to the World Cup drew a lot of attention, so coming up against the tournament favourites, this one promises to be a genuine blockbuster - and kicking off at 8pm UK time, it will provide the perfect evening entertainment.

Ladbrokes is celebrating the World Cup countdown with a new price boost every day between now and the start of the tournament, with today's offer looking at France superstar Kylian Mbappe and his chances of winning the Golden Ball.

The Player of the Tournament Award isn't gifted easily, but the odds for Mbappe to claim the prize have been boosted to 11/1, with his track record in previous World Cups going a long way to suggesting he could well be the main man once again this summer.

Check out the latest betting promotions from Ladbrokes to enhance your betting experience.

All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.