Today's World Cup Matches, 6/26: Schedule, Players To Watch & Key Storylines
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway! It’s time to dive into the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features six matches, headlined by Norway vs. France and Uruguay vs. Spain. Let’s preview today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know.
Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule for 6/26
We have six World Cup matches today as the group stage continues. The games span Group G, Group H, and Group I. Check out the World Cup schedule today before you enjoy the matches.
- Norway vs. France – 3 pm ET on FOX
- Senegal vs. Iraq – 3 pm ET on FS1
- Uruguay vs. Spain – 8 pm ET on FOX
- Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia – 8 pm ET on FS1
- New Zealand vs. Belgium – 11 pm ET on FOX
- Egypt vs. Iran – 11 pm ET on FS1
Best World Cup Match To Watch Today
Today’s World Cup matches could all impact the group standings as teams try to lock up spots in the knockout rounds. One game in particular, though, headlines the day. France and Norway both won their first two matches. That sets up a must-see showdown on Friday with first place in Group I up for grabs.
Both teams are already through to the knockout rounds. However, a first-place group finish means an easier matchup in the Round of 32. If the match ends in a draw, France would claim the top spot based on goal differential. Norway, though, should be gunning for the win.
This match also features a pair of Golden Boot contenders. France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have both scored four goals apiece in the tournament thus far. They should be primed to add to their tallies to keep pace with Lionel Messi, who leads the way with five goals.
Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches
The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. As noted above, Kylian Mbappe headlines France’s lineup. He’s a top contender for the Golden Boot with four goals already. Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue also lead the French attack. On the other side of that match, Erling Haaland is a goal-scoring threat any time he touches the ball.
Elsewhere in today’s World Cup matches, Spain’s roster is loaded with top-tier talent. Yamine Lamal and Mikel Oyarzabal star in the attack. Pedri, Rodri, and Nico Williams are difference-makers for the Spanish side as well.
We also have Mohamed Salah in action as Egypt’s leading attacker. He already has a goal and two assists in the World Cup thus far. Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr lead the way for Senegal. Then there’s Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne anchoring Belgium’s attack.
Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches
As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. It’s do-or-die time for many teams in action. In Group I, Senegal and Iraq face off in a must-win game. Both squads have zero points, so the winner can keep their slim knockout hopes alive with a victory.
It would be a bigger storyline if Senegal were unable to get the win and finish the group stage with zero points to show for it. The African side competed against both Norway and France, but lost both matches. Senegal is a big favorite over Iraq, but will Sadio Mane and Co. finally get a victory?
Group G also carries plenty of intrigue. Egypt currently tops the group with four points, but Iran and Belgium are both lurking with two points apiece. There’s a scenario where Egypt finishes in third place with a loss to Iran and a Belgium win. Meanwhile, if New Zealand beats Belgium and Egypt beats Iran, then it’s New Zealand that vaults up to second place to advance. Who’s ready for some chaos today?
World Cup Odds Today at DraftKings Sportsbook
Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Norway vs. France
- Moneyline: Norway +360 | Draw +350 | France -150
- Total Goals: Over 3.5 (+125) | Under 3.5 (-155)
Senegal vs. Iraq
- Moneyline: Senegal -425 | Draw +550 | Iraq +1100
- Total Goals: Over 3.5 (+130) | Under 3.5 (-160)
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
- Moneyline: Cape Verde +170 | Draw +235 | Saudi Arabia +170
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+110) | Under 2.5 (-135)
Uruguay vs. Spain
- Moneyline: Uruguay +475 | Draw +260 | Spain -145
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+120) | Under 2.5 (-150)
New Zealand vs. Belgium
- Moneyline: New Zealand +1300 | Draw +650 | Belgium -525
- Total Goals: Over 3.5 (-125) | Under 3.5 (+100)
Egypt vs. Iran
- Moneyline: Egypt +150 | Draw +160 | Iran +280
- Total Goals: Over 1.5 (-170) | Under 1.5 (+140)
What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament
The World Cup matches today carry plenty of weight for the tournament overall. A win and three points for any team can be critical towards advancing past the group stages. On that note, we have knockout-round implications in nearly every match on the World Cup schedule today.
We could see many different scenarios play out in Group H. Spain currently tops the group with four points, and the European side is expected to beat Uruguay today. However, if Uruguay pulls off the upset, it would move into first place. Plus, if the Spanish lose, then Cape Verde can also jump them in the standings with a win over Saudi Arabia. Believe it or not, there’s a real possibility that Spain finishes in third.
As noted above, we could also see tons of movement in Group G. Belgium currently sits in third place, but it can vault into the top spot with a win over New Zealand. The Belgians would also need to win by multiple goals and get a positive result from the Egypt vs. Iran match.
