The World Cup is known for its upsets and drama, and in 2026, fans don’t expect it to be different.
With 48 teams participating in the World Cup and a round of 32 in play, you can expect big teams to face each other earlier and more often, before the tournament even gets to the quarterfinals.
However, focusing on the group stage, there are a lot of potential matches that could cause upsets before we even get settled into the World Cup. This article highlights at least five of them.
Portugal vs Colombia
If there is one group-stage match that could have a major impact on who finishes top of group K, it is Portugal against Colombia. Both nations are expected to progress from the group, but this fixture could ultimately decide who finishes top and who is forced into a potentially more difficult route through the tournament.
Portugal arrive with one of the most talented squads in world football. Their blend of experienced stars and exciting young players makes them one of the favourites to go deep into the competition.
🚨🇵🇹 OFFICIAL: Portugal final World Cup squad has been released by Roberto Martínez. pic.twitter.com/IpHYs5m2zr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2026
Colombia, however, have quietly built a team capable of troubling any opponent. Their aggressive pressing, technical midfielders, and dangerous attackers make them far more than just outsiders.
The importance of this game extends beyond three points. Finishing first in the group could mean avoiding another heavyweight nation in the Round of 32, making this one of those matches where the consequences may only become fully clear later in the tournament. On paper, it may not carry the glamour of some traditional rivalries, but when it comes to determining the shape of the knockout stages, few group games could be more significant.
Mexico vs South Africa
Sixteen years after they met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, Mexico and South Africa will once again share the spotlight on football’s biggest stage. This time, however, the stakes feel even greater as they officially kick off the 2026 World Cup at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
SHOCKING 😱
The first game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a Group A match between South Africa and Mexico. The historic opening match
The first game of the 2026 FIFA World cup is also a Group A game between Mexico and South Africa
History repeats itself Again 🔥🤔
— God’s Blogger Boy (@ChikamsoAngel01) June 3, 2026
Football fans still remember Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderous strike that lit up Soccer City in Johannesburg and sent South Africa into dreamland before Mexico fought back for a draw. It remains one of the most memorable opening matches in World Cup history, and now the sequel arrives on an even bigger stage.
The atmosphere inside the Azteca is expected to be electric as Mexico look to begin a home World Cup with a statement victory. Yet South Africa will see this as an opportunity to write another memorable chapter in their World Cup story. Opening matches often carry nerves and unpredictability, and that uncertainty is exactly what makes this fixture such an intriguing watch.
Uruguay vs Spain
At first glance, Uruguay versus Spain looks like a battle between two former world champions. In reality, it feels like a clash between two completely different footballing philosophies.
Spain arrive as reigning European champions after cruising through qualification with the confidence and control that has become synonymous with their football. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have refined their possession-based approach while adding greater attacking threat, making them one of the most complete teams entering the tournament.
Uruguay, meanwhile, remain one of the most dangerous dark horses in international football. They may not dominate possession, but they bring relentless intensity, physicality, and a direct style that can unsettle even the most technically gifted opponents. For decades, Uruguay have thrived on being underestimated, and they will relish the opportunity to disrupt Spain’s rhythm. It is the kind of matchup where contrasting styles often produce unforgettable football.
France vs Senegal
Few World Cup stories are remembered more fondly in Africa than Senegal’s stunning victory over defending champions France in the opening game of the 2002 tournament. Twenty-four years later, fate has handed us a rematch that immediately evokes memories of one of football’s greatest upsets.
31/05/02 – Opening Game of The World Cup
France 0-1 Senegal
Diop 30′ pic.twitter.com/9Re5Qdh3Yv
— My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) May 31, 2026
France enter the tournament with familiar expectations. Didier Deschamps’ side breezed through qualification and will be chasing an extraordinary third consecutive appearance in a World Cup final. With world-class talent spread across every position, Les Bleus once again look like genuine contenders for the trophy.
Senegal, however, will not be intimidated. The Lions of Teranga have developed into one of the most consistent teams in African football and have lost only twice since December 2024. Their blend of physicality, tactical discipline, and growing tournament experience makes them a genuine threat. Whether history repeats itself or not, this fixture carries far more intrigue than a typical opening group match and could have a major impact on the standings.
Brazil vs Morocco
Brazil against Morocco has all the ingredients to become one of the most entertaining matches of the group stage. It is a contest between one of football’s most decorated nations and a team that has spent the last few years proving they belong among the world’s elite.
🚨🇧🇷 OFFICIAL: Brazil release full World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti.
✅ Neymar Jr
✅ Alisson
✅ Endrick
❌ João Pedro
❌ Bento
❌ Andrey Santos
❌ Thiago Silva pic.twitter.com/WySKJb6P1M— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026
Brazil will arrive with their usual collection of gifted attackers and creative playmakers, but there are still questions about their ability to consistently convert dominance into goals. During qualification, there were moments when they looked less clinical than previous Brazilian generations, something stronger opponents will seek to exploit.
Morocco’s remarkable run to the semi-finals in Qatar changed perceptions of African football forever. The Atlas Lions showed that discipline, organisation, and belief can carry a team deep into the tournament, and they remain a nightmare opponent for sides that commit too many players forward.
Their defensive structure and devastating counterattacks could pose serious problems for Brazil. If both teams play to their strengths, this could easily become one of the defining matches of the entire group stage.
