"FIFA World Cup 2026" is being held from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA and is the first World Cup with 48 participating teams. The tournament is played at stadiums in three countries and features an extremely condensed schedule, but so far the organization is rated as highly professional, without major infrastructure failures and with stable logistics for teams and fans. The issues are mainly sports-tactical – surprising results and shaky form of some favorites, rather than organizational scandals.
The European national teams are again among the main contenders for the trophy in this championship, with traditional powers – "Spain", "England", "France", "Germany", "Netherlands" and "Portugal" – entering the extended circle of favorites according to most forecasts. Statistical models and bookmakers placed "Spain" and "England" among the leading candidates for the title even before the tournament, and the first matches confirm that European teams are dominating many of their groups.
Austria (Group J): a difficult path against the favorites
Austria began its participation in the "FIFA World Cup 2026" with a convincing "3:1 win against Jordan" in San Francisco on June 17. In this match, the European team showed higher class and control over the game, logically justifying expectations for success against a more modest opponent.
On June 22, however, Austria suffered a "0:2 loss against Argentina" in Dallas. Against one of the big favorites for the title, the Austrians could not put up enough resistance, and the result highlighted the difference in individual skill and experience of the two squads. On June 28, Austria faces "against Algeria" in Kansas City (04:00), and this match could prove decisive for their chances of advancing. Predictions slightly tip the scales in favor of the Europeans, but the match looks like an even one.
Belgium (Group G): below expectations and under pressure
"Belgium" started the tournament with a "1:1 draw against Egypt" in Seattle on June 15, and on June 21 managed only a "0:0 against Iran" in Los Angeles. In both matches, Belgium entered as the favorite but failed to impose enough pressure and efficiency in attack, which puts the team in a more difficult position in the group.
On June 27, a match "against New Zealand" is coming up in Vancouver (05:00). Based on squad and history, the Europeans are again favorites, but the accumulated pressure and the need for a must-win game could make the match harder than it looks on paper.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): between hope and reality
"Bosnia and Herzegovina" started with a "1:1 against Canada" in Toronto on June 12 – a result that can be interpreted as acceptable against one of the three hosts. On June 18, however, the team suffered a heavy "1:4 loss against Switzerland" in Los Angeles, which seriously complicated the task of advancing from the group.
On June 24, the Bosnians play "against Qatar" in Seattle (21:00). The match is of the "last chance" type – with a win, there remain some hopes of continuing, with another failure, the tournament effectively ends. The European team is a slight favorite due to its stronger individual class, but the psychological burden is huge.
Croatia and England (Group L): a classic European storyline
"Croatia" opened the tournament with a dramatic "2:4 loss against England" in Dallas on June 17. The match showed the strength of the English attack and the vulnerabilities in the Croatian defense. On June 24, the Croatians face "against Panama" in Toronto (01:00), and on June 27, a key match "against Ghana" awaits them in Philadelphia (23:00). To have a real chance for the knockout stages, they need at least one win, and the predictions place them as the favorite against Panama and in a relatively even match against Ghana.
"England" has already declared its strong participation with a "4:2 win against Croatia" in Dallas on June 17. On June 23, the team faces "against Ghana" in Boston (22:00), and on June 27 – "against Panama" in New York (23:00). England enters as the categorical favorite in the two upcoming matches, and expectations are that with at least one more win, the first place in the group will be secured. It is the English squad that is among the most frequently mentioned contenders for the trophy.
Czech Republic (Group A): surviving in a tough group
"Czech Republic" started with a "1:2 loss against South Korea" in Guadalajara on June 12, followed by a "1:1 against South Africa" in Atlanta on June 18. The group is balanced and every point is of huge importance. On June 25, the Czechs play "against Mexico" in Mexico City (03:00) – against a host and favorite in the match. The predictions are rather in favor of Mexico, but the European team retains a chance if it shows disciplined play in defense and efficiency in its rare opportunities.
France and Norway (Group I): a European derby for the top spot
"France" started confidently: "3:1 against Senegal" in New York on June 16 and "3:0 against Iraq" in Philadelphia on June 22. "Norway" for its part is also impressive – "4:1 against Iraq" in Boston on June 17 and "3:2 against Senegal" in New York on June 23.
On June 26, the two European teams meet directly – "France – Norway" in Boston (21:00). The match will almost certainly determine first place in the group. The French team is the favorite thanks to its greater experience and individual class, but the Norwegians are showing aggressive and high-scoring football, which could make the duel one of the most interesting in the group stage.
Germany (Group E): a show of strength
"Germany" began its campaign with a rout "7:1 against Curaçao" in Houston on June 14 – a result that reminded everyone of the Bundesteam's strongest years. On June 20, the Germans also won "2:1 against Ivory Coast" in Toronto, showing they can win difficult matches too.
On June 25, a match "against Ecuador" is coming up in New York (22:00). Here, too, Germany is the favorite – the team combines a stable defense, a strong midfield, and diverse solutions in attack. The win would guarantee a comfortable position before the knockout phase and further confirm the team's status as a serious contender for the trophy.
Netherlands and Sweden (Group F): European dominance with twists
"Netherlands" started with a "2:2 against Japan" in Dallas on June 14 – a match in which they let the win slip away at the end. On June 20, however, the Dutch routed "5:1 against Sweden" in Houston, showing their offensive power.
"Sweden" had a bright start with "5:1 against Tunisia" in Monterrey on June 15, but the crushing loss to the Netherlands changed the dynamics in the group. On June 26, the Swedes play "against Japan" in Dallas (01:00), and "Netherlands" faces "against Tunisia" in Kansas City (01:00). In both cases, the European teams are favorites, but the pressure is greater on Sweden, which must recover mentally after the heavy failure.
Spain (Group H): a favorite gaining momentum
"Spain" started with a surprising "0:0 against Cape Verde" in Atlanta on June 15, which was a disappointment given the Spaniards' status as one of the big favorites. On June 21, however, a convincing "4:0 win against Saudi Arabia" followed, again in Atlanta, which restored confidence in the team.
On June 27, an important match "against Uruguay" is coming up in Guadalajara (02:00). This is a high-class duel between two world champions. Spain enters as a slight favorite according to general forecasts, thanks to its strong midfield and control over the tempo, but Uruguay is traditionally a difficult opponent in elimination and decisive matches.
Switzerland (Group B): stability and a chance for a surprise
"Switzerland" started with a "1:1 against Qatar" in San Francisco on June 13, but on June 18 routed "4:1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina" in Los Angeles. On June 24, the Swiss play "against Canada" in Vancouver (21:00). This is a match against a host, but also against a direct rival for position in the group. The European team is considered a slight favorite, relying on discipline, tactical culture, and experience from major forums.
Turkey (Group D): a tough draw and zero assets
"Turkey" has a difficult start – "0:2 against Australia" in Vancouver on June 14 and "0:1 against Paraguay" in San Francisco on June 20. Two matches, not a single point, and not a single goal scored – a situation that puts the team in an extremely difficult position.
On June 26, the Turks face "against USA" in Los Angeles (04:00). The hosts are on the rise and the match is shaping up to be a serious challenge. The predictions lean toward an advantage for the USA, while Turkey will have to rely on tactical discipline and individual flashes of brilliance to avoid another defeat.
The big picture: European dominance, but without guarantees
In general, the "FIFA World Cup 2026" is proceeding in an organized manner so far and without major scandals off the field. The biggest topics are related to the game – surprising draws, a shaky start for some of the favorites, and strong performances by some debutants. European teams continue to be the backbone of the tournament, but the competition from South America, Africa, and Asia is becoming more and more tangible.
The predictions before the tournament placed "Spain", "England", "France", "Argentina", "Brazil", "Germany" and "Portugal" in the role of the main contenders for the title. The first matches show that this framework remains valid, but also remind us that at a World Cup, every mistake can be costly. The coming days of the 2026 World Cup will give a clearer answer as to whether European dominance will turn into a real advantage in the knockout rounds or whether we will see new sensations from teams outside the Old Continent.