Switzerland

Qatar

Qatar open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Switzerland in the San Francisco Bay Area — kick-off 10pm Doha time. Four years after a difficult home tournament, Akram Afif leads a battle-hardened Asian champion side hunting Qatar's first ever World Cup point. Switzerland, perennial knockout-round regulars, are the group's top seed and the measuring stick for how far Al Annabi have come.

Canada

Qatar's toughest assignment on paper: the co-hosts in their own backyard. BC Place in Vancouver will be a wall of red, and Al Annabi will need the discipline and counter-attacking edge that won two Asian Cups to silence it. A 1am kick-off in Doha — set the alarm.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

The group-stage finale in Seattle, and very possibly a straight shootout for the knockout rounds. With the expanded 48-team format sending eight third-placed teams through, even a strong goal difference here could be enough to write history for Qatari football.

South Africa

Mexico

The FIFA World Cup 2026 opens at the legendary Estadio Azteca — the first stadium ever to stage the World Cup opening match three times. Hosts Mexico face South Africa in front of more than 87,000 fans to kick off the first 48-team World Cup in history.

Czechia

South Korea

South Korea face Czechia in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Group B — Qatar's group — gets underway as co-hosts Canada open their home World Cup in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every Qatari fan should be watching closely: this result shapes Al Annabi's path through the group.

Paraguay

United States

United States face Paraguay in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Morocco

Brazil

The heavyweight tie of the opening round: five-time champions Brazil meet 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the stadium that will host the final. A late one for Doha viewers — 1am kick-off — but worth every minute of lost sleep.

Scotland

Haiti

Haiti face Scotland in Group C of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Türkiye

Australia

Australia face Türkiye in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at BC Place, Vancouver. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Curaçao

Germany

Germany face Curaçao in Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at NRG Stadium, Houston. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Croatia

England

A rematch of the 2018 semi-final as England open their Group L campaign against Croatia under the roof in Arlington, Texas. Two nations with World Cup scores to settle, live at 11pm Doha time.

Japan

Netherlands

Netherlands face Japan in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Ecuador

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast face Ecuador in Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Tunisia

Sweden

Sweden face Tunisia in Group F of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Cape Verde

Spain

Spain face Cape Verde in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

Egypt

Belgium

Belgium face Egypt in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lumen Field, Seattle. Kick-off time shown in Doha time.

The first 48-team FIFA World Cup begins June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The opening-week fixtures to watch — Mexico's opener, Qatar vs Switzerland, Brazil vs Morocco — in Doha time.

World Cup 2026 Kicks Off Tonight: Opening Week Matches You Cannot Miss

Qatar face Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina in Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fixtures with Doha kick-off times, key players and what Qatar need to advance.

FIFA World Cup 2026

Qatar's Group Stage

Key Tournament Fixtures

World Cup Stories

World Cup 2026 Kicks Off Tonight: Opening Week Matches You Cannot Miss

Qatar at the 2026 World Cup: Full Group B Guide