Group stage preview for the 2026 international football tournament — all 12 groups broken down with predictions on who qualifies from each.
The 2026 international football tournament features 48 teams across 12 groups — more than any previous tournament in history. For Malaysian fans, that means more football, more underdogs, more potential upsets, and considerably more late nights. This guide breaks down all 12 groups, predicts who qualifies, and flags the matches worth setting your alarm for.
We’ve highlighted the groups most relevant to Malaysian football fans — the ones with the biggest names, the toughest competition, and the greatest potential for drama across the 64 group stage matches.
Group A features host Mexico alongside South Korea, South Africa and Czechia. Mexico vs South Korea is the marquee clash — Son Heung-min against a hostile home crowd makes this a must-watch for Malaysian fans. Group B has host Canada against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland. Canada have genuine knockout ambitions and a passionate home crowd behind them.
Both opening groups are accessible for Malaysian fans in terms of timing. South Korea vs Mexico in Group A is arguably the most Malaysian-relevant group stage fixture. Watch Group A closely.
Group C is box office: Brazil vs Morocco could be the group stage match of the tournament. Group D has hosts USA alongside Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. Group E is the one to watch for pure quality: Portugal vs England in the group stage, with Ronaldo and Bellingham on the pitch at the same time.
Group C is the most dangerous for upsets. Morocco shocked Belgium and Portugal in 2022 and have a talented squad. Group E essentially has three knockout-calibre teams — Portugal, England and Croatia — meaning someone good is going out in the group stage.
| Team | FIFA ranking (approx) | Key player | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 6 | Ronaldo (if starting) | Qualify |
| England | 4 | Bellingham | Qualify |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | 10 | Modrić | 3rd — tight |
| 🇨🇩 DR Congo | 54 | Banza | Tough group |
Group F belongs to Argentina. Messi’s defending champions face Jordan, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan — they should qualify easily, but every Messi appearance is must-watch because this is his farewell tournament. Group H: France vs Denmark is the headline, with Algeria and Ghana completing a competitive group. France are heavy favourites but Algeria could surprise.
The best thing about Group F is the timing — Argentina’s matches fall in the 10AM MYT slot. You can watch Messi over breakfast on a Saturday morning. Group H is similar — France vs Denmark on 15 June at 10AM MYT.
Group I has Germany vs Uruguay — two heavyweights who could both reach the knockouts. Group J is unmissable: Spain vs Japan with Lamine Yamal and Takefusa Kubo on the same pitch. Japan shocked Spain in 2022; they’ll be motivated to do it again. Group L: Italy vs Nigeria could be much closer than it looks on paper.
Group J (Spain and Japan) is the one to follow. Kubo vs Yamal is the individual matchup of the group stage. Spain vs Japan is at 10AM MYT on 16 June — perfect weekend viewing.
Predicted quarterfinalists: Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Germany, England, and one wildcard from Morocco, Japan or South Korea. Argentina are narrow favourites to retain the trophy, with France as the main threat. Brazil, under Vinícius Jr, are the most exciting team. Morocco or Japan will likely produce the tournament’s biggest upset.
| Team | Confidence | How far they go |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high | Final |
| 🇫🇷 France | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high | Final |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Semi-final |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Semi-final |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium-high | Quarter-final |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium-high | Quarter-final |
| England | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium-high | Quarter-final |
| Wildcard 🇲🇦/🇯🇵 | ⭐⭐ Medium | Quarter-final |
Vote below — we’ll show results after you pick!
Argentina are in Group F, South Korea in Group A, and Portugal vs England share Group E. The 9PM ET kickoffs that become 10AM MYT are the best Malaysian viewing slots. All 64 group stage matches are free on RTMKlik — CelcomDigi internet passes from RM10 include RTMKlik streaming.
Argentina are in Group F alongside Jordan, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan. As defending champions, they are heavy favourites to top the group. Messi’s first match is against Jordan on 14 June 2026 at 10:00 AM MYT. Stream free on RTMKlik or subscribe at celcomdigi.com/football.
South Korea are in Group A alongside host nation Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. Son Heung-min leads the squad. South Korea vs Mexico is the key match for Malaysian fans in the group stage.
Argentina (Group F), France (Group H), Brazil (Group C) and Spain (Group J) are all expected to top their respective groups. Germany (Group I) and Portugal (Group E) are also strong group stage favourites, though Group E is particularly competitive with three knockout-calibre teams.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically — that’s 24 teams. The eight best third-placed teams from across all groups also advance, making 32 total qualifiers who enter the new Round of 32 knockout stage.
Yes. All 104 2026 international football tournament matches including all 64 group stage games are free on RTMKlik. CelcomDigi internet passes from RM10 include RTMKlik so match streaming doesn’t use your regular data quota.
The 2026 international football tournament group stage sets the bracket for 104 matches of football across 39 days. Argentina, France, Brazil and Spain are the four most likely champions. But the 48-team format means more upsets and more drama. Every match streams free on RTMKlik — CelcomDigi internet passes ensure you never miss a moment.
Sort your streaming before 11 June — get your CelcomDigi internet pass at celcomdigi.com/football. And for unlimited data all tournament long, explore CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G plans.
