On June 18 and the night of June 19, the 2026 World Cup enters the decisive phase of the group stage. Teams from Groups A and B will play matches that could immediately determine the first participants in the knockout stage and those who will leave the tournament. RBK-Ukraine has prepared a full schedule for the day's games and information on broadcasts.
Mexico – South Korea
On the night of Friday, the leaders of the group, who started the tournament with victories, will meet at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan. The Mexicans convincingly beat South Africa in the first round (2:0), while the Koreans staged a comeback against the Czech Republic (2:1). A second consecutive victory guarantees the winner early qualification for the round of 16. The Mexicans are the favorites, playing at home, but the hosts will have to play without their suspended central defender, Cesar Montes.
Czech Republic – South Africa
The meeting of the first-round underdogs in Atlanta will go down in the history of men's World Cups – it will be officiated by American Tori Penso, who will become only the second female referee at men's World Cups. Both teams are trying to redeem themselves for their opening losses, but the African national team is approaching the match with serious squad losses due to the suspensions of midfielders Sphesihle Sithole and Tembi Zwane.
Switzerland – Bosnia and Herzegovina
The match will take place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (USA). Both European teams missed out on victories in the final minutes of the first round: the Swiss, despite total dominance, conceded to Qatar in the 90+4th minute (1:1), while the Bosnians allowed Canada to equalize at the end of the match (1:1).
Canada – Qatar
The tournament co-hosts will receive Qatar in Vancouver under colossal pressure – Jesse Marsch's team has no room for error. The "Maple Leafs" have never lost an opening match at the World Cup in history, but they still cannot win a World Cup final. The task is complicated by the fact that the participation of their leader, Alphonso Davies, remains in question due to injury. The Qataris, who snatched a draw against Switzerland thanks to an opponent's own goal, will try to create another sensation.
Where to watch the matches
Due to the time zone difference, some matches will take place at night and in the morning of June 19 Kyiv time. Live broadcasts of the matches in Ukraine will be available on the Megogo media service with MEGOPACK and "Sport" subscriptions, as well as in MEGOPACK N+S and MEGOPACK Y.