Since 1998, the FIFA World Cup has followed a format in which 32 qualifying nations are divided into eight round-robin groups, followed by a knockout stage featuring 16 teams. Under this structure, the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds.

This edition of the World Cup will feature 48 nations divided into 16 groups. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-place teams. Critics have expressed concerns that the expanded format could dilute the competition, arguing that group-stage matches may become less meaningful if weaker teams can advance by drawing a few games.

FIFA, in its selfless pursuit of spreading the beautiful game to every corner of the planet, argues that the expanded format will give smaller nations a greater opportunity to qualify for the World Cup. Time will tell whether the group-stage matches remain competitive enough. Personally, I won’t complain—at least this year—about getting more World Cup games to watch.

I’m not going to break down every group; you can find a million articles online that do exactly that. While it is my responsibility as the host of this blog to watch as much of the tournament as possible, I realize that not everyone can spend 6 hours a day watching soccer games. So for your viewing pleasure, I have included what I consider to be the best games of the first week of the tournament.

USA vs. Paraguay (June 12) — If the United States wants to win the group—and give itself the best chance of making a deep run in the tournament—this is a game it needs to win. A victory would relieve a tremendous amount of pressure heading into the second match against a defensively disciplined Australian side and could prevent the U.S. from needing a major result against the group’s second-strongest team, Turkey, in the final group-stage match. Getting three points here would put the Americans in a strong position to control their own destiny and potentially secure a favorable path through the knockout rounds. Win and this team can heal all partisan divisions in this country, lose, the country falls into a deeper abyss, the empire beings to crumble and President Trump threatens to attend the next game.

Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13) — Morocco was the Cinderella story of the 2022 World Cup, making a stunning run to the semifinals and capturing the imagination of fans around the world. Four years later, they return with much of the same core group, hoping to recreate that magic on the sport’s biggest stage. However, after watching how this team behaved in the final of the African Championship (google it), I have decided that I hate this team and want nothing more to cheer at their demise.

Brazil, meanwhile, needs no introduction. Despite boasting one of the most talented player pools in world football, the Seleção has failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in each of the last several World Cups. Expectations in Brazil are always sky-high, and while the Brazilian people are passionate and patient, another early exit would be viewed as a major disappointment.

Japan vs. Netherlands (June 14) — The Dutch enters the tournament as one of the most balanced and complete teams in the field, combining a strong defense, a talented midfield, and plenty of attacking quality. Their opening match will come against Japan, which has established itself as Asia’s most consistent and successful national team over the past decade. They also have the most polite fans in the world, keep an eye out for them cleaning trash from the stands after their game.

France vs. Senegal (June 16) — Few matchups in the tournament carry as many cultural and footballing connections as France and Senegal. Given the historical ties between the two nations, many players of Senegalese heritage have faced the difficult choice of which country to represent on the international stage, creating a unique bond between these programs.

On the field, both teams are stacked and like to play progressive, attacking football. I think this will be one of the most entertaining games of the group stages.

England vs. Croatia (June 17) — Every World Cup seems to have a talented team that falls short of expectations, and for much of the past several decades, England has worn that label. Despite boasting world-class talent and entering nearly every tournament with sky-high expectations, the Three Lions have repeatedly found ways to leave their supporters drunk and disappointed rather than drunk and celebrating.

They would like nothing more than to avenge their heartbreaking semifinal loss to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup, a defeat that still lingers in the memories of many England supporters. This opening match offers an immediate opportunity to settle old scores while making a statement to the rest of the tournament. For Croatia, a battle-tested side with a history of thriving on the biggest stage, spoiling England’s plans would be just as satisfying.

How to Watch

World Cup matches are best enjoyed in the company of other fans. You haven’t lived until you experience a English beer shower following a game winning goal. If you have not secured a ticket to a game, most cities will be hosting some type of watch party. I’ve also included a link to American Outlaws bars. The American Outlaws are the official supporters’ group of the U.S. Men’s National Team and have local chapters throughout the United States. If you are looking for a local bar to watch the USMNT, I highly recommend watching with the Outlaws.

https://theamericanoutlaws.com/chapter

– Eli