The 2026 World Cup — Day 3

The World Cup finally reaches critical mass with a full slate of four matches after the USA put in an impressive performance to score 4 goals against Paraguay in the early hours.

Qatar v Switzerland (Group B)

Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, California

The evening session begins with an intriguing cross-continental clash in California as Switzerland open their tournament account against Qatar.

The Swiss arrive with their typical quiet confidence, looking to assert dominance early in Group B. Built around tactical discipline and midfield stability, Murat Yakin’s side will rely heavily on their tournament experience to boss the tempo. Qatar, meanwhile, are no longer the wide-eyed debutants of 2022. They will play a deeply compact, defensive shape and rely purely on long-ball transitions to test a robust Swiss backline.

Brazil v Morocco (Group C)

Kick-off: 23:00 BST

Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford

The undisputed heavyweight clash of the day takes place in East Rutherford. It's a rematch of their famous 2023 friendly where Morocco stunned the Seleção—meaning revenge is firmly on the menu.

Brazil enter the tournament among the heavy favourites, carrying the usual weight of immense dynamic expectation. They will look to dominate possession, utilising a terrifying front line to overwhelm the Moroccans with raw individual skill. However, Morocco’s defensive cohesion is legendary. The Atlas Lions will set up a stubborn mid-block, looking to squeeze the space in midfield and hit Brazil with rapid wide overloads through their wingbacks.

Haiti v Scotland (Group C)

Venue: Boston Stadium, Massachusetts

For the night owl Evertonians, the early hours of Sunday morning offer a massive occasion for the Tartan Army as they make their long-awaited return to the global stage against tournament underdogs Haiti.

Scotland will view this as an absolute must-win if they have any ambitions of escaping Group C. Steve Clarke will demand high intensity from the opening whistle, looking to use their physical edge from set-pieces and overlapping midfield runs. Haiti are unpredictable, athletic, and completely unburdened by pressure. They will look to exploit any early tournament nerves with high-energy counter-attacking.

Everton's Nathan Patterson is not expected to start but will likely figure among the subs. 

Australia v Turkey (Group D)

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver

The marathon session concludes at the crack of dawn in Vancouver with a highly explosive, contrasting clash of styles between the Socceroos and a technical Turkish outfit.

Turkey bring a squad brimming with technical flair, capable of playing gorgeous, intricate transitional football. They will want to establish early control of the ball, moving Australia's defensive block side-to-side. The Socceroos will counter that with sheer physical industry, relentless pressing, and direct aerial service into the box.

 

Saturday 13 June 2026

20:00 Qatar v Switzerland (Group B) — ITV 1
23:00 Brazil v Morocco (Group C) — BBC 1
02:00 Haiti v Scotland (Group C) — BBC 1
05:00 Australia v Turkey (Group D) — ITV 1

 

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