The FIFA 2026 World Cup group stage delivered drama, records and unforgettable moments across 72 matches, setting the stage for the knockout rounds.
The tournament opened on June 11 with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City, marking the third time the Mexican capital has hosted a World Cup opener. Seventeen days later, Austria and Algeria wrapped up the group phase with a thrilling 3-3 draw in Dallas that finished just after midnight on Sunday.
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The expanded 48-team tournament has already produced 72 of its 104 matches, with scoring reaching its highest level in nearly seven decades. The average of 2.99 goals per game is the best at a World Cup since the 1958 edition.
Here are the 10 numbers that defined the FIFA 2026 World Cup group stage:
