Tonight, transitioning into morning, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature second-round matches in Group C (Brazil vs Haiti and Scotland vs Morocco) and Group D (USA vs Australia, Turkey vs Paraguay). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Group D, Round 2, June 20, 00:00, Seattle, Lumen Field
Coaches: Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina) – Anthony Popovic
Eight days after the start of the 2026 World Cup, the first participant of the playoffs has been determined. Mexico's morning success will likely serve as an additional irritant for the US team. If they beat Australia, Mauricio Pochettino's team will win Group D early and secure a spot in the playoff bracket.
At the start of the home tournament, the Americans confidently defeated Paraguay 4-1. Now they are determined to do the same to Australia. The Antipodeans, who began the tournament with an unexpected win over Turkey, naturally oppose this scenario. A draw at Lumen Field in Seattle would suit them just fine.
Less than a year has passed since the last meeting between the rivals, a friendly (2-1). On October 15, 2025, American Haji Wright (Coventry) scored a double, while Australian Jordan Bos (Feyenoord) replied with one goal. Both are at the 2026 World Cup, and Bos even contributed to the win over Turkey.
Group D, Round 2, June 20, 09:00, San Francisco, Levi's Stadium
Coaches: Vincenzo Montella (Italy) – Gustavo Alfaro (Argentina)
The task for Turkey and Paraguay is more difficult and uncompromising. Both teams desperately need a win. The only match between them (a friendly in 1995 ended 0-0) cannot give an idea of their real strength, nor can the first games of this tournament.
Pre-match nerves are behind them. Tomorrow morning, Vincenzo Montella's and Gustavo Alfaro's teams must play all their cards.
Group C, Round 2, June 20, 06:00, Philadelphia, LFF
Coaches: Carlo Ancelotti (Italy) – Sébastien Minier (France)
In Group C, the pentacampeões will play their second match at the 2026 World Cup after stumbling against Morocco. In three matches against Haiti (4-0, 6-0, 7-1), Brazil barely noticed their opponents. However, these meetings are from a bygone era – 1974, 2004, and 2016. Still, a second slip-up by the wizards of the ball would be incomprehensible to the football world. Any outcome other than a win for Carlo Ancelotti's men seems fantastic.
Group C, Round 2, June 20, 03:00, Foxborough, Gillette Stadium
The other Group C match will be heated. Scotland, considering they still have to face Brazil, cannot afford to lose. A single win over Haiti in the first round may not be enough for Steve Clarke's team to advance.
Morocco, having already faced the fearsome Brazilians, have more room. A draw with Scotland (provided they beat Haiti) would be enough to reach the playoffs.
The Atlas Lions have experience beating northerners. At the 1998 World Cup in France, Morocco thrashed Scotland 3-0. Will the ashes of Klaas beat in the hearts of the Tartan Army 28 years later? We'll find out tonight.
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first to be held in three countries – USA, Canada, and Mexico – and the first to feature 48 teams.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance. The playoffs begin with the round of 32.
On the eighth matchday of the 2026 World Cup, four matches were played. In Group A, Mexico beat South Korea 1-0, while Czech Republic drew with South Africa 1-1. In Group B, Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0, and Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.