Just one week into the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122, the tournament has already delivered surprise results, breakout stars, and memorable moments. Morocco held Brazil, Saudi Arabia earned a valuable point against Uruguay, and underdog stories from Cabo Verde and Cura\u00e7ao have captured the imagination of football fans around the world. Cura\u00e7ao, the smallest nation ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup\u2122, and Cabo Verde\u2019s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha have emerged among the tournament\u2019s early fan favourites.<\/p>\n
Tunisia have also made a major change, parting ways with Sabri Lamouchi after their opening match and appointing experienced World Cup coach Herv\u00e9 Renard. The former Saudi Arabia coach brings a sharp edge as Tunisia look to keep their campaign on track.<\/p>\n
Now, attention turns to a pivotal weekend of fixtures where early promise must be converted into points. With eight Arab nations competing at FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 and five already securing points in their opening matches, the region remains firmly in the spotlight as qualification hopes begin to take shape. The next round of matches could prove decisive.<\/p>\n
From Morocco\u2019s test against Scotland and Saudi Arabia\u2019s showdown with Spain, to Egypt\u2019s opportunity to strengthen its position in Group G, here are five matches to watch this weekend on TOD by beIN.<\/p>\n
Friday, June 19:<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday, June 20:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sunday, June 21:<\/strong><\/p>\n With qualification races beginning to take shape, this weekend\u2019s fixtures could provide some of the defining moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 group stage. Whether it is Morocco looking to build on a statement result, Saudi Arabia testing another football giant, or Egypt pushing for a crucial victory, fans can expect drama, intensity and plenty of storylines to follow over the coming days.<\/p>\n\n
\nAfter taking a point from Brazil in one of the opening round\u2019s biggest surprises, Morocco enters the match full of confidence. Scotland, meanwhile, arrives after an impressive win over Haiti, setting up one of the weekend\u2019s most evenly balanced contests. With both sides eyeing a place in the knockout rounds, three points here could prove significant.<\/li>\n
\nBrazil enter the fixture under pressure after being held by Morocco in their opening match. The five-time world champions will be determined to make a statement, but Haiti has already shown enough resilience to suggest it will not be an easy opponent. Expect Brazil to come out aggressively as they look to secure their first tournament victory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nTunisia faces an important early test after its opening defeat. A positive result would revive qualification hopes, while Japan will be looking to build on the discipline, organisation and intensity that have become hallmarks of their recent tournament performances. With little room for error, both teams have plenty to play for.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nWhat looked like a routine group-stage encounter has quickly become one of the weekend\u2019s most intriguing fixtures. Spain will seek a response after dropping points against Cabo Verde, while Saudi Arabia arrives with confidence after a hard-fought draw against Uruguay. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly shown its ability to challenge football\u2019s traditional powerhouses, and another upset cannot be ruled out.<\/li>\n
\nEgypt opened its campaign with an encouraging point against Belgium and now has an opportunity to build real momentum. With Group G still finely balanced, this match could have a major impact on qualification hopes. Mohamed Salah will naturally command attention, but Egypt\u2019s strength has been its collective organisation and discipline. Three points here would strengthen its position heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n