The first round of the 2026 World Cup group stage promises to be very interesting. At the start of the World Cup, fans will see several matches with the participation of the world’s greatest teams. The most interesting matches include Mexico – South Africa, Brazil – Morocco, France – Senegal, Netherlands – Japan and England – Croatia.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first tournament in history with the participation of 48 teams. In the group phase, the teams were divided into twelve groups, so the inaugural series of matches will bring many interesting clashes. All matches will be shown by Telewizja Polska, and TVP Sport commentators and experts will appear at the microphones.

The most interesting matches of the 1st round of the 2026 World Cup

There will be no shortage of matches in the first round of the group phase that may have a major impact on the standings from the first days of the tournament. The games involving the favorites attract the most attention: Brazil, Argentina, France, England and the Netherlands.

The match promises to be particularly interesting Brazil – Morocco. The Brazilians are traditionally among the candidates for the final victory, but Morocco has proven in recent years that it can compete with the best. This may be one of the strongest matches of the first round of the World Cup.

The clash should also bring great emotions England – Croatia. This is a match between two European teams that have been regularly playing for high goals at major tournaments in recent years. This will be a very important start to the group stage for both teams.

Mexico – South Africa. The opening match of the 2026 World Cup

The tournament will begin with a meeting Mexico – South Africa. This will be a special match for the hosts, because the inauguration of the World Cup will take place with their participation. The opening match always attracts huge attention, even if it is not the biggest hit in terms of sport.

Mexico will want to start the tournament well in front of its home crowd. South Africa will try to make a surprise and show in the first match that it does not intend to be just a background for the hosts.

Meeting Mexico – South Africa they will comment on TVP Maciej Iwański and Radosław Gilewicz.

Brazil – Morocco. One of the hits of the first round

The Brazil-Morocco match is one of the most interesting matches in the first round of the 2026 World Cup. Brazil has been one of the biggest brands in world football for years, and each of its appearances at the World Cup arouses great interest.

Morocco will also be a team not to be underestimated. The African team has already shown that they can play bravely, organize well in defense and take advantage of their chances in matches against stronger rivals.

This match could be an important test for Brazil at the beginning of the tournament. If Morocco puts up difficult conditions, fans may see one of the first truly exciting clashes of the World Cup.

Game Brazil – Morocco they will comment Mateusz Borek and Grzegorz Mielcarski.

England – Croatia. A European start-up hit

One of the biggest hits of the first round will be the England-Croatia match. This is a meeting of two teams that have been very visible at major tournaments in recent years. England is usually mentioned among the candidates to fight for medals, and Croatia has repeatedly proven that it can perform beyond expectations.

This will be an important test for the English at the beginning of the group stage. The Croatians, on the other hand, can use their experience and try to take points away from one of the favorites.

This match has everything you need for a big spectacle: big names, high stakes and a history of competing in major tournaments.

Meeting England – Croatia they will comment Mateusz Borek and Grzegorz Mielcarski.

France – Senegal. The favorite versus a dangerous rival

France will start the World Cup with a match against Senegal. This match may be very interesting, because the French will be one of the main favorites of the tournament, but Senegal is a team that can be uncomfortable for the best.

The French national team has huge potential, a wide squad and players playing in leading clubs in Europe. Senegal, on the other hand, can focus on intensity, speed and physical play.

If France takes control quickly, they can start the tournament comfortably. However, if Senegal starts the match well, fans can get a very even match.

Game France – Senegal they will comment Mateusz Borek and Grzegorz Mielcarski.

Netherlands – Japan. Interesting clash of styles

The Netherlands – Japan is one of those matches that may not look like the biggest hit on paper, but has great sporting potential. The Dutch are famous for their offensive approach and high individual quality, while Japan has been a disciplined, fast and tactically very well-prepared team for years.

For the Netherlands, this is a match in which they need to confirm their status as favorites. However, Japan could cause problems, especially if they maintain a high pace and switch effectively from defense to attack.

This match may be one of the most interesting in terms of football in the entire first round.

Game Netherlands – Japan they will comment Jacek Laskowski and Robert Podolinski.

Full list of selected hits of the 1st round of the 2026 World Cup and TVP commentators

• Mexico – South Africa: Maciej Iwański, Radosław Gilewicz
• Brazil – Morocco: Mateusz Borek, Grzegorz Mielcarski
• Netherlands – Japan: Jacek Laskowski, Robert Podolinski
• France – Senegal: Mateusz Borek, Grzegorz Mielcarski
• England – Croatia: Mateusz Borek, Grzegorz Mielcarski

Which match of the first round of the 2026 World Cup promises to be the best?

The biggest hit of the first round seems to be the England-Croatia match. This is a match between two European teams with great ambitions and experience in the most important tournaments. The Brazil-Morocco clash should also be rated very highly, as it may be one of the first serious tests for the favorite.

It is also worth paying attention to the France-Senegal match. The French will want to start the World Cup with a victory, but Senegal has the potential to make their task difficult.

The first round of the 2026 World Cup will be very strong. Already in the inaugural days of the tournament, fans will see the matches of the largest teams, and TVP will show them with an extensive commentary team.