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Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands are dancing
Five games are included in Sunday's World Cup schedule. The games will start at 01:00 in the morning and will end 24 hours later, since the last game will start at 23:00. In the dance of the World Cup, three traditional powers of world football, with Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands preparing for its premiere.
Brazil begins another bid to win the sixth World Cup in its history, entering the tournament as one of the biggest favorites for the title. The "Seleção" is presented with a new air under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, who becomes the first foreign coach to lead Brazil to the final phase of the World Cup. The expectations are huge and the rich talent of the roster justifies the optimism of its fans.
The team boasts a plethora of world-class players, with Vinicius Jr. being the big attacking weapon, flanked by Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Marquinhos, Alisson, and Matheus Cunha. Quality, technical training and attacking philosophy remain the key characteristics of a team that wants to impose its rhythm from the very first game of the competition.
It will face Morocco, one of the most significant powers outside of Europe and South America. The impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup definitively changed the level of recognition of the "Lions of the Atlas", who proved that they can look even the biggest football giants in the eye.
The Moroccans rely on their defensive cohesion, the right tactical approach and the quality of players such as Ashraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Neshiri, Sofian Amrabat, Naif Aguerd and Hakim Ziyes. This is a team that knows how to defend effectively and strike quickly on counterattacks, which is expected to be their main plan against the Brazilians.
Competitively, Brazil is expected to take the initiative early on, seeking to capitalize on the technical superiority and speed of its attackers. Morocco will likely line up with greater caution, maintaining solid lines and seeking their moments in the open space. The battle between the creativity of the Brazilians and the defensive discipline of the Moroccans is expected to be the centerpiece of the match.
The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, one of the largest stadiums in the competition, which is expected to accommodate tens of thousands of fans in an atmosphere worthy of a game of intense interest. The premiere is always of particular importance for both teams, as a positive result can give a significant boost ahead of the continuation in Group 3.
Although Brazil is justifiably considered the favorite thanks to the quality and depth of its roster, Morocco has proven in recent years that it has the maturity and competitive personality to make it difficult for any opponent. Everything indicates that this is one of the most interesting matches of the first matchday of the groups.
Germany begins its journey at the 2026 World Cup with the aim of returning to the top of world football. Julian Nagelsmann's team is among the favorites of the tournament and aspires to leave behind the disappointments of the previous World Cups, presenting a team that combines experience, quality and young talent.
"Die Manschaft" has one of the fullest rosters in the competition, with world-class footballers in all lines. Manuel Neuer continues to be a benchmark between the posts, while Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Ridinger, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz make up a core that offers quality, creativity and high-level experience. The Germans want to start their obligations dynamically and send a message to the other title contenders early on.
They will face Curaçao, the big surprise of the qualifiers and the smallest country that manages to secure participation in the final phase of the World Cup. Just being present at the tournament is a historic achievement for the Caribbean island nation, which travels to the United States without stress but with immense enthusiasm and ambition to live the greatest moment in its football history.
Dick Advocaat's team relies on players with experience from European leagues, such as captain Leandro Bakuna, Juninho Bakuna, Rangelo Djanga, and Lebanon Comenencia. Curaçao knows that their mission against Germany is extremely difficult and they are expected to rely on the defensive organization, trying to limit the spaces and take advantage of the opportunities they will find on the counterattacks.
Competitively, everything indicates that Germany will impose their rhythm early on, having possession of the ball and quickly looking for the goal that will allow them to fully control the match. The creativity of Wirtz and Musiala, combined with the effectiveness of Havertz in the final effort, are the main offensive weapons of the Europeans. On the other hand, Curaçao will attempt to remain compact and competitive for as long as possible.
The match will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston, with thousands of fans expected to create a festive atmosphere for the two teams' Group 5 premiere. For Germany, the goal is clear: victory and a good performance that will boost confidence ahead of the sequel. For Curaçao, participation at this level alone is a historic moment, which its players want to enjoy and make the most of.
On paper, the difference in quality between the two teams is big and Germany has the first and last word on winning. However, the premieres of major competitions always hide peculiarities, and Curaçao will try to make its appearance as decent as possible against one of the traditional giants of world football.
The Netherlands begins its obligations at the 2026 World Cup with the aim of confirming the title of one of the favorites to qualify from Group 6 and make a run worthy of its history. The "Oranje" has one of the highest quality and balanced squads in the competition, combining experience, talent and competitive maturity in all lines.
Ronald Koeman's team relies on high-level footballers who play in the top European leagues. Captain Virgil van Dijk remains the leader of the defensive line, while Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, Jurien Timber and Doniel Malen make up a core capable of starring against any opponent. Quality in creation and stability in defense are the main weapons of the Dutch in their quest for an ideal start.
They will face one of the most reliable and disciplined teams in Asia. Japan has proven in recent years that it can compete against football superpowers, as shown in its recent appearances in major competitions. Hajime Moriyasu's team has a clear playing identity, high intensity in its game and players with important performances from the top European leagues.
The Japanese rely on players such as Takefusa Kubo, Vataru Edo, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Daizen Maeda, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Yukinari Sugawara. This is a team that stands out for its teamwork, tactical discipline and the ability to take advantage of empty spaces on counterattacks.
Competitively, the Netherlands is expected to have the initiative and higher possession rates, trying to capitalize on the creativity of De Jong and the attacking quality of Gakpo and Depay. Japan, on the other hand, will attempt to maintain its defensive cohesion and strike with speed when given the opportunity. The match is expected to be an interesting tactical battle between two teams with different philosophies but a high level of organization.
The game will be played at the imposing AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the presence of tens of thousands of fans, in one of the most attractive matches of the first round of the group stage. The premiere is always of particular importance for both teams, as a positive result can shape the balance early on in a group where Sweden and Tunisia also participate.
Although the Netherlands has the first say thanks to the quality and experience of its roster, Japan has proven time and time again that they have the character and consistency to cause problems for even the most powerful opponents.