Sports

World Cup what to know: Stakes ratchet up as World Cup teams play their second group-stage games

Katherine Langford
Katherine Langford
Editor-in-Chief · Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 1:43 AM
World Cup what to know: Stakes ratchet up as World Cup teams play their second group-stage games — WSVN Sports, Boca Raton Sports news
Image: WSVN Sports

Every team has played a game in this oversized World Cup filled with big surprises. The stakes rise quickly as the 48 teams begin playing their second group-stage matches. Cape Verde, Qatar and Congo have earned points for the first time in the World Cup, raising hope for an improbable run to the knockout round. Spain, Portugal and Brazil, among the pre-tournament favorites to win it all, need wins to keep up in their groups after opening with draws. Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia and Switzerland are in the same boat. On Thursday, hosts Mexico and Canada, along with Switzerland and South Korea, will be among the teams playing for a second time. What to watch on June 17 — Czech Republic vs. South Africa, noon EDT in Atlanta (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock) — Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 3 p.m. EDT in Inglewood, California (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock) — Canada vs. Qatar, 6 p.m. EDT in Vancouver, British Columbia (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock) — Mexico vs. South Korea, 9 p

Source: WSVN Sports

Ad Space Available

mid-article · 728px

#high-school-sports