The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concludes between 25–28 June with all 12 groups playing simultaneously. Morocco is already through as the first Arab nation to reach the knockout stage. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq all still fight for their place in the Round of 32, which kicks off on Sunday 28 June. Every match is live on TOD by beIN, the exclusive regional streaming destination for FIFA World Cup 2026 content across the MENA region.
Key Takeaways
- Morocco became the first Arab nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after beating Haiti 4-2.
- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq all enter the group stage final round with Round of 32 ambitions intact, while Tunisia and Jordan play their final matches having been eliminated.
- Norway vs France on Friday 26 June (11:00 PM UAE time) is the standout global fixture, with both sides on six points and Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland both on four tournament goals heading into the match.
- The Round of 32 kicks off on Sunday 28 June, with all group stage matches concluding simultaneously across 25–28 June.
- All matches are available live on TOD by beIN, the exclusive regional streaming platform for FIFA World Cup 2026 in the MENA region, accessible at tod.tv.
Morocco through, five Arab nations still fighting
Morocco made history by becoming the first Arab nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, sealing it with a 4-2 win over Haiti. That result sets the tone for what’s at stake across the rest of the Arab world this week.
Egypt lead Group G and are on the brink of advancing — their match against Iran on Saturday is the standout fixture for regional fans. Saudi Arabia remain in contention but will need a positive result against Cabo Verde and favourable outcomes elsewhere. Algeria revived their campaign with a win over Jordan and a positive result against Austria on Sunday could extend their World Cup campaign. Iraq enter their final match against Senegal still searching for a first point, with slim but not impossible hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia and Jordan are eliminated, but both play their final group matches — Jordan facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina in what will be a memorable send-off regardless of the scoreline.
Norway vs France: the global showpiece of the weekend
Beyond the Arab team storylines, the standout fixture for any football fan is Norway vs France on Friday 26 June. Both sides have six points and are level at the top of Group I, making this a straight shootout for first place. There’s a Golden Boot subplot running alongside it: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have both scored four goals at the tournament heading into this one. That’s the kind of match that writes its own drama. Kick-off is at 11:00 PM UAE time on Friday night — late enough to be appointment viewing, early enough that you won’t regret it on Saturday morning.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, continues to add to his World Cup legacy with Argentina already through. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal need a result against Colombia on Sunday to seal their place. This group stage finale has no shortage of marquee names with something to prove.
Full FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage final-round schedule — UAE times
All times below are UAE time (GST / UTC+4). TOD by beIN broadcasts every match live at tod.tv.
| Match | Date | UAE Time (GST) | Group | What’s at stake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador vs Germany | Thu 25 Jun | 12:00 AM Fri | Group E | Top spot still to be decided; Germany already through |
| Curaçao vs Ivory Coast | Thu 25 Jun | 12:00 AM Fri | Group E | Ivory Coast need points to stay alive |
| Tunisia vs Netherlands | Thu 25 Jun | 3:00 AM Fri | Group F | Netherlands chasing top spot; Tunisia’s farewell |
| Japan vs Sweden | Fri 26 Jun | 3:00 AM | Group F | Three-way battle for top spot with Netherlands |
| Türkiye vs USA | Fri 26 Jun | 6:00 AM | Group D | Dead rubber — USA topped group; Türkiye eliminated |
| Paraguay vs Australia | Fri 26 Jun | 6:00 AM | Group D | Both level on three points; second place up for grabs |
| Senegal vs Iraq | Fri 26 Jun | 11:00 PM | — | Both seeking first points of the tournament |
| Norway vs France | Fri 26 Jun | 11:00 PM | Group I | Top spot; Mbappé vs Haaland Golden Boot duel |
| Uruguay vs Spain | Sat 27 Jun | 4:00 AM | Group H | Simultaneous with Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia |
| Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia | Sat 27 Jun | 4:00 AM | Group H | Saudi Arabia need result and favourable outcomes elsewhere |
| New Zealand vs Belgium | Sat 27 Jun | 7:00 AM | Group G | Belgium need result to keep qualification in own hands |
| Egypt vs Iran | Sat 27 Jun | 7:00 AM | Group G | Egypt lead the group; winner takes a major step toward knockouts |
| Panama vs England | Sun 28 Jun | 1:00 AM | Group L | England and Ghana level; Croatia a point behind; Panama out |
| Croatia vs Ghana | Sun 28 Jun | 1:00 AM | Group L | Both need points to survive |
| Colombia vs Portugal | Sun 28 Jun | 3:30 AM | — | Portugal need result to qualify; Colombia already through |
| DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | Sun 28 Jun | 3:30 AM | Group K | Two of the tournament’s more surprising stories |
| Jordan vs Argentina | Sun 28 Jun | 6:00 AM | — | Jordan’s farewell vs Messi’s Argentina |
| Algeria vs Austria | Sun 28 Jun | 6:00 AM | — | Algeria need result to extend their World Cup campaign |
The Arab team storylines worth setting an alarm for
Egypt vs Iran (Saturday, 7:00 AM UAE) is the match for MENA fans to circle first. Egypt lead Group G and the winner takes a significant step toward the Round of 32. Belgium and Iran are level behind Egypt, with New Zealand a point back — meaning the simultaneous New Zealand vs Belgium result will matter just as much. Watch both at once if you can manage it.
Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Saturday, 4:00 AM UAE) runs at the same time as Uruguay vs Spain in Group H. Saudi Arabia’s route to the knockouts requires a positive result and help from elsewhere — the kind of multi-screen, everything-happening-at-once scenario that makes the simultaneous final round format so compelling, and occasionally so cruel.
Algeria’s match against Austria (Sunday, 6:00 AM UAE) is a genuine must-win after they revived their campaign with a victory over Jordan. A positive result could be enough to keep their tournament alive. Jordan, meanwhile, face Argentina at the same kick-off time — Messi’s side are already through, but Jordan will want to leave a mark on their first World Cup campaign in years.
Iraq vs Senegal (Friday, 11:00 PM UAE) is the longest of long shots for both sides. Neither has a point yet, and automatic qualification is out of reach — but a win keeps slim hopes alive of sneaking through as one of the best third-placed teams. For Iraqi fans, it’s still a World Cup match, and that counts.
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in the UAE
Every match in the group stage final round — and the Round of 32 that follows from Sunday 28 June — is available live on TOD by beIN. The platform is the exclusive regional streaming home for FIFA World Cup 2026 content across the MENA region. You can access it at tod.tv. No VPN required, no regional workarounds — it’s the straightforward option for UAE viewers who want to watch every match live.
TOD by beIN also carries UEFA Champions League, Premier League, LaLiga, Formula 1, and a full entertainment catalogue alongside the World Cup coverage — context worth having if you’re weighing up a subscription. For fans who’ve been following other sports streaming options in the region, it sits alongside the AFCON coverage TOD has carried for MENA audiences as part of a broader regional sports rights portfolio.
The Round of 32 begins Sunday 28 June. The group stage ends, the knockout drama starts — and for at least some of the Arab nations still in contention, the story continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage final round in the UAE?
All matches are available live on TOD by beIN, the exclusive regional streaming platform for FIFA World Cup 2026 content across the MENA region. You can access it at tod.tv.
Which Arab teams are still in contention for the Round of 32?
Morocco has already qualified for the knockout stage. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Iraq all enter the final round with knockout ambitions intact. Tunisia and Jordan are eliminated but play their final group matches.
What time is Norway vs France in the UAE?
Norway vs France kicks off at 11:00 PM UAE time (GST / UTC+4) on Friday 26 June. Both teams have six points and are battling for top spot in Group I, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland both on four goals heading into the match.
When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 start?
The Round of 32 kicks off on Sunday 28 June, according to TOD by beIN’s announcement.
