How to watch the World Cup, Day 4: Groups E and F get underway

Opening weekend action of the 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls on with a four match Sunday slate today, including heavyweights like Germany and the Netherlands, dark horse candidates like Japan, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador, and first timers Curaçao, who become the smallest nation to ever appear in the tournament.

It goes without saying that Germany are heavy favorites in one of the most lopsided World Cup matches ever on paper, throwing the small island nation of Curaçao into the deep end right off the bat. The Germans may not hold back, either, with goal differential playing a big role in this iteration of the tournament. It could be ugly, but will undoubtedly still be a proud moment for the Blue Wave, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET from Houston.

A much more competitive match awaits at 4 p.m. ET when the Netherlands meet Japan in a crucial Group F match. The top ranked AFC side entering the tournament, Japan defeated both Germany and Spain in group play four years ago, and picked up friendly wins over England, Scotland, and Brazil in the past year. The Netherlands are group favorites, though, and are always predicted to go far in the tournament, but still haven’t won the elusive World Cup trophy, finishing as runners-up three times. They’ll be looking to prove themselves against a quality opponent in the most anticipated matchup of the day.

Then at 7 p.m. ET, it’s a matchup of two high performing teams in World Cup qualifiers as Ivory Coast take on Ecuador in an assumed battle for second in Group E behind Germany, making this a vital match for either side. Ivory Coast didn’t concede a single goal in African qualifying, making thier way through with an 8-0-2 record. Yan Diomande is one to watch for the Elephants, with the attacker who played high school soccer in Yulee, Florida experiencing a meteoric rise in his professional career. Don’t underestimate Ecuador, though, who finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina despite a three point deduction with a formidable defense.

The nightcap from Monterrey, Mexico has Sweden playing Tunisia in a high stakes match for third in a competitive Group F. Sweden was winless in their initial UEFA qualifying group, but turned things around in the Nations League to earn a spot in World Cup playoffs, where they beat Ukraine and Poland. The Eagles of Carthage have a bit more uncertainty around them, bringing in new manager Sabri Lamouchi in January ahead of the tournament. Tunisia have never made it past the group stage, though, and will be looking to make a big step towards breaking that streak tonight.

Where to watch Germany vs. Curaçao

Venue:NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Kickoff time: Sunday, June 14th, 2026, 1 p.m. ET

Available TV/streaming: FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)

Where to watch Netherlands vs. Japan

Venue:AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Kickoff time: Sunday, June 14th, 2026, 4 p.m. ET

Available TV/streaming: FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)

Where to watch Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kickoff time: Sunday, June 14th, 2026, 7 p.m. ET

Available TV/streaming: FS1/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)

Where to watch Sweden vs. Tunisia

Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico

Kickoff time: Sunday, June 14th, 2026, 10 p.m. ET

Available TV/streaming: FS1/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)

World Cup festivities are happening all across the metro Atlanta area during the tournament. Here’s a list of where to watch World Cup action, along with a map.

If you’re headed to Atlanta to see games in person, check out our World Cup guide, which gives you information on where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, along with how to get around using MARTA.