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U.S., Mexico, Canada Win Group-Stage Matches on Home Soil at 2026 World Cup
All three co-host nations won or drew their opening matches and secured strong group-stage positions. Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout round.
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The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 on June 12, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, then beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle to finish first in Group D. Folarin Balogun scored the third goal in the win over Paraguay.
U.S. Coach, said after the Australia match: “Amazing. I was just saying [on Thursday] Argentina have amazing fans, but I think we are matching Argentina. It’s amazing, our fans. ” The United States will play its final Group D match against Turkey.
Mexico opened with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City Stadium, then defeated South Korea 1-0. Those results placed Mexico first in Group A and made it the first team to reach the knockout stage. All of Mexico’s remaining matches will be played on home soil.
Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s manager, said: “There’s nothing like playing at home. It’s priceless. ” Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, then routed Qatar 6-0. The matches were played in Toronto and Vancouver.
Canada had never previously won a World Cup match after appearances in 1986 and 2022. FIFA scheduled each co-host nation’s group-stage matches within its own country. The 2026 tournament features an expanded 48-team format.
Clemente Lisi, author of “The World Cup: A History of the Planet’s Biggest Sporting Event, 2026 Edition,” wrote that the three-host arrangement has given the United States, Mexico and Canada reduced travel and supportive crowds during the group stage.
