⚽ Group C — Teams & Overview
Group C is one of 12 groups in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. The top two teams plus the best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32. Mexico open their home World Cup in front of a passionate Mexican crowd. A group the hosts should comfortably navigate.
Matches in Group C are played across Mexico City / Guadalajara. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 with 48 teams in 12 groups — the largest World Cup in history.
📋 Group C — Key Facts
- 🗂️ Group: C of 12
- 🌍 Teams: 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇱🇧 Lebanon · 🇲🇱 Mali
- 📍 Venues: Mexico City / Guadalajara
- 📅 Format: Round Robin — 3 matches per team
- ➡️ Qualify: Top 2 + best 8 third-placed teams advance
🔍 Group C Team Analysis
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico bring experience and quality — they are the clear favourites to top Group C. They will look to advance from Group C and make their mark on the 2026 World Cup.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand bring dangerous opponents who can upset any team on their day. They qualified impressively for this tournament. They will look to advance from Group C and make their mark on the 2026 World Cup.
🇱🇧 Lebanon
Lebanon bring the underdogs of the group — but international football history is full of giant-killings at World Cups. They will look to advance from Group C and make their mark on the 2026 World Cup.
🇲🇱 Mali
Mali bring the underdogs of the group — but international football history is full of giant-killings at World Cups. They will look to advance from Group C and make their mark on the 2026 World Cup.
📊 Group C Standings (Live)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 🇱🇧 Lebanon | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Standings update as matches are played. Check FIFA.com for live scores.
📅 Group C Match Schedule
| Match | Teams | Venue | IST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Mexico City | TBC IST |
| Match 2 | 🇱🇧 Lebanon vs 🇲🇱 Mali | Guadalajara | TBC IST |
| Match 3 | 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇱🇧 Lebanon | Mexico City | TBC IST |
| Match 4 | 🇳🇿 New Zealand vs 🇲🇱 Mali | Guadalajara | TBC IST |
| Match 5 | 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇲🇱 Mali | Guadalajara | TBC IST |
| Match 6 | 🇳🇿 New Zealand vs 🇱🇧 Lebanon | Mexico City | TBC IST |
🔮 Group C Prediction
Based on current form, FIFA rankings, and squad quality:
- 🥇 Predicted Group Winner: Mexico
- 🥈 Predicted Runner-Up: New Zealand
- 3️⃣ Third Place: Lebanon (possible Round of 32 qualifier as best 3rd)
- ❌ Likely Exit: Mali