16 Jun
Tue
•3:00pm
MetLife Stadium • New York
22 Jun
Mon
•5:00pm
Lincoln Financial Field • Philadelphia
26 Jun
Fri
•3:00pm
Gillette Stadium • Boston
17 Jun
Wed
•9:00pm
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
23 Jun
Tue
•12:00pm
NRG Stadium • Houston
27 Jun
Sat
•7:30pm
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
Kylian Mbappé perfectly embodies the attacking DNA of the reigning two-time world champions, a team that knows exactly how to dominate on the biggest stages with a high tempo, constant attacking runs and suffocating counter-pressing after every loss of possession, backed by their status as runners-up in Qatar 2022.
Facing them is the combative Uzbekistan side, taking on their first ever senior World Cup with a bold game plan: plenty of power, tactical discipline and a generation shaped in youth tournaments and major Asian competitions after several agonising near misses.
With virtually no head-to-head history between them on this stage, every 50–50 ball is worth its weight in gold: in a group phase, a single lapse in concentration can cost you qualification, and every point can bring you closer to—or further from—the dream of the last 16.
The French side arrive buoyed by the fresh memory of their recent World Cup finals and the authority of Kylian Mbappé, their attacking talisman and hero of Qatar 2022, already chasing a place among the all-time great goalscorers for this European powerhouse.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, finally put an end to years of failed attempts and touch down at the World Cup with talents like Eldor Shomurodov and a competitive core hardened in the Asian Cup and the demanding World Cup qualifying path.
Watching this clash live means witnessing a historic powerhouse defending its throne against a hungry debutant: lock in your tickets and experience firsthand what could be a real turning point in the World Cup.