Ecuador vs Ivory Coast: undefeated duel in the 2026 World Cup

World Cup premiere in the Sultana del Norte

The third Mexican venue for the 2026 World Cup has already entered action. After the opening matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, this Sunday it was Monterrey’s turn, which hosts the group F duel between Sweden and Tunisia at the Steel Giant.

The atmosphere is festive. The city was filled with barbecued meats and northern music to receive the World Cup. The Rayados stadium had already had a World Cup rehearsal with the playoffs that qualified Iraq, but now it is experiencing its true test.

What is at stake

Sweden and Tunisia seek to get off on the right foot. In group F, the Netherlands and Japan already opened the day with a vibrant 2-2 draw. This leaves the Swedes and Tunisians with a chance to take the lead if they win.

For Sweden it will be their 13th participation in a World Cup. Their best recent performance was in Russia 2018, where they reached the quarterfinals. Tunisia, for its part, is playing in its seventh World Cup and its third in a row. Both teams are ready to begin their World Cup dream from Monterrey.

A city that breathes football

The Monterrey fans have responded with enthusiasm. The streets were dressed in flags and the bars were filled with local and visiting fans. The Steel Giant will be the scene of a duel that promises emotions from the first minute.

Sweden and Tunisia are already on the field. Monterrey welcomes you with open arms.

A round-trip duel

Japan and the Netherlands debuted in Group F of the World Cup with a 2-2 draw. The game was played at the Dallas Stadium and kept the excitement going until the end.

Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a shot that beat Japanese goalkeeper Suzuki. But Japan’s response was quick: Keito Nakamura equalized just six minutes later, at 57′.

Crysencio Summerville put the Netherlands ahead again in the 64th minute with a great goal. When victory seemed assured for the Europeans, Daichi Kamada equalized again in the 89th minute, after crossing the Verbruggen goal, and lit up the Dallas Stadium.

The Netherlands’ next game will be on Saturday, June 20 against Sweden in Houston. That same day, Japan will face Tunisia in Monterrey.

First World Cup match in Monterrey

Everything is ready for Monterrey, one of the three Mexican venues for the 2026 World Cup, to receive its first match. The capital of Nuevo León joins Mexico City and Guadalajara, which have already inaugurated their status as hosts.

This Sunday, June 14, Sweden and Tunisia face each other at the Monterrey Stadium. Both teams need victory to avoid falling behind in Group F. A win would take them to first place in the sector, after the Netherlands and Japan tied 2-2 in the group’s opening match.

Winless streak

Sweden arrives with two consecutive games without a win: they lost 3-1 with Norway and drew 2-2 with Greece in friendlies. The team led by Graham Potter qualified for the World Cup through the European Repechage, eliminating Ukraine in the semifinals and Poland in the final.

For its part, Tunisia has accumulated three games without winning: it drew 0-0 with an unspecified rival (possible error in the original) and lost 1-0 with Austria and 5-0 with Belgium. Their last win was over Haiti on March 28. They will seek to get their participation off to a good start.

History and transmission

It will be the fifth time that these teams meet. Sweden leads with two wins, a draw and a Tunisian triumph. The match will not be seen on open television in Mexico.

Schedule and channels:

• Date: Sunday, June 14
• Time: 8:00 p.m.
• Stadium: Monterrey
• Transmission: ViX Premium (World Pass 2026)