Tunisia and Japan: the 1000th match in Monterrey

Monterrey will host the 1000th match in World Cup history, a duel between Tunisia and Japan.

A World Cup milestone

Monterrey is getting ready for a historic night. The Monterrey Stadium will host the duel between Tunisia and Japan, which will mark the 1000th match in the history of the World Cups. Both teams arrive desperate for victory in the group stage, but the match transcends sports.

The hobbies promise to fill the stands with color and passion. They will witness an unrepeatable moment, in an atmosphere of celebration that unites cultures and emotions, just like the global spirit of the tournament.

RelatedMonterrey vibrates with the debut of Sweden and Tunisia in the 2026 World Cup

Mexico has a long relationship with the World Cups. On July 13, 1930, in Uruguay, the Tricolor played the opening match of the first World Cup. Although they lost 4-1 to France, that duel marked the beginning of a lasting bond with football’s top competition.

Years later, in 1986, Mexico once again remained in the history books. The 400th match of the tournament was played at the Cuauhtémoc Stadium in Puebla, a round of 16 between Argentina and Uruguay. The match was resolved 1-0 in favor of the Argentines, with a goal from Pedro Pablo Pasculli in the 42nd minute.

Now, in 2026, the country is once again the protagonist. The 1000th game will be played on Mexican soil, with the ball rolling not only for three points, but for a place in history. Mexico is once again positioned at the center of international soccer, as host of a night that will unite two nations and celebrate the global spirit of the sport.

Germany and Ivory Coast face off for the lead in Group E

The winner will secure first place and advance to the round of 32.

Key in Group E

The second day of Group E of the 2026 World Cup has a crucial duel. Germany and Ivory Coast meet at the stadium in Toronto, Canada. Both won their debut, so the winner will secure first place and a ticket to the round of 32.

Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, beat Curacao 7-1. But they must confirm that it was not a stroke of luck. Today they can reaffirm themselves as candidates for the title.

Ivory Coast, with Emerse Faé in charge, surprised by beating Ecuador 1-0. Now they are looking for a coup of authority against the Teutons.

Match details

The match promises a clash of styles: German hierarchy and offensive power against Ivorian speed and physical display.

  • Day: Saturday, June 20
  • Time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Stadium: Toronto stadium
  • Streaming: ViX Premium
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World Cup 2026: Groups E and F come into action this Saturday

Germany, Brazil and Sweden are looking for a ticket to the second phase.

Matches on Saturday, June 20

Groups E and F begin their second day of activity with key duels. At 11:00 local time, Sweden faces the Netherlands in Houston. The Swedes are looking for victory to advance, while the Dutch must improve after a disappointing debut.

At 2:00 p.m., Germany faces Ivory Coast in Toronto. Germany starts as favorites, but the Ivorians also aspire to qualify.

Ecuador collides with Curacao at 6:00 p.m. in Kansas City. Ecuador is trying to erase its bad initial image and score points against a rival that has already suffered a defeat.

Closes the day Japan vs. Tunisia at 10:00 p.m. in Monterrey. Japan has the opportunity to add its first three points and get closer to the next round.

Results for Friday, June 19

The United States qualified by beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle, with goals from Alex Freeman and an own goal from Cameron Burgess.

In Group C, Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston with the fastest goal of the World Cup: Ismael Saibari scored in the 2nd minute. Scotland put pressure at the end but did not equalize.

Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia. Matheus Cunha scored a double and Vinícius Jr scored. However, Raphinha was injured.

Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 in San Francisco Bay. Matías Galarza also scored after 2 minutes. For the first time, the expulsion rule was applied for covering one’s mouth when speaking, a sanction that Paraguayan Miguel Almirón received.

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Merlin the duck, from viral to official ambassador of CDMX for 2026

After its worldwide fame, Merlin the duck now officially represents Mexico City ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

What began as a morning duck walk along Paseo de la Reforma ended in a global viral phenomenon. Merlin, the so-called “World Cup duck”, won the hearts of the fans after the first victory of the Mexican National Team in the group stage of the World Cup. Now, FIFA has named him official ambassador of Mexico City for the 2026 World Cup.

From the streets to stardom

Merlin became Mexico’s unofficial mascot during the tournament. He was appointed ambassador of the Mexico vs. match. South Korea—played on Thursday, June 18—and invited as guest of honor to the FIFA Fan Fest in the capital. The popularity of the bird did not go unnoticed by the International Federation, which decided to make its role official.

“Merlin the duck arrived as a gift and today he is part of something much bigger. In this FIFA World Cup, Merlin becomes an official ambassador of our Host City Mexico City,” the city Federation’s account published on June 19.

The message includes a video where its owner, Karla Gómez, tells how Merlín came into her life and what he represents for her family: “A very Mexican story of love, effort and union,” the publication adds.

Divided reactions

The appointment generated controversy on networks. Users criticized FIFA for what they consider an attempt to profit from the image of the duck, recalling the long list of phrases and words that the organization registered to prohibit its use in the country. They also questioned high ticket prices and demanded transparency about potential royalties for Merlin’s family.

Some comments:

“Surely now Merlin the duck will be a registered trademark and they won’t be able to talk about it.”
“The voracity of its organization and its leader to profit never ceases to surprise.”
“And are they going to pay you? You see that you even charge to breathe next to a stadium.”

Despite the criticism, Merlin’s story remains an example of how a simple duck managed to unite a fan base and capture the attention of world football’s governing body.

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