World Cup 2026: Groups E and F come into action this Saturday

A World Cup milestone in Monterrey

The state of Nuevo León is preparing for a historic moment. He will receive the thousandth match in the history of the World Cup. The Monterrey stadium will be the scene of the duel between Japan and Tunisia, corresponding to Group F.

Governor Samuel García celebrated the news on social networks. He stated that the state “will be the protagonist of another chapter in the history of soccer. We will host the 1,000th match of the tournament.”

“Hundreds of victories, thousands of goals and so many iconic moments have had to happen to reach this moment, and it will happen here, with our mountains as witnesses,” he added.

The path of both teams

Japan arrives after an agonizing 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. Tunisia, for its part, suffered a tough 5-1 defeat against Sweden. The match promises to be key for both teams’ aspirations in the tournament.

This event represents a great opportunity for Nuevo León. The entity seeks to show itself to the world as a top-level sports destination.

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

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.