Group C — Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Brazil plays all three group matches at MetLife. The June 13 opener against Morocco is the most anticipated fixture of the tournament's first weekend — the 2022 Qatar quarterfinal rematch, now relocated to New York with Neymar finally healthy and Ancelotti making his World Cup managerial debut. Morocco's Atlas Lions arrive as Africa's last World Cup semifinalists with Hakimi, Amrabat, and a defensive system that has frustrated far better-resourced opponents. Haiti's community in Flatbush Brooklyn gets a home match on June 19 against Brazil. Scotland face Brazil in their final group match on June 24 — Haaland's Norway and Modrić's Croatia both play elsewhere, but Scotland at MetLife against Brazil is a story on its own terms.

Group I — France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq

The group with two MetLife matches and the most narrative weight for NYC's communities. France vs Senegal on June 16 is the 2022 Round of 16 rematch — when France won 3-1 and eliminated the African champions. Little Senegal on 116th Street in Harlem has waited four years for this. Norway vs Senegal on June 22 is the pivotal group match — Haaland against Koulibaly, Bay Ridge against Harlem, the MetLife fixture that determines who joins France in the knockout rounds.

Group E — Germany, Ecuador, Curaçao, Ivory Coast

The June 25 group decider at MetLife. Germany with Musiala, Wirtz, and Neuer's comeback against Ecuador's Caicedo-anchored defensive press. Yorkville beer halls vs Jackson Heights. Germany need to avoid a third consecutive group stage humiliation. Ecuador need the result that takes them through for the second consecutive World Cup. 82,500 people deciding which way both communities' tournaments go.

Group L — England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England's final group match at MetLife on June 27 against Panama. With Bellingham, Saka, Kane and Tuchel's system, England should be through by this point — but the fixture still matters for group positioning and bracket implications. Modrić's Croatia opens against England in Dallas on June 17 in what could be their last major rivalry match together. The NYC English expat community, spread across Midtown pubs, will have a match at MetLife to make the trip for.