(Photo credit score: Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK)
The United States swept Japan on Friday in group-stage motion at Overwatch World Cup 2026 in Busan, South Korea.
The U.S. group improved to 2-0 and is tied atop Group A with Sweden, who posted a 3-1 victory towards China.
Sixteen nationwide groups started round-robin play in 4 teams on Thursday. The group stage ends Sunday with the highest two groups in every quartet advancing to the single-elimination playoffs, scheduled for Sept. 12-13 in Anaheim, Calif. All matches within the group stage are best-of-three.
In Group A, the U.S. recorded wins on Nepal, Paraiso and Aatlis. Sweden opened with wins on Nepal and Aatlis. After China’s win on Paraiso, Sweden closed it out with a victory on Esperanca.
Saudi Arabia is the one 2-0 group in Group B after a sweep of Mexico, profitable on Nepal, Junkertown and Colosseo. Australia earned a 3-1 win over the United Kingdom, securing wins on Nepal, Neon Junction and Aatlis with a loss on Junkertown.
Action in Group D acquired underway with Denmark sweeping Colombia and France rallying previous host South Korea, 3-2. Denmark’s wins got here on Nepal, New Junk City and Neon Junction. South Korea opened with wins on Nepal and Neon Junction earlier than France prevailed on New Junk City, Esperanca and Shambali Monastery.
Group standings (won-loss report, map report, differential):
Group A:
T1. United States, 2-0, 6-1, +5
T1. Sweden, 2-0, 6-1, +5
3. China, 0-2, 2-6, -4
4. Japan, 0-2, 0-6, -6
Group B:
1. Saudi Arabia, 2-0, 6-0, +6
2. Australia, 1-1, 3-4, -1
3. United Kingdom, 1-1, 4-3, +1
4. Mexico, 0-2, 0-6, -6
Group C:
1. Spain, 1-0, 3-0, +3
2. Canada, 1-0, 3-2, +1
3. Germany, 0-1, 2-3, -1
4. Thailand, 0-1, 0-3, -3
Group D:
1. Denmark, 1-0, 3-0, +3
2. France, 1-0, 3-2, +1
3. South Korea, 0-1, 2-3, -1
4. Colombia, 0-1, 0-3, -3
–Field Level Media