(Photo credit score: Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Teams from 16 nations started group stage play Thursday at Overwatch World Cup 2026 in Busan, South Korea.
Round-robin play in 4 teams will conclude Sunday, with the highest two groups in every group 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, Sweden swept Japan and the United States defeated China 3-1. Sweden posted wins on Nepal, Shambali Monastery and Paraiso. The U.S. received on Busan and Neon Junction. After China’s win on Aatlis, the U.S. earned a win on Route 66.
In Group B, the United Kingdom swept Mexico and Saudi Arabia did the identical to Australia. The UK received on Nepal, Aatlis and Eichenwalde. The Saudis had been victorious on Nepal, Eichenwalde and Esperanca.
In Group C, Spain swept Thailand and Canada pulled out a 3-2 win over Germany. Spain received on Busan, New Junk City and Paraiso. Germany took a 2-1 lead by sandwiching wins on Nepal and Route 66 round a loss on Paraiso, however Canada answered with wins on New Junk City and Esperanca.
Action in Group D was set to start later within the day, with Denmark going through Colombia and France taking over hosts South Korea.
Group standings (won-loss report, map report, differential):
Group A:
1. Sweden, 1-0, 3-0, +3
2. United States, 1-0, 3-1, +2
3. China, 0-1, 1-3, -2
4. Japan, 0-1, 0-3, -3
Group B:
T1. Saudi Arabia, 1-0, 3-0, +3
T1. United Kingdom, 1-0, 3-0, +3
T3. Australia, 0-1, 0-3, -3
T3. Mexico, 0-1, 0-3, -3
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:
France
South Korea
Denmark
Colombia
–Field Level Media