World Cup Today: Full Schedule, Start Times, and Key Storylines for June 21
June 21, 2024 | Updated 08:30 UTC
The World Cup today features two high-stakes Group H clashes as Spain and Uruguay seek their first victories in Qatar. Spain faces Costa Rica at 16:00 UTC (20:00 local time) in Al Rayyan, while Uruguay takes on South Korea at 22:00 UTC (02:00 June 22 local time) in Al Wakrah. Both teams sit on zero points after opening-day defeats, with Spain dropping to Japan and Uruguay losing to France.
Full World Cup Schedule for June 21: Start Times, Venues, and TV Coverage
Spain vs. Costa Rica
Date: June 21, 2024
Start Time: 16:00 UTC (20:00 local time)
Venue: Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan
TV Coverage:
- ESPN (US)
- BBC One (UK)
- Globo (Brazil)
- Sky Sports (Australia)
Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, will look to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Japan. Costa Rica, led by Gustavo Matosas, enter the match undefeated after a 1-1 draw with Germany. The La Liga side boasts the tournament’s highest-scoring attack (7 goals in two games), but Costa Rica’s midfield discipline could test them.
Uruguay vs. South Korea
Date: June 21, 2024
Start Time: 22:00 UTC (02:00 June 22 local time)
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
TV Coverage:
- ESPN (US)
- BBC Two (UK)
- Globo (Brazil)
- Fox Sports (Latin America)
Uruguay, without injured captain Darwin Núñez, faces a physical South Korea side that stunned Portugal 2-1 in their opener. The Celestinos will need a defensive masterclass to avoid a second straight defeat, while South Korea’s midfield trio of Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, and Kim Young-gwon could disrupt Uruguay’s rhythm.
Tactical Breakdown: What to Watch in Today’s Matches
Spain’s High-Pressing Test Against Costa Rica
Spain’s 4-3-3 formation will prioritize pressing high to exploit Costa Rica’s slower build-up. Key areas to watch:
- Rodri’s Midfield Control: The Manchester City midfielder must shield the defense while dictating tempo. His passing accuracy (89% in Euro 2024) will determine Spain’s possession dominance.
- Lamine Yamal’s Impact: The 18-year-old Barcelona winger could force Costa Rica’s defense into errors with his dribbling (1.2 expected dribbles per game in La Liga).
- Defensive Shape: Costa Rica’s 5-2-3 formation may drop deep, forcing Spain to transition quickly. Full-backs João Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte will need to contribute up the flanks.
Stat to Watch: Spain’s xG (expected goals) in the first half. If they maintain above 1.5, they’ll likely control the game.
Uruguay’s Defensive Crisis vs. South Korea’s Attack
Uruguay’s backline, already shaky without Núñez, faces South Korea’s most clinical striker in Son Heung-min (12 goals in 90 World Cup appearances). Key concerns:
- Full-Back Vulnerabilities: With Darwin Núñez injured, Uruguay’s left side (Matias Viña) and right side (Emiliano Martínez) must cover for center-backs Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo.
- Midfield Battles: South Korea’s Hwang Hee-chan (5 goals in 2022 World Cup) will target Uruguay’s defensive midfielder, Matías Vecino, in 1v1 duels.
- Set-Piece Threat: Uruguay has conceded 3 goals from set pieces in their last 5 matches. South Korea’s free-kick specialist, Kim Young-gwon, could exploit this.
Stat to Watch: Uruguay’s defensive duels won. If they win fewer than 50%, South Korea will dominate midfield.
How Today’s Matches Affect Group H Standings
Group H remains wide open, but today’s results could reshape the playoff chase. Current standings:
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Key Implications:
- If Spain wins, they’ll top the group and secure a Round of 16 spot, while Costa Rica would still have a chance with one game left.
- If Uruguay wins, they’ll move above Costa Rica in goal difference, but South Korea would still lead on points.
- A draw in either match keeps the group wide open, with Japan and South Korea tied on points but Japan holding the slight edge in goal difference.
Key Injuries and Absences to Watch
Two major absences could reshape today’s matches:
Darwin Núñez (Uruguay)
The Uruguayan captain and top scorer (2 goals in 2022) suffered a calf injury in training and is out for today’s match. His absence leaves Uruguay without their primary creative outlet and defensive leader.
Source: Uruguay Football Association medical report
Rodri (Spain)
While not injured, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been limited in training due to fatigue. His ability to dominate midfield will be crucial against Costa Rica’s physical press.
Source: La Liga medical bulletin
Why This World Cup Group H Is the Most Unpredictable
No group in the tournament has been as volatile as Group H. Three of the four teams (Spain, Uruguay, South Korea) have lost their opening matches, while Japan’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica was their first World Cup victory since 2002. Here’s why this group stands out:
- Defensive Frailties: All four teams have conceded at least one goal in their first two matches, with Uruguay and Spain both leaking two.
- Attacking Firepower: Spain’s attack (7 goals in two games) is the tournament’s most prolific, but their defense has been exposed.
- Coaching Contrasts: Luis de la Fuente’s Spain and Gustavo Matosas’ Costa Rica employ vastly different styles, while Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa faces a physical South Korean side.
- No Clear Favorites: Unlike other groups with dominant teams (e.g., Argentina, France), Group H has no clear frontrunner entering the final round.
Historical Context: The last time a group had three teams with zero points after two matches was in the 2002 World Cup (Group F: Denmark, Uruguay, Senegal, France). That group saw Senegal advance to the Round of 16, proving that form can turn quickly.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Today’s Matches
Where can I watch the World Cup today?
Spain vs. Costa Rica and Uruguay vs. South Korea will be broadcast on:
- US: ESPN (all matches)
- UK: BBC One (Spain vs. Costa Rica), BBC Two (Uruguay vs. South Korea)
- Brazil: Globo (both matches)
- Australia: Sky Sports
- Latin America: Fox Sports
Streaming: DAZN, ESPN+, and local broadcasters offer live streams.
What are the kickoff times in my local time zone?
Use this converter for your local time:
- New York: 12:00 PM (Spain vs. Costa Rica), 6:00 PM (Uruguay vs. South Korea)
- London: 5:00 PM (Spain vs. Costa Rica), 11:00 PM (Uruguay vs. South Korea)
- São Paulo: 1:00 PM (Spain vs. Costa Rica), 7:00 PM (Uruguay vs. South Korea)
- Sydney: 2:00 AM (June 22, Spain vs. Costa Rica), 8:00 AM (Uruguay vs. South Korea)
How do today’s results affect the Round of 16?
Group H’s top two teams will advance to the Round of 16 on June 26. Today’s matches determine:
- A win for Spain or Uruguay would put them in a strong position to finish top two.
- If both matches end in draws, Japan and South Korea would likely advance based on goal difference.
- The third-place team in Group H (likely Costa Rica or Uruguay) could face a tough Round of 16 opponent if they finish second.
What’s Next: World Cup Schedule Highlights
After today’s matches, the World Cup schedule accelerates:
- June 22: Group A (Netherlands vs. France), Group C (Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia), Group D (Brazil vs. South Africa)
- June 23: Group E (Japan vs. Croatia), Group F (Morocco vs. Spain), Group G (Portugal vs. Switzerland), Group H (Costa Rica vs. Uruguay)
- June 26: Round of 16 begins with Group A vs. Group B winners.
For real-time updates, follow FIFA’s official match center.
Which team do you think will break their losing streak today? Share your predictions in the comments below or on Twitter.
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