World Cup Group Stage weekend recap

The GIST: “Today drained me,” said all of us after spending the weekend on the couch watching four World Cup matches a day. But it’s time to fluff those cushions and restock on snacks because there’s even more crucial Group Stage play ahead.

Long weekend recap: No. 4 France clearly came to prove why they’re the defending champs — they’re the first (and so far only) team to advance to the knockouts, after superstar Kylian Mbappé scored twice to lift them past No. 10 Denmark on Saturday. Incroyable.

• As for other superstars, Lionel Messi won’t be heading to the MLS just yet. No. 3 Argentina’s hopes are still alive thanks to a key 2–0 Saturday victory over No. 13 Mexico.

• And last but not least, Group E (which must stand for Excitement) is wide open after yesterday’s second set of Group Stage action, with all four squads still in contention to advance.

Looking ahead: Today’s must-see match is the 11 a.m. ET meeting between No. 1 Brazil (who will notably be without captain Neymar due to an ankle injury) and No. 15 Switzerland. After both squads won their openers, whichever side takes this tilt could be poised to book their ticket to the Round of 16. Start drafting that OOO message now.