World Cup 26 Previews

MEXICO V SOUTH AFRICA

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the tournament’s opening fixture is a repeat from a prior edition as Mexico and South Africa battle it out again exactly 16 years after their 1-1 draw in Johannesburg in 2010.

Match News and Current Form
Holding the record for the most matches played in World Cup history without ever lifting the trophy (60), perhaps the pre-tournament expectations aren’t that Mexico will end that streak this time around but they do rank as the favorites to win Group A. Unbeaten across their last seven tournament openers since 1994 (W5, D2), making another fast start will be El Tri’s ambition here, and having won six of their prior eight games (D2), they seem well placed to do just that. The hosts’ defence has been been particularly impressive in that run, keeping six clean sheets in total, and with Mexico also netting 15 goals at the other end of the pitch, their fans will be expectant ahead of this much-anticipated clash at the famous Estadio Azteca.

Making their fourth World Cup appearance, and first since hosting the competition back in 2010, South Africa arrive in North America with one clear target in mind; to advance to the knockout rounds for the very first time. In order to do that, they’ll have to drastically improve upon their return of three draws and two defeats across their last five outings, a serious downturn of form since they topped their World Cup qualification group ahead of Nigeria. In the process of managing that feat, Hugo Broos’ side trailed in just one of their ten qualifying matches overall and he’ll be desperate to see his side return to that defensive sturdiness in this tournament opener.

Head-to-Head History
After winning their first two matches against South Africa, Mexico are winless across their last two meetings with Bafana Bafana (D1, L1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Mexico are unbeaten across their all-time seven World Cup matches at Estadio Azteca (W5, D2).

Mexico have led five of their last six games at half-time.

None of South Africa’s nine matches at the World Cup have ended goalless.

Five of South Africa’s last six fixtures saw both sides score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Mexican defender Johan Vásquez is in rich recent goalscoring form, netting three goals across his last three games for club and country, including twice opening the scoring for his nation. Oswin Appollis was directly involved in twice as many goals as any other South African player during their qualifiers for the World Cup (6 - G2, A4).

Both nations appeared to come through their final warm-up friendlies without any new injury concerns.

Betting Analysis
In fine recent unbeaten form and with home advantage, backing Mexico to win and score 1.5+ goals could make for a sensible pick.

Author: Nathan Evans

South Korea v Czech Republic

The long-awaited return of the Czech Republic to the FIFA World Cup will take place in Zapopan when they battle Asian heavyweights South Korea in the second fixture of Group A.

Match News and Current Form

South Korea breezed into this summer’s showpiece as the only nation unbeaten across two rounds of AFC qualification (W11, D5), with the Taegeuk Warriors rewarded by making history as the first Asian nation to appear at 12 separate World Cup finals. This will be their 11th consecutive World Cup sojourn and offers an opportunity for manager Hong Myung-bo and his players to put behind them some disappointing past campaigns. Myung-bo is in his second stint as South Korea manager having resigned after their premature group stage exit in 2014, one of three times they failed to reach the knockouts since he captained them to a fourth-place finish in 2002 as co-hosts.

The Czech Republic will compete in a World Cup as an independent nation for just the second time, following on from their 2006 group stage exit. Their journey to the 2026 World Cup has been anything but straightforward, with Tomáš Soucek stripped of the captaincy for not thanking supporters who attended a 6-0 win over Gibraltar and Ivan Hašek sacked one month prior in response to a 2-1 loss to Faroe Islands. Hašek’s successor, Miroslav Koubek, had to take the world’s 41st-ranked nation through two play-offs as a result, and in March he masterminded penalty shootout victories against both Republic of Ireland and Denmark in Prague to seal their qualification.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the inaugural competitive H2H and their first meeting since a 2016 friendly, won 2-1 by South Korea.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Fourteen of South Korea’s last 15 games saw only the winning team score.

12 of South Korea’s last 13 goals at the World Cup were scored in the second half.

Each of the Czech Republic’s last five games produced over 2.5 total goals.

The Czech Republic scored more set-piece goals (11) than any other side during UEFA qualifying for this event.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Captain Son Heung-min was South Korea’s top scorer in qualifying with ten and has demonstrable recent success as a leader on the big stage, captaining Tottenham throughout much of their 2024/25 UEFA Europa League title run. Patrik Schick was Czech Republic’s top scorer in qualifying with five, and has scored six goals in seven major international tournament appearances to date.

South Korea are sweating over the fitness of Tae-seok Lee and Stoke’s Jun-ho Bae for this opener, while Czech Republic appear to have a clean bill of health across their 26-man squad.

For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.

Betting Analysis
There could be a tight opening 45 minutes as this pair find their feet in the tournament, so a half-time draw may be a wise choice.

Author: Ben Olawumi

Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina

Canada coach Jesse Marsch looks to guide his side to the latter stages of a third major tournament across the last three years as the World Cup co-hosts welcome UEFA play-off winners Bosnia and Herzegovina to Toronto.

Match News and Current Form
A nation holds its breath as co-hosts Canada finally take to the pitch for their second consecutive World Cup finals appearance and only their third overall. It won’t take much to improve on their prior participations as Canada have lost all six of their previous games at the tournament at Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022, which saw Canada score just twice while conceding two goals per match on average. Only El Salvador have played as many games with a 100% losing record at the finals and given that five of the co-hosts’ reversals came against UEFA opposition, they’ll rely heavily on their imperious form when playing in Toronto (W18, D9, L1) in order to improve their fortunes.

This represents Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second World Cup tournament appearance after previously suffering a group stage elimination at Brazil 2014 (W1, L2). The road to the finals was a winding one for Bosnia, who had to navigate play-off ties against Wales and Italy despite losing just one of their eight initial qualifiers (W5, D2, L1). Scoring in all ten of those games, Bosnia have travelled to North America in high spirits on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, and coach Sergej Barbarez will now hope to end a run of five straight regular-time stalemates to overcome their outsider status here.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever meeting between Canada and Bosnia.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Just two of Canada’s last 11 matches saw both teams score.

Nine of Canada’s last ten matches produced under 2.5 total goals.

Bosnia have scored eight of their last ten goals after half-time.

Eight of Bosnia’s last nine matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Canada’s all-time top goalscorer Jonathan David (G39) has been involved in over a third of his nation’s goals across their last two major tournaments (G4, A1). Now in the twilight of his career, Bosnia’s 40-year-old talisman Edin Džeko led the way for his nation with six goals from nine appearances during World Cup qualifying, as well as playing in all three of their games at the 2014 edition.

Canadian captain Alphonso Davies is likely to miss this opening game, while Bosnia’s Haris Tabakovic has travelled with the squad despite an injury setback.

Betting Analysis
Despite holding home advantage and with great momentum to boot, backing against the hosts with a Bosnia Win/Draw in the double chance market could provide value given European sides’ dominance over the Canadians on the biggest stage.

Author: Matthew Billon

USA v Paraguay

The USA begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium, a venue where the co-hosts were beaten by single-goal margins in each of their two matches last year.

Match News and Current Form
The USA advanced to the Round of 16 when they last hosted the World Cup in 1994 and should fancy their chances of a similar result after making the knockout stages in each of their last three appearances at the tournament (2010, 2014, 2022), losing only to eventual 2014 champions Germany in their last nine group matches (W3, D5). Maintaining their record of not having lost their opening group stage match since 2010 (W1, D2) could be difficult here as Mauricio Pochettino’s side go into the tournament with three defeats from their four games in 2026 (W1), albeit each against teams currently ranked above them.

Paraguay have won three of their last four matches (L1) and return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 following an impressive CONMEBOL qualifying campaign where they finished level on points with Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil while boasting the second best defensive record. Gustavo Alfaro’s side struggled to make an impact at the other end of the pitch, netting an average of 0.78 goals per game during the qualifiers, the joint-lowest of any side to reach these finals. As typically slow starters in previous World Cups, with only one victory from their last eight openers (D4, L3), the Guaraníes will also be looking to improve on their previous two fixtures against host nations in 1986 and 1998 (D1, L1).

Head-to-Head History
The USA are on a three-game winning streak in this matchup between 2016 and 2025, with all three victories coming with a one-goal margin. This will be the first World Cup H2H since the USA recorded their joint-largest win at the tournament with a 3-0 victory in 1930.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of the USA’s last seven games (W4, L3) produced over 2.5 total goals.

The USA conceded only one goal across their three group stage matches in 2022.

Paraguay conceded 0-1 goals in each of their last ten World Cup fixtures.

Five of Paraguay’s 14 goals in the World Cup qualifiers came from set-pieces.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Christian Pulisic was involved in all three of the USA’s goals at the 2022 World Cup (G1, A2) and he contributed to their first two goals of their win against Senegal last month. Miguel Almirón assisted Paraguay’s only goal in the last H2H and also scored in their 4-0 win over Nicaragua earlier this month.

USA have fitness concerns over Chris Richards, Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson while Julio Enciso is likely to miss out for Paraguay.

Betting Analysis
Backing the USA as the only team to score could be a smart move given Paraguay’s scoring issues during qualification.

Author: Tom Penn

Qatar v Switzerland

Qatar - 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts - get their 2026 campaign started against Switzerland, who have progressed to the last 16 in the last three editions.

Match News and Current Form
Qatar were World Cup debutants when they hosted the competition four years ago, but failed to make it past the group phase after losing all three games. The form book suggests that a similar fate might await them here, given that an underwhelming 0-0 draw with El Salvador in their final friendly before the tournament saw their winless run stretch to six games (D2, L4), a run that's seen them score just two goals. Manager Julen Lopetegui will try and mastermind an improvement, but Qatar have tasted success in just two of their last 15 meetings with European nations (D5, L8) and are on an 11-match sequence without victory in full internationals played outside their homeland (D5, L6).

Switzerland extended their strong run to one defeat in 14 matches (W8, D5) by drawing 1-1 with Australia earlier this month. Murat Yakin’s men were one of only two European countries who came through qualifying for this tournament without trailing at any point (W4, D2), and as the highest-ranked side in Group B, will be confident of repeating that feat during the finals. The Red Crosses last lost their opening game at a World Cup in 1966 (W3, D3), while they have not been beaten by a team currently ranked lower than Qatar since November 2022.

Head-to-Head History
The one previous meeting between these two nations came in 2018, with Qatar winning a friendly 1-0.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Fifteen of Qatar’s 37 goals during qualifying for this World Cup (41%) came from set-pieces.

Of the teams that played 10+ matches in Asian qualifying, Qatar’s matches averaged a high of 3.61 goals per game.

Five of Switzerland’s last six games saw both teams score.

Six of the eight goals that Switzerland have scored in 2026 have come before half-time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Qatar’s Akram Afif, who was voted Best Footballer in Asia in 2024 and scored the last time that these two teams met, has seen 11 of his last 14 international goals come in a winning cause (D2, L1). Breel Embolo has netted five previous goals at major tournaments for Switzerland, four of which were the first or last of the game.

Qatar do not appear to have any fresh injuries. Switzerland’s Noah Okafor may not last the 90 minutes as he is only just back from a calf issue.

Betting Analysis
Given their form, Switzerland to win is the obvious choice here.

Brazil v Morocco

Brazil open their FIFA World Cup campaign against the breakout stars from the previous edition, Morocco, making this Group C heavyweight clash in New Jersey one of the most eye-catching early group games.

Match News and Current Form
Brazil begin their bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup title on the back of three straight friendly wins in which they scored a total of 11 goals, highlighting the attacking threat that has them among the leading contenders for overall tournament glory. The Seleção won the last time the United States hosted the competition back in 1994, so they have happy memories of North America even though they’ve only got past the quarter-finals once since they last won in 2002. Despite their recent woes (by their lofty standards) at the World Cup, no team have played (114) or won (76) more World Cup games than Brazil, so they will expect to justify their short odds for this opener.

Morocco can’t match Brazil’s historic World Cup pedigree, with this being just their seventh appearance, but the side that finished fourth in 2022 have proved that their run to the semi-finals in Qatar was no fluke, subsequently coming through qualifying with a 100% win rate (8/8) before winning the Arab Cup and reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Since being awarded the latter title earlier this year, the Atlas Lions are unbeaten across five friendlies (W3, D2), including drawing 1-1 with Norway on Sunday, so Mohamed Ouahbi’s in-form side will be hopeful of making a good start despite the illustrious nature of their opponents here.

Head-to-Head History
Brazil have won two of the three previous H2Hs (L1) including a group game in the 1998 World Cup, although Morocco won the most recent meeting 2-1 in a 2023 friendly.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Brazil are unbeaten across their last 20 World Cup openers (W17, D3).

There have been an average of 1.5 goals per game after the 75th minute across Brazil’s last four matches.

Morocco have kept a first-half clean sheet in each of their last 24 games.

Morocco have never won their opening game at a World Cup (D3, L3).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior has three goal contributions across his last three appearances for club and country (G2, A1), and two of his last three international strikes opened the scoring. His Real Madrid teammate Brahim Díaz has three goal involvements across his last five appearances for any side (G2, A1), including opening the scoring against Norway.

Neymar is reportedly making good progress towards being available for Brazil following a calf injury. Moroccans Abde Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui suffered injuries against Norway so may be doubtful.

For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.

Betting Analysis
As both sides are ranked inside FIFA’s top ten, this could be a close-fought game, which makes backing a draw in the half-time market worth considering.

Author: John Pennington

Nice previews I will say 

@MatthewJL46

 Most welcome, hope they help.

Haiti v Scotland

With tough group games to come against Brazil and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, the pair of Haiti and Scotland will be desperate to get their first FIFA World Cup appearances of the 21st century off to a winning start.

Match News and Current Form
After a 52-year absence, the joint-fourth longest in the tournament’s history, Haiti will return to the World Cup for just their second appearance and pursue their maiden victory after losing all three of their games in 1974. The Grenadiers conceded 14 goals in that group stage and were also weak defensively during their qualifiers for this edition, with only two of the eight other CONCACAF sides who played ten qualifiers letting in more goals than their 13. Manager Sébastien Migné is still yet to set foot in Haiti due to civil conflict and brings his counter-attacking side to the World Cup with only one win so far in 2026 (D1, L2), albeit an impressive one against fellow World Cup finals participants New Zealand (4-0).

With six victories from their last nine games (L3), including a 4-0 win over Bolivia and a 4-1 victory against Curaçao in their two pre-tournament warm-ups, Scotland are returning to the World Cup finals in impressive form. This will be their first time at the tournament since 1998 when they began with a 2-1 loss against holders Brazil, their third consecutive opening game defeat in this competition. Scotland have never advanced from their group in any of their 12 previous appearances at either a World Cup or European Championships, but are in an excellent place to do so after finishing at the top of their qualifying group for the first time since 1982.

Head-to-Head History
This is the inaugural H2H and the first time that Haiti will face an opponent from the British Isles.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Haiti’s last eight victories were accompanied by clean sheets.

Haiti led at half-time in four of their last seven matches.

Scotland scored at least three goals in five of their last seven wins.

Scotland have averaged one yellow card across their last seven games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Haiti’s Duckens Nazon was the joint-top scorer in the CONCACAF qualifiers with six goals, having also recorded more shots and touches inside the opposition box than any other player. From his last three internationals, Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has five goal contributions (G4, A1) and finished on the winning side on each occasion.

Haiti's Leverton Pierre is struggling with his fitness, while Scotland’s Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson are being carefully monitored due to minor knocks.

Betting Analysis
Backing Scotland to score over 3.5 goals could be a strong move given their recent results and Haiti’s defensive record during the qualifiers.

Author: Tom Penn

Australia v Turkey

Turkey will make a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup when they play Group D's rank outsiders Australia.

Match News and Current Form
Making their sixth successive World Cup finals appearance, Australia are yet to advance beyond the last 16 and will be looking to improve further on their finest showing at the tournament in Qatar four years ago, when they won two matches for the first time. That was achieved despite starting off that campaign with a 4-1 defeat to France, the fourth consecutive time that they opened a World Cup with a loss. The Socceroos avoided the inter-confederation play-offs for the first time since the 2014 edition thanks to a second-placed finish in the third round of AFC qualifying (W5, D4, L1), but they have much to prove at this tournament, having suffered more such defeats (W4, D3, L10) than any other nation from 2006 to 2022.

Turkey backed up their run to the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals and promotion to UEFA Nations League A with an almost undefeated World Cup qualification campaign (W6, D1, L1) that saw them reach this tournament after 1-0 play-off victories over Romania and Kosovo. Those results form part of an outstanding sequence since the start of 2025 (W11, D1, L2) that has seen them lose only to heavyweights Spain (6-0) and Mexico (1-0). Head coach Vincenzo Montella will now be striving to help the Crescent Stars open a World Cup with a win for the first time after they lost in 1954 (4-1 to West Germany) and 2002 (2-1 to Brazil).

Head-to-Head History
These teams have not met since Turkey won two friendlies in 2004. Turkey have a 100% record against AFC opposition at World Cups (W4), while Australia’s 1-0 win over Denmark in 2022 was their second in 12 games against UEFA nations at this tournament (D2, L8).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Australia failed to score in four of their last five losses.

Australia scored one goal at most in seven of their last eight matches.

Four of Turkey’s last five games were level at half-time.

Turkey kept a clean sheet in four of their last five wins.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
After scoring on his international debut against Switzerland, Tete Yengi could have an impact here for Australia, having netted beyond the 30th minute in three of his last six games for club or country. Turkey midfielder Orkun Kökçü recently scored against North Macedonia (W 4-0) after a season in which he registered 16 league goal contributions for Besiktas (G8, A8).

First-choice Australia striker Mohamed Touré missed training on Wednesday, while Turkey’s Kenan Yildiz and Ferdi Kadioglu missed last weekend’s friendly against Venezuela (W 2-1).

Betting Analysis
Turkey’s class and Australia’s goalscoring deficiencies point towards a Turkey clean-sheet win.

Author: Aaron Murphy

Germany v Curacao

This Group E clash between four-time World Cup winners Germany and debutants Curaçao sees the widest rankings gap between two teams competing against each other in the opening round of fixtures.

Match News and Current Form
Germany arrive in Texas in excellent form having won each of their last nine matches, completing their preparations by beating co-hosts USA 2-1 in Chicago last week. Only Brazil have entered and won more World Cups than the Germans, yet they are not among the immediate favourites despite that impressive run of form and proven tournament pedigree. Manager Julian Nagelsmann (38) is the youngest manager at the competition and is younger than goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (40), who is reportedly on target to start despite missing their recent friendlies, and is therefore set to become only the second German after Lothar Matthäus to play in five World Cups.

In 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, Curaçao have the oldest manager ever to take charge of a World Cup game, while they are the smallest nation by area and population to qualify for the 2026 event. Getting here has already produced one of the stories of the tournament, especially as the Blue Wave did so by scoring more goals in CONCACAF qualifiers than any other side (28), but they’re expected to struggle with difficult games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast to come after this opener. A 4-0 thrashing of lowly Aruba last weekend will at least have boosted their confidence, a victory that was much needed given that they were winless across their previous four games (D1, L3).

Head-to-Head History
These two sides have never previously met, but Germany have lost just two of their last 17 World Cup fixtures against sides from the Americas (W14, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Germany scored first in eight of their last nine games.

Germany’s last five fixtures produced an average of 4.6 total goals.

Each of Curaçao’s last three fixtures produced over 3.5 goals.

Five goals have been scored in the 80th minute or later across Curaçao’s last three games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Leroy Sané scored decisively for Germany against USA and each of his last seven goalscoring appearances for his country were in games featuring at least three goals. Kenji Gorré was the only Curaçao player to register at least six goal contributions in qualifying (G3, A3).

German starlet Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and replaced by Assan Ouédraogo, while Curaçao appear to have no fresh injury concerns.

For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.

Betting Analysis
Anything other than a comfortable Germany win would be an enormous shock, so if the favourites let the handbrake off, backing over 4.5 goals could be worth considering.

Author: John Pennington

Netherlands v Japan

Only two nations boast a better win rate at the FIFA World Cup than the Netherlands, who set out on their latest attempt for glory against a Japan side who have plenty of recent form for upsetting big European nations.

Match News and Current Form
The Netherlands are the World Cup’s eternal bridesmaids, losing in the final more than any other nation (3) without ever lifting football’s most elusive trophy. An Oranje legend leads their latest attempt as Ronald Koeman looks to rewrite history after guiding them through qualifying unbeaten (W6, D2), scoring 27 goals and conceding just four. The Dutch tend to excel at the early stages of the World Cup, last losing their opening game at the finals back in 1938 (W7, D2), while they’re unbeaten in 16 matches in the group phase (W12, D4) since 1994, the longest active run of any side!

Japan were the first nation to qualify for this summer’s finals, and have kept up that imperious form by winning each of their last six friendlies, including eye-catching victories over Brazil (3-2) and England (1-0). The Samurai Blue therefore embark on their eighth successive World Cup appearance as dark horses, yet they’ve played a competition-high 25 matches without ever reaching the quarter-finals. Japan can take positivity from winning their last two World Cup openers, while they went unbeaten in normal time against European opposition at the 2022 edition (W2, D1), with those wins coming against Spain and Germany in the group stage!

Head-to-Head History
Japan have never beaten the Netherlands (D1, L2), with one of those defeats coming in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup (1-0).

Hot Stats and Streaks
The Netherlands need just four more goals to reach 100 at the World Cup finals.

The Netherlands have conceded exactly once in each of their last four matches.

Seven of Japan’s last eight wins, including each of the last five in succession, have been accompanied by a clean sheet.

Seven of Japan’s last nine matches at the World Cup finals saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Three of the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay’s 55 international goals have come at the World Cup finals, while he was their top scorer (8) and joint-top assister (4) in qualifying. Ayase Ueda was involved in ten goals for Japan in qualifying (G8, A2) and hasn’t lost an international appearance since February 2024 (W12, D3).

Netherlands’ Jurriën Timber was ruled out of the World Cup last week, while first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen suffered an injury in their last warm-up game. Japan’s Wataru Endo faces a race against time to be fit for this fixture.

Betting Analysis
With the Netherlands favourites, the better value perhaps lies in backing Japan to win here, especially considering their penchant for beating the top nations recently.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

Ivory Coast are back at the World Cup after a 12-year hiatus and face a tough task in their opening match as they take on an Ecuador side widely regarded as one of the competition’s dark horses.

Match News and Current Form
Ivory Coast have reached their first World Cup since 2014, and they carry the momentum of a three-game winning streak as they seek to bypass the group stages for the first time ever. Beating FIFA’s #3-ranked side, France, within that run should heighten belief that they can compete with the world’s best, while losing just one of their last nine full internationals (W7, D1) hints that they shouldn’t be fearful of facing anyone in an open-looking Group E. Any success for the Elephants is likely to be built on defensive solidity, as they were one of only two teams to come through CAF qualifying without conceding a goal.

A 3-0 victory over Guatemala in their final warm-up game further emphasised how much Ecuador have improved in recent years, as they last lost a game in September 2024 (W8, D11). That streak helped them secure a second-place finish in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, and with no team conceding fewer than their five goals or bettering their tally of 13 clean sheets, they are another side whose success is built on solid foundations. The positive omens on their side should have them believing they can bypass a World Cup group stage for the first time since 2006, especially if they can get off to the kind of start they did at the last World Cup where they won their opening game 2-0.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first meeting between these two sides, but Ivory Coast have lost against CONMEBOL opponents in each of their last three World Cup appearances.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only four of Ivory Coast’s last 21 competitive matches have seen both teams score.

Ivory Coast have only conceded one second-half goal in their last six full internationals.

None of the 14 previous World Cup goals Ecuador have scored came from outside the box.

Only four of Ecuador’s last 22 games have featured over 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Amad Diallo’s six goals for the Ivory Coast have been the first or last of the game, with five of them arriving after half-time. Enner Valencia has netted six of Ecuador’s last seven World Cup goals, with five of those strikes arriving before the hour mark.

Ivory Coast lost Clément Akpa before the start of the tournament, while Ecuador’s Kendry Páez picked up an injury scare in the win over Guatemala.

Betting Analysis
Success for these two sides has been built on defensive solidity, so backing under 2.5 goals seems a wise approach to take.

Author: Matt Jones

Sweden v Tunisia

Sweden have a solid recent pedigree when it comes to progression at the World Cup finals, and they open their account against a Tunisia side whose fortunes at this competition have been in stark contrast.

Match News and Current Form
Sweden’s route to this World Cup was a unique one, as they actually finished bottom of their qualification group, but their performances in the UEFA Nations League earned them another shot at qualifying. That was an opportunity they grabbed with both hands as they beat both Ukraine and Poland in March to advance, but things have taken a dip since as the Swedes failed to win either of their pre-tournament warm-up games (D1, L1). Losing only two of their 12 opening matches at prior World Cups (W5, D5) is a positive omen to cling to, even if three of the last four of those ended level (W1), as Sweden aim for a fifth successive progression beyond the group stage at this tournament.

Tunisia’s preparations for a third successive World Cup appearance have been far from ideal as they’ve lost both of their June friendlies without scoring, which hardly bodes well as they look to avoid a seventh successive group stage exit at this tournament. A 5-0 defeat to Belgium in their last such outing was certainly the most concerning of those defeats, but the Eagles of Carthage’s spirits should be lifted by a World Cup qualifying campaign that saw them earn 28 points from a possible 30, scoring 22 times and not conceding a single goal along the way! That resolve will certainly be tested here, as Tunisia have won one of their 12 prior World Cup games against European opposition, although they’ll be quick to point out that the sole win came in their last such meeting.

Head-to-Head History
There have only been five goals scored across the four previous H2Hs, with Sweden having the upper hand in those games (W2, D1, L1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Sweden haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 11 matches.

Just one of Sweden’s last six World Cup finals matches saw both teams score.

Tunisia conceded nine of their last ten goals after half-time.

Six of Tunisia’s last seven World Cup games were decided by a one-goal margin at most.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Fresh from winning the Premier League with Arsenal, Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres scored four times across their two play-off victories, with six of his last seven international goals arriving after half-time. Tunisia’s Hazem Mastouri could get them off to a fast start given that three of his four international goals served to open the scoring.

Victor Lindelöf and Anthony Elanga missed Sweden’s game against Greece, while Benjamin Nygren went off injured in that match. Tunisia midfielder Hannibal didn’t feature against Belgium after going off in their previous friendly against Austria.

Betting Analysis
Sweden don’t keep many clean sheets, and with Tunisia conceding at an alarming rate at present, both teams to score is an obvious selection.

Author: Alex Bowmer

Spain v Cape Verde

Amongst the favourites to lift the World Cup in July, Spain take to the stage for the first time to face a Cape Verde side out to cause an upset and make even more history here.

Match News and Current Form
According to Opta’s pre-tournament supercomputer, reigning European champions Spain have the best chance of winning this competition (16%). Their favouritism may be a little shortsighted when accounting for their recent World Cup performances, with Spain going no further than the last 16 in any of their last three appearances at the finals. Winning the 2010 edition before that trio of disappointments, La Roja do have some pedigree in this competition, but that's the only time they’ve reached the semi-finals in their last 14 World Cup appearances, and having won just one of their last six games at the finals (D4, L1), there are some historical omens for Luis de la Fuente’s men to overcome here.

This remains a baptism of fire for a Cape Verde side making their World Cup debut. Cape Verde itself was actually a colony of Spain’s neighbours, Portugal, until 1975, but since gaining independence and becoming a FIFA member they’ve been getting steadily closer to qualifying and finally got their big break for this tournament. Becoming the first CAF side to reach the knockout stages on their World Cup debut since Ghana in 2006 is the ultimate goal, and after winning six of their last seven World Cup qualifiers (D1) and winning their two warm-up friendlies 3-0, perhaps their eye-wateringly long odds here are a little unjust.

Head-to-Head History
These sides have never met before, while Spain’s only defeat against a CAF opponent at the World Cup came against Nigeria in 1998.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Fourteen of Spain’s last 17 matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Spain have scored six of their seven goals in 2026 before the hour mark.

Cape Verde have only been beaten once in 13 games against European opposition (W5, D7).

Cape Verde’s last five games all saw at least one first-half goal.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal was one of just three players in UEFA qualification to rack up 10+ goal contributions (G6, A4), with four of those six strikes arriving after the hour mark. Dailon Livramento is Cape Verde’s go-to man after netting in four of his last five qualifiers, three of which opened the scoring.

Spain hope to have Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams available after the pair missed their final warm-up match against Peru. Cape Verde appear to be at full strength.

Betting Analysis
Spain haven’t been winning big in 2026, so backing them to win by exactly a two-goal margin could be smart given their recent World Cup shortcomings.

Author: Chris Wilson

Belgium v Egypt

Egypt have never won a match at the FIFA World Cup, but that looks unlikely to change here as they face off with a rampant Belgium side in their Group G opener in Seattle.

Match News and Current Form
While lingering connections to their golden generation remain, Belgium’s new blood have the potential to do damage at this World Cup after coming through qualifying unbeaten (W5, D3). Norway (37) were the only team to outscore the Red Devils (29) in UEFA qualifying, with Belgium unbeaten in 13 matches overall (W9, D4), putting seven unanswered goals past Croatia and Tunisia in their two warm-up games. Under Rudi Garcia’s leadership, they’ll hope to avenge the group stage exit they suffered in 2022. Belgium are gearing up for their 15th appearance at the finals, the most of any European nation never to win the trophy, but should be confident of stretching a superb record of just one defeat from their last 15 group stage matches at the World Cup (W8, D6).

Egypt are making just their fourth appearance at the World Cup finals, and do so on the back of their first unbeaten qualifying campaign (W8, D2) since 1934! Only Honduras (9) have played more games in this competition than Egypt (D2, L5) without ever registering a win, so the Pharaohs have plenty of demons to banish this time around. They’re led by their all-time top scorer Hossam Hassan from the dugout, and he’s certainly built a solid foundation with Egypt having kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games, albeit the exception came in a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their most recent outing.

Head-to-Head History
Egypt have won three of the prior four meetings (L1), the most recent of which came on the eve of the 2022 World Cup. This will be the first-ever H2H in a major tournament.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Belgium have lost just one of their last five World Cup matches against African opposition (W3, D1).

Belgium have scored 4+ goals in seven of their last eight wins.

Egypt have only ever led one game at the World Cup finals.

Egypt have failed to score in four of their last five defeats.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
After a strong end to the season at Manchester City, Jérémy Doku will hope to carry that form into the World Cup after contributing to seven goals for Belgium in qualifying (G5, A2), while no European player created more chances from open play than his 24. Mohamed Salah (G67) is just two goals behind the all-time goals record for Egypt, and was directly involved in 60% of their goals in qualifying (G9, A3).

Belgium’s Zeno Debast has not yet recovered from a leg injury sustained in May, while Egypt look to have no fresh concerns.

Betting Analysis
Belgium have been brutal in their wins recently, so backing them to win by a -2 handicap could be a route to value.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

After securing a famous win in their opening game at the last World Cup, Saudi Arabia aim to repeat their opening-game heroics against South American opposition as they face Uruguay in their Group H opener.

Match News and Current Form
Saudi Arabia haven't advanced to the knockout stage of a World Cup since reaching the last 16 on debut in 1994, which was played in the USA. The Green Falcons have only one squad member playing abroad, and have had far from a seamless run into these finals after installing new head coach Georgios Donis less than two months before their tournament opener. Their only win of 2026 came against Puerto Rico (D1, L3), but they’ll hope the occasion provides plenty of inspiration after they incredibly upset eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in their 2022 group stage opener.

Uruguay’s head coach Marcelo Bielsa didn't include a domestic-based player for the first time in the nation's World Cup history, and will have to navigate this tournament without either of their top two all-time goalscorers - Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez - for the first time since 2002! Bielsa led his side to a blazing start in CONMEBOL qualification, beating Brazil and Argentina in their opening six matches, but La Celeste dropped points in nine of the last 12 qualifiers (D6, L3), failing to score in eight of them. Uruguay have netted just twice across their last four friendlies too, none of which they won (D3, L1).

Head-to-Head History
The H2H record is even (W1, D1, L1) after Uruguay won 1-0 when these sides last met in the 2018 World Cup group stage.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only five of Saudi Arabia’s last 13 matches saw both teams score.

Saudi Arabia have lost 68% of their World Cup matches, the highest loss rate of any nation to have played 15+ games.

Uruguay have won just one of their last eight opening World Cup matches (D4, L3).

Only five of Uruguay’s last 23 matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Firas Al-Buraikan was Saudi Arabia’s top scorer in qualifying with five goals, but he hasn't scored in any of his last six international appearances. Darwin Núñez led Uruguay for goal involvements (G5, A2) during the qualifiers, with three of those five strikes coming after the 70th minute.

Saudi Arabia have no reported major injury absences ahead of this fixture. Uruguay’s Ronald Araújo returned to Barcelona for treatment and is likely to miss this game, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta remains with the squad but is unlikely to feature in the group stage.

Betting Analysis
Looking at the scoring patterns of these sides in their latest games, under 2.5 goals could be worth exploring.

Author: Sridhar Bhamidi

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Iran v New Zealand

One of the most hotly-anticipated World Cup openers, for reasons beyond football, sees Iran and New Zealand clash at the SoFi Stadium in California in a must-win game for both, with Egypt and Belgium waiting in the wings.

Match News and Current Form
This summer continues to ooze with controversy and intrigue for Iran, who will arrive in the USA after months of rumbling doubt about their participation due to the ongoing war between the nations. Reports of an imminent peace deal would prove a poignant moment amidst the backdrop of a tournament which has come with a whole host of controversy. Having to also contend with commuting from their base in Mexico on the day of each game, Iran will quickly have to put all the issues behind them, and they can garner confidence from three successive friendly wins as they seek what would only be a second victory in a World Cup opener (D1, L4).

New Zealand arrive on the world’s biggest stage for the first time in 16 years in high spirits, despite being the lowest-ranked side at the tournament, after recording their first win over South American opposition in a 4-1 thumping of Chile in their send-off game. Darren Bazeley’s men were given a stark reality check as they conceded five times without reply in their two warm-up games on American soil, results which will likely have dampened optimism somewhat. New Zealand must quickly refocus as they seek a first-ever win at a World Cup (D3, L3), a result they’re likely to need if they’re to escape a group containing the might of Egypt and Belgium.

Head-to-Head History
Iran are yet to concede a goal against New Zealand across two historical meetings (W1, D1), although the most recent came way back in 2003.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Iran’s last eight goals at the World Cup were scored after half-time, including five in stoppage time.

Iran have kept just three clean sheets across their 18 World Cup tournament games.

Only one of New Zealand’s last five games saw both teams score.

New Zealand failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their six World Cup tournament games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Iran’s Mehdi Taremi contributed to 17 of his nation’s 35 goals during qualifying (G10, A7), and also managed five goal contributions across the four friendlies in the run-up to the tournament (G4, A1). New Zealand record appearance maker (90) and goalscorer (G45) Chris Wood topped the charts in the Oceanic section of qualifying with nine goals across five matches.

Iran look to have a largely clean bill of health, while New Zealand’s Tyler Bindon was used sparingly in the warm-up games after missing the end of the club season.

Betting Analysis
Backing an Iran win seems a smart move given they arrive at the tournament in fine form and with a point to prove.

Author: Matthew Billon

France v Senegal

As France boss Didier Deschamps oversees his 20th World Cup game in charge, one of the pre-tournament favourites look to justify that tag at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against a Senegal side who made history by qualifying.

Match News and Current Form.

With the record for most World Cup games managed standing at 25, another deep French run into the tournament would see Deschamps etch his name into the history books. Reaching back-to-back World Cup finals certainly suggests that’s a distinct possibility in what will be his last tournament in charge, and after qualifying in near-perfect fashion (W5, D1), France have momentum behind them as they aim to become just the third team in history to reach three successive World Cup finals. Geopolitical issues which have followed them across the Atlantic threaten to derail France’s attempt to make history, but Deschamps has been quick to switch the attention back to on-field matters, and it’s easy to see why given France have won nine of their last 11 matches (D1, L1).

Senegal qualified for a third successive World Cup finals in similar fashion to France, advancing with an unbeaten record (W7, D3). Reaching three World Cups in a row is the joint-longest ongoing record amongst African nations, but none of those three appearances have seen them progress any further than the last 16. Their deepest run into the World Cup came back in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals, a campaign which intriguingly began with a 1-0 win against France, but replicating that result may be tricky for a side who haven’t kept a clean sheet in 11 World Cup finals matches since and won neither of their pre-tournament warm-up games against fellow World Cup participants (D1, L1).

Head-to-Head History
Senegal’s 1-0 win in 2002 is the only prior meeting between these sides, while France have lost three of their last four World Cup group matches against African opposition.

Hot Stats and Streaks
France haven’t lost their opening World Cup match since 2002 (W3, D2).

France’s last nine games produced over 2.5 goals.

Only two of Senegal’s last seven matches saw both teams score.

Five of Senegal’s last seven World Cup games produced over 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
With 12 World Cup goals to his name, France’s Kylian Mbappé is closing in on Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 - his last 12 strikes for the national team arrived after the 30th minute. Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr arrives on the back of winning the Conference League with Crystal Palace and has scored his nation’s first goal of the game in seven of his last eight international scoring appearances.

France are sweating on the fitness of Jules Koundé, while Senegal look to be at full strength.

Betting Analysis
France look too strong across the pitch here, so backing them to win by a -1 handicap looks attractively priced.

Author: Chris Wilson

Iraq v Norway

Iraq and Norway endured two very different routes to qualification, but the pair start on a level playing field at the 64,000 capacity Gillette Stadium in Foxborough as they compete in a highly-competitive World Cup Group I containing France and Senegal.

Match News and Current Form
Iraq were the 48th and last team to qualify for this World Cup, playing a gruelling 21 qualifying games - more than any other side - to make it to this stage for the first time since 1986. They lost all three of their fixtures by a one-goal margin 40 years ago, so expectations may be low as the Lions of Mesopotamia seek a first-ever World Cup point. Recent friendlies have produced mixed results as they followed up a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra with a creditable 1-1 draw against Spain before losing their only friendly on American soil 2-0 to Venezuela, and their preparations were hampered further when star striker Aymen Hussein was detained and interrogated for seven hours by US border authorities.

Norway have also endured a disruptive build-up after Scotland cancelled a planned training match at short notice as they prepare for a first World Cup campaign since exiting at the round of 16 in 1998. Head coach Ståle Solbakken was involved as a player back then and his squad, boasting genuine star quality, are seen by many as having the potential to go far in this tournament. Losing just once across their last 16 fixtures (W12, D3) underlines their consistency, as does being one of just two European nations to qualify with a perfect record (W8), yet just one win from their last four matches (D2, L1) hints at their momentum waning slightly.

Head-to-Head History
These two sides have never previously met. Norway have never played an AFC member country at the World Cup, while Iraq’s only World Cup game against a European side was a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in 1986.

Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Iraq’s last six internationals produced a goal after the 55th minute.

Iraq won fewer than four corners in seven of their last eight games.

Six of Norway’s last seven fixtures saw both teams score.

Six of Norway’s seven World Cup goals were scored after half-time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
No player in Iraq’s squad has more international goals than Aymen Hussein (33), and he opened the scoring in four of his last six goalscoring appearances for his country. Fresh off the back of winning the Premier League with club side Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard scored Norway’s second-half equaliser in their final warm-up game and also assisted seven goals during his side’s qualifying campaign.

Neither side reported any injuries following their latest friendlies.

Betting Analysis
With both sides lacking recent World Cup experience, this could be a nervy affair, so backing under 2.5 goals may be worth considering.

Author: John Pennington

Thanks for dropping in, best of luck going forward.