World Cup 26 Previews

Argentina v Algeria

FIFA World Cup champions Argentina will begin the defence of their crown against Algeria in Kansas City in what could be the start of a historic chapter in world football.

Match News and Current Form
Four years after the legendary Lionel Messi had the World Cup hoisted over his head in Qatar, Argentina will be the latest country to attempt to join the pair of Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962) in going back-to-back. They’ll be looking to add to the immense record of South American nations having won seven of the last eight World Cups held in the Americas and have more than just historical omens going for them. Lionel Scaloni’s men qualified for their 14th successive World Cup finals, the third-longest streak of all countries, after winning the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification cycle and head into the tournament with a commanding 13 wins from their last 15 matches (D1, L1).

Algeria are in encouraging form themselves after winning 14 of their last 19 outings (D3, L2), a run which contributed to them topping their World Cup qualification group for a second consecutive time. The Desert Warriors will feature in football’s greatest showpiece for the fifth time in their history with their last appearance coming in Brazil in 2014, which was also the only time they advanced beyond the group stages. They burst onto the world stage by winning two of their first three World Cup games back in 1982 (L1), but just one victory in their ten matches since proves that this tournament hasn’t been kind to them (D3, L6).

Head-to-Head History
The only previous encounter between these sides was in June 2007 when Argentina won a friendly 4-3, when Messi recorded his maiden international brace.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Argentina have won each of their last six World Cup games against African opposition.

The winning side led at half-time in each of Argentina’s last nine matches.

Including extra time, Algeria have kept only one clean sheet in their 13 games at the World Cup.

None of Algeria’s last six matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Lionel Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup games played with 26 (G13, A8), and will fittingly mark his 200th appearance for Argentina by becoming the first man to play in six different World Cups. Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura was the top scorer in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with ten goals, all of which contributed to his record of winning all 13 matches in which he scored for his country.

Argentina’s 2022 hero Emiliano Martínez has been cleared to play whilst Nicolás Tagliafico is doubtful. Algeria will be missing Ramy Bensebaini.

Betting Analysis
The defending champions will be desperate to get off to a flying start, making Argentina to lead at both half-time and full-time a potentially wise bet.

Author: Peter Stavrinou

Austria v Jordan

Jordan’s long-awaited debut on the global stage sees them begin their FIFA World Cup Group J campaign at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium against Austria, who are looking to make up for a 28-year absence from the tournament.

Match News and Current Form
Austria have qualified for their first World Cup since the turn of this century, having last competed in 1998, winning six of their eight group games in the qualifiers (D1, L1). Head coach Ralf Rangnick is making his World Cup managerial debut, and his famous counter-pressing style has captured the imagination of the fans. Das Team entertained neutrals with their run to the round of 16 at Euro 2024, and reaching the knockout stages for the first time since the 1954 edition looks well within their reach. Three wins in preparatory friendlies, with the last two accompanied by clean sheets against fellow World Cup participants, have further boosted their hopes.

Jordan are one of the four debutants in this World Cup, securing their ticket to North America with eight wins in the Asian qualifiers (D5, L3). Head coach Jamal Sellami was honoured with Jordanian citizenship by King Abdullah II for this achievement and will look to enjoy their maiden voyage, though qualifying for the knockouts in a group that also contains defending champions Argentina and Algeria looks a significant challenge. The Chivalrous Ones have had a tough run-up to the tournament, failing to win any of the four friendlies (D2, L2) and conceding at least two goals each time, though netting five goals in those matches underlines their scoring threat.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever H2H and is also the first time that Austria are facing an Asian Confederation side at the World Cup.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Austria have never recorded a 0-0 result at the World Cup finals in 29 matches, the most games in tournament history without a goalless draw.

Thirteen of Austria’s last 14 goals at the World Cup came during the second half.

Four of Jordan’s last five matches saw both teams score.

Nine of the last 12 goals Jordan conceded during regulation time were scored after the half-hour mark.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Marcel Sabitzer has been a constant for Austria across their last three major tournaments and netted in each of their last three friendlies, scoring the opening goal on every occasion. Ali Olwan was Jordan’s top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers, with his nine goals proving vital in securing six wins.

Christoph Baumgartner has been ruled out of the tournament for Austria, with Dejan Ljubicic called up as his replacement. Jordan saw Ibrahim Sabra withdraw and Mohammad Abu Ghosh called up instead.

Betting Analysis
Jordan’s attacking intent could make for an entertaining game, making an Austria win with both teams to score a sensible option.

Author: Sridhar Bhamidi

Portugal v D.R. Congo

Portugal’s latest attempt to finally win the FIFA World Cup starts in Houston where they take on Democratic Republic of Congo, who are ending a 52-year absence from the competition.

Match News and Current Form
Portugal come into the World Cup as one of the favourites to go all the way, and that’s not surprising given that they’ve lost just once in 13 matches (W10, D2) and their last competitive outing ended in a 9-1 win over Armenia in qualifying! Translating that kind of form onto the World Cup stage has long been a problem for Portugal, who’ve appeared in the semi-finals only once since 1966! Poor starts have let them down in recent editions, as they’ve won just one of their last four World Cup openers (D2, L1), the last three of which have produced 15 total goals, five of which came in their only victory therein over another African side, Ghana, in 2022 (3-2).

DR Congo are gracing the World Cup stage for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and lost all three games without reply while conceding 14 goals overall! Theirs is the fourth-longest wait between successive appearances at the finals, and was ended by a 1-0 win over Jamaica in an inter-confederation play-off back in March. Coach Sébastien Desabre and his side have had far from a smooth build-up to the finals, with a deadly Ebola virus outbreak back home placing travel restrictions on their fanbase. Desabre wants people to “see and hear” his side, who failed to win either of their warm-up friendlies, neither of which came against fellow World Cup participants.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever H2H between these sides. Portugal’s last World Cup campaign ended at the hands of African opponents Morocco (1-0), but they were victorious against Nigeria in their final friendly last week (2-1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Portugal had scored in ten successive World Cup matches before their quarter-final loss to Morocco in 2022.

Nine of Portugal’s last 13 games produced over 2.5 goals.

Eighteen of DR Congo’s last 22 wins were accompanied by a clean sheet.

Each of the last four goals DR Congo conceded came beyond the 50th minute.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
The relentless Cristiano Ronaldo came into the 2026 edition as the only player to score in five different World Cups, while three of his last four scoring appearances at the finals came against African opposition. Cédric Bakambu scored four times in qualifying for DR Congo, with each strike coming before half-time.

Neither side appear to be carrying any injuries into this game.

Betting Analysis
Portugal are huge favourites and given their embarrassment of riches in attack, backing them to overcome a -2 handicap to win here may be a route to some value.

Author: Ryan Fisher

England v Croatia

England's quest to end 60 years of hurt gets underway in Texas when they face a Croatia side who have haunted them in the World Cup before.

Match News and Current Form
Carrying the weight of expectation as they bid to win a first international trophy since 1966, England will hope German boss Thomas Tuchel is the man to finally end the long wait. A German in charge of the English national team stoked much debate, as did his controversial squad selection, with countless big hitters left out, but winning their two pre-tournament friendlies ‘to nil’ perhaps hints he’s got his squad balance just right. With momentum on their side after qualifying with a 100% winning record and without conceding a single goal, the Three Lions also have history in their favour, as they’ve lost only one of their last eight opening matches at a World Cup (W4, D3), while the fact only one European side has beaten them since the conclusion of Euro 2024 should further stoke belief.

Croatia’s route to these finals was equally as plain sailing as England’s, as they too went unbeaten in their qualifying campaign (W7, D1). They’ve produced a mixed bag of results since then across four friendlies (W2, L2), and conceding in each of them hints at some defensive fragilities, which can hardly be deemed well timed for a nation who’ve won only one of their last five World Cup openers (D1, L3). Slow start or not, Croatia shouldn’t be written off having reached the semi-finals in the last two World Cups, while going unbeaten across the group stages at those two tournaments (W4, D2) highlights what tricky opponents they can be.

Head-to-Head History
Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup at the semi-final stage, but that’s the only win they’ve managed in the last six H2Hs (D1, L4).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only one of England’s last ten games saw both teams score.

None of England’s last six matches produced more than one first-half goal.

Six of Croatia’s last seven games featured over 2.5 goals.

The last ten goals in Croatia’s matches were scored after the half-hour mark.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Harry Kane has been England’s go-to man at World Cups, netting eight goals across the last two editions, only two of which arrived before the 40th minute. If Luka Modric makes an appearance here, he will join a small group of players to have featured at five World Cups. He opened the scoring with four of his last five Croatia goals, including in their final warm-up game.

England have a clean bill of health although Bukayo Saka’s workload is having to be managed, while Croatia defender Duje Caleta-Car hopes to have recovered from a back injury in time to feature here.

Betting Analysis
England have flattered to deceive since qualifying, and against another strong side, it’s definitely worth considering backing Croatia at a relatively big price.

Author: Chris Wilson

Ghana v Panama

Ghana and Panama will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup accounts at BMO Field in Toronto, with both nations knowing that a positive result here is vital considering they share Group L with England and Croatia.

Match News and Current Form
Carlos Queiroz will become just the third person to manage in five World Cups, as he prepares to lead Ghana in their fifth edition of the tournament. All those appearances have come in the last six World Cups including the current one, but reaching this edition after qualifying top of their CAF group seemingly proved that the Black Stars were as ready as ever for this one. That is until they failed to win any of their six friendlies since qualifying (D1, L5), compounding the bad omen of having won just one of their last seven World Cup matches (D1, L5).

Panama qualified for their second World Cup after being one of just two nations to avoid defeat in 2026 CONCACAF qualifying (W7, D3). Their only previous appearance at the tournament in 2018 was rather disastrous, as they not only lost all three group games, but conceded the most goals in that year’s edition (11). The Canal Men seem a team transformed under Thomas Christiansen though, having lost just two of their last 13 matches (W5, D6), and considering that those defeats came against Brazil and Mexico, they will feel that they can challenge most sides on their day.

Head-to-Head History
This is the first-ever meeting between these two countries, with Ghana winning two of their three previous World Cup encounters against CONCACAF nations (L1), while Panama’s only game at the tournament against African opposition was a 2-1 loss to Tunisia.

Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Ghana’s last ten World Cup games saw them keep a clean sheet, conceding 2+ goals in each of their last six.

The half-time result was replicated at full-time in five of Ghana’s last six matches.

Each of Panama’s last five matches saw both teams score.

Panama scored ten first-half goals across their last nine matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ghana’s captain Jordan Ayew should lead the line here, and a goal from him might lead to an entertaining affair, as 12 of his last 14 scoring appearances for Ghana featured over 2.5 goals. Panama’s Ismael Díaz might throw an early spanner in the works though, with six of his last seven international goals coming before half-time.

Ghana defender Jerome Opoku picked up a knock in their last game and is being assessed, while Panama trio Aníbal Godoy, Luis Mejía and Adalberto Carrasquilla are back in training following injuries.

Betting Analysis
Both sides should go on the attack given the tough nature of the group, making both teams to score a valid betting option here.

Author: Peter Stavrinou

Uzbekistan v Colombia

Uzbekistan face a difficult start to their FIFA World Cup debut at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City when they meet Colombia, who have a point to prove after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Match News and Current Form
After six consecutive appearances in the AFC Asian Cup knockout stages, Uzbekistan finally have the chance to compete on the World Cup stage after a superb run through qualifying (W10, D5, L1), with the only loss therein coming against fellow finals participants Qatar (3-2). They conceded just seven times in their final ten qualifiers, and since securing their place on the grandest stage, the White Wolves have turned to 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro as manager. He oversaw defeats in their pre-tournament friendlies against Canada (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1), but a pair of encouraging performances may have raised belief they can pull off a shock here.

After a third-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying which saw them rack up 28 goals, Colombia will be making their first World Cup finals appearance since 2018. Los Cafeteros reached the knockout stages then and in 2014, two campaigns which saw them win their group on both occasions, winning five out of six matches (L1). Coach Néstor Lorenzo worked as an assistant in both those campaigns, and after seeing his side win five of eight friendlies since their final World Cup qualifiers (D1, L2), the 2024 Copa América runners-up appear well placed for more success here.

Head-to-Head History
These sides have never met previously. Uzbekistan's only win against a CONMEBOL nation was in March 2023 (1-0 v Bolivia), while Colombia are unbeaten against Asian nations since 2022 (W5, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Uzbekistan conceded exactly twice in each of their last three losses.

Four of Uzbekistan's last five full internationals stood goalless at the half-hour mark.

Eight of Colombia's last ten matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Seven of Colombia's last eight wins were by a 2+ goal margin.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Uzbekistan's all-time top scorer Eldor Shomurodov (G44) contributed to nine goals in qualifying (G5, A4), and also delivered the only goal in Uzbekistan's sole win against a South American side. Only Lionel Messi (8) scored more goals in CONMEBOL qualifiers than Colombia's Luis Díaz (7), who also racked up a whopping 49 goal involvements for club side Bayern Munich this season (G26, A23).

Uzbekistan midfielder Azizjon Ganiev could miss out after sustaining an injury against Canada, while Jhon Córdoba missed both of Colombia’s warm-up games.

Betting Analysis
Colombia will want to impress on their World Cup return, so backing them to win by a 2+ goal margin certainly makes sense.

Author: Aaron Murphy

Round 2

and 75 days till TCU v UNC .

Best of Luck all.

Czech Republic v South Africa

The two losing sides from the opening matchday in Group A at the 2026 World Cup battle it out in Atlanta, as Czech Republic and South Africa look to get themselves on the board.

Match News and Current Form
Despite taking the lead in the 59th minute of their group stage opener against South Korea, the Czech Republic crumbled to eventually lose 2-1 which will leave them desperate to bounce back to winning ways here. They’ve only ever lost their two opening World Cup matches twice before, in 1954 and 1970, and having won their six prior games before Thursday's defeat, they’ll feel confident of bouncing back here. With seven of their last 14 World Cup goals now coming via headers - including their only strike so far in 2026 - they remain aerial specialists, something they may need to take advantage of again ahead of a tricky clash with co-hosts Mexico on matchday three.

South Africa’s opening fixture against Mexico couldn’t have gone much worse, as alongside losing 2-0 during a showing in which they offered little attacking intent, they also had two players sent off. That leaves them substantially weaker here in terms of personnel, whilst that latest result means that they’re six games without a win overall (D3, L3). Bafana Bafana were victorious in their last World Cup match against European opposition, beating France 2-1 in 2010 and they’ll be desperate to repeat that feat here in order to avoid losing successive matches in the competition for the very first time.

Head-to-Head History
Czech Republic and South Africa are meeting at the World Cup for the first time, with their only previous H2H ending 2-2 in the 1997 Confederations Cup.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Czech Republic’s last six matches have averaged four goals per game.

Czech Republic have won just one of their last seven matchday two fixtures at the World Cup (D2, L4).

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

South Africa have conceded exactly twice in each of their last three defeats.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ladislav Krejcí has four goal contributions across his last five appearances for the Czech Republic (G3, A1), while five of his six international strikes have been headers. South Africa’s Lyle Foster recorded four goal contributions during the 2025 African Cup of Nations (G2, A2), with his last five international strikes all coming after half-time.

Czech Republic don’t appear to have any availability issues, while South Africa are without suspended pair Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane.

Betting Analysis
Despite their opening game setback against Mexico, backing the Czech Republic to win here looks an appealing selection, as does the both teams to score market.

Author: Nathan Evans

Switzerland v Bosnia & Herzegovina

Switzerland clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles, with both looking to take a huge step towards qualification from Group B following a tight opening round of fixtures.

Match News and Current Form
Switzerland paid the price for not taking their chances after scoring early against Qatar on matchday one, being stung by a late equaliser as they drew 1-1 in one of the bigger surprises of the opening round. Manager Murat Yakin admitted his side had “lost two points” in a deflated post-match interview, but the Red Crosses remain the favourites to top the group and must respond quickly to put that disappointment behind them. On a positive note for the Swiss, they have now lost just two of their last 17 group-stage games at major tournaments (W7, D8) and have progressed to the knockout phase of the last three World Cups.

Bosnia were also on the wrong end of an equaliser on matchday one, although the goal they conceded to draw 1-1 against co-hosts Canada was not nearly as dramatic, and that was a scoreline that they were satisfied enough with at full-time. Sergej Barbarez’s side are now nine games unbeaten (W4, D5), though each of those last six matches has been level after 90 minutes, with no European country having ever shared the spoils seven times on the spin in normal time before. Three points here as underdogs would provide a huge boost in their attempt to reach the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, having previously exited at the group stage back in 2014.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the pair’s first-ever competitive H2H, with their only previous meeting coming in a friendly in March 2016, when Bosnia prevailed 2-0 in Zurich.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Switzerland’s last seven games saw both teams score.

Switzerland’s last five World Cup matches against European opposition produced over 4.5 goals on average.

Three of Bosnia’s last four games produced a goal in the opening 25 minutes.

Bosnia received 2+ yellow cards in their last eight competitive matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Thirteen of captain Granit Xhaka’s last 15 yellow cards for Switzerland have been brandished in the second half. Three of Ermedin Demirovic’s four international goals for Bosnia to date have come before half-time.

Switzerland appear to boast a clean bill of health across their 26-man squad. Bosnia are sweating over the fitness of Sead Kolašinac after he limped off against Canada, while Haris Tabakovic is back in contention having missed that game through injury.

Betting Analysis
The result is difficult to pick here, but both teams to score appears to be a good alternative choice.

Author: Ben Olawumi

Canada v Qatar

Canada and Qatar drew their opening Group B games of this FIFA World Cup, so both could take a giant stride towards the knockout phase by taking all three points at BC Place in Vancouver.

Match News and Current Form
Co-hosts Canada needed a late equaliser against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday to secure a 1-1 draw which extended their unbeaten run to nine games (W3, D6). Although that result was rather anticlimactic given their pre-match favouritism, it was the Reds’ first-ever World Cup point after six successive losses across their previous two finals appearances. Now going in search of their first victory in this tournament, a game in Vancouver seemingly sets them up perfectly as Canada have won their last four matches there by a 17-2 aggregate score, and there’s some added incentive for the Canadians here, as they know the winner of Group B is on a path where their last 32 and last 16 tie will be held in Vancouver!

Hosts of the previous World Cup, Qatar also picked up their first-ever point at the tournament on matchday one when they came from behind to dramatically deny Switzerland in stoppage time (1-1). The positivity of that result is heavily offset by the fact Qatar are still winless in seven games (D3, L4), but Julen Lopetegui will be keen to point out that two of those draws have come in their last two outings, affording them the chance to go three games unbeaten for the first time since June 2024. A return to scoring form would certainly help them on that front, as the only goal they’ve scored across their last four matches was an own goal!

Head-to-Head History
The only H2H saw Canada win a friendly 2-0 in September 2022, although their sole previous World Cup meeting with non-European opposition saw them lose 2-1 to Morocco at the last finals.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Canada have conceded more than once in just one of their last 17 internationals.

Ten of Canada’s last 11 matches featured under 2.5 goals.

Five of Qatar’s last six games produced under 2.5 goals.

Eight of Qatar’s last nine games were decided by a one-goal margin at most.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Cyle Larin equalised for Canada against Bosnia, meaning that six of his last seven appearances internationally or at club level have seen him either score or get booked (G3, YC3). Centre-back Pedro Miguel found the net in Qatar’s last win against United Arab Emirates last October, but that was just the second of his last seven goals for club or country to have arrived after half-time.

Alphonso Davies will be looking to return to the starting XI after being carefully managed against Bosnia, while Qatar do not seem to have any absentees.

Betting Analysis
Both sides tend to be involved in low-scoring affairs, so backing under 2.5 goals seems an obvious route to value.

Author: Alex Bowmer

Mexico v South Korea

Co-hosts Mexico will look to build on their dream start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they head to Guadalajara to take on South Korea, who were also victorious on matchday one.

Match News and Current Form
In the surroundings of the iconic Estadio Azteca, Mexico got the World Cup under way in style as they breezed to a 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday. Having also won their final match of the 2022 edition, El Tri now have the chance to win three successive games at the World Cup for the first time ever, and doing so would guarantee them a top-two finish in Group A. Mexico are therefore on course to avenge their group-stage exit from the last World Cup which was preceded by seven successive defeats at the last 16 stage, though they could face difficulty here having won just one of their prior three games at Estadio Akron (D1, L1).

South Korea had to work harder for their points on the opening night, coming from a goal down to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. An accomplished performance from the Taegeuk Warriors was eventually rewarded and presents them with the chance to win their first two matches of a World Cup for the very first time. Like Mexico, they’ll advance to the knockout stages with a win here, but as they gear up to face a World Cup host nation for the very first time, South Korea must overcome a winless record at the finals against CONCACAF opposition (D1, L2) to make that a reality.

Head-to-Head History
Mexico have won both prior H2Hs at the World Cup, most recently in 2018, and are unbeaten in the last four meetings overall (W3, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Mexico have won all five of their World Cup games against Asian teams.

Nine of Mexico’s last 11 wins were accompanied by a clean sheet.

Four of South Korea’s last six matches were decided by a one-goal margin.

South Korea failed to score in each of their last six defeats.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Raúl Jiménez has scored in each of Mexico’s last two games against South Korea, and after netting against South Africa, could become his nation’s first player to score in their first two World Cup starts, as could Julián Quiñones. Hwang In-beom was the star of the show for South Korea on opening night (G1, A1), with his seventh international goal the second in succession to be accompanied by an assist.

Mexico’s César Montes is suspended after his red card against South Africa, while South Korea have concerns over Kim Tae-hyeon.

Betting Analysis
The odds favour Mexico, but their visitors’ performance on opening night makes backing South Korea to win a compelling option.

Author: Ryan Fisher

USA v Australia

World Cup co-hosts USA and Asian qualifiers Australia face off in Seattle with the winner potentially locking in top spot at the end of matchday two after some impressive victories.

Match News and Current Form
USA have already discovered new territory after scoring four goals in a single FIFA World Cup match for the first time when defeating Paraguay 4-1, equalling their largest World Cup winning margin which is shared with two 3-0 victories in 1930. That was incidentally the last time the Americans registered consecutive World Cup wins, whilst ending that drought here would also see them register multiple triumphs at a single World Cup for the first time since making the quarter-finals in 2002. They have now played 19 consecutive matches on home soil (W11, D2, L6) and will add Seattle, where they are on a seven-game winning streak, to the long list of cities visited since the first match of that run.

Australia surprised Turkey 2-0 on matchday one, securing their second clean sheet and third victory across their last eight games (W3, D1, L4) that began with a 2-1 friendly loss to the USA. Inspired by some bold selections such as starting third-choice goalkeeper Patrick Beach ahead of incumbent captain Mathew Ryan, Australia took three points from their opening game of a World Cup for the first time since 2006 and have now won three of their last four World Cup games (L1). Warding off complacency is now the team’s highest priority, with assistant coach Hayden Foxe citing Saudi Arabia’s failure to advance in 2022 despite beating Argentina on matchday one as one act they don’t wish to follow.

Head-to-Head History
This is the first World Cup H2H, with the teams having met in four friendlies. USA won the last two in June 2010 and October 2025.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Eight of USA’s last nine games saw both teams score.

Seven of USA’s last eight matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Australia kept a clean sheet in six of their last nine wins.

Eight of Australia’s last ten losses were by a one-goal margin.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
With his brace against Paraguay, Folarin Balogun is halfway to becoming the first American since Bert Patenaude in 1930 to score four goals in a single FIFA World Cup. Australia winger Nestory Irankunda also struck on matchday one and is looking to become the first player aged under 21 to score in his first two World Cup appearances since Memphis Depay in 2014.

USA’s Christian Pulisic is a doubt after exiting the win over Paraguay at half-time with a calf issue, while Australia striker Mohamed Touré also faces a race against time to be fit.

Betting Analysis
All the trends here point to another USA game producing over 2.5 goals.

Author: Aaron Murphy

Scotland v Morocco

Scotland stand on the brink of qualifying from World Cup Group C as they meet the 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with the North African side hoping to leapfrog the Scots with a win here.

Match News and Current Form
Scotland made a successful return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 as they put themselves in the driving seat in Group C with a 1-0 win over Haiti. That result leaves them on the cusp of qualification, although they will need to win consecutive games at a single major tournament for the first time ever in order to secure that here. The Scots have never won more than once at any given major tournament, but they at least arrive here in high spirits, buoyed by both their imperious form across their last 11 competitive matches (W8, D1, L2) and the raucous support of the travelling Tartan Army.

Morocco got their campaign off to a solid start with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opener. That result built on the Atlas Lions’ perfect qualification cycle (W8), along with their Arab Cup and Africa Cup of Nations titles. Morocco can set a new record for the longest unbeaten run of World Cup group games by an African nation here as they seek a sixth (W2, D3), and facing European opponents shouldn’t throw up too many unknowns as nine of their last 12 World Cup matches have come against UEFA sides.

Head-to-Head History
This is the second H2H between the sides, following Morocco’s 3-0 win in the 1998 World Cup group stage. Morocco are unbeaten in five of their last six World Cup group games against European teams (W2, D3).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Scotland scored 3+ goals in five of their last eight wins.

Just one of Scotland’s five games in 2026 saw both teams score.

Morocco have conceded before half-time in just one of their last 25 games.

Six of Morocco’s last seven victories in regulation time came with clean sheets.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
John McGinn has scored 21 goals under the guidance of Steve Clarke for Scotland, one more would see him become his country’s highest-scoring player under one manager. Achraf Hakimi led the way for Morocco in their opening day draw for chances created (3), tackles (6), fouls won (5) and duels won (11) as well as registering the joint-most shots (3), making him the first defender since 1966 to achieve such numbers in a World Cup match.

Scotland’s Scott McKenna only featured on the bench due to a minor knock ahead of the opening round. Morocco don’t appear to have any fresh issues.

Betting Analysis
Backing Morocco to win could be the safest option given their solid form when facing European opposition at this stage of the World Cup.

Author: Matthew Billon

Brazil v Haiti

Five-time champions Brazil cannot afford to slip up against underdogs Haiti in Philadelphia, as any dropped points would threaten their flawless record of topping their World Cup group in every edition since 1982.

Match News and Current Form
Brazil had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Morocco in a difficult game where they faced more shots (14) than they attempted (12), the first time in 23 World Cup games that the Seleção did not produce the majority of shots. Not since 1978 have the Seleção failed to win either of their opening two matches of a World Cup campaign, meaning the pressure is firmly on Carlo Ancelotti’s men to avoid writing some unwanted history. Anything less than a win could place their chances of automatic qualification into serious jeopardy and the squad will be desperate not just to advance to the knockouts but do so in much more imperious form after winning just two of their last six competitive outings (D2, L2).

Haiti gave a fine account of themselves when they played their first World Cup match since 1974, registering more shots than any other Group C side on matchday one (15) and recording 22 touches in the opposition box. Those impressive numbers couldn’t prevent a narrow 1-0 defeat against Scotland, a result that marked their fourth consecutive loss in World Cup history and left them at risk of becoming just the fourth nation to lose their first five games at the finals. While the 78-place gap in the FIFA rankings between these nations doesn’t inspire confidence in a monumental upset, Les Grenadiers could push their fancied opponents close as their last three defeats have all come by a single-goal margin.

Head-to-Head History
This is the first World Cup H2H. Brazil won all three previous encounters, most recently a 7-1 thrashing at the 2016 Copa América. The Seleção also boast an impressive record of eight wins from nine matches (D1) against CONCACAF nations at the World Cup.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Brazil’s last six matches saw both teams score.

Brazil’s last seven World Cup group stage games produced under 2.5 goals.

Only two of Haiti’s last nine matches saw both teams score.

Eight of Haiti’s last ten games saw the opening goal arrive within the first 30 minutes.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Casemiro scored his only World Cup goal in a 1-0 win over Switzerland on matchday two of the previous edition, whilst Frantzdy Pierrot’s last ten international goals for Haiti either gave them the lead or sealed a victory with a clean sheet.

Neymar could be out of contention for Brazil until the knockout stages. Leverton Pierre has been ruled out of the tournament for Haiti, with Garven Metusala drafted in as his replacement.

Betting Analysis
Haiti’s dogged defensive performances in recent times suggest backing a Brazil win and under 3.5 goals could be a smart choice.

Author: Sridhar Bhamidi

Turkey v Paraguay

Both Turkey and Paraguay will be looking to react positively to damaging defeats on matchday one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so will be desperate to get off the mark against each other at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California.

Match News and Current Form
Turkey lost 2-0 to Group D outsiders Australia last weekend, despite registering the most shots that a country have had without scoring (30) in a World Cup match in normal time since 1974! The result was also the Crescent Stars’ ninth defeat in their last 13 games at a major tournament (W4), putting their chances of reaching the knockout phase of a World Cup for just the second time in jeopardy. Before the loss to the Socceroos though, Vincenzo Montella’s men had last tasted defeat last September and haven't lost back-to-back encounters since March 2024.

Paraguay’s matchday one defeat was by an even bigger margin as they lost 4-1 to USA, with the three goals that they conceded before half-time equal to the number that they had let in during the first period across their previous 16 World Cup games! In attempting to bounce back, La Albirroja can perhaps draw inspiration from the fact that they have reached the tournament’s knockout phase in four of their last five appearances at the finals, with their best-ever showing seeing them qualify for the quarter-finals in 2010. Before losing to this year’s co-hosts, they had also gone unbeaten in their previous four World Cup group matches (W2, D2), keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Head-to-Head History
The only previous H2H saw the teams contest a 0-0 draw in a friendly international in June 1995, but Paraguay have often not enjoyed playing UEFA nations at World Cups, winning just two of their last 14 such games (D5, L7).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Just one of Turkey’s last five matches saw both teams score.

Prior to the 2-0 loss to Australia, Turkey scored in the 53rd or 54th minute in five straight games!

Nine of Paraguay’s last ten World Cup matches featured under 2.5 goals.

The team that went 1-0 up in Paraguay’s last seven games won every time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Yunus Akgün scored the winner in Turkey’s last pre-tournament friendly against Venezuela (2-1), with all four of his international goals helping his side to victory. Maurício got Paraguay’s consolation against USA, with that his only goal of his last six for club or country to arrive after half-time.

Neither Turkey nor Paraguay seem to have any fresh absentees.

Betting Analysis
Given both teams’ need to get a win on the board, a game with over 2.5 goals would not be especially surprising.

Author: Alex Bowmer

Netherlands v Sweden

Houston Stadium hosts an all-European clash between Netherlands and Sweden, who can both assert their dominance in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with victory after solid opening-matchday performances.

Match News and Current Form
It was a frustrating start for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, who ended up drawing 2-2 with Japan despite leading with minutes remaining, meaning that they will need a win here to ensure that they don't enter the final round of group fixtures outside the top two. Now entering their first World Cup encounter against European opposition since thrashing Spain 5-1 in 2014, the Oranje will probably enter this match feeling fairly confident as they look to set a new record for the longest run of games at the tournament without defeat excluding penalty shootouts since they lost the 2010 final (W8, D5).

Sweden couldn't have asked for a stronger start to their campaign after a 5-1 thumping of Tunisia that led to their opponents’ manager being sacked. Those five goals were as many as they managed in the entirety of their 2018 group stage, as they now seek their first perfect two-game start to a World Cup since 1958, when they reached the final. Facing a fellow European side makes achieving that feat difficult though, as the Scandinavian outfit have won just one of their last seven matches against UEFA nations in World Cup group stages (D2, L4), but the only such victory in that time did come on American soil in 1994.

Head-to-Head History
The only two previous meetings between the nations at either the World Cup or the UEFA European Championships produced 77 shots overall, but no goals, with the World Cup H2H in 1974 making the Cruyff turn famous.

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

The Netherlands failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five internationals.

Sweden haven't kept a clean sheet in their last 12 matches.

None of Sweden’s last seven World Cup finals games ended level (W4, L3).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ryan Gravenberch recorded two assists against Japan, as many goal contributions as the midfielder had managed in 27 previous senior internationals. Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak has already contributed to three goals for Sweden at this World Cup (G1, A2) - the last player from the country to register as many involvements at the entire tournament was Henrik Larsson in 2002 (also three).

Netherlands do not seem to have any fresh injury concerns, while Sweden’s Gabriel Gudmundsson hobbled off against Tunisia.

Betting Analysis
With both sides getting off to flying scoring starts, backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals could be a sensible selection here.

Author: Matthew Billon

Germany v Ivory Coast

Germany and Ivory Coast enter this Group E clash in Toronto knowing that victory would secure them a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a game to spare.

Match News and Current Form
Germany made it ten wins in a row with a commanding 7-1 triumph over World Cup debutants Curaçao on Sunday, laying down a marker that they shouldn’t be overlooked moving forward in this tournament. Those seven goals helped them finish the matchday as the World Cup’s leading all-time scorers (239 goals), and they now find themselves in an incredibly strong position as they bid to avoid a third straight group-stage exit. A failure to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven World Cup fixtures, their longest such run since 1970, hints at a guy in their armour, but scoring 3+ goals in six of their ten successive wins shows they have more than enough firepower to overcome that defensive fragility.

Ivory Coast also opened their campaign with a victory, albeit a much less convincing one, as they beat Ecuador 1-0 to claim their fourth international victory in a row. Three of them against sides ranked inside FIFA’s top 25 suggests they shouldn’t be overawed by the occasion here, and with the expanded format of this World Cup allowing more sides to progress to the knockouts, the Elephants must feel that a first-ever knockout appearance is within reach. Even defeat here wouldn't be a disaster given their group stage campaign concludes against World Cup minnows Curaçao.

Head-to-Head History
The only previous meeting between these two sides was a 2-2 draw in a friendly in November 2009. Germany have only lost one World Cup game against African nations (W5, D2), while Ivory Coast have only won one World Cup fixture against European sides (D1, L2).

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

Germany won eight or more corners in five of their last six internationals.

Ivory Coast netted after the 80th minute in five of their last seven matches.

Six of Ivory Coast’s last seven internationals produced an odd number of goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Kai Havertz’s brace for Germany against Curaçao means he’s now scored at each of his country’s last four major tournaments, while he’s contributed to seven goals in his last five appearances for club or country (G5, A2). Guéla Doué has been at the heart of the action for Ivory Coast of late, collecting a goal, assist and yellow card across their last two internationals.

Neither team reported any major injuries following their opening group games.

Betting Analysis
With Germany tending to start well in recent matches, backing them to lead at half-time seems a logical choice.

Author: John Pennington

Ecuador v Curacao

After losing to Ivory Coast and Germany respectively in the opening round, Ecuador and Curaçao will both look to get off the mark in Group E when they meet at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Match News and Current Form
After a run of 19 games without defeat (W8, D11), hopes were high in the Ecuador camp ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against Ivory Coast on Monday. A 90th minute goal ultimately saw Sebastián Beccacece’s side lose 1-0, just their second defeat suffered in 21 fixtures under his management, and a repeat result here would see them register consecutive losses for the first time since June 2024. It is now three World Cup matches without victory for La Tri (D1, L2), and with a final group stage game against Germany to come, that's a run they realistically need to snap here to have any chance of progressing.

Despite equalising against four-time champions Germany midway through the first half, it was a chastening debut in the tournament for Curaçao who were beaten 7-1 and in doing so became just the second side in history to concede 7+ goals in their inaugural World Cup finals fixture. Only Haiti, DR Congo and South Korea conceded 10+ goals across their first two World Cup matches, and the Blue Wave, whose manager Dick Advocaat broke the record as the oldest manager in a World Cup fixture in their opening game, have now conceded 16 times across their last three defeats alongside only one win from their last six games (D1, L4).

Head-to-Head History
Ecuador will become the fourth CONMEBOL nation to have faced Curaçao, with the Caribbean nation enjoying a positive record against South American teams (W2, D1, L1). Ecuador’s last loss to a CONCACAF side came against Mexico back in 2019 (W6, D5 since).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Ecuador have failed to score the opening goal in each of their last three World Cup fixtures.

Ecuador have received only three second-half bookings across their last six matches.

Curaçao have equalised or taken the lead and then gone on to lose by a 3+ goal margin in their last three defeats.

Curaçao have picked up only two second-half bookings across their last four games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
John Yeboah came close to scoring against Ivory Coast and he has three goal contributions (G1, A2) across his four three international starts in 2026. Livano Comenencia got Curaçao’s goal against Germany and has now scored in two successive games for his nation after getting only one goal in his first 18 appearances.

Neither side has any new availability issues.

Betting Analysis
With Curaçao’s recent run of scoring even in heavy defeats, backing both teams to score looks like a smart move.

Author: Tom Penn

Tunisia v Japan

The 1000th match in FIFA World Cup history takes place at Estadio BBVA, where Tunisia know defeat could be fatal to their hopes of progression as they face dark horses Japan.

Match News and Current Form
Tunisia’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Sweden in their opening match was their heaviest-ever defeat at a World Cup, and led to the bold decision to sack manager Sabri Lamouchi. Ex-Saudi Arabia boss Hervé Renard has been charged with turning their tournament around, but the Eagles of Carthage are on a run of just one victory from eight matches (D2, L5), losing their last three outings by an 11-1 combined scoreline. Tunisia are therefore staring down the barrel of a seventh successive group stage exit at the World Cup, but they can take heart from registering victories in each of their last two appearances at the finals.

Japan twice came from behind to get their World Cup campaign underway with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. That halted a six-match winning streak for a side who are fancied for a strong run this summer, but have never previously gone past the last 16. Manager Hajime Moriyasu was in charge when they lost on penalties at that stage to Croatia in 2022, and will now look to guide the Samurai Blue to their first World Cup clean sheet in 11 attempts (W3, D3, L4).

Head-to-Head History
Japan have won five of the previous six H2Hs (L1), including a 2-0 success when they met at the 2002 World Cup. None of the meetings between these sides have seen both teams score.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Three of the five goals Tunisia conceded against Sweden came from outside the box.

Each of Tunisia’s last five competitive games saw both teams score.

Six of Japan’s last seven goals arrived after half-time.

Japan haven't drawn back-to-back games over 90 minutes since March 2023.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Having been left on the bench against Sweden, Elias Achouri may be in line for a start given that all five of his international goals have come in a winning cause, the last two of which came at the Africa Cup of Nations in December. Koki Ogawa came off the bench to directly contribute to goals in each of Japan’s last two matches (G1, A1), while his six strikes in qualifying all came in wins by 2+ goal margins.

Tunisia don't appear to have any fresh injuries, but Japan’s Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee issue picked up against the Netherlands.

Betting Analysis
Tunisia need a response here, but it is hard to see it coming against such strong opposition, so backing Japan to win might prove wise.

Author: Matt Jones

Spain v Saudi Arabia

Group H at the 2026 World Cup is wide open after both games on matchday one ended level, with big favourites Spain needing to bounce back from a disappointing result when they take on Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.

Match News and Current Form
Reigning European champions Spain were on the end of the biggest surprise result in the opening round of group fixtures, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by debuting African minnows Cape Verde. La Roja held a whopping 74% possession, the fourth-highest figure at the finals since 1966 by a team who failed to score, as their winless run in this competition stretched to four matches (D3, L1). Spain have never gone five games without a win at the World Cup, and it’s perhaps no surprise that boss Luis de la Fuente insists his side remain “completely calm” given that draw stretched their overall unbeaten run to 11 matches since June 2025 (W7, D4).

A backs-to-the-wall performance in their opener earned Saudi Arabia a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, albeit they were left disappointed at conceding an 80th-minute equaliser. Making their seventh appearance at the World Cup, the Green Falcons are looking to go unbeaten in their opening two games for the very first time, which could go a long way to progressing past the group stage, something they last achieved back in 1994 on American soil. They’re big outsiders to pull that off here, but Saudi Arabia can certainly take heart from their heroics at the 2022 edition when they beat Argentina, who like Spain, were champions of their continent.

Head-to-Head History
Spain have won all three prior H2Hs, one of which came in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup (1-0).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Spain have failed to score with their last 49 shots at the World Cup.

Spain have kept eight clean sheets across their last 11 games.

Saudi Arabia have lost ten of their last 11 World Cup matches against European teams (W1).

Saudi Arabia failed to score in six of their last eight defeats.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Surely in line for his first-ever World Cup start, Lamine Yamal completed more dribbles than any Spain player against Cape Verde despite only coming on in the 71st minute - all six of his international strikes came in games featuring over 2.5 goals. He’ll keep Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais busy, but he looks up to the task after making nine saves against Uruguay - the second-most by a Saudi goalkeeper in World Cup history.

Spain will hope that Nico Williams is nearing a return to full fitness after a brief cameo off the bench against Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia look to have no fresh issues.

Betting Analysis
Goals have been at a premium for Spain of late, so under 2.5 goals could be a strong option here.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Belgium v Iran

With all four teams in Group G level on one point after the opening matchday, Belgium and Iran meet in Los Angeles knowing victory is all but certain to secure a place in the knockouts.

Match News and Current Form
Belgium’s unbeaten run stretching back to March 2025 (W9, D5) was under serious threat against Egypt as they needed to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in Seattle. That result means the Red Devils are now winless across their last three World Cup fixtures (D2, L1), and stretching that run further here would leave them at serious risk of replicating their 2022 group stage exit in Qatar. An impressive 11 wins from their 13 World Cup games prior to their current downturn proves Belgium are capable of performing on the world stage, but finding that kind of form may rely on a solid rearguard given that five of their last seven victories were accompanied by a clean sheet.

Iran twice fell behind against New Zealand, showing admirable resilience to draw 2-2 in the opening round and rallying impressively against the backdrop of having to continually fly in and out of the United States due to the war in the Middle East. Captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation a “disaster”, one which may start to take its toll as they attempt to go unbeaten across their first two games of a World Cup campaign for the first time. Their chances of completing that quest look positive on the back of a run of one defeat in their last eight games inside 90 minutes (W4, D3), the last four of which saw them score at least twice (W3, D1).

Head-to-Head History
These two sides have never previously met, while Iran have won just one of their ten World Cup fixtures against European sides (D2, L7).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Each of Belgium’s last four fixtures produced exactly one first-half goal.

Four of the last seven goals Belgium conceded arrived before the 25th minute.

Eight of Iran’s last nine matches saw the half-time result replicated at full-time.

Iran’s last five fixtures saw at least one goal scored in each half.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Romelu Lukaku, now the joint-third most-capped Belgian of all time, made a significant impact off the bench against Egypt, and shouldn’t be written off in the closing stages after netting three of his last four international goals on or beyond the 75th minute. Ramin Rezaeian has netted on his last two Iran appearances, with both of those goals coming between the 30th and 60th minute.

Zeno Debast remains an injury doubt for Belgium, while Iran had no obvious injury concerns following their draw with New Zealand.

Betting Analysis
While both teams bring good form into this fixture, the Red Devils’ tendency to shut their opponents out when winning games means it might be worth backing Belgium to win to nil.

Author: John Pennington

Uruguay v Cape Verde

Two-time FIFA World Cup winners Uruguay face everyone’s new favourite underdogs Cape Verde in Miami, with Group H’s qualification race heating up following a remarkable opening round of fixtures.

Match News and Current Form
Uruguay snatched a point late on in their opener against Saudi Arabia, eventually making a dominant second-half showing count following a frustrating first 45 minutes. That 1-1 draw will have done little to ease some of the apparent tension between the team’s players and manager Marcelo Bielsa though, with the veteran coach even describing himself as “toxic” in the wake of a 5-1 loss to USA last November. The stalemate on matchday one extended the Sky Blue’s record to just one defeat in their last nine World Cup group-stage games (W6, D2), and they have wrongs to right after failing to make the knockout phase in 2022.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde sent shockwaves across the globe as they held European champions Spain to a goalless draw on matchday one, sparking emotional scenes of jubilation. Bubista’s side even had chances to snatch all three points in that opener, but will rightly be mightily proud of the point that they secured, with numerous heroic standout performances. The Blue Sharks are hugely up against it again here and have some way to go before reaching the knockout phase becomes a real possibility, but are now unbeaten in four games, having kept clean sheets in the most recent three of those (W3, D1).

Head-to-Head History
This will be the pair’s first-ever meeting, with Uruguay unbeaten across their five previous World Cup matches against African nations (W4, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only four of Uruguay’s last 13 games saw both teams score.

Uruguay’s last eight World Cup group stage matches produced an average of just 1.5 total goals.

Five of Cape Verde’s last six games produced at least one first-half goal.

Just three of Cape Verde’s last 14 competitive matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Maximiliano Araújo got Uruguay’s equaliser against Saudi Arabia, with three of his four international goals having come in or after the 77th minute. Goalkeeper Vozinha was the star of the show for Cape Verde against Spain, making seven saves and being crowned Player of the Match.

Uruguay expect to remain without Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo and Flamengo’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta for this clash, while Cape Verde will have to check on the fitness of winger Jovane Cabral after his withdrawal against Spain.

Betting Analysis
It will not be a popular pick given the fairytale start to Cape Verde’s campaign, but Uruguay to win ‘to nil’ looks the obvious choice here.

Author: Ben Olawumi

New Zealand v Egypt

New Zealand and Egypt will both continue searching for their maiden FIFA World Cup finals win when they face off in Vancouver.

Match News and Current Form
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley came away both proud and disappointed after the All Whites twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw against Iran on matchday one. It means New Zealand have now drawn all four of their World Cup matches this century, and another stalemate here would see them equal Belgium’s record of five consecutive draws at this tournament set back in 2002. That’s a duck they’re likely to have to break here if they’re to escape from the group stage for the first time in history given their final group game comes against the highest-ranked side in Belgium, but just one win in their last 12 matches (D2, L9) would hint at yet more disappointment on the world stage.

Egypt also found themselves lamenting an inability to hold a lead as they let slip a 1-0 lead against Group G favourites Belgium to draw 1-1 in their opener. All four Group G sides drawing in the first round means that a win here will all but secure their progression to the Round of 32, but that’s something that Egypt have never done at a World Cup before (D3, L5). There’s a slice of unwanted history that could be made too, as Honduras hold the all-time record for the most World Cup games played without ever winning (nine), and having won just one of their last six competitive matches inside 90 minutes (D4, L1), few would rule out the Egyptians etching their names into the history books for all the wrong reasons.

Head-to-Head History
This will be New Zealand’s first World Cup game against an African nation. These teams most recently met in a 2024 friendly, where Egypt’s 1-0 victory retained their unbeaten H2H record (W2, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
New Zealand were held scoreless in five of their last six losses.

The half-time result has been replicated at full-time in all seven of New Zealand’s World Cup matches.

Ten of the 13 World Cup goals conceded by Egypt came after half-time.

Five of Egypt’s last seven matches produced under 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
New Zealand’s Elijah Just became the first Motherwell player to score at a World Cup with his brace against Iran, with his nine scoring appearances prior seeing his nation emerge victorious. Omar Marmoush has seen his 11 international goals scored in nine victories (D2), with seven of his last nine strikes for Egypt serving as the second of the game.

New Zealand are without Matt Garbett for the rest of the tournament, whilst Egypt seem to have a clean bill of health.

Betting Analysis
Egypt games haven’t been producing much entertainment of late, making under 2.5 goals a solid betting angle.

Author: Aaron Murphy

Argentina v Austria

After a Lionel Messi-inspired victory on matchday one, Argentina face fellow opening round victors Austria in Texas knowing the winner is assured of a knockout berth.

Match News and Current Form
World Cup holders Argentina lived up to expectations in their 2026 opener when they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria, and on the back of eight victories in a row, they’re going to take some stopping in this competition. They last enjoyed a longer winning streak in 2016, and few would rule out the defending champions stretching that further here on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run in World Cup matches (W5, D2). The last three of those saw Argentina net exactly three goals, leaving them on the brink of becoming just the seventh nation in World Cup history to score 3+ goals in four consecutive tournament matches, a feat which should they achieve here is all but certain to secure a tenth group stage progression from their last 11 attempts at the World Cup.

Austria took full advantage of what was, on paper at least, the simplest assignment Group J has to offer on matchday one when they beat Jordan 3-1. Ralf Rangnick’s men are unlikely to be overawed by Argentina’s winning run, as they’re in sparkling form themselves (W10, D1, L1), although that streak faces arguably its sternest test yet as not only are Argentina the world’s #1-ranked side, but Austria have only won one of their last ten matches against South American opposition (D4, L5). That hardly makes for great reading as Austria bid to win their opening two games at a World Cup for the first time since 1982.

Head-to-Head History
This is a first-ever H2H at the World Cup, with two friendly meetings prior favouring Argentina (W1, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only one of Argentina’s last ten matches saw both teams score.

Argentina have scored before half-time in eight successive games.

Austria conceded more than once in just one of their last 18 matches.

Austria have scored 15 of their last 17 World Cup goals after half-time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Argentina’s Messi needs just a goal to bypass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals, while doing so here will also see him become only the third player in history to score in six successive World Cup games. Austria’s Marko Arnautovic will hope his goal off the bench against Jordan can earn him a start here - five of his last six international goals came after half-time.

Argentina hope to have Nicolás Tagliafico available again after he missed their opener. Austria’s Stefan Posch broke his jaw in their opening match but played 90 minutes and should be available here.

Betting Analysis
Argentina needed some Messi magic to beat Algeria, and with Austria in fine form themselves, backing a draw here could be a smart selection.

Author: Chris Wilson

France v Iraq

France will look to win each of their opening two fixtures for a fourth successive World Cup when they take on underdogs Iraq in Philadelphia.

Match News and Current Form
Despite producing an underwhelming first-half display against Senegal in their World Cup opener, France roared back to eventually win 3-1 to open a seventh successive major tournament with a victory. Captain Kylian Mbappé stole the show, netting a brace which saw him take his tally to 58 goals for his nation, subsequently breaking Les Bleus’ all-time scoring record. Didier Deschamps’ men will look to continue their fine form here with a win that would send them through to the knockout stages with a game to spare, though losing their last two matches without scoring against Asian opposition provides reason for trepidation.

While their performance offered plenty of promise before half-time, Iraq’s first World Cup match since 1986 ended in a humbling 4-1 defeat to dark horses Norway. Their chances of progression therefore already hang by a thread in arguably the toughest group in the tournament, but they can take considerable heart from famously drawing 1-1 away to Spain in one of their warm-up friendlies. Iraq will also be desperate to avoid making unwanted history here, as defeat would see them become the first Asian nation to lose each of their first five World Cup matches.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first meeting between France and Iraq, though Iraq have won two of their last four games against European opponents (D1, L1), as many as across their previous 16 such matches combined (D8, L6)!

Hot Stats and Streaks
Each of France’s last six games saw both teams score.

France have scored 2+ goals in 14 of their last 16 matches.

Iraq have scored before half-time in four of their last five fixtures.

Iraq have picked up just seven yellow cards across their last seven matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
With his assist on matchday one, France’s Michael Olise now has ten goal involvements for France (G7, A3), four of which have come across his last two caps (G3, A1)! Amir Al-Ammari assisted Iraq’s goal in their opener, one of four goal contributions across his last five caps for his nation (G1, A3).

France look to have a fully fit squad, while Iraq have concerns about Ali Jasim.

Betting Analysis
It’s difficult to see anything but a French victory here, so backing France to win and score over 3.5 goals could be a sensible selection.

Author: Nathan Evans