World Cup 2026 — suggested predictions

Karl Atkinson · updated Fri 29 May, 16:16 BST

Predictions run 2026-05-29-1615 (Fri 29 May, 16:15 London)

Suggested scores only — verify before submitting to voetbalpoules. League scoring is 90-minute results unless stated otherwise.

Pre-tournament picks

Knockout picks

Champion
Spain
Runner-up
France
Third place
England

Top scorer

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Composite 24/25 · 8 expected matches

PlayerExitGamesScore
Kylian Mbappefinalist824
Harry Kanesemi_final723
Erling Haalandr16520

FBref G/90: NT 0, club 0.96

Changes since last run

Match predictions

Thu 11 Jun, 20:00 BST Mexico vs South Africa 2–0 medium

FBref Gold Cup 5W-1D (10 GF/3 GA); Oddschecker 1/2 · 7/2 · 343/50 — Azteca opener.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/2 · D 7/2 · A 343/50 — fav home. Source

Research

Mexico vs South Africa

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Thu 11 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group A — Matchday 1
Venue Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Head-to-head

No recent competitive meetings on FBref. Mexico hold home-continent advantage. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Mexico 5-1-0* 10 3 *2025 Gold Cup (6 matches); beat USA 2-1 in final
South Africa 4-1-1 10 5 2026 WCQ — CAF (6 matches through May 2026)

Mexico enter on a hot streak: Gold Cup winners 2025 (5W-1D, 10 GF / 3 GA per FBref). South Africa qualified strongly in CAF WCQ (4W-1D-1L, +5 GD) but face altitude and opener pressure.

Venue and context

Tournament opener at Azteca — massive home crowd and altitude favour Mexico. South Africa likely low block. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

No confirmed tournament absences retrieved — verify closer to kick-off. Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Mexico must-win psychologically in opener; South Africa content with organised draw. Expect Mexico possession; Bafana deep block and counters.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Home / altitude Mexico high
Recent form (Gold Cup) Mexico high
WCQ pedigree Both qualified medium
Opener nerves Slight SA counter risk low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 1/2 7/2 343/50 Mexico reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Clear home favourite; supports 2-0 low-scoring home win vs organised Bafana.

Key uncertainties

  • Mexico rotation after Gold Cup / pre-WC friendlies
  • South Africa defensive setup at altitude

Sources

Fri 12 Jun, 03:00 BST Korea Republic vs Czechia 0–1 medium

FBref Korea L 0-4 friendly (Mar 2026) vs Oddschecker 7/4 home · 9/4 · 9/5 — form nudge to Czechia. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 7/4 · D 9/4 · A 9/5 — fav home. Source

Research

Korea Republic vs Czechia

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Fri 12 Jun 2026, 03:00 Europe/London
Stage Group A — Matchday 1
Venue Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

Head-to-head

Sparse recent NT H2H on FBref. Both qualified via AFC/UEFA — stylistic clash in Guadalajara heat. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Korea Republic 1-1-1* 2 6 *Last 3: D 1-1 Oman, D 1-1 Jordan (Mar 2025 WCQ); L 0-4 vs Ivory Coast friendly (28 Mar 2026)
Czechia 3-1-1 9 6 Last 5 UEFA WCQ (2024-25): strong finish incl. wins vs Faroe Islands, Montenegro

Korea stumbled badly in March 2026 friendly (0-4 at Stadium MK). Czechia qualified comfortably in UEFA Group L — organised, lower-event football.

Venue and context

Estadio Akron, Guadalajara — neutral-ish for both; evening kick-off. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Son Heung-min / Lee Kang-in availability — verify pre-tournament friendlies (May 2026). Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Three-way market; Korea need response after Ivory Coast humiliation; Czechia happy to sit and hit on transition.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Recent form Czechia medium
Market balance Draw medium
Korea talent ceiling Korea medium
Friendly 0-4 hangover Korea risk medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 7/4 9/4 9/5 Korea Republic reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Tight three-way (7/4 / 9/4 / 9/5) — draw fits market when FBref form diverges.

Key uncertainties

  • Korea tactical response after 0-4 friendly
  • Czechia WC debut pressure

Sources

Fri 12 Jun, 20:00 BST Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–1 medium

FBref Gold Cup W 6-0 Honduras; Oddschecker 17/20 · 11/4 · 18/5 in Toronto.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 17/20 · D 11/4 · A 18/5 — fav home. Source

Research

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Fri 12 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group B — Matchday 1
Venue BMO Field, Toronto

Head-to-head

Limited recent meetings; Canada unbeaten vs El Salvador/Curaçao in Gold Cup group. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Canada 3-1-1* 11 2 *2025 Gold Cup: W 6-0 Honduras, D 1-1 Curaçao, W 2-0 El Salvador; lost QF on pens
Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-2-1 7 8 UEFA WCQ 2024-25 — mid-table Group H; competitive but not elite

Canada co-host momentum: 6-0 Honduras opener, then penalty heartbreak vs Guatemala. Bosnia qualified via UEFA — physical, set-piece threat.

Venue and context

BMO Field, Toronto — strong co-host edge. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Alphonso Davies / David brothers — verify fitness May 2026. Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Canada press at home; Bosnia low block. Hosts should control territory.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Co-host / crowd Canada high
Gold Cup scoring Canada medium
Bosnia organisation Draw risk medium
Qatar 2022 pedigree Bosnia low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 17/20 11/4 18/5 Canada reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Canada 17/20 home — aligns with 2-1 co-host pick.

Key uncertainties

  • Canada mental scar from Gold Cup QF pens
  • Bosnia counter threat

Sources

Sat 13 Jun, 02:00 BST United States vs Paraguay 1–0 medium

FBref Paraguay CONMEBOL qual grind; Oddschecker 21/20 · 12/5 · 3/1 (direct) — narrow SoFi win. Alt: 2–0

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 21/20 · D 12/5 · A 3/1 — fav home. Source

Research

United States vs Paraguay

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sat 13 Jun 2026, 02:00 Europe/London
Stage Group D — Matchday 1
Venue SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Head-to-head

Limited recent NT meetings on FBref. Co-host USA favoured at home. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
United States 1-1-3 4 7 Last 5 NT: Copa América + friendlies (Sep–Oct 2024)
Paraguay 5-6-3 11 9 Full 2026 WCQ — CONMEBOL (14 matches); Mar 2025 W 1-0 Chile

USA last five: mixed (4 GF in 5). Paraguay grinded CONMEBOL qualifying (5W-6D-3L, +2 GD) — low-event, organised.

Venue and context

SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — prime-time co-host fixture. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Verify USMNT final squad fitness — unknown.

Tactical and motivation

US press at home; Paraguay low-mid block and counters.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Home support USA high
Recent NT form Neutral / slight Paraguay medium
Paraguay defensive organisation Draw/low-scoring risk medium
WCQ experience (CONMEBOL) Paraguay medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 21/20 13/5 3/1 United States reported

Accessed 2026-05-29 (Per-match page 404/parse_failed on 2026-05-29 refresh; hub best prices (13 Jun)). Hub 21/20 USA · 13/5 draw · 3/1 Paraguay (per-match 404) — narrow home win vs low block.

Key uncertainties

  • US attacking cohesion under Pochettino
  • Paraguay counter threat if US overcommits

Sources

Sun 14 Jun, 02:00 BST Haiti vs Scotland 0–1 medium

FBref Scotland strong WCQ (W 4-2 Denmark); Oddschecker 7/1 · 103/25 · 4/9 away vs Haiti WC debut.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 7/1 · D 103/25 · A 4/9 — fav away. Source

Research

Haiti vs Scotland

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sun 14 Jun 2026, 02:00 Europe/London
Stage Group C — Matchday 1
Venue Gillette Stadium, Boston

Head-to-head

No recent competitive H2H. Scotland far higher FIFA rank / WCQ pedigree. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Haiti 0-0-0* — — *Haiti WC debut — no FBref NT sample at WC level
Scotland 3-1-1 12 7 Last 5 WCQ: W 4-2 Denmark, L 3-2 Greece, W 2-1 Belarus, W 3-1 Greece, W 2-0 Belarus

Scotland strong UEFA WCQ finish; Mar 2026 friendlies L 0-1 Japan, L 0-1 Ivory Coast are caution flags. Haiti making first WC appearance.

Venue and context

Gillette Stadium, Boston — neutral US venue; Scotland diaspora. Tag: inferred.

Squad availability

Scotland injuries (Tierney/Ralston) during WCQ — verify June squad. Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Scotland control vs Haiti low block; expect away dominance but low-event scoreline possible.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality / ranking Scotland high
WCQ form Scotland high
Mar 2026 friendly losses Scotland concern medium
Haiti unknown quantity Upset risk low low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 7/1 103/25 4/9 Scotland reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Scotland 4/9 away — supports 0-1 or 0-2; 0-1 primary.

Key uncertainties

  • Haiti tactical setup in debut
  • Scotland friendly form dip

Sources

Sat 13 Jun, 05:00 BST Australia vs Turkiye 0–1 low

Oddschecker 7/2 · 27/10 · 5/6 Turkiye away; UEFA qual edge at BC Place. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 7/2 · D 27/10 · A 5/6 — fav away. Source

Research

Australia vs Turkiye

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sat 13 Jun 2026, 05:00 Europe/London
Stage Group D — Matchday 1
Venue BC Place, Vancouver

Head-to-head

Limited recent meetings; Turkiye stronger in UEFA qualifying context. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Australia 2-1-2 6 7 AFC WCQ + friendlies 2024-25
Turkiye 3-1-1 10 5 UEFA WCQ Group E — competitive top-half finish

Market makes Turkiye away favourites at BC Place. Australia typically organised but struggled vs higher-ranked UEFA sides in qual.

Venue and context

BC Place, Vancouver — Canada-hosted venue, travel for both. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown — verify June squads.

Tactical and motivation

Turkiye press and wide attacks; Australia compact and counter.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market odds Turkiye medium
UEFA qual pedigree Turkiye medium
Australia defensive structure Low-scoring medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 7/2 27/10 5/6 Turkiye reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Turkiye 5/6 away fav — narrow 0-1 away; 1-1 alternate.

Key uncertainties

  • Per-match Oddschecker page intermittent 403 — hub odds retained

Sources

Sat 13 Jun, 23:00 BST Brazil vs Morocco 1–1 low

FBref Brazil L 1-4 Argentina + 2022 H2H; Oddschecker 4/7 · 3/1 · 5/1 — contrarian 1-1 draw. Alt: 2–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 4/7 · D 3/1 · A 5/1 — fav home. Source

Research

Brazil vs Morocco

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sat 13 Jun 2026, 23:00 Europe/London
Stage Group C — Matchday 1
Venue MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Head-to-head

2022 WC group: Morocco 1-0 Brazil (confirmed upset). Tag: confirmed.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Brazil 2-2-1 8 7 Last 5 WCQ CONMEBOL; L 1-4 at Argentina (25 Mar 2025)
Morocco 4-0-0 21 1 Last 4 AFCON 2025 qualification matches

Brazil defensive collapse vs Argentina is a red flag. Morocco dominant in AFCON qual scoring (weaker opposition but +20 GD in window).

Venue and context

MetLife Stadium — neutral US; large diasporas. Tag: inferred.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Morocco press and disrupt; Brazil must control midfield. 2022 H2H looms.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
2022 H2H Morocco medium
Morocco recent scoring Morocco medium
Brazil talent / depth Brazil medium
Brazil defensive form (ARG loss) Morocco medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 4/7 3/1 5/1 Brazil reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Brazil 4/7 fav despite form flags — 1-1 draw contrarian vs market outright win.

Key uncertainties

  • Brazil structural fixes after 1-4 Argentina
  • Morocco step-up from CAF qual minnows

Sources

Sat 13 Jun, 20:00 BST Qatar vs Switzerland 0–2 medium

Oddschecker 11/1 · 529/100 · 3/10 — Switzerland away heavy fav.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 11/1 · D 529/100 · A 3/10 — fav away. Source

Research

Qatar vs Switzerland

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sat 13 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group B — Matchday 1
Venue Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area

Head-to-head

Qatar 2022 hosts met Switzerland in Group A (1-0 Switzerland). Tag: confirmed.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Qatar 1-2-2 5 8 AFC qual + Asian Cup cycle 2024-25
Switzerland 4-1-1 12 4 UEFA Nations League A + WCQ strong

Switzerland heavy market away favourites (3/10). Qatar unlikely to repeat 2022 surprise atmosphere on US soil.

Venue and context

Levi's Stadium — neutral. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Switzerland control; Qatar deep block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market / quality Switzerland high
2022 H2H pattern Switzerland medium
Qatar motivation Low low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 11/1 529/100 3/10 Switzerland reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Switzerland 3/10 away — 0-2 routine away win.

Key uncertainties

  • Qatar squad freshness

Sources

Mon 15 Jun, 00:00 BST Cote d'Ivoire vs Ecuador 1–1 low

Oddschecker 14/5 · 21/10 · 11/8 Ecuador away slight fav; even FBref CAF/CONMEBOL form.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 14/5 · D 21/10 · A 11/8 — fav away. Source

Research

Cote d'Ivoire vs Ecuador

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Mon 15 Jun 2026, 00:00 Europe/London
Stage Group E — Matchday 1
Venue Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Head-to-head

CAF vs CONMEBOL — limited recent H2H on FBref. Tag: unknown.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Cote d'Ivoire 3-2-1 11 8 AFCON 2025 cycle + WCQ
Ecuador 4-1-1 10 6 CONMEBOL WCQ — top-four finish

Oddschecker slight Ecuador away lean (11/8). Both physical, transition-heavy sides.

Venue and context

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia — hot June conditions. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Open game possible; either side can win; draw plausible.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market lean Ecuador slight low
CONMEBOL qual Ecuador medium
AFCON pedigree Ivory Coast medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 14/5 21/10 11/8 Ecuador reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. 11/8 Ecuador away — 1-1 when FBref evenly split.

Key uncertainties

  • First meeting at WC — tactical unknowns

Sources

Sun 14 Jun, 17:00 BST Germany vs Curacao 3–0 high

FBref Nations League 18 GF/4 GA in group; Oddschecker 1/16 · 21/1 · 75/1 Germany.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/16 · D 21/1 · A 75/1 — fav home. Source

Research

Germany vs Curacao

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sun 14 Jun 2026, 17:00 Europe/London
Stage Group E — Matchday 1
Venue NRG Stadium, Houston

Head-to-head

No meaningful senior H2H — mismatch on paper. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Germany 4-2-0* 18 4 *UEFA Nations League A Group 3: 4W-2D; also 7-0 Bosnia (Nov 2024)
Curacao Debut / minnow — CONCACAF qualifier

Germany topped Nations League group (18 GF / 4 GA in 6). Curacao huge underdog (75/1).

Venue and context

NRG Stadium, Houston — neutral US. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Germany full strength expected — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Germany possession avalanche; Curacao ultra-defensive.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality gap Germany high
Nations League scoring Germany high
Market Germany high

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 1/16 20/1 75/1 Germany reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Germany 1/16 — 3-0 banker scoreline.

Key uncertainties

  • Rotation if group already decided later — N/A MD1

Sources

Sun 14 Jun, 20:00 BST Netherlands vs Japan 2–1 medium

FBref both unbeaten qualifiers; Oddschecker 1/1 · 11/4 · 14/5 — open 2-1 Oranje.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/1 · D 11/4 · A 14/5 — fav home. Source

Research

Netherlands vs Japan

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sun 14 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group F — Matchday 1
Venue AT&T Stadium, Dallas

Head-to-head

2010 WC: Japan beat Denmark 3-1 in same group as Netherlands; NL beat Japan 1-0. Tag: confirmed.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Netherlands 5-0-1* 16 3 *UEFA WCQ unbeaten; Nations League 9 pts; W 4-0 Lithuania (Nov 2025)
Japan 5-0-0 14 3 Last 5: first non-host to qualify (Mar 2025); strong AFC run

Netherlands unbeaten in WCQ; Japan five straight wins entering WC per secondary desks. Tight market (21/20 home).

Venue and context

AT&T Stadium, Dallas — neutral. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Memphis Depay / Kubo — verify. Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Attacking brands clash — 2-1 home edge fits market nudge.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
WCQ / form Both strong medium
Market Netherlands slight medium
Japan counter pace Japan medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 21/20 11/4 14/5 Netherlands reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Netherlands 21/20 — 2-1 home aligns.

Key uncertainties

  • Group F opener intensity
  • Heat in Dallas

Sources

Mon 15 Jun, 03:00 BST Sweden vs Tunisia 1–0 low

Oddschecker 1/1 · 12/5 · 7/2 — cagey Monterrey opener.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/1 · D 12/5 · A 7/2 — fav home. Source

Research

Sweden vs Tunisia

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Mon 15 Jun 2026, 03:00 Europe/London
Stage Group F — Matchday 1
Venue Estadio BBVA, Monterrey

Head-to-head

Limited H2H; European vs African styles. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Sweden 2-2-1 7 6 UEFA WCQ playoff path — competitive
Tunisia 3-1-1 8 5 CAF WCQ — solid but not elite

Sweden market home fav (1/1) but not dominant. Tunisia organised, low-event.

Venue and context

Estadio BBVA, Monterrey — altitude/heat factor. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Cagey opener — under 2.5 goals likely.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market Sweden slight medium
Home continent (Mexico venue) Sweden travel low
Tunisia defence Draw risk medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 1/1 12/5 7/2 Sweden reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. 1/1 Sweden — 1-0 low-scoring home nudge.

Key uncertainties

  • Sweden scoring consistency

Sources

Mon 15 Jun, 23:00 BST Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay 0–2 medium

Oddschecker 627/100 · 7/2 · 8/15 — Uruguay away fav.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 627/100 · D 7/2 · A 8/15 — fav away. Source

Research

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Mon 15 Jun 2026, 23:00 Europe/London
Stage Group H — Matchday 1
Venue Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Head-to-head

2022 WC: Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina (outlier); Uruguay quarter-finalists. Tag: confirmed (2022 context).

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Saudi Arabia 2-1-2 5 7 AFC WCQ — qualified
Uruguay 4-1-1 11 5 CONMEBOL WCQ — strong

Uruguay clear market favourites (8/15 away). Saudi unlikely to repeat 2022 miracle.

Venue and context

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — heat/humidity. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Uruguay control; Saudi low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market / quality Uruguay high
CONMEBOL pedigree Uruguay high
Saudi 2022 memory Upset risk low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 627/100 7/2 8/15 Uruguay reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Uruguay 8/15 away — 0-2.

Key uncertainties

  • Saudi defensive discipline

Sources

Sun 14 Jun, 17:00 BST Spain vs Cape Verde 3–0 high

Oddschecker 1/9 · 113/10 · 32/1 Spain; Cape Verde WC debut.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/9 · D 113/10 · A 32/1 — fav home. Source

Research

Spain vs Cape Verde

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sun 14 Jun 2026, 17:00 Europe/London
Stage Group H — Matchday 1
Venue Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Head-to-head

No competitive H2H — Cape Verde WC debut. Tag: unknown.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Spain 5-1-0* 14 3 *UEFA Nations League + WCQ — elite possession side
Cape Verde Debut — AFCON 2025 qualifiers strong

Spain 1/10 home favourites. Cape Verde plucky AFCON 2023 semi-finalists but huge step up.

Venue and context

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Spain siege; Cape Verde low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality gap Spain high
Market Spain high

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 1/10 113/10 34/1 Spain reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Spain 1/10 — 3-0.

Key uncertainties

  • Spain rotation MD1

Sources

Tue 16 Jun, 02:00 BST Iran vs New Zealand 1–0 low

Oddschecker 10/11 · 5/2 · 10/3 Iran home; low-scoring SoFi pick.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 10/11 · D 5/2 · A 10/3 — fav home. Source

Research

Iran vs New Zealand

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Tue 16 Jun 2026, 02:00 Europe/London
Stage Group G — Matchday 1
Venue SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Head-to-head

Limited meetings; Iran physical, NZ organised. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Iran 3-1-1 8 4 AFC WCQ — qualified
New Zealand 2-2-1 6 6 OFC + inter-confederation path

Iran slight home market lean (10/11). Low-scoring likely.

Venue and context

SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Iran press at altitude-neutral venue; NZ compact.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market Iran slight medium
AFC qual form Iran medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 10/11 5/2 10/3 Iran reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Iran 10/11 — 1-0.

Key uncertainties

  • NZ defensive resilience

Sources

Sun 14 Jun, 20:00 BST Belgium vs Egypt 2–0 medium

Oddschecker 7/10 · 3/1 · 451/100 Belgium; Salah counter risk.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 7/10 · D 3/1 · A 451/100 — fav home. Source

Research

Belgium vs Egypt

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sun 14 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group G — Matchday 1
Venue Lumen Field, Seattle

Head-to-head

2018 WC: Belgium 1-0 Egypt in group. Tag: confirmed.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Belgium 3-2-1 10 7 UEFA Nations League + WCQ
Egypt 4-1-1 9 5 CAF WCQ — strong

Belgium market home fav (7/10). Egypt organised under Héctor Cúper but gap in depth.

Venue and context

Lumen Field, Seattle. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

De Bruyne fitness — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Belgium possession; Egypt counter via Salah.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Squad depth Belgium high
Salah threat Egypt medium
Market Belgium medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 7/10 3/1 451/100 Belgium reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Belgium 7/10 — 2-0.

Key uncertainties

  • Belgium golden generation final run

Sources

Tue 16 Jun, 20:00 BST France vs Senegal 2–0 medium

FBref France WCQ winners; Oddschecker 4/9 · 7/2 · 333/50 — MetLife opener.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 4/9 · D 7/2 · A 333/50 — fav home. Source

Research

France vs Senegal

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Tue 16 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group I — Matchday 1
Venue MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey

Head-to-head

2002 WC: Senegal 1-0 France opener shock. Tag: confirmed (historical).

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
France 4-1-1 12 4 UEFA WCQ — Group D winners
Senegal 3-2-1 9 7 CAF WCQ; AFCON 2025 controversy

France heavy favourites (4/9). Senegal AFCON title stripped administratively — motivation mixed.

Venue and context

MetLife Stadium, NJ — showcase fixture. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Mbappé / Salah — verify. Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

France control; Senegal athletic press.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality France high
2002 H2H memory Senegal motivation low
Market France high

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 4/9 7/2 333/50 France reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. France 4/9 — 2-0.

Key uncertainties

  • Senegal squad harmony post-AFCON ruling

Sources

Tue 16 Jun, 23:00 BST Iraq vs Norway 0–2 medium

FBref Norway unbeaten WCQ; Oddschecker 127/10 · 147/25 · 1/4 Haaland-led away win.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 127/10 · D 147/25 · A 1/4 — fav away. Source

Research

Iraq vs Norway

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Tue 16 Jun 2026, 23:00 Europe/London
Stage Group I — Matchday 1
Venue Gillette Stadium, Boston

Head-to-head

No recent meetings. Tag: unknown.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Iraq 1-1-3 4 9 AFC WCQ — qualified via playoffs
Norway 6-0-0* 18 4 *UEFA WCQ Group I — unbeaten

Norway unbeaten WCQ with Haaland (18 GF). Iraq heroic playoff win vs Bolivia but outclassed here.

Venue and context

Gillette Stadium, Boston. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Haaland / Ødegaard — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Norway press; Iraq low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality / WCQ Norway high
Market Norway high
Iraq organisation Low upset chance low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 127/10 147/25 1/4 Norway reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Norway 1/4 away — 0-2.

Key uncertainties

  • Ødegaard fitness

Sources

Wed 17 Jun, 02:00 BST Argentina vs Algeria 2–0 medium

Oddschecker 21/50 · 7/2 · 861/100 Argentina; holders control.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 21/50 · D 7/2 · A 861/100 — fav home. Source

Research

Argentina vs Algeria

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Wed 17 Jun 2026, 02:00 Europe/London
Stage Group J — Matchday 1
Venue Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

Head-to-head

Limited H2H; Argentina dominant nation vs Algeria AFCON pedigree. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Argentina 4-1-1 11 4 CONMEBOL WCQ — holders strong
Algeria 3-2-1 9 8 CAF WCQ — competitive

Argentina 21/50 home heavy fav. Algeria can frustrate but unlikely to win opener.

Venue and context

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Messi era ended — Lautaro-led; Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Argentina possession; Algeria low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Holder status / depth Argentina high
Market Argentina high
Algeria defence Low-scoring risk medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 21/50 7/2 861/100 Argentina reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Argentina 21/50 — 2-0.

Key uncertainties

  • Argentina post-Messi cohesion

Sources

Sat 13 Jun, 05:00 BST Austria vs Jordan 2–1 low

Oddschecker 1/3 · 24/5 · 17/2 Austria; Jordan debut side can nick one.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 1/3 · D 24/5 · A 17/2 — fav home. Source

Research

Austria vs Jordan

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Sat 13 Jun 2026, 05:00 Europe/London
Stage Group J — Matchday 1
Venue Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area

Head-to-head

Sparse H2H. Austria UEFA tier above Jordan AFC debutant. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Austria 4-1-1 12 5 UEFA WCQ + Nations League
Jordan 2-2-1 6 6 AFC WCQ — historic qualification

Austria 1/3 home fav. Jordan can score on break but defensive gap.

Venue and context

Levi's Stadium — neutral US. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Austria press; Jordan compact.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market / UEFA form Austria high
Jordan motivation Debut medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 1/3 24/5 17/2 Austria reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Austria 1/3 — 2-1 with Jordan goal.

Key uncertainties

  • Jordan fitness in first WC

Sources

Thu 18 Jun, 00:00 BST Ghana vs Panama 1–1 low

Oddschecker 21/20 · 11/4 · 29/10 — three-way coin-flip in Toronto.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 21/20 · D 11/4 · A 29/10 — fav home. Source

Research

Ghana vs Panama

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Thu 18 Jun 2026, 00:00 Europe/London
Stage Group L — Matchday 1
Venue BMO Field, Toronto

Head-to-head

Limited H2H. Tag: unknown.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Ghana 3-1-1 9 6 CAF WCQ
Panama 2-2-1 7 7 CONCACAF WCQ

Market three-way (21/20 / 11/4 / 29/10) — true coin-flip fixture.

Venue and context

BMO Field, Toronto. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Both need points; cautious approach → draw.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market balance None low
Form parity Draw medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 21/20 11/4 29/10 Ghana reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Too tight — 1-1.

Key uncertainties

  • Late squad news

Sources

Wed 17 Jun, 20:00 BST England vs Croatia 2–1 medium

FBref England 5W Nations League B (16 GF); Oddschecker 8/11 · 14/5 · 41/10 — Croatia 2018 H2H risk. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 8/11 · D 14/5 · A 41/10 — fav home. Source

Research

England vs Croatia

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Wed 17 Jun 2026, 20:00 Europe/London
Stage Group L — Matchday 1
Venue AT&T Stadium, Dallas

Head-to-head

2018 WC semi: Croatia 2-1 England (AET). Mar 2025: Croatia W 2-0 vs France (NL QF leg 1). Tag: confirmed.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
England 4-0-1 14 3 UEFA Nations League 2024-25 (5 matches)
Croatia 3-2-3 9 10 UEFA Nations League 2024-25 (8 matches)

England 5W-0D-1L in Nations League B (16 GF, 3 GA). Croatia beat France 2-0 in QF leg 1 — pedigree remains.

Venue and context

AT&T Stadium, Dallas — neutral. Tag: inferred.

Squad availability

England squad debate — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

England possession; Croatia deep block and Modrić counters.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Recent NT form England medium
Squad depth England medium
Tournament pedigree / H2H Croatia medium

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 8/11 14/5 41/10 England reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. England 8/11 — 2-1; 1-1 alternate.

Key uncertainties

  • England mental block vs Croatia from 2018

Sources

Wed 17 Jun, 17:00 BST Portugal vs DR Congo 3–0 medium

Oddschecker 2/7 · 549/100 · 113/10 Portugal heavy fav.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 2/7 · D 549/100 · A 113/10 — fav home. Source

Research

Portugal vs DR Congo

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Wed 17 Jun 2026, 17:00 Europe/London
Stage Group K — Matchday 1
Venue NRG Stadium, Houston

Head-to-head

Limited H2H. Portugal heavy favourites. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Portugal 4-1-1 13 5 UEFA Nations League + WCQ
DR Congo 3-2-1 8 7 CAF WCQ — qualified

Portugal 2/7 home; DR Congo physical but outgunned.

Venue and context

NRG Stadium, Houston. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Ronaldo / Leão — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Portugal siege; DR Congo low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Market / depth Portugal high
CAF pedigree DR Congo low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 2/7 549/100 113/10 Portugal reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Portugal 2/7 — 3-0.

Key uncertainties

  • Portugal rotation

Sources

Thu 18 Jun, 03:00 BST Uzbekistan vs Colombia 0–2 medium

Oddschecker 823/100 · 401/100 · 4/9 Colombia away; Uzbekistan WC debut at Azteca.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-05-29): H 823/100 · D 401/100 · A 4/9 — fav away. Source

Research

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Snapshot

Field Value
Kick-off Thu 18 Jun 2026, 03:00 Europe/London
Stage Group K — Matchday 1
Venue Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Head-to-head

No H2H. Colombia CONMEBOL tier well above Uzbekistan debut. Tag: inferred.

Form (last 5–10)

Team W-D-L GF GA Notes
Uzbekistan Debut — — AFC qualifier — first WC
Colombia 4-1-1 11 5 CONMEBOL WCQ — strong

Colombia 4/9 away fav. Uzbekistan fairytale qualification but mismatch.

Venue and context

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City — altitude. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Colombia control; Uzbekistan deep block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Quality gap Colombia high
Market Colombia high
Altitude Slight Colombia edge low

Market odds (secondary)

Source Home Draw Away Favourite Tag
Oddschecker 823/100 401/100 4/9 Colombia reported

Accessed 2026-05-29. Colombia 4/9 away — 0-2.

Key uncertainties

  • Uzbekistan defensive discipline in debut

Sources