World Cup 2026 — suggested predictions

Karl Atkinson · updated Thu 4 Jun, 11:06 BST

Predictions run 2026-06-04-1052 (Thu 4 Jun, 10:52 London)

Suggested scores only — verify before submitting to voetbalpoules. League points: voetbalpoules puntentelling. Match results: 90 minutes + stoppage time unless stated otherwise.

Pre-tournament picks

Group standings (1st → 4th)

Group A

  1. 1 Mexico
  2. 2 Czechia
  3. 3 Korea Republic
  4. 4 South Africa

Group B

  1. 1 Switzerland
  2. 2 Canada
  3. 3 Bosnia and Herzegovina
  4. 4 Qatar

Group C

  1. 1 Brazil
  2. 2 Morocco
  3. 3 Scotland
  4. 4 Haiti

Group D

  1. 1 United States
  2. 2 Turkiye
  3. 3 Australia
  4. 4 Paraguay

Group E

  1. 1 Germany
  2. 2 Ecuador
  3. 3 Cote d'Ivoire
  4. 4 Curacao

Group F

  1. 1 Netherlands
  2. 2 Japan
  3. 3 Tunisia
  4. 4 Sweden

Group G

  1. 1 Belgium
  2. 2 Iran
  3. 3 Egypt
  4. 4 New Zealand

Group H

  1. 1 Spain
  2. 2 Uruguay
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia
  4. 4 Cape Verde

Group I

  1. 1 France
  2. 2 Norway
  3. 3 Senegal
  4. 4 Iraq

Group J

  1. 1 Argentina
  2. 2 Austria
  3. 3 Algeria
  4. 4 Jordan

Group K

  1. 1 Portugal
  2. 2 Colombia
  3. 3 DR Congo
  4. 4 Uzbekistan

Group L

  1. 1 England
  2. 2 Croatia
  3. 3 Ghana
  4. 4 Panama

Final order per group (1st → 4th), aligned with MD1 suggested scores (run 2026-06-04-1052), Jun-2026 group-winner markets (FOX FanDuel / SI, accessed 2026-06-04), and weather where it affects multiple group games in hot venues. Mexico (-140) and Czechia over Korea after MD1 0-1 away win in Guadalajara; Switzerland (-125) ahead of co-host Canada; Brazil (-350) top despite MD1 draw; USA edge Turkey in co-host Group D; Germany (-250) cruise; Netherlands (-125) with Japan 2nd and Tunisia 3rd ahead of Sweden after Monterrey heat draw; Belgium (-220) with Iran 2nd after Seattle cool disadvantages Egypt; Spain/France/Argentina/Portugal/ England group favourites unchanged. Eight best third-place advancers (internal bracket planning): Scotland, Senegal, Austria, "Cote d'Ivoire", "Korea Republic", Egypt, Australia, Tunisia.

Knockout picks

Champion
Spain
Runner-up
France
Third place
England

Top scorer

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Composite 24/25 · 8 expected WC matches

Composite scoring (1–5 per dimension, max 25 total)

Each candidate is rated 1 (weak) to 5 (strong) on five factors; the composite is the sum. This is a research ranking, not predicted World Cup goals.

DimensionWhat 5 vs 1 means
MatchesNation predicted to go deep (5 = finalist / 7–8 games; 1 = group exit / 3 games max)
G/90NT or club scoring rate and role (5 = elite starter; 1 = low minutes)
PensPenalty duties (5 = first-choice taker; 1 = not on pens)
GroupGroup draw and likely group-stage goals (5 = favourable; 1 = grind / tough group)
FitAvailability (5 = confirmed fit; 1 = doubt or injury)

Kylian Mbappe pick

finalist · 8 games

24/25

Matches 5
G/90 5
Pens 5
Group 5
Fit 4

Harry Kane

semi_final · 7 games

23/25

Matches 4
G/90 5
Pens 5
Group 5
Fit 4

Erling Haaland

r16 · 5 games

21/25

Matches 3
G/90 5
Pens 5
Group 3
Fit 5
Player Exit Games MatchesG/90PensGroupFit Total
Kylian Mbappe pick finalist 8 55554 24
Harry Kane semi_final 7 45554 23
Erling Haaland r16 5 35535 21

FBref G/90 (primary pick): NT 0, club 0.96

Changes since last run

Match predictions

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

Azteca altitude (~2,240 m) + mild June evening favours Mexico; Gold Cup form; Oddschecker 1/2 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/2 · D 7/2 · A 823/100 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: June evening in Mexico City — daily mean ~28 °C, highs ~31 °C; rainy-season humidity; altitude ~2,240 m (thinner air). Tag: inferred (Wikipedia: Mexico City climate).
  • Acclimatization: Mexico live and train at altitude; South Africa from lower elevations — stamina/pressing edge to Mexico beyond crowd. Tag: inferred.
  • Host opener at Azteca — massive home crowd. 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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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); hot Guadalajara slight Korea summer edge — form still nudges Czechia; Oddschecker 7/4 · 9/5 away. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 7/4 · D 11/5 · A 19/10 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Late night UK / afternoon Guadalajara — hot dry season; typical June highs ~32–35 °C, low humidity vs coastal Mexico. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Korea Republic used to humid East Asian summers; Czechia temperate continental — slight Korea heat tolerance, marginal. Tag: inferred.
  • Neutral venue (Mexico) — no home side.

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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Toronto mild June + home nation; Gold Cup W 6-0 Honduras; Oddschecker 17/20 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 5/6 · D 27/10 · A 7/2 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Toronto early summer — daily highs ~22–26 °C, moderate humidity. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Canada home support and climate familiarity; Bosnia temperate Europe — small Canada edge. Tag: inferred.
  • BMO Field — Canada home nation. 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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Warm dry LA favours US; Paraguay low block; Oddschecker 1/1 · 5/2 · 16/5 — narrow SoFi win. Alt: 2–0

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/1 · D 5/2 · A 16/5 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: LA basin June — warm dry, highs ~25–30 °C, low humidity. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: USA home; Paraguay CONMEBOL (variable climates) — slight US edge, secondary to quality. Tag: inferred.
  • SoFi — US home nation. 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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Humid Boston summer suits Haiti more than Scotland; FBref Scotland strong WCQ; Oddschecker 1/2 away fav (2026-06-04).

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 13/2 · D 15/4 · A 1/2 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Boston area June — warm, humid; highs ~24–28 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Haiti Caribbean tropical; Scotland North Atlantic temperate — Haiti better suited to humid summer than Scotland. Tag: inferred (does not overturn Scotland quality favourite).
  • Gillette — US venue, neither home.

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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Mild Vancouver — weather neutral; Oddschecker 5/6 Turkiye away; UEFA qual edge. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 441/100 · D 27/10 · A 4/5 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Vancouver June — mild Pacific; highs ~18–22 °C, comfortable. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Both sides neutral; Turkiye Mediterranean/continental vs Australia varied — weather not a major divider. Tag: inferred.
  • BC Place — Canada venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown — verify June squads.

Tactical and motivation

Turkiye press and wide attacks; Australia compact and counter.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Humid NY/NJ — both cope with heat; FBref Brazil L 1-4 Argentina; market 8/13 Brazil — contrarian 1-1 draw. Alt: 2–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 8/13 · D 3/1 · A 509/100 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: NY/NJ June — warm, humid; highs ~26–30 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Brazil tropical; Morocco Mediterranean/North Africa — both cope with heat better than northern European sides; marginal Brazil. Tag: inferred.
  • MetLife — large crowd, neither host nation.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

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

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Mild SF temps limit heat edge; Oddschecker 3/10 Switzerland away heavy fav.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 71/5 · D 147/25 · A 27/100 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Bay Area June — mild; highs ~20–24 °C, cool evenings. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Qatar desert/Gulf heat-trained squad; Switzerland temperate — slight Qatar comfort vs European opponent, low impact at mild SF temps. Tag: inferred.
  • Levi's Stadium — US venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Switzerland control; Qatar deep block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Hot humid Philly favours Ivory Coast climate profile; Oddschecker 11/8 Ecuador slight away — even score.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 14/5 · D 2/1 · A 7/5 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Philadelphia June — hot, humid; highs ~28–32 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Côte d'Ivoire tropical West Africa; Ecuador Andean/tropical mix — slight Ivory Coast heat-humidity edge. Tag: inferred.
  • Lincoln Financial Field — US venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

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

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

NRG climate control blunts Houston heat; Germany class dominates; Oddschecker 1/16 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/16 · D 20/1 · A 66/1 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Houston June — very hot, humid (highs ~32–35 °C); NRG Stadium retractable roof / climate control likely limits on-pitch heat stress. Tag: reported (JetPac host-city guide).
  • Acclimatization: Curaçao Caribbean; Germany temperate — minor Caribbean edge if playing in open heat; blunted indoors. Germany quality dominates. Tag: inferred.
  • US venue.

Squad availability

Germany full strength expected — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Germany possession avalanche; Curacao ultra-defensive.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Dallas heat — Japan humid-summer acclimation marginal; FBref both unbeaten; Oddschecker 1/1 · 2-1 Oranje.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/1 · D 14/5 · 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Dallas June — hot; highs ~32–35 °C; AT&T Stadium often climate-controlled. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Japan humid summer acclimation; Netherlands temperate — marginal Japan comfort in heat if outdoors. Tag: inferred.
  • US venue.

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
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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 1–1 low

Monterrey ~35–38 °C dry heat — Tunisia acclimatization vs Sweden Nordic; Oddschecker 1/1 Sweden — weather draw nudge. Alt: 1–0

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 20/21 · 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Monterrey June — very hot; highs ~35–38 °C, dry heat. Tag: inferred (JetPac host-city guide).
  • Acclimatization: Tunisia North Africa/Mediterranean heat; Sweden Nordic — meaningful edge Tunisia on weather alone. Tag: inferred.
  • Mexico venue — neither Nordic nor African home.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Cagey opener — under 2.5 goals likely.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Miami ~32 °C humid — Saudis tolerate heat better than typical Euros; Uruguay 1/2 away fav (2026-06-04).

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 333/50 · D 7/2 · A 1/2 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Miami mid-June — hot, humid; mean daily max ~32 °C, ~74% RH (Wikipedia: Climate of Miami). Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Saudi Arabia desert/Gulf extremes; Uruguay temperate South Atlantic — Saudis tolerate heat better than typical European sides; Uruguay still superior squad. Tag: inferred.
  • Hard Rock Stadium — open air; hydration/fatigue factor in second half. Tag: confirmed.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Uruguay control; Saudi low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Hot Atlanta — Spain quality >> Cape Verde debut; Oddschecker 1/9 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/9 · D 59/5 · A 31/1 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Atlanta June — hot, humid; highs ~30–32 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Cape Verde tropical Atlantic islands; Spain temperate — minor Cape Verde heat comfort, overwhelmed by Spain quality. Tag: inferred.
  • Mercedes-Benz — US venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Spain siege; Cape Verde low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Warm LA favours Iran over cool-climate NZ; Oddschecker 10/11 home; low-scoring SoFi.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 20/21 · D 13/5 · 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: LA June — warm, dry; highs ~25–30 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Iran hot/arid summers; New Zealand cool temperate — slight Iran edge. Tag: inferred.
  • SoFi — US venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Iran press at altitude-neutral venue; NZ compact.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Cool Seattle (~18–22 °C) disadvantages heat-preferring Egypt; Oddschecker 7/10 Belgium; Salah counter risk.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 4/6 · D 3/1 · A 47/10 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Seattle June — mild, cool Pacific; highs ~18–22 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Belgium temperate; Egypt North Africa heat-preferring — Egypt disadvantaged in cool Seattle vs desert-trained expectations. Tag: inferred.
  • Lumen Field — US venue.

Squad availability

De Bruyne fitness — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Belgium possession; Egypt counter via Salah.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Humid MetLife — Senegal heat-tolerant but France WCQ winners; Oddschecker 4/9 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 4/9 · D 7/2 · A 73/10 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: NY/NJ June — warm, humid; highs ~26–30 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Senegal tropical West Africa; France temperate — Senegal heat tolerance, France quality still favours Les Bleus. Tag: inferred.
  • MetLife — US venue.

Squad availability

Mbappé / Salah — verify. Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

France control; Senegal athletic press.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Mild humid Boston — minor Iraq heat comfort; Norway unbeaten WCQ + 1/4 away; Haaland-led.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 147/10 · D 152/25 · A 2/9 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Boston June — warm, humid; highs ~24–28 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Iraq Middle East heat; Norway Nordic — minor Iraq heat comfort; Norway quality and Haaland-led attack still dominate. Tag: inferred.
  • Gillette — US venue.

Squad availability

Haaland / Ødegaard — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Norway press; Iraq low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Hot KC summer slight Algeria edge weather-only; Argentina holders; Oddschecker 21/50 home.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 2/5 · D 7/2 · A 441/50 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Kansas City June — hot, humid continental; highs ~30–32 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Algeria North Africa; Argentina temperate Pampas — slight Algeria heat edge, minor vs Argentina squad depth. Tag: inferred.
  • Arrowhead — US venue.

Squad availability

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

Tactical and motivation

Argentina possession; Algeria low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Mild SF — weather minor; Oddschecker 1/3 Austria; Jordan debut can nick one.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 1/3 · D 24/5 · A 93/10 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Bay Area June — mild; highs ~20–24 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Jordan Middle East; Austria Central Europe — minor Jordan heat-region familiarity. Tag: inferred.
  • Levi's — US venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Austria press; Jordan compact.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Toronto mild — both tropical sides neutral weather; Oddschecker three-way coin-flip.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 11/10 · D 5/2 · A 59/20 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Toronto June — mild; highs ~22–26 °C. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Ghana tropical West Africa; Panama tropical Central America — neutral heat/humidity matchup. Tag: inferred.
  • BMO Field — Canada venue.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Both need points; cautious approach → draw.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Dallas heat — marginal Croatia Med comfort; FBref England 5W NL B; Oddschecker 8/11 home. Alt: 1–1

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 8/11 · D 14/5 · A 421/100 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Dallas June — hot; highs ~32–35 °C (stadium may be climate-controlled). Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Croatia Mediterranean; England temperate — marginal Croatia warmth comfort. Tag: inferred.
  • AT&T — US venue.

Squad availability

England squad debate — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

England possession; Croatia deep block and Modrić counters.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Houston NRG climate control; Portugal class; Oddschecker 2/7 home heavy fav.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 2/7 · D 529/100 · A 127/10 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Houston June — extreme heat/humidity; NRG climate control likely. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: DR Congo tropical Central Africa; Portugal temperate Atlantic — minor Congo heat edge if outdoors. Tag: inferred.
  • US venue.

Squad availability

Ronaldo / Leão — Tag: reported.

Tactical and motivation

Portugal siege; DR Congo low block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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

Azteca altitude suits Colombia; Uzbekistan WC debut; Oddschecker 4/9 Colombia away.

Oddschecker (reported, 2026-06-04): H 843/100 · D 7/2 · A 2/5 — 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

  • Expected weather at kick-off: Mexico City June evening — mild highs ~22–24 °C at altitude, thin air, afternoon rain possible. Tag: inferred.
  • Acclimatization: Colombia Andean/high-altitude training; Uzbekistan continental — Colombia better suited to Azteca altitude. Tag: inferred.
  • Mexico venue — Colombia away but altitude-adapted profile. Tag: inferred.

Squad availability

Tag: unknown.

Tactical and motivation

Colombia control; Uzbekistan deep block.

Factor summary

Factor Edge Confidence
Weather / acclimatization See venue bullets inferred
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