2026 World Cup Round of 32: Confirmed schedule, results, predictions for first knockout round

world cup 2026 predictions

He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns. While Messi inspired his capable but unspectacular team-mates to glory in 2022, Ronaldo arrives in North America with real quality all around him. There’s the PSG clan of Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos and Ballon d’Or third-place Vitinha who are coming into this off the back of a second straight Champions League win. Brilliant Bernardo Silva and the livewire Rafael Leao are in Roberto Martinez’s squad too.

South Africa vs. Canada

world cup 2026 predictions

I’m taking a risk on Jordan to claim a knockout place and Algeria edging out Austria in an upset as one of the top third-place teams to advance to the Round of 32. The main challenge in Group J is identifying who finishes behind Argentina, as Lionel Messi’s final World Cup campaign makes them clear favorites. Jordan’s Moussa Al Tamari is a player to watch and capable of driving a surprise run. While Algeria and Austria bring veteran leadership, Al‑Tamari’s pace and creativity could tilt the balance.

We don’t want to overpromise, and we have a small team, so expect one update per day, but you will often see intraday updates after important matches. By popular request, we’ve changed the projected match results table to reflect the score after 90 minutes — not including extra time. However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances.

Spain built for the job but Ecuador the value at 100/1

Mbappé is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 goals for France, having netted 55 times in his 93 caps. And there has been no downturn from De la Fuente’s side since. These teams met in the last 16 in Qatar and Argentina had to endure some nervy moments. Lionel Scaloni’s men have two major tournament successes in their back pocket since then and can make easy work of this game.

Mexico vs. Switzerland

Reigning champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are +1000 as they seek to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1962. Meanwhile, the USMNT are +6000 longshots to win on home soil, with co-host Mexico also at +6000 and Canada longshots at +17500. Before making any 2026 World Cup picks or predictions, you need to see what SportsLine’s soccer insider Martin Green has to say. He just scores goals – 61 of them to be precise this season – and this summer he looks to be heading into the tournament in peak physical condition. He finally has that winning feeling at Bayern and maybe, just maybe, he’s ready to fire England to glory too. The Opta supercomputer gave the reigning world champions a 77.9 percent chance of victory across 25,000 pre-match simulations.

USA’s Path To 2026 World Cup Final: Latest Projected Opponents For Round Of 16 And On

world cup 2026 predictions

The most comprehensive World Cup 2026 predictions resource available. All 12 groups, outright winner analysis, Golden Boot picks, dark horse teams, and daily tips throughout the 38-day tournament from 11 June to 19 July 2026. All eyes will be on Estadio BBVA when the Netherlands and Morocco face each other in a highly-anticipated World Cup showdown. As the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of this round 32 clash, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw. The Netherlands produced a series of convincing displays in Group F, defeating both Sweden and Tunisia while sharing the spoils with Japan…

Six of the teams appearing at the tournament are still to be decided, with four qualifying via the UEFA play-offs and another two via the inter-confederation playoffs. On 5 December, allowing fans of all nations to start plotting their routes to a possible coronation at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The last time that happened, between Argentina and West Germany in 1990, the European nation gained its revenge.

Odds Across Operators

world cup 2026 predictions

This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site. Luis de la Fuente’s side are arguably the best-equipped team in the tournament because they possess two attributes that are often difficult to marry together. They can dominate possession for long spells, suffocating opponents and conserving energy through control of the ball – but they can also go direct and attack space quickly when the game demands it. They are the reigning European champions too, having beaten England in the final two years ago, and will be looking to add to their only World Cup title from 2010.

  • A point would be enough for Colombia to secure the top spot in Group K.
  • Algeria showed great character in their second group game, coming from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1, and Vladimir Petkovic has no fresh injury concerns ahead of this …
  • Now, Green has broken down the 2026 World Cup draw from all sides and released his picks, predictions and futures bets.
  • It will be Mexico next in the Azteca if England beat DR Congo, while France are shorter than 2/1 to win the tournament with many UK bookmakers after crushing Sweden.
  • The Oranje’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 – losing late on to England – was their best at any tournament since finishing third at the 2014 World Cup.
  • The draw is priced at 15/2, reflecting just how unlikely a stalemate is given the gap in class between these two sides.
  • We asked the supercomputer to simulate the 2026 World Cup 25,000 times, and it has produced some fascinating conclusions in its official pre-tournament predictions.
  • With Messi complemented by two high-profile strikers still in their prime, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez, Argentina should not be short of goals.

Brazil have been improving with every match, defeating Scotland and Haiti before sharing the spoils with Morocco. The Yanks sacrificed their 100% group-stage record with a 3-2 defeat to Turkey, but Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to rotate the entire s… Our predictor lets you override any forecast and compete with friends.

  • Brazil have struggled to define a clear identity in recent tournaments, raising doubts about their ability to make a legitimate World Cup run.
  • Iran captain Mehdi Taremi accused FIFA of failing to address logistical problems facing his team at the World Cup after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Egypt.
  • There are many nations from Africa that could have a huge impact on the 2026 World Cup, just like Morocco who managed to make it all the way to the semi-final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
  • Our World Cup 2026 predictions land on France beating Argentina 2-1 in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium, a rematch of 2022.
  • Pink boots have also become one of the biggest trends at the tournament.
  • Croatia recovered to take second in England’s group, pushing Ghana to a third-place spot.
  • There are not expected to be any surprises in the Germany XI for this match, with Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set to continue as the front three.
  • Here are Paul Carr’s power rankings of all 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, separated into five distinct tiers.
  • Moreover, with international tournaments and matches being played so sparingly, being able to get over the line and win trophies can play a huge role in deciding the winners of major tournaments like the World Cup.
  • Mexico vs Best 3rd place Group C/E/F/H/I – Since suffering a quarter-final elimination on home soil in 1986, Mexico have reached the round of 16 in seven of their eight World Cup appearances.
  • Canada also just make it into the top half of the 48 teams (they rank joint 22nd, level with Paraguay and Austria).
  • This has all of the makings of a very, very interesting match, and we have found it difficult to pick a winner here.
  • Then, in the final round of group play, there will be six games each day, with the teams in each group kicking off at the same time.

Paraguay vs France Prediction

We now live in a world where Brazil, the nation with more World Cups than any other, are considered ‘dark horses’. There is something quite romantic about one of the godfathers of management being appointed by the most famous footballing country to bring home the greatest prize in football for a record-extending sixth time. None of the South American powerhouses have been overly convincing in recent times, but you’d have to guess that if the winner were to come from outside Europe, Argentina and Brazil would be favourites. Argentina are overwhelming favourites to continue their perfect World Cup campaign, even with Lionel Messi confirmed to begin the match from the substitutes bench.

European teams face off in group stages to earn qualification from the World Cup, in what is considered to be the most competitive qualification process of them all. 16 teams qualify in total from the UEFA qualifiers, with 54 teams split into 12 groups. The top team from each group automatically qualifies for the FIFA World Cup Finals, whilst a 16-team play-off competition then decides the final four spots. Check out the FIFA World Cup predictions with SoccerVista through this page and choose your next bet for the biggest international tournament in the sport.

World Cup Golden Boot Odds: Full Player List

  • Les Éléphants have reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group E behind Germany on goal difference.
  • While they showed promise at UEFA EURO 2024, France enter with superior depth and balance.
  • Spain vs England – A repeat of the 2024 Euro final may produce the same heartbreaking outcome for the 1966 World Cup winners.
  • It was Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final that heralded the end of Gareth Southgate’s time leading the Three Lions, ushering in Thomas Tuchel’s reign.
  • From the oldest coach in World Cup history to Lionel Messi’s and Kylian Mbappé’s chase for the all-time World Cup scoring record, history will likely be made this summer.
  • For the first time in World Cup history, the winners and runners-up of each group will be joined in the knockout round of 32 by the eight best third-placed teams.
  • Arrowhead Stadium will host a compelling World Cup last-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana, with both sides arriving after contrasting group-stage performances.
  • South Korea and Czechia appear to be the likeliest candidates to challenge El Tri for the throne, but the 10-time Gold Cup winners should live up to their billing.
  • From the greatest individual rivalry of the 21st century to the greatest international soccer rivalry of all time.
  • It can be important to look at historical matchups like England vs Germany for example, and where the results over the years may indicate which team might win the upcoming game.
  • Meanwhile, European soccer insider Martin Green has also revealed picks for Ivory Coast vs. Norway and Sweden vs. France.

Croatia rank just above co-hosts USA and place 15th overall in terms of potential winners with a 1.6% chance. The Opta supercomputer is reasonably positive about the chances of the three co-host nations, suggesting all of them are likely to produce solid – albeit not necessarily spectacular – tournaments. It’s not a big surprise to see leading European nations join traditional World Cup heavyweights Argentina and Brazil as the top 10 teams tipped to challenge this summer. Ancelotti is armed with attacking talent, having opted to select record goalscorer Neymar in addition to stars like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.

  • They could give Germany a run for their money in Group E and are given a 43.4% chance of reaching the last 16.
  • France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament.
  • As such a wide range of countries with very different World Cup histories fight it out, the 23rd edition may well prove to be the most compelling.
  • Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with the back four expected to feature Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico as full-backs alongside Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero in central defence.
  • Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free.
  • Against a hungry and well‑organized Netherlands side, Brazil appear vulnerable, with this matchup favoring the Dutch.
  • Main Pick – Argentina to Win @ 1/6Argentina have won all five of their recent matches and scored nine goals in three World Cup group fixtures.
  • England and Panama have met only once before at the World Cup, with England cruising to a 6-1 victory in the group stage at Russia 2018.
  • Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final.
  • Houston is a long way from Canada, and this is probably where the co-hosts’ run comes to earth, with 2022 semifinalists Morocco going deep once more.
  • Lionel Scaloni’s men have two major tournament successes in their back pocket since then and can make easy work of this game.
  • However, the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last time out was still a major disappointment, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side therefore set to enter this match off the back of a defeat.
  • Compare World Cup betting odds now with our recommended betting sites and find the latest prices for teams to win the tournament.

And Argentina’s win in 2022.

world cup 2026 predictions

With FIFA World Cup betting, it is key not to make silly mistakes which can immediately harm your chances of placing winning bets. On top of those nations, Brazil, Germany, and many other countries can also have a big part to play in the 2026 World Cup too in what is expected to be an enthralling tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams and they are split into 12 different groups, with winners, runners up, and even some third placed teams qualifying into the knockout rounds of the Finals. The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams in the field, meaning that 48 different nations will be bringing their traditions and culture to the tournament. A key piece of that culture is the teams’ nicknames — the names that the fans know them by.

Jordan vs Argentina Prediction

As reigning champions with Messi in this sort of form and a full squad at Scaloni’s disposal, they remain a serious title contender. This Round of 32 tie should not test them, and a straightforward progression keeps them well-positioned in the World Cup 2026 bracket for the knockout rounds ahead. Cape Verde’s three World Cup draws are a creditable return against Spain and Uruguay in particular, and their disciplined defensive structure has been central to that. Their friendly results tell a more mixed story, with a heavy defeat to Bermuda sandwiched around a comfortable win over Serbia. The group-stage achievements are genuine, but their attacking output of two goals in three competitive matches underlines the challenge ahead.

When does the World Cup 2026 knockout stage start?

Brazil have rebuilt impressively since their disappointing 2022 quarter-final exit, with a generation of attacking talent led by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and the teenage prodigy Endrick. France remain a tournament machine under Didier Deschamps’s successor, with Mbappé still in his prime and one of the deepest squads in world football. Either would surprise nobody by lifting the trophy in New Jersey.

  • Get expert predictions for every match, updated daily throughout the tournament.
  • 48 teams compete at the 2026 World Cup — expanded from 32 at Qatar 2022.
  • Brazil won 57.3 percent of the 25,000 pre-match simulations, while Japan were victorious in 19.7 percent.
  • All eyes will be on Estadio BBVA when the Netherlands and Morocco face each other in a highly-anticipated World Cup showdown.
  • That is helpful to coach Luis de la Fuente given there are doubts over the fitness of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal for their initial games as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
  • Morocco have never won the World Cup, but they did reach the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament, which represented their best-ever run in the competition.
  • With so much on the line in each and every game with players playing for pride and their nation, it means there are various different betting angles to target.
  • Modrić won the Golden Ball at the 2018 tournament, where Croatia was runner-up to France, and he led the team to a third-place finish in 2022.
  • Of the teams in the bottom quarter of our projections, there are a few standout nations who the system thinks could spring a surprise.
  • Norway will be the team nobody wishes to draw from Pot 3, having steamrolled their way through the UEFA qualifiers with a perfect eight wins and 37 goals – the most of any team.
  • Spain and Brazil are the strongest challengers, though Spain would have to get past Argentina in the semifinals to reach the final on July 19.

Make sure you stick to your research and utilise World Cup predictions when placing bets on the biggest tournament in world football. So, it’s very important to keep up with any injury setbacks for players, or checking whether players will return in time to feature at the tournament. Similarly, during the tournament you may need to keep up with suspensions, with players potentially missing matches due to an accumulation of yellow cards or a red card. Compare World Cup betting odds now with our recommended betting sites and find the latest prices for teams to win the tournament.

world cup 2026 predictions

World Cup 2026: USMNT locks up spot in knockout rounds with 2-0 win over Australia

world cup 2026 predictions

Then, in the United States, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle will be host cities. NFL stadiums have been retrofitted and rebranded to host the games due to FIFA rules, so you won’t see usual signage for places like AT&T Stadium; it will be labeled Dallas Stadium instead. Before the biggest FIFA tournament ever kicks off, some predictions are in order. The field has been supersized from 32 to 48 teams and the competition will begin in earnest on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa at Mexico City’s famed Estadio Azteca. The first U.S. game is the following day, as the Americans will host Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

world cup 2026 predictions

World Cup 2026 final prediction

If you’re looking for a simple way to watch the World Cup in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo, Xfinity makes it easy to follow the World Cup and stay connected to global soccer year‑round. With the World Soccer Ticket, fans get access to top leagues, live TV, and streaming — all in one place — so you never miss the action. This promises to be one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32. Ivory Coast has the physicality and midfield quality to frustrate Norway, but the Scandinavian side’s clinical finishing and attacking firepower could ultimately prove decisive.

Who won FIFA World Cup 2022?

There are quite often, and unfortunately, major injuries that rule out certain players from the World Cup Finals, much to the devastation of the players themselves and their nations. This can impact a team’s chances heavily, especially if it is a top goalscorer or stalwart defender that is essential to the way the nation plays. There are many teams who have a shot at winning the 2026 World Cup, with high expectations placed on nations like Argentina, France and Spain, who have all won recent World Cups or major tournaments in recent years. In our pick ’em for the World Cup, users select who they think will win each of the 12 groups ahead of the tournament’s first game on Thursday. Then, after the group stage concludes and 32 of the tournament’s 48 teams move on to the knockout rounds, users can then pick the results of each of the 31 elimination games.

As Belgium have been raising their form game by game, our prediction points toward a 2-1 home win. Belgium sealed their place in the world cup 2026 picks last 32 with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, with Leandro Trossard stealing the show by scoring a brace…. Teams with statistically underrated odds given their ELO momentum and recent tournament form. The 48-team format’s wider R32 bracket creates more upset opportunities than the 32-team era. The dramatic elimination sparked emotional reactions across Iran.

World Cup 2026: Switzerland claims Group B over Canada; Bosnia and Herzegovina moves top among third-place teams

For example, by reproducing the kind of performance they showed in the opening half-hour against Brazil. In terms of pressing, I have the feeling the Atlas Lions can really trouble the Dutch. Ismael Saibari, who is set to make the move to Bayern Munich this summer, has scored three times in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup and will again lead the line. Brobbey is expected to continue through the middle for Koeman’s team, with Memphis Depay, Justin Kluivert and Crysencio Summerville set to be kept in reserve. Netherlands topped Group F with seven points to breeze into the round of 32, while Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, also claiming seven points from three games.

Portugal, who arrive in the US, Canada and Mexico ranked fifth in the world and fourth favourites for the tournament, are in a favourable-looking Group K alongside the likes of Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. That flexibility feels particularly important in a World Cup likely to be played in extreme temperatures. That’s why Spain make the most appeal as the outright winners. Since Spain’s victory in South Africa, La Roja have not made it past the round of 16, exiting at that stage in the last two editions.

🕐 Kick-Off Times — Nigeria, Kenya & Ghana

The Brazilians are priced at -300 to advance to the next round, with the Japanese at +235. Goals Market – Over 3 Goals @ 6/5The totals line sits at 3, with over available at 6/5 and under at 4/5. Argentina scored at least three goals in each of their three group games, and Cape Verde’s forward line managed only two goals across theirs. The most likely route to over 3 is Argentina scoring freely rather than a high-scoring exchange, and Scaloni’s side have the firepower to deliver that in a knockout tie against a side with limited attacking threat.

World Cup 2026 predictions: Winner, golden boot, breakout star and more

  • Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free.
  • The Opta supercomputer makes Brazil the favourites to reach the next round.
  • France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament.
  • As such a wide range of countries with very different World Cup histories fight it out, the 23rd edition may well prove to be the most compelling.
  • England and Panama have met only once before at the World Cup, with England cruising to a 6-1 victory in the group stage at Russia 2018.
  • But, of course, that previous World Cup dry spell ended with victory in a tournament hosted by the United States.
  • Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with the back four expected to feature Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico as full-backs alongside Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero in central defence.
  • Mexico, the team that defeated the USA in the Gold Cup final, are the host nation viewed as most likely to shock the world and lift the trophy, with a 1.3% probability.
  • They could give Germany a run for their money in Group E and are given a 43.4% chance of reaching the last 16.
  • Dive deeper into the tournament with our guides, analysis, and complete team profiles.
  • Turkey vs Best 3rd place Group B/E/F/I/J – Despite their lengthy absence from football’s biggest stage, the Crescent-Stars might return with a bang.
  • Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final.

Anyway, the evidence thus far is that Mbappe scores goals in World Cups. The Opta supercomputer makes Brazil the favourites to reach the next round. Brazil have dominated this fixture over the years, winning 11 of their 14 previous meetings with Japan and losing only once.

Independent mathematical ratings that adjust for match importance, result, and opponent strength. Each 4-team group sends 2 teams automatically plus 8 of the 12 third-placed teams to R32.

African Nations to Watch in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Peter Fitzpatrick is an experienced sports journalist, having worked in the industry since August 2022 following a mid-pandemic career change. In the time since, he has worked for a wide range of well-known publications including the Evening Standard, FourFourTwo, Football365, GOAL and TNT Sports. In his current role as a freelance content producer for The Sporting News, he writes betting content mostly for football but also tennis, golf, rugby union and Formula 1. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in a breathtaking final that ended 3-3 after extra time before the Albiceleste won on penalties.

This is the first time this stage has ever existed in World Cup history. Expert tips, group stage analysis, outright winner predictions, Golden Boot picks, and match forecasts for all 104 games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — updated throughout the tournament. The model adjusts its odds after each game, playing out the rest of the tournament 100,000 times while giving teams credit (or blame) for their performance so far.

  • While our model doesn’t deviate too much from the conventional wisdom, we don’t have teams in quite the same order.
  • According to the Opta supercomputer, there are six other teams who should go into the tournament with strong hopes of going all the way.
  • The final is on July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which holds about 82,500 fans.
  • Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions, four years on from Lionel Messi’s long-awaited crowning moment, and as the all-time great prepares for his last dance on this stage.
  • As both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach, we predict a 1-1 draw.
  • A key piece of that culture is the teams’ nicknames — the names that the fans know them by.
  • Bafana Bafana booked their place in the last 32 thanks to a shock 1-0 victory over South Korea, showing great discipline and defensive organizatio…
  • As the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of this round 32 clash, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw.
  • Many members of the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ remain in the fold, even if the years are starting to catch up with them.
  • Iran’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Team Melli missed out on the knockout stage by the narrowest of margins.
  • But a rampant 5-0 victory in Serbia in September showcased the Three Lions’ potential, and the emergence of Elliot Anderson seems to have finally ended their search for a central midfield partner for Declan Rice.

Free World Cup picks: Back Mexico (tie no bet) vs. Ecuador on Tuesday

world cup 2026 predictions

A host nation with its collective tail up and bleary-eyed fans enduring a 1 a.m. Kickoff back in the UK feels like textbook ingredients for another English tale of World Cup woe. Egypt, Mohamed Salah and all, should have more than enough to do the job here. But time and again, they flatter to deceive on this stage, and the sight of them hanging on against Iran should give Australia plenty of encouragement. A battle of the veterans as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, both into their fifth decade, face off for the last time on the big stage. Mexico at the Azteca, backed by a raucous home crowd, has become appointment viewing at this World Cup.

  • We asked the Opta supercomputer for its predictions before the tournament kicks off on 11 June.
  • Morocco (1.1%) and Ecuador (1.0%) are the other teams with a greater than 1% chance of glory, with Japan (0.9%) and USA just behind.
  • A battle of the veterans as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, both into their fifth decade, face off for the last time on the big stage.
  • In addition to co-hosts Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar will also be vying for a top-two spot in this group, with all three nations seeking a maiden knockout appearance on the grandest international stage.
  • Ancelotti is armed with attacking talent, having opted to select record goalscorer Neymar in addition to stars like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.
  • This knockout matchup is a close one, but Morocco hold the edge.
  • DR Congo head into their final Group K match against Uzbekistan knowing that a win should be enough to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages.
  • Southgate’s England teams were also solid at the back but rarely free-flowing.
  • Cape Verde are a 19/1 shot to cause one of the tournament’s great upsets.
  • Semi-finalists in both 2018 and 2022, they are assigned a 1.1% chance of glory – lower than Mexico and Uruguay (1.7%), whose coach Bielsa recently went on a rant in a press conference following speculation over his position.

World Cup Bracket: Full Round Of 32 Matchups

“Sweden began their group stage campaign with a 5-1 win against Tunisia, but they then lost 5-1 to the Netherlands. A 1-1 draw with Japan means they conceded seven games in three group stage games,” Green said. This involves two teams from CONCACAF and one team from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC. The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals, and the four lowest-ranked nations will meet in bracket semi-finals, with the winners of the two bracket finals reaching the FIFA World Cup 26.

There are not expected to be any surprises in the Germany XI for this match, with Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set to continue as the front three. Nathaniel Brown was not involved against Ecuador last time out due to a muscular problem, but the left-back is expected to be cleared to feature from the first whistle here. This is the sort of information to consider if you are thinking of betting on the World Cup, and we have included it in our World Cup betting guide. Paraguay are through as one of the best third-placed finishers at the competition, while Germany finished at the head of Group E to secure a spot in the round of 32.