2026 World Cup- Last 32 Knock Out Round Picks (Sunday 28th June-Friday 3rd July)

The 2026 World Cup has felt like it has made a relatively low key start- there have been some strong stories with the likes of Cape Verde and South Africa pushing into the Knock Out Rounds, while some of the leading names in the sport have made a big impact in the Group Stage.

However, it has also felt like there has been a lack of jeopardy in the Group Stage, although don't mention that to the very disappointing Marcelo Bielsa and his Uruguay squad, and that has perhaps meant there is not nearly the same sense of drama as in previous tournaments when only two out of the four teams in each Group would be progressing to the latter stages of the competition.

The hope is that the Last 32 Knock Out ties will begin to raise the temperature around the matches, although those in London and the UK may have had just about enough of the heat in recent days, and that intensity increase should make the games a little more appealing all around.

Before the tournament began, there would have been some criticism of this extra Round in the Knock Out Bracket, but there are some good looking matches to be played with the most notable being the Netherlands facing Morocco and Portugal taking on Croatia.

Once this Round is in the books, the Last 16 has the potential to put together some very high quality teams and that should really get this World Cup Finals moving in a very positive direction for fans in the Stadium and those watching on from back home.

In three weeks time, the team holding the World Cup crown for the next four years will be confirmed and all involved in the Knock Out Bracket will give themselves a moment to dream.

2026 World Cup Last 32 Picks

Sunday 28th June

South Africa vs Canada Pick: Two of the three co-hosts finished top of their World Cup Groups and that has meant having home advantage for the next two Knock Out Round ties if they can keep winning.

The exception is Canada after they were beaten 2-1 by Switzerland in the final Group game and that means having to move out of Vancouver and head into the United States.

First up is a match against surprising South Africa who were beaten in the opener by Mexico and then needed a very late equaliser to avoid virtual elimination against Czechia. An upset over South Korea helped South Africa reach the Knock Out Rounds of the World Cup for the first time, but they will need to be more composed in the final third if they are going to keep those upsets going.

South Africa have taken plenty of shots in the last couple of games, but they are not always making the best decisions in the final third and that is likely going to let them down.

This Canada team have come through what looks a weak Group and there is still a concern that they do not score enough goals having managed eight in the Group Stage, but six against Qatar. Scoring once in each game against European opponents Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland is an issue, even if Canada created the better chances in both games and perhaps were a little unfortunate to only earn a single point.

The hope, and expectation, is that this South Africa team is one of the more manageable Last 32 opponents that Canada could have asked for and they should have the superior firepower in the final third to make the difference.

Credit has to be given to South Africa for finding a way out of the Group Stage, but it was a weak section that only provided two teams in the Last 32 and Canada can win this one in normal time.

Monday 29th June

Brazil vs Japan Pick: Topping the Group ahead of Morocco has given Brazil the opportunity to face a Runner Up, but this fixture against Japan has every chance of becoming very awkward for the five time former World Champions.

Twenty-four years have passed since Brazil last won the World Cup and this squad and manager is under pressure to deliver.

A Last 32 exit would be a huge blow and Brazil are very reliant on the superstar forwards to make up for what has been a vulnerable midfield and a defence that can be attacked out wide. There are other elements to the Brazil team that are to be admired with a solid goalkeeper and two centre halves who played in the Champions League Final, but Scotland and Morocco showed in the Group that there is still a vulnerability about this team and Japan will offer a stern test.

Despite the absence of a couple of key attackers, Japan have scored in all of their Group games and have produced some very good football to create solid openings.

One clean sheet is a concern though and these two nations shared out five goals when they met in an international friendly last October- Brazil were leading 0-2 in Tokyo before Japan's epic fightback to win 3-2 and there is a feeling that this Last 32 tie could be a pretty entertaining affair.

Knock Out Football can sometimes lead to tension, but both Brazil and Japan will believe they are best on the front foot and backing at least three goals to be shared out in normal time is the play.

The lean is with Brazil to find a way through, but Japan should offer plenty of resistance and threat and 2-1 to the favourites feels the most likely conclusion to this fixture.

Germany vs Paraguay Pick: Julian Nagelsmann has been far from happy with the schedule faced by his Germany team ahead of the Last 32- as one of the Group Winners that were facing a third placed team, Nagelsmann was upset that his team may have to wait until Saturday night to know the opponent for a Last 32 tie scheduled for Monday.

However, it has been looking like Paraguay would be the opponent for a while and so there will be no excuses if Germany fail to beat the South American nation and move through to the Last 16.

The last two World Cup tournaments since winning it all in 2014 having ended in embarrassing Group Stage exits and so Germany have achieved the first aim of getting out of their section. The defeat to Ecuador was disappointing, but Germany have played pretty well and will certainly feel they hold the edge over a Paraguay team that were thumped by the United States and somehow managed to hang on for a 1-0 win over Turkiye despite being outplayed.

A wasteful display from Turkiye helped after Paraguay had scored with the first real shot of the game, but the attacking numbers have to improve if there is going to be an upset in this one.

Paraguay have created a total of 1.04 XG across the first three matches at the World Cup and they have had a total of five shots on target.

It is hard to imagine that being good enough against arguably the best team they will have faced in the tournament and one that has scored ten goals already.

Germany did score seven of those against Curacao, but two against Ivory Coast and one against Ecuador suggests they will have the quality needed to break down a Paraguay team that have kept two consecutive clean sheets. However, Turkiye created so many good chances against them that they could have matched the four goals the United States managed against Paraguay and the best approach to this Last 32 tie may be backing the Germans to win with a clean sheet at an appealing price.

Netherlands vs Morocco Pick: This looks to be one of the best ties in the Last 32 and there is going to be a lot of interest in this fixture, although the timing of the game could not be much worse for those back home in Netherlands and Morocco.

Both teams earned seven points in the Group Stage and impressed in different ways, but Netherlands topped their section and Morocco finished behind Brazil in their own.

There is going to be a real familiarity with one another, even if they have not played each other very recently, and it has been a tie that has opened up a discussion about identity- Morocco are the first nation to ever field a full starting eleven that have been born outside of the country when they lined up to play Brazil.

A number of the Morocco squad have come through the Dutch footballing system and it feels like this is going to develop into a tense, competitive fixture between two nations Ranked at Number 7 and Number 8 in the FIFA World Rankings (Morocco are just ahead of Netherlands).

With that in mind, would it really be a big surprise if this was the first of the 2026 World Cup matches that needed to go into Extra Time and perhaps Penalties?

Morocco have not been the most creative going forward, but they are very solid defensively and the approach is likely going to be one that looks to contain the Netherlands and hit them on the counter.

Ronald Koeman's team have scored at least twice in each World Cup match, but the fixture against Japan was notable for the lack of clear chances created- both teams produced strong finishing in the 2-2 draw, but Netherlands may struggle to create a lot against this Morocco defence that largely had Brazil at arm's distance in the Group Stage.

There is so much beyond the football field that will be motivating both sets of players and it may end up being a tense game with little between them- one goal could be enough to separate the teams either way, but it would not be a surprise if we end up with a 1-1 scoreline and the need for at least Extra Time and perhaps Penalties to be used to find out which of the teams is playing in the Last 16 on Saturday afternoon.

Tuesday 30th June

Ivory Coast vs Norway Pick: The format for the 2026 World Cup does mean there are a couple of ties in the Last 32 which involve teams that have finished Runners Up in the Group Stage.

One of those is Ivory Coast facing Norway after the teams finished behind Germany and Brazil respectively.

Both teams have impressed during the Group Stage with only defeats against the top teams in each section, but wins over the other two teams faced.

Norway should take particular encouragement from beating Senegal 3-2, but Ivory Coast's win and performance against Ecuador is one that should be given ample amount of respect too.

There is very little between these teams, but Norway do have the extra firepower in the final third that could make the difference. You would consider Ivory Coast the stronger defensive team considering some of the chances that Norway have allowed in this tournament, but the latter have Erling Haaland putting the finishing touches to some smart attacking play and that may give them the narrow edge when all is said and done.

However, Ivory Coast are more than dangerous enough to play their part and it could end up being a fixture that finishes up 2-1 either way, and backing goals certainly feels more comfortable than trying to pick a winner. The feeling is that Norway will do enough, but if they defend as they have in the Group Stage, this Ivory Coast team is more than good enough to hurt them the other way and the expectation is for a relatively attacking contest to develop, even in a Knock Out environment that can breed tension.

France vs Sweden Pick: They came into the tournament as one of the favourites and France finished top of their Group with maximum points and ten goals scored having put at least three past each of Senegal, Iraq and Norway.

However, despite that, you could argue that France have yet to put in a full ninety minute display and that is very worrying for those that look to stop them winning a second World Cup in three runnings of the tournament.

The attacking options available to the French looked impressive on paper and those players all look to be playing with the confidence that will make them very dangerous.

It is going to take some effort from Graham Potter's Sweden to prevent France from working their way through to the Last 16 and the 5-1 loss to Netherlands is hard to ignore. They were also struggling against Japan before Anthony Elanga's cross-shot provided an equaliser for Sweden, but this is a team that will have to defend so much better to contain the France attack.

Getting the ball into the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak will be difficult for Sweden and it looks like the European nation that got into the World Cup via the Play Offs are going to have the run ended and ended emphatically.

Sweden will feel they can cause some problems if they are able to counter with clear execution, while they will be looking to exploit any tension in the French camp with the burden of pressure on their shoulders, but it feels like the Swedes will need plenty of fortune to help them past this opponent.

Ultimately France are too good in that final third to believe Sweden can contain the threat for long enough and another comfortable win for one of the favourites is expected.

Mexico vs Ecuador Pick: Goals will change games and especially in the Knock Out Rounds of any tournament, but this one between Mexico and Ecuador looks like it will be very competitive and another that may need to move through Extra Time and Penalties to determine a winner.

Ecuador needed a late goal to turn things around against Germany and win the final Group match to move through as one of the best third place teams. They had arrived in North America as a 'dark horse', but the challenge for them now is building on finding a way to get through the Group having been beaten by Ivory Coast and then failing to score against Curacao in the opening two games in that section.

This is a team that have looked pretty composed defensively, but the long-term concern is that Ecuador have perhaps not found the right system in the attacking third.

Nothing has been wrong with the chances created at this tournament, but Ecuador have perhaps lacked some quality in those areas and now they have the challenge of playing an away game in the Knock Out Stages as they are forced to travel to Mexico City for the Last 32 tie.

It is where co-hosts and Group A Winners Mexico will be waiting for Ecuador and the challenge for the home team is proving that they are better than merely a team that took advantage of a weak Group.

Mexico beat South Africa, South Korea and Czechia without conceding a goal, but all of those teams are already on the way home.

The fans will certainly give Mexico a push, but the fixture against South Korea was pretty closely contested and these two nations played out a goalless draw when they met in the Copa America two years ago.

It is hard to imagine there will be much between them in this Last 32 tie and there is a real belief that one goal could be all it takes to provide the Last 16 nation.

Picking a winner looks very tough, but it would be a surprise if this is a goal-filled contest and backing the defences to be on top for the majority of the game is the pick.

Wednesday 1st July

England vs DR Congo Pick: Functional football has helped England through to the Knock Out Rounds of the World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel is under pressure to deliver more.

Injuries to the right back position has frustrated the media and the fans, who all felt this was an issue waiting to come up, but Tuchel will only be concentrating on trying to find a way to help England into what looks a massive test when facing Mexico in the Azteca in the Last 16.

It will be a fixture that is not going to be needed to be played if England are upset on Wednesday, but that looks unlikely.

DR Congo deserve credit for getting here, but they have not defended with a lot of authority against Colombia and Portugal and England should have far too much in the final third. The defenders will be well used to facing Yoane Wissa, who has impressed, while the attacking players will see this DR Congo defence as one that can be broken down.

Of course the same could have been said about Ghana, but DR Congo have not shown the same organisation as their fellow African nation and England should have the difference makers in the final third to eventually do enough to move through with another clean sheet.

Belgium vs Senegal Pick: Both of these teams need to improve significantly if they are going to have a deep run at the World Cup, but Belgium and Senegal have shown enough attacking football to believe they could play one of the more high-scoring fixtures of the Round.

Neither defence can expect to contain the other and both Belgium and Senegal have created some big chances in the Group Stage.

The key to the outcome in this one is the composure that the attackers are able to show, but Belgium might have turned a corner in the last fixture and Senegal also produced plenty in the attacking third to believe they can win this one.

Another European vs African nation ending a 2-1 scoreline would not surprise, although the lean is that Senegal may be ready for the upset.

United States vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Pick: This is not going to be an easy game for the United States, but the Bosnia-Herzegovina team have lacked a bit of quality at the World Cup.

That has been the case at both ends of the pitch and the co-hosts should have all of the qualities needed to make sure they move through to the Last 16 without too many issues.

It should be said that United States came through a weak Group, but Bosnia-Herzegovina were clearly second best against Canada and Switzerland in their own section and can be grateful that Qatar made up the section.

Bosnia-Herzegovina did earn a draw with one of the co-hosts, Canada, but they were second best on the day and the United States have looked a different level to the northern neighbours.

It also should be said that Bosnia-Herzegovina looked a little tired at times in the Group Stage, but they will be asked to work hard from the very outset of this one and USA can move through to the Last 16 behind another good looking win.

Thursday 2nd July

Spain vs Austria Pick: The two Finalists from the 2022 World Cup have both been making the big headlines in the 2026 tournament and that may actually suit Spain a little bit.

Luis de la Fuente guided Spain to the Euro 2024 success and this has been one of the top teams on the European continent over the last three years, but the World Cup has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground more often than not. They won in 2010 in South Africa, but performances in 2014, 2018 and 2022 have been disappointing and so it is perhaps a good thing that Spain have not peaked in the Group Stage, but are warming up to the task at hand.

The level quickly increases in the Knock Out Rounds and Spain are without Nico Williams, but they should still have too much for Austria in this Last 32 tie.

Austria only just made it through after scoring with seconds remaining against Algeria, and they were pretty well beaten by Argentina in the Group Stage. Ralf Rangnick likes his team to press from the front, but that may play into Spain's hands and the absence of Christoph Baumgartner has hurt Austria in the final third.

Breaking down Spain is one challenge, but Austria will have to defend a lot better than what has been shown in this tournament if they are going to contain this attack.

Spain have only scored five goals in the Group Stage, but they have created plenty of chances and the expectation is that this experienced squad will grow as the tournament progresses. There is a potentially awkward Last 16 tie coming up, but Spain cannot think too far ahead and the style of Austria may just allow them to remind everyone that they are the current European Champions and a big threat to win a second World Cup.

Portugal vs Croatia Pick: The favourites for this Last 32 tie are Portugal and that may be simply down to the fact that the starting eleven only has one player that looks like his best is a long way behind him, while Croatia are still relying on a few more.

Croatia finished second in the Group behind England, but have not really impressed and it is does feel like a major tournament too far for some of their top names.

They narrowly edged out Panama and Ghana in wins, but Croatia have to be a lot better when taking on another top European nations having been crushed 4-2 by England. They have not defended as well as they would have hoped and this Portugal team are very capable going forward, even if they are still searching for Cristiano Ronaldo for too long and far too often.

It has made Portugal a little predictable, but they should have the majority of the ball and the fresher midfield belongs to them.

Portugal are likely to dominate the shot count and Croatia may struggle to contain them, although the former are a team that have been used to making hard work of major tournament football in recent years. In the last European Championship, Portugal drew with both Slovenia and France in Knock Out ties that went all the way to Penalties and they are perhaps too short in this Last 32 tie, even if they ultimately prevail.

It would be a significant surprise if Croatia were to win this one game inside regular time, but the value here is with the draw and a fourth Knock Out tie in this Round that does need Extra Time to find a winner.

Switzerland vs Algeria Pick: After only barely getting themselves over the line to reach the Last 32 of the World Cup, there are plenty out there who will believe that Algeria's time in the tournament will soon be coming to an end.

However, Algeria have been much better since the 3-0 opening loss to Argentina when the tactics were wrong as they allowed the World Champions to build into the game.

More familiar tactics and team selections helped Algeria beat Jordan and then draw 3-3 with Austria and that kind of level will make them dangerous.

Of course it should be noted that Switzerland topped Group B ahead of co-hosts Canada and this is a team who have got some momentum behind them having beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina before that win over one of the hosts. That means the opening draw with Qatar is behind them, but both of these teams will be slightly concerned with the defensive performances in the tournament.

There has been little wrong with the attacking side of Switzerland and Algeria and that may mean the layers are underestimating the chance of seeing at least three goals in this one.

Knock Out ties have a tendency to be more cautious, but that may be the case later in the tournament when teams are more closely matched up.

At this stage, both Switzerland and Algeria will fancy taking on the other and that could be reflected in the approach of the managers and the players and goals could follow.

Friday 3rd July

Australia vs Egypt Pick: Credit has to be given to Australia for getting out of the Group Stage, but Asian Qualifiers have disappointed in the 2026 World Cup and this is another one of those that may have reached the end of the line.

An upset over Turkiye set Australia on their way, but a functional team has struggled for goals and that is always going to be a problem.

Egypt have won a first World Cup match at this tournament and have reached the Knock Out Rounds for the first time after finishing behind Belgium in the Group.

There is talent in the forward areas that gives Egypt the edge in this Last 32 tie and they look most likely to move through to the Last 16 and can be backed to do that.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Pick: Nothing will ever erase the memories that Cape Verde have created at the 2026 World Cup and the fact is that these players will never forget having faced the European Champions and World Champions in the same tournament.

They held Spain, but Cape Verde have had to ride their luck against the Spanish and Uruguay and you have to believe that fortune will run out against Argentina.

The underdog will give it a go, but Argentina's qualities and experience should guide them through without too much drama. Lionel Messi has been making all of the headlines, but Lautaro Martinez has been plenty involved for Argentina and backing the striker to 'score or assist' in an Argentina win looks a decent price.

Even if he is replaced, the likelihood is that Julian Alvarez will come in for Martinez and this 'sub play on' option gives the selection every time of coming out on top.

Colombia vs Ghana Pick: The team managed by Carlos Queiroz have shown plenty of resilience in this tournament and Ghana can make things difficult for Colombia, even if the latter are going to have the majority of the ball.

DR Congo did their best to keep Colombia at bay, but Ghana may feel they are a bit more organised than their African rivals and that can help.

However, Colombia's attacking qualities cannot be ignored and they will put Ghana under pressure throughout this one- the team will take shots from all angles and that makes it tougher for defenders to reset and get into blocking positions.

In the win over DR Congo, Colombia had 9 shots on target and they can put up at least 6 here against a Ghana team that will be looking to hit them on the break. Ghana have been pretty solid, but they will allow shots to be taken against them, but from range, and it may allow Colombia to fill up the stat sheet in this one.

MY PICKS: Canada @ 1.83 Coral (1 Unit)

Brazil-Japan Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Germany Win to Nil @ 2.25 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Netherlands-Morocco Draw @ 3.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Ivory Coast-Norway Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

France - 1 English Handicap @ 1.75 William Hill (1 Unit)

Mexico-Ecuador Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.40 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

England Win to Nil @ 1.80 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Belgium-Senegal Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

United States - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.02 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Spain - 1 English Handicap @ 1.85 William Hill (1 Unit)

Portugal-Croatia Draw @ 3.80 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Switzerland-Algeria Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.20 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Egypt to Qualify @ 1.61 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Argentina to Win & Lautaro Martinez to Score or Assist @ 1.66 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Colombia Over 5.5 Shots on Target @ 2.20 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Last 32: 10-6, + 4.38 Units (16 Units Staked, + 27.38% Yield)

Group Stage MD 3: 11-11-1, - 1.29 Units (23 Units Staked, - 5.61% Yield)

Group Stage MD 2: 16-8, + 7.44 Units (24 Units Staked, + 31% Yield)

Group Stage MD 1: 12-12, - 0.30 Units (24 Units Staked, - 1.25% Yield)

World Cup 2026- Group Stage Match Day 2 Picks (Thursday 18th June-Tuesday 23rd June)

The World Cup began with just two games per day in the opening couple of days and there were significant gaps between the kick off times.

That has perhaps contributed to a feeling that the 2026 Finals have begun with less fanfare than usual, especially as the favourites were all going to be playing a few days after the opening fixture of the tournament.

It will be feeling much different once Match Day 2 fixtures get underway with fans now enjoying four games per day for the coming week and having a first look at some of the contenders will have some changing opinions about potential winners and dark horses.

The key for those making selections is to not overthink opening matches- teams are rarely as good or bad as they look in the first game of a tournament, but you have to expect better all around with ninety minutes under the belt and the Groups really take shape over the next six days.

In saying that, you cannot help but be impressed or disappointed by opening efforts.

Spain were one of the big disappointments, but the United States shone in the limelight and both France and England perhaps impressed amongst the favourites.

We will certainly know more about all forty-eight teams at the end of Match Day 2 and the reality is that all nations will play the middle of the three game Group Stage with every reason to believe they can still progress no matter how the opening fixtures went.

World Cup 2026- Match Day 2 Group Picks

Thursday 18th June

Czechia vs South Africa Pick: Most would say four points is almost certainly going to be enough to take a team through to the Last 32 of this 2026 World Cup Finals, but it felt like three points could be good enough as long as a negative goal difference could be avoided.

Opening defeats for both Czechia and South Africa puts these two teams in an almost 'must win' situation.

Yes, a draw would mean being alive going into the final round robin of Group A fixtures, but Czechia and South Africa will be well aware that they will be facing teams that have already won games at this tournament and so this fixture becomes most important.

Both teams conceded twice in the opening losses to South Korea and Mexico respectively, but there is little doubt that South Africa's performance was much more disappointing.

Pre-tournament concerns were that South Africa lacked something in the final third and the lack of shots and an expected goals tally lower than the likes of Curacao and Cape Verde is a massive concern considering level of opponents faced by those teams. Facing the hosts is never easy, but South Africa made things comfortable for Mexico and two players will be suspended after being sent off.

Czechia hardly impressed in the opener themselves, but they will feel this South African attack is not nearly as strong as the South Korean one, while the European nation did create a few more opportunities. Set pieces are likely going to be important again and the feeling is that Czechia will do enough to earn three points and give themselves a big chance to progress in the final game of the section.

Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Pick: The European Qualifiers have not really impressed through the opening few days of the 2026 World Cup Finals, but some of that has to be down to the Group Stage situation and what feels like a lack of early jeopardy to progress to the Knock Out Rounds.

Two of those European Qualifiers are facing off on Match Day 2 in Group B and opening draws have increased the importance of this meeting.

You have to believe it is especially important for Switzerland who produced a wasteful display against Qatar, which was punished by conceding deep into injury time in a 1-1 draw against the weakest team in the section. The overall performance will have been encouraging, but the dropped points mean Switzerland need a big result in one of the last two Group fixtures to avoid an embarrassing early exit.

Big expectations had followed Switzerland to North America and they will round out this section against Canada, one of the co-hosts who managed to fight back to earn a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The latter have continued to play with some real resilience, but Bosnia-Herzegovina will feel there is still more to come.

The point against Canada does leave them in a positive position to make it out of this Group Stage, but Bosnia-Herzegovina will know that Switzerland represents a significant challenge in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Conditions should not be too bad for these two teams and the edge here is still with Switzerland who will likely be more focused when the chances come their way. There is a fear that this squad lacks goals, but Switzerland can just ease those by finding a couple of routes to goal against a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that have been tough, but who will give up some quality looks as the pressure wears on them.

Canada vs Qatar Pick: A slow start may have had something to do with the pressure of expectation, but Canada deserved their point against Bosnia-Herzegovina and looked the more likely winner by the time the final whistle was blown.

They will feel a win will be enough to take them through to the Last 32 and this fixture likely represents the best chance to do that.

Canada will need to just make a few better decisions in the final third, but they will believe they can create chances against a Qatar team that somehow managed to cling onto the edge of the cliff in the first game and then hit Switzerland with a sucker punch.

The point on the board is already better than Qatar managed in their own World Cup in 2022 and it does give them a chance to move through with one win from the final two games likely to be enough. However, Qatar are going to have to be a lot better than they were in the opening fixture and this time they are going to be dealing with an impartial crowd that will be backing the hosts and pushing them forward for a victory.

One of the questions for Canada is whether they can score enough goals, but they should have enough chances to get on top of Qatar.

In the sole previous meeting, Canada beat Qatar weeks before the 2022 World Cup began and they can match the 2-0 scoreline from that fixture and earn three priceless points on Thursday in Vancouver.

Mexico vs South Korea Pick: They are co-hosting this time, but Mexico have twice reached the World Cup Quarter Final as single hosts in 1970 and 1986 and the current squad will be looking to do the same.

Winning the Group would mean playing all of their matches before the Quarter Final in front of a passionate home support, but Mexico are going to be challenged for that position by South Korea.

Both teams began with solid victories, but South Korea arguably impressed the most and there are plenty of fans travelling to support the team here. They are also playing in Guadalajara for a second time, while Mexico will be travelling from the Capital, and that familiarity with the conditions will make South Korea dangerous.

However, the majority of the support inside the Stadium will be with Mexico and they were pretty comfortable winners in the opening match and have continued a fine run of form.

Opening up a World Cup tournament can be difficult and Mexico were playing an opponent they would have expected to beat, but that result should have settled them down.

As well as South Korea played in the opening match, they came into this tournament under a bit of a cloud and it is Mexico who may just do enough to edge to the three points and almost certainly wrap up top spot in the section.

Friday 19th June

United States vs Australia Pick: All eyes are going to be on the fitness of Christian Pulisic after the United States opened the tournament with a crushing win over Paraguay.

Captain America is a huge influence on the squad, but the opening three points should mean Mauricio Pochettino can lean on the side of caution, even if winning the Group remains the ambition.

Players can step in for the USA in this fixture against Australia, who produced one of the upsets of the opening round robin of fixtures when beating Turkiye 2-0. Credit has to be given to Australia, but it is also a fact that Turkiye were wasteful in the final third and sloppy defensively and that allowed the underdog to spring the upset.

It is much less likely that the United States are as generous and this is a team that is capable of getting a real run going in the home World Cup Finals if they can top the section. Another win should be enough when you consider the results from the opening two matches in the Group and the United States have shown there is a real attacking intent in this squad, which could produce at least another two goals for the co-hosts on their way to another winning effort.

Scotland vs Morocco Pick: The last time Scotland played at the World Cup, they faced Brazil and Morocco in the Group Stage at the 1998 tournament played in France.

A win over Morocco in the final Group game may have been enough for Scotland to finally Qualify for the Knock Out Stages of any major international tournament, but the 0-3 defeat to Morocco coupled with Norway's win over Brazil meant both Scotland and the Moroccans were eliminated.

Third place could be good enough for a team to progress to the Last 32 in 2026 and Scotland's win over Haiti has given them a real shot.

However, they are going to have to be a lot better if they are going to earn another positive result, which should be enough the Qualify for the next Round, or Scotland will have to avoid heavy defeats in either of the remaining Group fixtures to have a chance.

A 1-0 win over Haiti is thus disappointing and now Scotland face Morocco who impressed in the 1-1 draw with Brazil and who were the first African nation to reach the Semi Final at the World Cup Finals in Qatar just shy of four years ago.

Both Brazil and Morocco looked content with a point in the final twenty minutes of the opener, but this is a different kind of test for the latter and they will feel they have the qualities needed to beat Scotland in a World Cup Finals again.

Better composure in the final third will be important, but Morocco should take real encouragement from the situations Haiti created for themselves. This Morocco team are unlikely to be as generous in the final third as the CONCACAF Qualifiers and an experienced group of players may do enough to help the team to three points and then have a real ambition to top this Group in the final round of fixtures within the section.

Brazil vs Haiti Pick: The squad looked a little functional, rather than one filled with flair, but even then, Brazil fans would have expected so much more from the team in the opening Group match at the 2026 World Cup.

A draw with Morocco is not going to be a result that ends with Brazil failing to make it through to the Knock Out Stages of the tournament, but Carlo Ancelotti will know that his team have to be a lot better in the games ahead if Brazil are going to have the kind of run that this nation always expects to have.

There is some quality at both ends of the field, but the midfield is a question mark.

However, that is unlikely to be an issue exploited by Haiti, even if the latter gave as good as they got against Scotland and were ultimately a little unfortunate to lose the game. The loss does mean a positive result is likely going to be needed if Haiti have any ambitions of making it out of the Group, but historical results against Brazil suggest it will be a test for the 2026 squad to avoid a heavy defeat.

It is unlikely to go the way Curacao's fixture against Germany played out, but Brazil should have enough quality to overwhelm Haiti and they will have ambitions of topping this Group and so goal difference could be important. Brazil have the players in the final third to secure a relatively comfortable win when all is said and done and they can find a way to cover the Asian Handicap line set for this second Group match, as long as they show a composed touch in the attacking areas.

Turkiye vs Paraguay Pick: Some of the underdogs at the World Cup Finals have struggled, which is not a big surprise, but the likes of Turkiye and Paraguay arrived with decent reputations and will be very disappointed with the opening efforts.

Heavy defeats to Australia and the United States respectively have given both Turkiye and Paraguay a lot of work to do if they are going to progress to the Last 32.

Turkiye have yet to play one of the co-hosts, which perhaps adds to the pressure on their shoulders, but they will also feel they were the better team against Australia. A similar effort should be good enough to at least pick up a win here and especially if Paraguay cannot improve markedly on their own opening efforts.

Losing to the United States is one thing, but the manner of the defeat will have really dented the Paraguay confidence and another defeat would likely spell the end of their time in the tournament after conceding four goals to the co-hosts.

The vulnerabilities shown by Paraguay can be exploited by Turkiye, who have to be more composed in the final third after the showing against Australia.

There is pressure on the shoulders of both, but perhaps a bit more on Turkiye with a tougher fixture to complete the Group Stage- that could mean Paraguay are the more comfortable if this game is still level with time ticking down, but it would be a risky approach and ultimately the feeling is that Turkiye can make amends for their lacklustre display last week.

Saturday 20th June

Netherlands vs Sweden Pick: They led twice, but Netherlands had to settle for a point against Japan, but they will be pretty comfortable with the point with two games left in this Group.

Yes, there is some pressure on the team to make sure they pick up a win in this section, but Tunisia are in disarray and Netherlands will certainly feel they are the strongest European team in this Group.

All credit has to be given to Sweden for the fact they have come through two pressurised Play Off games in March, while the 5-1 win over Tunisia puts them in a very strong position to reach the Last 32, Another point will almost guarantee Sweden a place in the next Round, but the goal difference secured in the opening victory means they could likely go through with narrow defeats in the remaining two fixtures.

No one will be thinking about that, but Sweden will also be aware that the Netherlands are unlikely to be as generous defensively as Tunisia were in the opening fixture, while this team were well short of the elite of European Football over the last twelve months. The performances in the Play Offs are encouraging, but Netherlands will feel they can contain the Swedish attacking pair and that will give them the edge in this contest.

Ronald Koeman's team were not the most convincing going forward against Japan, despite scoring twice, and Netherlands will need to improve if they are going to have a deep run.

Some of that improvement could show up in this fixture and Netherlands can secure a win in a fixture in which they score twice again.

Germany vs Ivory Coast Pick: Both teams earned victories to open this Group Stage and you have to think Germany and Ivory Coast already have one foot in the Last 32.

The Group E Winner will have a more comfortable fixture in the Last 32 with one of the third place teams next up, and you have to think that will be the target for both of these teams after the opening wins.

Germany have the edge with the goal difference, but they also conclude the Group with the tougher fixture and so there may be more onus on the European team to come forward and win this game.

Julian Nagelsmann will just be glad that his Germany team have not suffered the big disappointments of the 2018 and 2022 squads that failed to make it out of the Group Stage, but there are big expectations on his shoulders. The manager will want to see his German team show a bit more resiliency defensively against an Ivory Coast attack that has pace and real quality in the wide areas as they showed in the late winner over Ecuador.

Ivory Coast have also been pretty well organised defensively and it could be a fixture that sees both teams looking to make sure there are not the spaces to exploit on the counter.

Scoring seven in a World Cup game will definitely make some headlines, but this is a considerably tougher test for Germany and Ivory Coast have shown they can make life very difficult for opponents they will face.

The layers are expecting goals, but this may be a fixture that ends up being one where neither team will want to give too much away and just retain the current positions ahead of the final round robin of Group matches. The first goal may spark the fixture, but things could start off with the defences on top and backing fewer than three goals to be shared out looks a big price, even as the goals have begun to rack up at the 2026 Finals.

Ecuador vs Curacao Pick: It would be a big upset if Ecuador slip up against Curacao having come through the South American Qualifying campaign only behind Argentina.

Only the biggest hitters may even consider Ecuador to win this game at the very short prices, but this may not be as comfortable as it was for Germany when they faced Curacao in the opening Group fixtures.

Yes, Ecuador should win, but this is a team that scored just fourteen goals in 18 Qualifiers, while they were lacking real composure in the final third when losing to Ivory Coast. The resistance of Curacao is unlikely to be as strong as that produced by Ivory Coast, but you also have to think the underdog will be more settled after the opening thumping and they can show why they Qualified for the 2026 tournament.

While it is unlikely Curacao can contain Ecuador completely, they can certainly make things a little more difficult for the favourite than the layers may think and a narrow win for the South American nation would not be a big surprise.

Tunisia vs Japan Pick: In the historical meetings, Japan have tended to get the better of Tunisia and they are set as the favourites to beat an opponent who have to be feeling really sorry for themselves.

Self-inflicted mistakes saw Tunisia crushed 5-1 by Sweden and that led to Sabri Lamouchi being Sacked as manager with two Group matches still to play.

While the performance in the African Cup of Nations was disappointing and Tunisia had struggled in friendlies leading up to this tournament in the United States, there was still a sense of expectation that they could finally reach the Knock Out Rounds of a World Cup Finals. The extra places to the best third place finishers would have felt like an opportunity, but Tunisia's loss to Sweden leaves them in a precarious spot ahead of this fixture.

Japan fought back twice for a point against Netherlands, but they will be looking for a bit more composure in the final third and certainly more creativity.

Injuries to the likes of Kaoru Mitoma before the tournament began have hampered Japan, but they showed enough against Netherlands to believe they can create the opportunities needed against a much weaker opponent than the one already faced.

As much as Japan do miss the quality of Mitoma and a couple of others, they are usually pretty compact defensively and they largely restricted Netherlands in the opening match.

A similar approach will be expected from Japan in this one as they look for three key points in their bid to reach the Knock Out Stages yet again and backing the favourite to win with a clean sheet against a Tunisia team looking to salvage something from the tournament is the play.

Sunday 21st June

Spain vs Saudi Arabia Pick: It is hard to explain what may happen to Spain once they hear they are playing in the World Cup Finals, but this is a nation that have had a surprisingly poor time of things since winning it all in 2010 in South Africa.

Failing to beat Cape Verde may be one of the lowest points, but Spain will be grateful that Saudi Arabia held Uruguay in the other game in the Group and that means topping this section is still very much in the hands of the European Champions.

Spain will have to be much more clinical in the final third, but they created enough chances and they will also have seen the amount of chances that Uruguay created against Saudi Arabia.

Having a few more days for Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal to get up to full speed is important and Spain need those players to just give the team a more unpredictable look. Spreading the pitch will really help after Spain were a little bogged down against Cape Verde, while these two players are also more reliable when it comes to showing the composure that will be needed in the final third.

There is pressure on Spain and Saudi Arabia will be looking to make life very difficult for them.

However, there may also be one eye on the final game in the Group where a win for Saudi Arabia would almost certainly see them through to the Knock Out Rounds for the first time since the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States. If they fall behind early, key players could be rested and that could allow Spain to overwhelm the underdog and especially considering Spain are going to be a team coming out with something to prove.

Belgium vs Iran Pick: By the end of the opening fixture, Belgium felt like the more likely winners rather than Egypt, but a point apiece was probably a fair reflection of the overall game.

There is all to play for in this Group after both opening fixtures ended in draws, but Belgium are right to be favoured against an Iran team that have voiced their frustration with the amount of travel they are having to get through after being banned from staying in the United States. They feel that contributed to the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, which leaves Iran in a tough spot, and they are going to be lodging a complaint to FIFA about the situation.

The players have shown their own frustration, but Iran can still work their way out of this Group by upsetting either Belgium or Egypt and that has to be the focus.

Friendly results had been decent enough, but Iran are going to have to be better in the final third at both ends of the pitch and especially if Belgium can begin this game much like they finished the opening match.

The 'golden generation' have missed their opportunity to win a major tournament, but Belgium should still be good enough in this Group- they do need to pick up the level defensively, but the attacking players should have the qualities to help Belgium create plenty of threat against this Iran defence and the issue of getting in and out of the United States is clearly affecting preparation.

It is no surprise when you think of the time getting through customs and the limited time to get across to Los Angeles in the window provided, while conditions in this Stadium should be perfect for Belgium to take a big step into the Last 32 of the tournament.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Pick: No matter how this tournament ends, Cape Verde's squad have written their names into the history books and will always be remembered by those back home after the goalless draw with Spain in the opening fixture.

That result has given Cape Verde an opportunity to keep this Cinderella story going and moving it into the Knock Out Rounds, but the next two games will be about showing more bite.

The Blue Sharks had one or two moments getting out on the counter against Spain, but the focus was on the defensive side of the field and an influential performance from 40 year old goalkeeper Vozinha saw Cape Verde pick up a vital point.

Progress may be decided in the final Group fixture against Saudi Arabia, but in this one you have to expect Cape Verde to approach things in a similar manner as they did against Spain.

Uruguay were also held to a surprising draw when facing Saudi Arabia, but they dominated the second half and Marcelo Bielsa has something for his team to build upon.

A deep run in the tournament would be a surprise, but Uruguay can pick up from where they left off against Saudi Arabia and you have to believe they will be able to find a goal or two, even if Spain were unable to do the same.

Defensively they will have to expect more of a threat from Cape Verde, but Uruguay largely contained Saudi Arabia and they can win this one with a clean sheet.

New Zealand vs Egypt Pick: Considering some of the successful performances of some of the African Qualifiers at the World Cup Finals down the years, it is a real surprise that one of the most dominant nations on the continent have never made it into the Knock Out Rounds on this stage.

Egypt's draw with Belgium puts them in a very good position to finally break that barrier, but they will have to manage the pressure with a real sense of expectation around the team.

Performing at the same kind of level that was produced against Belgium should be good enough to get the better of New Zealand who have already achieved more than expected when earning a 2-2 draw with Iran.

It is a result that will give the squad confidence and there are one or two talented attackers that can make the difference, but New Zealand were perhaps fortunate to limit Iran to two goals and Egypt will feel they have the difference makers in the final third.

Nothing will come easy as Egypt have to overcome history as well as this opponent, but this is a team that will create chances and they should be able to match Iran's number of goals, although this in a winning effort to put four points on the board and almost guaranteed a spot in the Last 32.

Monday 22nd June

Argentina vs Austria Pick: Lionel Messi wrote another piece of history by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick and, at the same time, becoming the oldest players to do that on this stage.

An influential performance helped Argentina make a strong start to the defence of the World Cup won in Qatar, although everyone will know that bigger tests are coming up for this team.

That is unlikely to manifest in this Group and Argentina are expected to have a bit too much quality at both ends of the field for an Austria team that made harder work than expected of Jordan in the opening fixture.

Winning is all that matters, but Austria will need to be better when coming up against the stronger nations in the tournament and this could be something they learn again when facing Argentina on Monday.

Ralf Rangnick will not want his team to show they are intimidated and will urge Austria to get on the front foot, but that could leave them vulnerable and Argentina should be able to score twice in another winning effort that effectively wraps up top spot in this Group.

France vs Iraq Pick: A slow first half was replaced by a fluid second half and France made one of the big early statements of their intent at the World Cup by beating Senegal 3-1.

Topping this Group will mean France being guaranteed to be on the opposite side of the Knock Out Bracket to both Argentina and England (as long as those two nations win their own Groups), but it could come down to the final fixture against Norway.

Didier Deschamps has a huge amount of tournament experience so his focus will be on this fixture with Iraq and the French fans will be hoping for a much more convincing opening half. Playing in the heat of Philadelphia will make things difficult, but France will have noted how vulnerable Iraq looked in their opening defeat to Norway and it should be a routine win for the favourites.

Iraq did give Norway a slight scare when equalising, but they conceded again before half time and they were well beaten in the end.

With the quality France have in the attacking third, this should be another fixture in which Iraq are just overwhelmed by the talent in the opposite squad and the French can cover this Asian Handicap line.

Norway vs Senegal Pick: It might not show up in the underlying numbers, but Senegal really did not play that badly against France in the first half and had chances to take what would have been a deserved lead.

Failing to do that saw them punished and Senegal are under a bit of pressure to respond.

They cannot really afford another defeat, which would leave them scrambling for one of the best third place spots, but overcommitting would also leave Senegal vulnerable to Norway on the counter attack.

Erling Haaland made his debut in a major international tournament and continued to do what he does with two goals scored, but Norway faced a poor Iraq team and bigger tests begin on Monday against one of the top nations playing out of Africa.

Overreacting to one fixture can sometimes cloud the judgement, but the pricing for this fixture looks out of sync- Senegal played a much tougher opponent in the opening game, but they played their part, while Norway had been pegged back by Iraq before finally taking control. Inexperience of playing major international tournaments is also a factor and Senegal are very capable of avoiding a defeat.

A 1-1 draw would not be a big surprise as it would leave both teams in a position to Qualify for the Last 32 in the last round robin of fixtures, but both have enough attacking qualities to hurt the other and this could be an entertaining fixture.

Backing both teams to score makes more sense than any of the over/under markets simply because there could be a moment when the teams settle for a point apiece. If it is 1-1 with twenty minutes left after the last hydration break, a point each may not look out of place and so backing both teams to showcase attacking qualities earlier in the fixture is perhaps a more appealing play than expecting them to push all the way for the full ninety minutes.

Jordan vs Algeria Pick: It felt like Vladimir Petkovic gave away too much respect to Argentina in Algeria's opening Group fixture and the team were not able to turn things back around in that game.

It has left them in a tough spot with a minus three goal difference and with a defeat on the board, but Algeria are better than what they showed against the World Champions.

This time the key attackers are unlikely to be left on the bench until it is too late, and that should make Algeria all the more dangerous as they prepare to face Jordan in what feels like a 'loser go home' kind of fixture.

Algeria have more quality and they are much more experienced at a higher level than Jordan, but the latter have to be given credit for the heart they showed in the 3-1 loss to Austria.

Tired legs led to late mistakes and Jordan are learning at this level, while they will feel that three points are very important in the bid to reach the Last 32. That will mean avoiding big mistakes at the back, but Jordan have conceded far too many goals over the last few months in the step up to a higher level of competition in preparing for the World Cup Finals.

They may feel Algeria represent an opponent much closer to the kind they are used to playing, but Jordan will have to defend so much better to contain the threats that the African Qualifiers have amongst the starting eleven and coming off the bench.

The likelihood is that Algeria will want to put the Argentina game behind them by making a statement in this second Group fixture and they can score at least twice in a winning effort.

Tuesday 23rd June

Portugal vs Uzbekistan Pick: It feels like a favourite imploding at the World Cup Finals has been a familiar tale down the years and there has to be some concern about Portugal in the 2026 tournament.

There is plenty to like about this team, but Cristiano Ronaldo is posing a real problem for the manager and there are plenty of fans, and perhaps even team mates, who may believe Portugal are better off without on of the all-time greats.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo is not the same player he once was and the last couple of tournaments have already felt like a step too far for the attacker, which makes his appearance here in the United States that much more frustrating.

Portugal need to win this game and try and quieten the noise that has built around them and they will be confident when facing the weakest looking team in the Group.

Uzbekistan gave Colombia a bit of a scare, but they were clearly second best and in a warm up match they were under the cosh when losing to the Netherlands.

A defeat would only spell elimination if DR Congo beat Colombia, but Uzbekistan may struggle to contain Portugal with the assumption being that the latter have not completely fallen out with one another within the squad.

England vs Ghana Pick: The 4-2 win over Croatia has lifted the excitement levels back home, but Thomas Tuchel is likely going to make sure England are much more controlled in this second game in the Group.

Another victory will likely see England top the section, but Tuchel will want his defensive players to show that they are better than what was witnessed in the opening win.

Some sloppiness has to be erased, but England should be more comfortable in concluding this Group against Ghana and Panama.

Carlos Queiroz is an experienced manager and he will likely take the approach to contain England, even if his Ghana team have some quality players in the attacking third. Those struggled to impose themselves against Panama in the opening match, but a late goal has put Ghana in a decent position to progress into the Last 32 and avoiding a big defeat may be the plan.

The manager will look to frustrate England, but there is plenty of threat in Thomas Tuchel's team and the expectation is that England will find a way to win this one and add a clean sheet to really get the excitement building for the fans who have waited sixty years for a major tournament victory.

Panama vs Croatia Pick: Did the Croatia squad age overnight or was it just a bad day in the office? The answer feels like a bit of both in the opening defeat to England and the period where Croatia were amongst the elite of international football looks to be over.

They were hammered in the second half last Wednesday and Croatia are going to have to dust themselves off if they are going to avoid another Group Stage exit in a major international tournament having had that happen at Euro 2024.

It would be easy to have a huge reaction the opening defeat, but Croatia are still more than capable of getting out of this Group and that begins by getting the better of Panama.

Just when it looked like Panama would at least earn their maiden World Cup point, Ghana stunned the CONCACAF Qualifiers and it leaves Panama in a desperate spot- another defeat would mean elimination unless England have been beaten by Ghana earlier in the day, which is unlikely.

That means Panama have to dig in and find a positive result, but this is a team that has lacking experience at this level and the ruthlessness in the final third.

There will likely be moments of threat, but Croatia have to believe they can contain much of what is thrown at them, while this is a team that have enough in the final third to break down Panama.

Croatia can showcase the experience they have and that means looking to be much more secure at the back and another win to nil in this Group for one of the European nations looks the way to approach this one at a surprising price.

Colombia vs DR Congo Pick: After conceding so early, it could have been easy for DR Congo's team to panic, especially as they were playing one of the favourites to win the World Cup in the opening fixture in this Group.

Instead, DR Congo made things very difficult for Portugal and they equalised at the end of the first half and were more than deserving of the point picked up.

This gives DR Congo a real chance to progress to the Last 32, but a similar approach can be expected to this fixture as they look to make life difficult for what people would consider to be a 'superior' team.

Colombia managed to put together a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in the opening fixture, but there is a feeling there is still more to come from this team and winning this Group looks like it could open up an 'easier' path in the Knock Out Bracket. They are in command of the Group after the opening games, but Colombia will be looking to keep the pressure on Portugal ahead of what still looks like being the decider when those two teams meet in the final round robin of fixtures.

DR Congo will have something to say about that, but the feeling is that Colombia will offer a much sterner examination of the backline all around.

The underdog will offer a threat on the counter, but Colombia look very capable of scoring twice with the attackers on the field and that could be enough to secure the three points.

MY PICKS: Czechia @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Switzerland to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Canada - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.90 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Mexico @ 2.05 Bet365 (1 Unit)

United States & Over 1 Total Goals @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Morocco @ 1.80 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Brazil - 2.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.88 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Turkiye @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Netherlands to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.05 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Germany-Ivory Coast Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.20 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Ecuador to Win & Under 4 Goals @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Japan Win to Nil @ 2.37 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Spain - 2.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Belgium - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Uruguay Win to Nil @ 2.10 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Egypt to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.10 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Argentina to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

France - 2.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Norway-Senegal Both Teams to Score @ 1.75 William Hill (1 Unit)

Algeria to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Portugal - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.63 Bet365 (1 Unit)

England Win to Nil @ 1.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Croatia Win to Nil @ 2.45 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Colombia to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Group Stage MD 2: 16-8, + 7.44 Units (24 Units Staked, + 31% Yield)

Group Stage MD 1: 12-12, - 0.30 Units (24 Units Staked, - 1.25% Yield)

Euro 2020 Semi Final Picks 2021 (July 6th-7th)

We are down to the final four at the delayed Euro 2020 Finals and all four teams remaining have been one of the 'hosts' at the tournament.

I do think it has underlined the difficulty for those teams that have travelled from day one of the tournament and it may be something that gives England the edge even if all four Semi Finalists are heading to London after Quarter Final wins littered around Europe.

Hosting both Semi Finals and the Final is huge for England though and many believe 'it's coming home', although I think Italy, Spain and Denmark will all be heading into these remaining ties filled with much belief of their own.

Hopefully we have three fun matches left to watch before the attention will soon turn to the World Cup that begins in less than eighteen months time.

Tuesday 6th July

Italy vs Spain Pick: The last time Italy played at Wembley Stadium they produced their worst performance of the Euro 2020 Finals when narrowly getting past Austria having needed Extra Time to beat the underdog. They were much better in their win over Belgium in Munich, but Roberto Mancini will return to England with his players knowing they can't have another sub-par performance in London if they are going to progress to the Final of Euro 2020.

It has been a remarkable turnaround from Italy who have been courageous going forward but without losing their strong defensive identity. Belgium created chances, but Italy held firm in their Quarter Final win and they are now coming up against a Spain team who have been inconsistent in the final third.

Spain are coming back from St Petersburg where they needed Penalties to see off Switzerland, but it was another match in which loose finishing threatened to cost them. This is a team that has looked good going forward until the final shot/pass and that kind of level is not going to be good enough to beat Italy.

Luis Enrique will know that, but his Spain team are still in the tournament and surpassing most expectations by reaching the Semi Final. They have largely been in control defensively, but Spain make too many mistakes and a high pressing Italy team is likely going to be in a position to turn the ball over and cause massive problems for the Spanish.

If Italy can get Spain chasing the fixture, it could be a match in which the counter attack is hugely effective and I do think Italy are the better team.

However, Spain can play their part in the fixture with their strong attacking approach and I would not be surprised if it is similarly open as the Belgium-Italy Quarter Final was a few days ago.

The longer trip Spain have been on and the emotional match they were a part of may ultimately cost them though and I think Italy will likely win a high-scoring game.

Wednesday 7th July

England vs Denmark Pick: Both England and Denmark would have welcomed being in the weaker half of the Knock Out draw and I think both teams have played well enough in their wins over the last ten days to give themselves a lot of confidence.

England have beaten Germany and Ukraine in the last two Rounds and have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and hosting the Semi Final will surely give them a real advantage through the remainder of the tournament. Earlier on they were being criticised for a lack of goals, but England have scored 6 goals in their Knock Out wins and Harry Kane is back amongst the goals.

Gareth Southgate will be confident, but England are also under some pressure to deliver a first major international tournament since 1966.

That is a far longer wait than Denmark have had who won the 1992 European Championships and looked like real dark horses in this tournament. They have only lost 4 of their last 33 games and 3 of those came against Belgium, while the other to Finland was in extraordinary circumstances after Christian Eriksen's collapse and all of the worry that his team-mates had surrounding that moment.

It might have become a rallying moment for Denmark though and the team have won 3 games in a row while scoring 10 goals in those wins.

This isn't just a fairytale for Denmark though and I think there was a genuine feeling they could have a big tournament before a ball was kicked. A good manager and a team that is greater than the sum of its parts could not be underestimated and Denmark have played really well in the tournament to feel like they can upset the odds here.

They have done it before- it isn't that long ago since Denmark took four points from England in the Nations League, although the win at Wembley Stadium came after the hosts had been reduced to ten and then nine men. Even then it was a tight victory for Denmark and the game in Copenhagen ended goalless which suggests we could see some nervous moments when the teams clash in a much bigger situation in the Euro 2020 Semi Final on Wednesday.

While England deserve their spot as favourites and especially with Denmark travelling to London from Baku after their Quarter Final win, I do think the Danes can make things very difficult. They have the size to cope with the set pieces and Denmark have some real pace and quality in the final third which will make them dangerous.

My feeling is that both managers are going to urge a touch of caution despite the goals each team have been scoring in the Knock Out Rounds and we could see something similar to the two Nations League meetings. A single goal was scored across two matches and even that was through a Penalty and my feeling is that both England and Denmark have played well enough defensively to see at least one clean sheet produced in this Semi Final.

An early goal will change the whole picture, but I think this will be the tighter of the two to be played and backing one, or both, to fail to hit the back of the net is the play.

MY PICKS: Italy-Spain Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.37 Bet Victor (2 Units)

England-Denmark Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.72 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Quarter Final: 2-2, + 0.50 Units (8 Units Staked, + 6.25% Yield)

Last 16: 2-6, - 8.30 Units (16 Units Staked, - 51.88% Yield)

Group Stage: 21-15, + 11.96 Units (71 Units Staked, + 16.85% Yield)

Match Day 3: 9-3, + 12.40 Units (23 Units Staked, + 53.91% Yield)

Match Day 2: 5-7, - 3.54 Units (24 Units Staked, - 14.75% Yield)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)