2026 World Cup- Last 16 Knock Out Round (Saturday 4th July-Tuesday 7th July)

This is the time of any World Cup tournament when things move forward at a real pace and the Last 16 has pitted together some of the very best nations on the international stage.

With the Knock Out Bracket laid out, it does feel like France have benefited from some of the early upsets in the tournament, although they have yet to be really tested.

Spain versus Portugal looks to be the tie of the Last 16 Round, while all eyes in England are on the trip to the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night, which had been something they will have anticipated soon after the draw for the 2026 World Cup had been made.

It has been a solid tournament so far for the selections, but the challenges become tougher with teams much more evenly matched moved into the Last 16 and beyond.

Ties have been scheduled for four days beginning on Saturday, American Independence Day, and concluding with what looks to be an interesting fixture between Switzerland and Colombia on Tuesday.

This will lead to the first break of the tournament with Wednesday set for no action, but then the Quarter Final matches begin and those still involved will really be dreaming of picking up the World Cup on Sunday 19th July.

World Cup Last 16 Picks

Saturday 4th July

Canada vs Morocco Pick: At this stage of the World Cup, Canada are going to be feeling like they are playing with 'house money' having matched the ambitions that would have been set out before a ball had been kicked.

They made it out of the Group Stage and scored very late on to beat South Africa in the Last 32 and this should allow Canada to play with some freedom.

Unfortunately for them, they are also stepping up the level considerably when facing Morocco in the Last 16, although the latter did have to go through Extra Time and Penalties to see off the Netherlands in the last Round. In the hot and humid conditions of the United States, that could be a problem for Morocco, especially as that last Round fixture was played in Mexico where the intense conditions are not being managed by playing under a roof.

Morocco also played over twenty-four hours later than Canada, but they have all of the qualities needed to win this match and they are also a much more experienced squad.

The only criticism you could have of Morocco is that they do not score a lot of goals- they have begun games quite well and scored early against Brazil and Scotland, but Morocco have also shown they can maintain their belief very late on against Haiti and Netherlands. This is also a team that has defended pretty well and it is going to be very tough for Canada, although odds on quotes for a Morocco win look a touch on the short side.

However, four years ago, Morocco scored two early goals on their way to a win over Canada at the 2022 World Cup Finals and they have been the superior team in the competition. There has been a lot of determination shown by Canada and they will cause problems, which could see them manage at least nine shots against a Morocco team that can sometimes sit back and look to soak up the pressure.

A direct Canada approach can see the team in a position to try and test out their shooting boots and Canada have had at least twelve shots in every game at this tournament.

Paraguay vs France Pick: After beating one European giant in the Knock Out Rounds, Paraguay take aim at one of the favourites to win the World Cup and it would be a much bigger upset if they can take down France compared to beating Germany.

They rode their luck in that win over Germany- Paraguay almost blew the Penalty Shoot Out when in a commanding position, while an extremely controversial VAR intervention prevented Germany from taking the lead in Extra Time as the Paraguayans looked shattered.

It has been a few days of recovery for Paraguay, but this really doe feel like the end of the line.

France have been looking incredible in the final third and that threat has meant teams have been a little wary to get forward and test this vulnerable defence. That will change the longer we go into this World Cup tournament, but Paraguay may not have the energy nor the quality to really take the risks needed.

Instead they will likely set up deep and hope to frustrate the French, although that looks like it will be too great a challenge for them. The United States win over Paraguay was in the opening match of the tournament, but performances since have suggested this is a team that may have reached its ceiling in the 2026 World Cup and France should be a relatively comfortable winners when all is said and done.

Sunday 5th July

Brazil vs Norway Pick: It will be mentioned a few times in any broadcast that you may be tuning into, but Brazil have never beaten Norway and you have to wonder if that will have an impact on the way this Last 16 tie at the 2026 World Cup is played out.

There was a time when Norway would have been considered a dark horse for a major international tournament, but they have flattered to deceive and this squad is perhaps flying under the radar.

That should give them some freedom to perform, but Norway have been relying on out-scoring opponents and that has worked against the teams other than France. Wins over Iraq, Senegal and Ivory Coast have come in fixtures where Norway have scored at least twice, but a much changed team were thumped by France 4-1 in the Group Stage.

Norway will cause problems going forward- they are certainly stronger in the final third than the defensive third and this Brazil team has issues in midfield and full back areas that can be exploited. They did earn back to back clean sheets in the Group Stage against Scotland and Haiti, but Morocco were hurting Brazil and Japan really put them under early pressure before being worn down.

Carlo Ancelotti's experience makes Brazil dangerous and he has got his tactical advice and subs right at key times.

There is no doubt that Brazil have threats in the final third that will be looking forward to facing a Norway team that have conceded twice against Senegal and once each against Iraq and Ivory Coast. The latter gave as good as they got in the Last 32, but Brazil are stronger in the final third with the likes of Vini Jr and Matheus Cunha in good form.

Raphinha is back in training and could provide a boost off the bench if he is needed and the edge here is with Brazil to come through a high-scoring Last 16 tie and finally get the Norway issue off the back.

Mexico vs England Pick: The hope for those watching back home is that England are not going to be talking themselves into a mental issue about the altitude with the entire build up to this Last 16 tie focused on the conditions expected in Mexico City.

It is an away game in a World Cup and the home crowd are going to be passionate and loud, but England should feel they have the greater quality in the starting eleven and the stronger depth off the bench. This should make the difference as they bid to stop Mexico reaching the World Cup Quarter Final and matching runs in tournaments hosted in 1970 and 1986, although there has to be respect for the team in green.

Mexico have played well in the tournament, but the schedule has not been the most taxing.

They were better than South Africa, Czechia and Ecuador, but the margins were not that great, while South Korea will feel they were one goalkeeping mistake away from earning a positive result. The raw numbers suggest Mexico have made the most of their chances, but they have also been pretty effective defensively, although this England attacking unit is by far and away the best they will have faced in the tournament and perhaps for several months.

England have not been at their best so far in the tournament, but that is not a negative thing if they continue to create the better chances than their opponents and contain most of the threats. Defensive lapses of concentration have been punished, but England have bounced back to show the teeth in the final third and that can be the case in this Last 16 tie.

The key here will be to settle into the game and conditions- don't concede before the first hydration break and England can work into the fixture... If they do concede, Mexico will rely on their organisation to frustrate and work the counter attacks and so it feels the fixture can be decided that early.

There is no doubt England have the better personnel, but the challenges to overcome are all mental- this is a good 'prove it' ground for Thomas Tuchel and his team and the feeling is that they can win this one and really boost confidence in going all the way at this tournament.

It may need Extra Time before the depth of England really shines through though and backing the European nation to qualify for the Quarter Finals is the play.

Monday 6th July

Portugal vs Spain Pick: Games between these two neighbours have tended to be very competitive in recent years and that includes the 2-2 draw in the Nations League Final that was eventually won on Penalties by Portugal.

They have not looked their best at this tournament, but the familiarity with an opponent like Spain will give Portugal plenty of belief.

There is a real sense of pressure on both sets of players with this tie set for the Last 16- an exit here would be seen as a big disappointment back home and that will be something at the back of the mind of those on the pitch.

It can build a pressure and Spain will know they are likely to be tested in this fixture more than any other played at the tournament.

Luis de la Fuente's team have looked pretty good going forward, but they will be hoping Nico Williams can have a healthy conclusion to the tournament to give his team a bit more balance. Others have stepped up, but Williams can be an 'x factor' on the other side of the pitch to Lamine Yamal and makes Spain that much tougher to defend.

They will feel they were the better team when these two met in the Nations League Final last year and Spain can create the superior chances, even if Portugal have a lot of talent in the forward areas. The latter have perhaps been more clinical than Spain when chances have come up, but it still feels like the superior balance in the starting eleven is with the defending European Champions and Spain can eventually Qualify for the Quarter Final.

Backing them to do that in a match where they have at least four shots on target brings up a decent price and Spain can do just enough to get the better of their Iberian neighbours.

United States vs Belgium Pick: There is already a huge amount of controversy attached to this Last 16 tie when FIFA announced that Folarin Balogun would not have to serve a suspension after being sent off in the Last 32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. He scored for the United States, but it has been made clear that President Trump asked for Balogun to be available for selection and Gianni Infantino has rolled out the red carpet.

This is a story that is going to run and run and everyone involved is being rightly criticised having changed rules on the fly to seemingly ensure Infantino's connections are not going to be upset.

You have to feel for Belgium, who described hearing the news as wondering if it was an April Fool's Day joke, but this is an experienced group of players that battled back to beat Senegal when the game looked lost. They have to lean on that performance, while the backs against the wall motivation is going to be clear to see.

It feels inevitable that Balogun will score, but the United States have yet to be tested at this World Cup and that is not going to be the case at the end of this Last 16 tie.

Belgium will believe they can create chances against this defence and that can make up for some of the lax defending that has been produced.

Whether it is enough to progress is to be seen, but United States and Belgium could be involved in a high-scoring tie as the last of the co-hosts fight to progress.

Tuesday 7th July

Argentina vs Egypt Pick: After barely scraping past Cape Verde, the critics have been sharpening the knives about this Argentina team and wondering how far they can go into the defence of the World Cup won in Qatar in 2022.

It was a really tough Last 32 tie for Argentina who could not get themselves out of second gear for much of the contest, although rallying in Extra Time will give the team some belief.

They face another African Qualifier in the Last 16 and Argentina will be aware that Egypt are going to cause a fair few problems for them.

Egypt were not at their best in the Penalty Shoot Out win over Australia, but they do have players capable of getting forward with real quality and that should pose a problem for the World Champions. They have players like Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush who will be expecting to find some spaces and it could see Egypt produce at least eight shots in this match.

However, it would be a big surprise if they are capable of upsetting one of the favourites on the form shown in this tournament.

Argentina have yet to hit a peak performance, but will be encouraged by the amount of goals they continue to score and they can win a match where Egypt offer threat throughout.

Switzerland vs Colombia Pick: This looks to be a fascinating final tie in the Last 16 Round and it certainly feels like a match that could easily go the entire way to a Penalty Shoot Out.

There is going to be very little between Switzerland and Colombia, and both will appreciate that the other represents a really awkward test to earn a spot in the Quarter Final.

Colombia did outplay Portugal in the Group Stage, but they have been a team that have just struggled to put a composed final touch to the football being produced.

Scoring goals has been less of a concern for Switzerland, but they have not been as convincing defensively until the 2-0 win over Algeria in the Last 32 and that is perhaps why they have been set as the underdog in this one.

The first goal could end up being crucial with Colombia showing plenty of grit at the back with three clean sheets in a row and a single goal conceded in the 2026 World Cup.

An early goal could change the rhythm and tempo of this fixture, but the expectation is that neither is going to want to give anything away and that could lead to a fixture in which at least one of the teams fail to score.

MY PICKS: Canada Team Over 8.5 Shots @ 1.72 Bet365 (1 Unit)

France Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Brazil to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 2.05 Bet365 (1 Unit)

England to Qualify @ 1.72 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Spain to Qualify & Over 3.5 Shots on Target @ 1.70 Bet365 (1 Unit)

United States-Belgium Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.70 William Hill (1 Unit)

Argentina to Win & Egypt Over 7.5 Shots @ 2.50 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Switzerland-Colombia Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.91 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Last 16: 6-2, + 2.52 Units (8 Units Staked, + 31.5o% Yield)

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 3 Picks (Wednesday 24th June-Saturday 27th June)

At the time of writing this out, there are still a number of Groups that have to conclude their second round robin of fixtures, but the 2026 World Cup Knock Out Bracket is beginning to be filled in and that should bring a new excitement around this tournament.

Like with every World Cup Finals, there have been upsets and surprising teams writing themselves into global history, but the Knock Out Rounds will bring a different intensity to the tournament and teams are still jockeying for position in the Last 32.

Of course this is also a tournament where eight of the twelve third place teams will also be working the way through to the Knock Out Rounds and the consensus before the Finals began was that three points and a decent goal difference (minus two or better) would be enough to take a team through to the next Round.

However, results will always dictate what is needed and there is a growing feeling that three points may be enough as the draws continue to rack up.

Scotland fans will be very happy to hear that, but the reality is that those teams in the first six Groups are going to be a lot more uncertain as to what constitutes a good result compared with those playing in the last six Groups.

That is something FIFA may want to address in four years time when another forty-eight team World Cup is set to take place across multiple countries and continents.

World Cup 2026- Match Day 3 Group Picks

Wednesday 24th June

Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar Pick: Group B may lack a bit of quality and both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar have been big disappointments, but the opening draws against Canada and Switzerland respectively means the heavy defeats in the second games in the Group do not spell elimination.

Instead, both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar will be well aware that a win in this final Group fixture should be enough to secure one of the best third place spots in the Last 32 with four points expected to take them through.

A draw likely means both are eliminated considering the thumping defeats suffered in the middle of the Group, and that should help create an open football match, even if the quality may be lacking.

Out of the two teams, Bosnia-Herzegovina have to be given the edge on the opening two performances and general quality within the squad.

They have been second best in both matches, but Bosnia-Herzegovina gave Canada something to think about and looked like they could frustrate Switzerland with that game goalless until the 74th minute.

Eventually they were overwhelmed, but Bosnia-Herzegovina could bounce back against a Qatar team that finished the game with nine men in the 6-0 defeat to Canada. That came days after they were absolutely pummelled by Switzerland, but found a way to hang in and then hit the European nation with a sucker punch, although the number of chances Qatar continue to give up is going to make it very difficult to see them picking up the three points they need.

Bosnia-Herzegovina have to show more conviction going forward, but they do have some quality in the final third and that may just give them the edge. The likelihood is that the tournament will not go much further than the Last 32 without a very favourable path, but Bosnia-Herzogivina are expected to have enough to earn the three points needed to at least pick up one of the best third place finishes for the Knock Out Rounds.

Switzerland vs Canada Pick: Big wins in the second round robin of Group matches should mean Canada and Switzerland are both playing in the Last 32, but the top of this section is still up for grabs.

Second place will face second place in Group A, while the team finishing top will face one of the best third place finishers so there may not be much between those final places in terms of level of opponent that is expected to be faced in the Last 32.

However, motivation could be produced from keeping the momentum of the last Group games behind the teams after Switzerland won 4-1 and Canada won 6-0.

A draw suits one of the co-hosts and would mean Canada are back in Vancouver in the Last 32, but Switzerland is the best team they would have faced at the World Cup Finals.

Better composure in the final third would have meant Switzerland had maximum points, but they were wasteful against Qatar and needed 74 minutes to finally breakthrough against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Those levels will give Switzerland encouragement, but Canada are tough to beat in Vancouver and it will be a test for the higher Ranked nation.

A draw would surprise no one, but the edge has to still be with Switzerland who may also want the additional days of rest between the final Group games and the Last 32 tie- winning the Group would mean playing at the end of next week, rather than Sunday if finished second in the section.

Switzerland look a big price, but it may be best to get behind them in any 'draw no bet' market against a dangerous co-host who would love to use Vancouver as a potential fortress right through to the Quarter Final.

Morocco vs Haiti Pick: Strong first half displays have earned Morocco four points in this Group and they are now bidding to finish with another win and perhaps edge out Brazil for top spot in the section.

Seventy seconds after opening kick off, Morocco took the lead against Scotland last time out and they had early opportunities against a rattled opponent.

Morocco were hanging on at the end without giving up major chances and they can use a solid defensive base to ensure Haiti go home without a point to their name and without a goal.

Haiti have to be credited for some of the efforts in the narrow loss to Scotland, but they were well beaten by Brazil in the second of the Group fixtures and they may struggle to break down this Morocco defensive shape. The Haitians do not have the same organisation at the back as Morocco and so you have to feel the latter will find a way to break them down, although this may not be a big win for a team who have scored just twice in two matches.

Yes, this is a weaker opponent than both faced, but Morocco may have to rely on the solid defensive shape to make sure they pick up the three points and it may be asking a lot for them to score at least three goals to have a chance of covering the handicap lines set.

Scotland vs Brazil Pick: If this was a fixture being played in one of the later Groups in the section, Scotland would be much happier with knowing where they stand as they play the last fixture with three points on the board and a neutral goal difference.

Instead they have been scheduled to play in a Group which is going to be completed second out of the twelve sections involved in the World Cup Finals.

That does raise some indecision as to how Scotland should best approach the game- a draw would almost certainly be enough to progress to the Knock Out Rounds of a major international tournament for the first time, while a win would see Scotland through as one of the top two teams in the Group. However, a defeat would mean Scottish fans anxiously watch the conclusion of the Group Stage, especially as they have only scored a single goal in two matches.

Steve Clarke will want his team to approach this game as usual, but Scotland cannot afford a slow start as they produced against Morocco.

This is not a vintage Brazil team, which should encourage Scotland, but there is some quality in the final third which will make them very dangerous, even if Raphinha is set to miss this game and perhaps the remainder of the tournament.

Brazil made light work of Haiti, but still did not do enough to impress all of the fans, and they will feel that they can win this game and earn top spot in the Group. That will be the focus for this squad and a narrow win for the higher Ranked nation feels the most likely score when all is said and done in Miami.

Would Scotland accept a 1-0/2-1 defeat right now? The feeling is that they would so backing Brazil to earn three points in a relatively low-scoring game looks the right way to approach this final Group fixture.

Czechia vs Mexico Pick: After securing top spot in the Group, there is a school of thought that Mexico will choose to rotate the squad and make wholesale changes to the starting eleven.

They have six days between Group games and winning this section means Mexico are not due to play again until next Monday, another six days and that may mean the manager is going to pick a team that does not lose momentum.

Czechia will be hoping differently after being held to a draw by South Africa and that means they will likely need to win this game to have any hope of making it through to the Last 32. A draw does not do a lot for Czechia with two points unlikely to be good enough to earn one of the best third place finishing spots, but having to push forward could leave them exposed as Mexico return to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The home team have a really proud record here and Mexico have a passionate fanbase that are not going to be accepting of a sub-par effort, even if the co-hosts have secured a place in the Last 32.

All of the pressure is on Czechia to get forward, but they have struggled in the first two games of the Group against two opponents that Mexico have beaten.

In both fixtures, Czechia have given up more shots than they have allowed and they have not shown the quality in the final third that they would have hoped, which suggests their time in North America is coming to a conclusion.

Once they have to take risks, Mexico should be able to pick off Czechia and there is every chance that the home team will be able to maintain the 100% start to the tournament.

South Africa vs South Korea Pick: Both of these teams head into the final round robin of fixtures with a chance of progressing through to the Last 32, although South Korea do have more routes to achieving that compared with South Africa.

An opening win over Czechia is key for South Korea and a point would be enough to take them through behind Mexico, regardless of the result in the other fixture to be played at the same time.

However, a defeat leaves South Korea vulnerable- a win for Czechia at the same time would mean South Korea would definitely be going home, while any other result would mean South Korea are waiting to see if they are one of the best third place finishers.

The focus for South Korea has to be on earning a positive result.

Things are so much clearer for South Africa who need to win to have any hope of making it through- one point has been earned and a draw would not be expected to be good enough for South Africa considering that would also come with a minus two goal difference.

It should mean South Africa play with some freedom in the mind about to approach this, but that should also suit South Korea who will believe they can cause more problems when counter-attacking an opponent than looking to break them down.

Out of the two teams, South Korea have impressed more in this tournament and they may have the players in the final third that ultimately see them punish South Africa where Czechia failed and the Asian Qualifiers can score at least twice in a winning effort to power into the Last 32 as the Group A Runners Up.

Thursday 25th June

Curacao vs Ivory Coast Pick: They had to battle and dig in and they needed a big game from the goalkeeper, but Curacao will have made everyone back home so proud after the goalless draw with Ecuador.

Not only did they earn a maiden World Cup point, but Curacao have an opportunity to progress to the Last 32 of the 2026 tournament.

However, to do that, Curacao will have to go a little better than they did last time out and that means beating Ivory Coast in the final game in the Group. That would take Curacao up to four points and that should be enough to secure a best third place spot in the Knock Out Rounds at the very least.

Beating Ivory Coast is going to be a significant test- this is a team that needed a late goal to beat Ecuador, but who conceded very late in the 2-1 loss to Germany as Ivory Coast blew a 0-1 lead and left themselves with some work to do.

Of course, you have to believe most associated with Ivory Coast would have accepted avoiding defeat against Curacao to earn a spot in the Last 32 and that is all they need to do if they are going to finish second in this Group.

Ivory Coast do have those players in the final third that can give them the creative spark to just break down Curacao where Ecuador failed and they have impressed in the opening two performances. More will be needed to have a significant impact in the tournament, but Ivory Coast should be able to make comfortable work of this final Group fixture and they can keep Curacao from adding to the one goal scored in the tournament in a winning effort.

Ecuador vs Germany Pick: Unlike Mexico, Germany have topped a Group but are also scheduled to be in action on Sunday, which gives them a much shorter turnaround than one of the co-hosts at this World Cup Finals.

That may mean there is more reason for Julian Nagelsmann to rotate his starting eleven having overseen two wins out of two matches played thanks to an an injury time winner against Ivory Coast.

This could be good news for Ecuador who were stunningly held to a draw by Curacao last time out and who need to win this match to have any real hope of progressing to the Last 32.

A draw is not expected to be enough, but the situation may feel different for Ecuador by the time this fixture is played- three Groups will already be completed and they will have a better understanding of what is needed, although the players have to also deal with the criticism that they have faced since the goalless draw with Curacao.

One of the big concerns around Ecuador was regarding their threat in the final third and that has ultimately let them down in this tournament so far.

Credit has to be given to Ecuador for much of how they have performed defensively, and that could be key for them in this final Group fixture. At some point they may need to take risks, which could allow Germany to hurt them, but the changes in the Group Winners starting eleven are also anticipated, which could just weaken them slightly.

There could be very little between them when all is said and done and backing fewer than three goals to be shared out is the approach to take to another Germany game, although hopefully without an injury time killing goal this time around.

Japan vs Sweden Pick: Both of these teams have crushed Tunisia in the Group Stage and that already may be enough for Japan and Sweden to make it through to the Last 32 of the World Cup.

However, the difference between the nations is that Japan took a point from Netherlands, while Sweden were beaten 5-1, the exact same scoreline in their favour when facing Tunisia.

That leaves Sweden with a bit more work to do, but Japan will be keen on finishing in the top two in this Group, if only to keep the momentum of being unbeaten behind them ahead of the Knock Out Rounds. This is a section which has been paired with the one housing Brazil and Morocco, while any third place finisher may end up having to face France, who are favoured to win their own Group.

A draw would probably suit both teams, but Japan have been a bit stronger at both ends of the pitch and that may just see them edge to a victory in this fixture.

Graham Potter's Sweden will have to defend a lot better than they did against Netherlands and they cannot expect Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres to outscore opponents.

Sweden also were given a huge helping hand by Tunisia, which was not on display when facing Netherlands, and Japan may prove to be too strong for them when all is said and done.

Tunisia vs Netherlands Pick: Ronald Koeman's team showed little sign of being under pressure when crushing Sweden on Saturday and the manager may have benefited from an enforced change.

Memphis Depay was not fit enough to start and that allowed Brian Brobbey to come into the team with his two early goals pushing Netherlands on the right path for a convincing win.

They round out the Group Stage against a Tunisia team in disarray and Netherlands may still be keen on winning this section to avoid facing Brazil in the Last 32.

No one will suggest facing Morocco is 'easier' but winning the Group also comes with several more hours of recovery time, although Netherlands would have to play across the border in Mexico rather than in the United States.

Players don't tend to look too far ahead and Koeman will be demanding another strong performance against a Tunisia team that have looked well out of their depth in this tournament. The five goals conceded to Sweden were largely self-inflicted mistakes, but Tunisia were outclassed by Japan, despite a change in manager, and Netherlands have shown a real attacking threat in the win over Sweden, whilst also scoring twice against Japan.

Covering this handicap mark will not be easy with the likelihood that changes will be made in the second half if Netherlands are on course for top spot and that disruption can sometimes allow matches to peter out.

However, if Netherlands come out even close to as focused as they were on Saturday, they can put themselves in a position to secure another very comfortable victory to round out this Group Stage before heading into the expected tough Last 32 tie the Dutch will have to face.

Paraguay vs Australia Pick: Just one look at the pricing for this game and you can understand what the layers are thinking and what the public may be thinking- a draw would suit both Paraguay and Australia when it comes to almost guaranteeing a place in the Last 32.

That price is already the favourite in the win-draw-win market, but could shorten considerably come kick off with Group D being the sixth to be completed at the World Cup Finals.

By that time both teams will know the value of a point (and perhaps even a single goal margin of defeat) and that is likely going to mean Paraguay and Australia are not taking too many risks.

The USA have already secured top spot, but there does feel like finishing 2nd would represent entering a much more manageable part of the Knock Out Bracket, but it would be Australia who earn that spot by avoiding a defeat.

Paraguay may still hope to sneak above the Australians, but they are unlikely to take too many risks with the minus two goal difference ahead of this fixture- risking trying to win the game and losing would leave Paraguay in a vulnerable spot with three points and at least a minus three goal difference, but their situation may be easier to understand at kick off, rather than right now.

Draws around the Group Stage have made it feel like three points could be enough for one of the best third place finishing spots, but the quality shown by both of these teams in the tournament suggest a low-scoring game regardless. Paraguay have been surprisingly vulnerable at the back with the chances they have given up, but Australia may not exploit the issues as well as United States and Turkiye and backing this to end up being a low-scoring fixture is the pick.

Turkiye vs United States Pick: There is going to be a serious inquest on their return home after Turkiye were eliminated from the World Cup after playing just two games.

Losses to both Australia and Paraguay has left Turkiye bottom of the standings and the employment of head to head being the first tie-breaker ahead of goal difference means they cannot go through.

No goals and no points has meant this has been a really chastening experience for the Turkiye players, but they do have a chance of finishing on a high when taking on one of the co-hosts United States, who have already secured top spot in Group D.

It will likely mean Christian Pulisic is not risked, while Mauricio Pochettino may give a few of the squad players an opportunity to impress, although the manager is still going to head into this fixture with the same expectations.

He will certainly feel United States can create chances, but Turkiye have also been very good at creating chances without showing the clinical finishing to find the back of the net. Some of the chances missed against Paraguay would have baffled the fans watching on, but Turkiye can play with some freedom as they sign off on the tournament and this may end up becoming a pretty entertaining fixture.

Neither team needs to take a backwards step, and that should open up the possibilities for goals considering the chances both have created in the tournament. Turkiye's finishing has been well below par, but they may be facing a second string USA defence, which will help, while the home team are going to play with intensity and look to exploit mistakes so there should be at least three goals shared out between the teams.

Friday 26th June

Norway vs France Pick: Didier Deschamps had to return to home after his mother sadly passed away and you have to believe his French squad will be thinking about the manager in their build up to the final Group match.

Topping this section will place France in a slightly awkward part of the Knock Out Bracket, at least on current projections, but it will also ensure being kept away from the likes of Argentina, Spain and England until the Semi Final at the earliest.

If they were to finish second, that would likely place France in with Ivory Coast in the Second Round and then Brazil, England and possibly Argentina to merely make the Final.

Overthinking the Knock Out Stage would be a mistake and France are a team well versed in tournament football to know they should not be thinking too far ahead.

A draw would ensure France top this section after Norway conceded a very late goal against Senegal to win that fixture 3-2... If they had finished up at 3-1, it would have been Norway who could settle for a draw to earn top spot and you do have to wonder how much motivation there is to do that knowing they would have to push for a win.

Both teams will likely make changes and neither will want to give too much away about how they will prepare for the Last 32 ties coming up.

However, it is France who look to have the greater depth, especially in attacking areas, and they may complete a 100% record in the Group by winning a tight game against a Norway team that have achieved their biggest aim of making it out of this section.

The layers feel the same about France and backing them to win a game that features less than five total goals is the play- the superior attackers may just create a chance or two to earn the victory, especially if both teams are making changes in the final third, and France's depth may just see them edge to the three points.

Senegal vs Iraq Pick: The situation is pretty clear for both Senegal and Iraq after opening up with losses to both Norway and France in this Group and that is they need to win this final fixture and win well.

Senegal have a minus three goal difference and Iraq have a minus six goal difference so it is clear that the former have a more realistic pathway to progressing.

A win by a two goal margin would give Senegal a real chance, but even a narrow win may be enough depending on results elsewhere.

It would be a mistake to go chasing goals too quickly, even if this Iraq team have struggled with the quality in the Group, but Senegal should approach the fixture as they would usually and that should still be a level too high for the underdog to deal with. Senegal have had some behind the scenes issues, but the players still put in a pretty good attacking display against Norway and France, although the defending did leave a lot of room for improvement.

That could be a potential issue for Senegal going into the Knock Out Rounds, but this is a fixture that should be manageable and the expectation is that they will have enough in the final third to complete a pretty routine victory. Results on Wednesday and Thursday may determine how many goals Senegal need to win by, but that is something they will have to deal with on the day and this is a team that should be good enough to become the latest to beat Iraq by at least a couple of goals.

You cannot fully dismiss Iraq considering the way they were frustrating France before a major defensive mistake in the last Group match, but this is a team learning on the job at this level and that may lead to more problems at the back against a quality attacking unit.

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Pick: If you had told these two nations that beating the other would take them through to the Last 32 of the World Cup before a ball had been kicked, the expectation is that both would have very much accepted the situation.

Draws against the higher Ranked nations in the Group, and two former World Champions, have given Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia this huge opportunity.

Cape Verde have drawn with both Spain and Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia have picked up the sole point against Uruguay before a one sided loss to Spain, but four points would be enough to make it through the Group, regardless of the result in the other fixture.

That makes things clear for Saudi Arabia and they will have to get forward and test a Cape Verde team that may feel a draw could be enough to earn at least a Last 32 berth.

However, that will be a lot clearer at kick off and Cape Verde may use the momentum from the performance against Uruguay to push forward and try and hurt this Saudi Arabian defence.

Both have lacked a bit of quality in the final third, although that is partly down to the strength of the nations faced and this is a fixture that will feel much more comfortable for both squads.

It could lead to an entertaining game and a first half goal either way may force the other to come out and have to get forward and that may all point to at least three goals eventually being shared out as the two underdogs in the Group fight to make it through to the Knock Out Rounds.

Uruguay vs Spain Pick: The big win over Saudi Arabia has put Spain in command of this Group and they will be aware that a draw in this final fixture would likely be enough to secure top spot and have the benefit of avoiding facing World Champions Argentina in the Last 32.

That does not mean Spain will set out to defend what they have as that is not how the current European Champions are built.

However, Spain are not likely to send so many men forward chasing a win, especially when they know that a defeat would mean finishing behind Uruguay in this Group and perhaps having to face Argentina after all.

Uruguay's two draws have left them in a very tough position- they will likely believe that one more positive result would be enough to take them through, but Marcelo Bielsa's men have struggled with their consistency at the World Cup Finals. They have been tough to beat with 5 draws in the last 6 games played, including against England at Wembley Stadium in March, but Uruguay have been sloppy defensively and that has cost them.

You also should not ignore the fact that this game has been scheduled for Guadalajara where altitude can be an issue and especially for two teams that have been playing in Atlanta and Miami in the first two games of the Group. It may mean the managers are careful with the players and it could bring about a situation where both teams are happy to settle for a point late on if it means both achieve what they want.

Spain are right to be favoured and there is a chance that this Uruguay team have been dealing with issues in the camp considering the lack of real belief they have had under Marcelo Bielsa. There is also the potential of this being a situation where a point may not be good enough for Uruguay, but they have shown a stubbornness that could yet pay out for them and it may be worth backing the draw at the prices in a game that could potentially lack some urgency within the conditions as time ticks on.

Egypt vs Iran Pick: The school of thought seems to be that a draw would suit both of these nations in the final round robin of Group fixtures- it would give Egypt a chance of topping the section, while a third draw would do very nicely for Iran and almost certainly push them through to the Last 32.

However, there is a real feeling that winning this section would give that Group Winner a much easier path than the one that is likely going to have to be tread by those finishing second.

It should mean Egypt are playing with some motivation knowing a big win for Belgium would allow the latter to take over top spot in their place.

With four points on the board, there is less pressure on Egypt and especially having earned a first ever World Cup win in the victory over New Zealand. They have looked a little more dangerous in the final third compared with Iran, although the latter have been playing under tough conditions with the United States allowing them minimum entry into the country and with a limited amount of preparation time.

Some of those policies have been relaxed a little bit ahead of the final Group game, but Iran have still felt like they have been playing with one hand tied behind the back.

As other Groups are concluded, the draw is shortening all of the time in the pricing, but it still feels like a game in which the better team should be motivated and Egypt are the more likely winners. Would they settle for a point with twenty minutes remaining and hearing Belgium are not winning in the other match played at the same time? Yes, that is likely to be the case, but backing Egypt on any 'draw no bet' market would make most sense if the situation arises where they need to find a winning goal.

That could come into play very early if news filters through that Belgium are ahead, and the superior attacking options in the Egypt squad can make the difference in this match.

New Zealand vs Belgium Pick: At some point you do have to expect Belgium to find the finishing touch in the final third having created some very good openings in the first two matches in the Group.

Jeremy Doku is back with the squad to give them another option, while Belgium are taking on the weakest team in the section and one that was overwhelmed by Egypt in the last match.

However, all is not lost for New Zealand and an upset win would take them through to the Last 32 of the tournament- the draw would likely be enough for Belgium to make it through, but that does little for New Zealand, especially with a minus two goal difference, and that may leave the underdog exposed against a quality Belgian attack.

It has been a real surprise to see how much Belgium have struggled to put the finishing touches to the football being played, but this is an opportunity to not only turn things around, but perhaps do enough to top the Group and enter a slightly more comfortable looking part of the Knock Out Bracket.

Only a big win will do, but Belgium could do that against a New Zealand defence that has allowed 36 shots in the first two games and who have to come forward.

Covering this Asian Handicap line will be anything but easy, but Belgium may finally put it all together in the final third and, like London buses, the goals may end up flowing if they can get on top early.

Saturday 27th June

Croatia vs Ghana Pick: All eyes will be on the Groups that have been completed before this fixture takes place and it could result in a different approach, especially as far as Croatia are concerned.

Finishing second or third in this Group looks like it is going to produce similarly tough challenges in the Last 32, but Croatia may yet need a point if there are more upsets like the one South Africa produced on Wednesday.

That pushed them onto four points and there is a feeling that those sitting on three points are in for a nervy conclusion to the Group Stage.

Croatia can only guarantee to finish above South Korea and Scotland if they earn a point and the experienced squad should be capable of doing that against a Ghana team that have achieved all of what they have wanted in the Group.

A draw with England means Ghana have four points already and Carlos Queiroz is unlikely to urge his players to push forward and try and win the Group knowing they likely need to win by two more goals than England are expected to beat Panama. Instead the manager may choose to set his team up in a similar way to the meeting with England, but perhaps resting key attackers for the Last 32 and it all could result in a tight match.

The layers expect Croatia to win and it would not be a surprise if they managed to edge this one with likely more motivation to get forward.

However, this is an ageing team and it may pay off to not overwork legs ahead of what is likely to be a Last 32 tie of their own and so backing under 2.5 goals is the call, which is where a result that suits both team can be found without taxing the key contributors.

Panama vs England Pick: Eight years ago, England beat Panama 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup Finals Group Stage, but the latter have shown a lot more defiance in their two matches at the 2026 tournament.

A developing nation still has room to grow following back to back 0-1 defeats to Ghana and Croatia which has meant elimination, but Panama have flashed their potential in those defeats.

Merely scoring in this game would be considered a huge achievement, but Panama have to show better composure in the final third.

They would have been hoping to be facing an England team that have already achieved what they want from this Group, but the disappointing goalless draw with Ghana means Thomas Tuchel's men need a win to earn top spot. That would place England in the Seeded spot reserved for them in the Last 32 and it would mean avoiding having to face someone like Colombia or Portugal in the next Round and having a very awkward start to the Knock Out Football to be played.

England had chances to beat Ghana late on in the middle of the Group matches, but everyone will be demanding more intensity from the off after a tepid opening 70 minutes. They could have even conceded before those late chances were created and Tuchel may utilise the squad to give players like Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins chances from the outset.

It should still mean England have too much for Panama and the likelihood is that they will do enough to contain the threat of the underdog in a winning effort.

Colombia vs Portugal Pick: Both teams are through to the next Round after the way results have come out over the first few days of Match Day 3 of the Group Stage, but top spot is still on the line for both Colombia and Portugal.

It is Colombia who have the edge thanks to picking up maximum points, but Portugal can win and top the section and there is a reason that both teams will be chasing that position.

Instead of going into the bottom quarter of the Knock Out Bracket, which looks like it is much more comfortable until the Quarter Final, second place would be on track to face Spain in the Last 16, at least at the time of writing.

However, it is also clear that playing on the last day of the Group Stage is not ideal with the Last 32 ties beginning on Sunday and the team that does finish second is in action on Tuesday. It is something both managers could consider and this is another Group fixture that could settle down and be managed in and around the second half hydration break.

Before that both teams should attack, but the defences may feel they are in a position to repel the qualities of the other team in the attacking department. Neither Colombia nor Portugal could sit back and expect to be good enough to be comfortable, but this may be a fixture where the lookahead to the Knock Out Stages tempers some enthusiasm.

Hot conditions are expected on what is forecasted to be a humid day in Miami and even the local 730pm kick off time may not help- after a first half where both teams may play with some freedom, this could be a fixture that settles down in the second and backing under 2.5 goals is the play.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Pick: The heavy defeats to Colombia and Portugal means Uzbekistan are almost certainly going home, but they are managed by 2006 World Cup Winner Fabio Cannavaro and he will want his debutants to have something to celebrate back home.

They have scored a maiden World Cup Finals goal in the defeat to Colombia, but picking up a maiden point is the challenge facing Uzbekistan on Saturday.

It should not be dismissed how much that could mean to Uzbekistan Football for years to come, but there is clearly a lot more on the line for DR Congo who have a point from the opening two games and three points will be enough to take them through to the Last 32. Any win would push DR Congo above four teams in the best third place spots, while a big win and a big loss for Portugal may yet open up second place.

No one will be thinking about anything other than a victory and DR Congo do have some qualities in the final third that will give them a chance. However, the mindset has to be very different compared with the first two games when they were happy to sit back and allow Portugal and Colombia to attack them, and they will have to be wary of what Uzbekistan could do on the counter attack.

DR Congo would have certainly taken a position where a win over Uzbekistan would see them through to the Last 32, but this is likely going to be a nervy and tense final Group fixture. They have not yet convinced going forward, albeit against stronger opposition than the one they face last time out, while DR Congo did only score fifteen goals in 10 World Cup Qualifiers.

One goal may be all it takes, but backing the under looks the play in this fixture too with some respect afforded to Uzbekistan to be able to contain better than they have against world level attacks that Colombia and Portugal have had against them.

Algeria vs Austria Pick: I have been holding off on any prediction for this fixture until things have begun to clear up in the best third place Group situation, but it is becoming increasingly likely any loser in this fixture is going to be sent home.

That may mean the 'Disgrace of Gijon' is water under the bridge for Algeria who would have loved to eliminate Austria before a ball had been kicked.

Now you have to believe that the two teams could be set up in a way that the draw is the result that suits best- there was a situation where Austria may have thought a narrow defeat would be best to avoid Spain in the Last 32, but it is increasingly likely that three points and a negative goal difference would now mean elimination after upsets in Group A and Group E earlier in the week.

The layers are anticipating some shenanigans with the point perhaps suiting both- it is something to note that Group G is set to be concluded on Friday and that is the one that could make it clear for Algeria where they stand. They had been ahead of Paraguay thanks to the superior disciplinary record and it may mean avoiding tackles and not taking too many risks if Iran have failed to beat Egypt, which would leave them as one of four teams that could not finish above Algeria if ending up with four points too.

The Group game between Spain and Uruguay is another one that is key in that regard as long as the latter do not win, but all signs are pointing to this fixture being played in a relative lack of intensity that you would have had if only two teams were going through.

Check back on Saturday morning when a selection will be added to this page once the situation is virtually known for both teams.

Jordan vs Argentina Pick: There is all sorts of intrigue around the other game in this Group, but in this one Jordan know they are going home and World Champions Argentina have topped the section.

Expect changes from Argentina, but they are an experienced squad and should still have too much for a Jordan team who have learned plenty in their time in North America.

Jordan have nothing to lose and will come forward, but this Argentina rearguard looks like being key to the success they will have at this tournament a single goal conceded in the last nine matches played. That includes two clean sheets against Algeria and Austria and you have to believe they can contain the Jordan threat in this final game before turning attention to the Knock Out Rounds.

The underdog have scored in both Group games and that should earn them the respect of the World Champions, but Jordan have not created great openings as their inexperience has perhaps held them back. Only a single Big Chance has been created in two games, while Argentina have only allowed one against them in two games and it could mean Lionel Scaloni's team moves through behind another win and another clean sheet.

MY PICKS: Bosnia-Herzegovina - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.75 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Switzerland 0 Asian Handicap @ 1.65 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Morocco Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Brazil to Win & Under 4 Total Goals @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Mexico @ 1.95 Coral (1 Unit)

South Korea to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Ivory Coast Win to Nil @ 1.70 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Ecuador-Germany Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Japan @ 1.90 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Netherlands - 2.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Paraguay-Australia Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.30 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Turkiye-United States Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

France to Win & Under 5 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Senegal - 1 English Handicap @ 1.70 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Cape Verde-Saudi Arabia Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 William Hill (1 Unit)

Uruguay-Spain Draw @ 4.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Egypt Draw No Bet @ 1.61 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Belgium - 2.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Croatia-Ghana Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.66 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

England Win to Nil @ 1.83 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Colombia-Portugal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)

DR Congo-Uzbekistan Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Argentina Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

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 1 Picks (Thursday 11th June-Wednesday 17th June)

The 2026 World Cup has seen the run up filled with controversy over ticket prices and immigration policies, while some of the teams and referees have had to change plans after having their visas rejected.

Instead of being the World Cup that most football fans would have targeted after Russia and Qatar hosted the last two Finals, this has been a summer tournament that has done its best to put fans off from travelling.

Pricing in the way that FIFA put together was seriously flawed- there is a big interest in football/soccer in North America where the games are being hosted, but it is those travelling into the countries that are hosting that really create the party atmosphere.

After spending a few days in New York City, it is clear that the NBA Finals is the big interest... That alone is not a surprise with the Knicks chasing a first Championship in fifty-three years, but the lack of coverage of a World Cup tournament that is beginning on Thursday was a real surprise.

Perhaps things will change in the United States, but locals seem to be disinterested with the politics around the event clouding all.

Things should be plenty different in Mexico where two previous Finals have been hosted and that is where the tournament will begin on Thursday before Canada and then the United States get to open up.

Fans of some of the stronger looking nations will have to wait a couple of days until they get going, but this may be an event that becomes largely forgettable if the heat and the likely delays caused by thunderstorms make it more of a marathon for supporters to get through.

Tournament Football brings its own drama though and over the next month the plan is to make a few selections from the 2026 World Cup Finals and hopefully return a positive number.

The threads will be split up for ease of navigating for readers- that should mean separate threads for each of the three Match Days of the Group Stage before further threads for the Last 32, Last 16, Quarter Final, Semi Final and then the showpiece Final that takes place in July.

Over the days, selections will be added to the threads and the tournament numbers will be updated after each day.

World Cup 2026- Match Day 1 Group Stage Picks

Thursday 11th June

Mexico vs South Africa Pick: These two nations opened up the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa and had to settle for a 1-1 draw, but this time it is Mexico who have the honour to open up the 2026 Finals co-hosted by three nations.

There is a huge amount of pressure on this Mexico team who will be well aware that the last two times they have hosted the World Cup Finals have ended in Quarter Final defeats. Between 1994 and 2018, Mexico competed at every tournament and all ended in defeat in the first Knock Out Rounds, but 2022 was a big disappointment as Mexico finished behind Argentina and Poland and were eliminated in the Group Stage.

Winning Group A will mean not having to leave the host nation until the latter stages of the competition and would also mean having a few more days of rest before the Last 32 tie and Mexico are favourites to do that.

They are unbeaten in 8 games and have won 6 of those and hosting should be a big advantage.

South Africa return for a World Cup Finals via the Qualifiers for the first time in over twenty years and there is a bit of inexperience around this squad that suggests the Group Stage is about as far as they can go.

Edging out Nigeria to earn a spot in North America deserves plenty of credit, but South Africa lost 2 of 4 games played at the African Cup of Nations and the recent form in friendly matches is not going to be inspiring a lot of confidence.

Opening fixtures in recent World Cup tournaments have featured plenty of goals and Mexico may have enough to secure a victory in a fixture providing at least two in their own favour. The conditions look like they will be decent enough for the players and Mexico can begin this 2026 World Cup Finals with a solid victory against what looks to be the weakest team in Group A.

South Korea vs Czechia Pick: The mathematicians suggest three points could be enough to earn a spot in the Last 32 of the World Cup as long as you have a neutral goal difference.

Four points will almost certainly be enough and that should mean South Korea and Czechia play with some trepidation believing they could earn the win against South Africa to move through.

With that said, both teams will be looking for a positive start, but a draw could be considered that and so a low-scoring contest is expected.

Czechia came through a couple of World Cup Play Off matches on Penalties in March, but they are usually a pretty compact team and that will make them dangerous. They will not want to give much away, but can be a threat from set pieces, while this South Korea team is not of vintage stock.

Coming through a weak Qualifying Group ahead of Jordan and Iraq suggests South Korea could be undercooked, while the friendly performances have been erratic since booking a spot in the Finals.

Whoever can best impose their style on the other will win- South Korea are likely to be a bit more fluent in the attacking area, but Czechia are a big, strong team that will exploit set pieces.

The draw looks a real runner, but the edge here may slightly fall in favour of the European underdogs when all is said and done and the first goal will likely be crucial to the final outcome.

Friday 12th June

Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Pick: Two previous appearances in World Cup Finals have resulted in six games played and six games lost, including four years ago in Qatar when expectations were perhaps greater than they should have been.

However, in 2026, Canada are one of the co-hosts and they should be able pick up their first World Cup points during this Group considering the opposition that they have been placed with.

That is not to say they deserve to be short favourites to win any game, even if Canada are at home.

Over the last several months, Canada have won just 3 of 9 matches played and only one of those has been against a team that will be competing at the 2026 World Cup Finals. Quarter Final defeats at the last two Gold Cups and a Semi Final defeat in the last Nations League suggests Canada still have room for improvement, even with a squad that has some talent littered amongst it.

The home fans will give Canada a push, but they look short to beat a Bosnia-Herzegovina team that are plenty experienced and one that beat Wales and Italy on Penalties to earn a spot at the World Cup Finals.

Bosnia-Herzegovina have missed out on major tournaments since Qualifying for the 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil where they were beaten in the Group Stage, although after picking up a single win. They will approach this opening fixture feeling like any positive result would give them a very good chance of progressing with a fixture against Qatar to round out the section, while Bosnia-Herzegovina are resilient at the back and that will be important throughout the Group Stage.

A couple of lacklustre performances in friendly games over the last few weeks will be a concern, but Bosnia-Herzegovina certainly look capable of avoiding a defeat against a host who are carrying bigger expectations.

USA vs Paraguay Pick: Back in 1994, the United States hosted the World Cup with the belief it could start an explosion of interest in the sport.

Competing against the MLB, NBA and NFL established sports has proven too difficult, although there is a bigger football fanbase in 2026 compared with 1994.

The United States made it out of the Group Stage in 1994, but 1990 and 1998 ended in early exits- it was in 2002 when the USA reached the Quarter Final that it felt like a real progress had been made, but they missed out entirely in 2018.

Three of the last four World Cup appearances have ended with Second Round defeats, but the United States are under a different kind of pressure in 2026 and they have been placed in what could be an awkward section if unable to make a  positive start.

Mauricio Pochettino will know that this opening fixture is going to be a difficult one against a Paraguay team that Qualified thanks to a resilient defensive formation.

Paraguay are back in the World Cup since reaching the Quarter Final in 2010, but a Group Stage exit in the Copa America hosted by the United States in 2024 will have been a big disappointment. They were the last of the South American teams to earn a direct spot in the World Cup Finals and the lack of threat in the final third could end up proving to be too difficult to overcome.

3 wins in the last 4 friendly games will give Paraguay confidence, but the likelihood is that they will sit back and try and frustrate the host before countering. That makes them dangerous, but the United States should be able to use the home crowd to push them forward and edge to an important three points to just give the nation a lift around these World Cup Finals.

Saturday 13th June

Qatar vs Switzerland Pick: A little under four years ago, Qatar hosted the World Cup and there were some genuine thoughts that the nation could compete and avoid joining South Africa as a host failing to make it out of the Group Stage.

Instead it was a really difficult experience for Qatar who lost all three games and looked way below the quality that would be needed at this level.

Credit has to be given to Qatar for making it back to the World Cup Finals, but they are once again expected to struggle.

Qatar finished way below Iran and Uzbekistan in the Third Round of Qualifiers, but edged out the UAE in the Fourth Round, and this is a team that looks like it may struggle for goals.

Opening up against Switzerland is going to be challenging with this squad looking like it has the potential to produce the best performance at a World Cup Finals since hosting in 1954 which ended in a Quarter Final defeat. More recent times has seen Switzerland beaten in three consecutive Second Round ties, but Switzerland reached the last eight in each of the last two runnings of the European Championship.

Switzerland have only won 1 of the last 5 games in all competitions, but this is a team that does not concede a lot of goals and they can open up with a victory behind another solid defensive performance.

Brazil vs Morocco Pick: The decision to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as the national manager will have been controversial and Brazil's Football Association will only be able to justify it if the team can win the World Cup for the first time in twenty-four years.

Despite the history of this national team, Brazil have only reached the Semi Final once since last lifting the World Cup in 2002 and that was when hosting the tournament in 2014, although one that will only be remembered for the manner of their Semi Final capitulation against Germany.

Quarter Final defeats in 2018 and 2022 will have stung, while Brazil were beaten in the Quarter Final at the last Copa America hosted in the United States in 2024.

Brazil finished 10 points behind Argentina in Qualifying and this is a squad that has some strengths, but may struggle to retain the ball in what are going to be testing conditions.

Making a fast start will be important to just build up some confidence and momentum and Brazil have won the last 3 friendly games against nations that will be competing here this summer.

However, first up in this Group Stage is a match against Morocco, who became the first African team to reach the World Cup Semi Final in 2022.

A quality team won the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, although Morocco were awarded the title when Senegal were controversially adjudged to have forfeited days after the Final had been completed. Despite that, Morocco will be happy with what they produced in a tournament hosted in their own nation, while they also made short work of Qualifying.

Morocco are enjoying a long unbeaten run, which deserves respect, and they have plenty of experience which should see them progress to the Knock Out Rounds again.

They will certainly test Brazil, but the expectation is that the South American giants will find a way with the attacking quality to come through what may be the most competitive fixture to date.

Haiti vs Scotland Pick: Steve Clarke has guided Scotland back to the World Cup Finals for the first time in almost thirty years, but this is a nation that has yet to find a way through the Group Stages of any major international tournament.

Two years ago, Scotland finished bottom of the Euro 2024 Group containing Hungary, Germany and Switzerland and they failed to earn a win, but the extra places on offer at this World Cup to find a way into the Knock Out Rounds gives the Scots a real opportunity.

There will be pressure though- failing to win this opener would mean having to likely beat one of the top two teams in the Group and so Scotland have to come out with intensity, even if Scott McTominay is not fit to begin.

Two very good international friendly wins will give them confidence and Scotland do benefit from opening the tournament against one of the weaker teams involved.

Haiti crushed New Zealand 4-0 in the build up to the Finals starting, but a 2-1 loss to Peru and a 1-0 defeat to Tunisia since Qualifying suggests just being here is a big achievement.

Having nothing to lose could make Haiti dangerous, especially for a Scotland team who will know the importance of winning this fixture. Some players have decided they are willing to represent Haiti in the World Cup Finals who have enough experience and quality to hurt Scotland, but the latter may do just enough to edge this one in what is going to be late night viewing for those tuning in back home.

Australia vs Turkiye Pick: The last time Turkiye Qualified for the World Cup Finals became a memorable time for supporters of the national team as they reached the Semi Final in Japan/South Korea in 2002.

A Quarter Final run at the last European Championships raised expectations around the current Turkiye team and they beat Romania and Kosovo in World Cup Play Off matches in March to earn their return. Turkiye were forced into that route after finishing behind Spain in the World Cup Qualifying Group, but they were beaten just once in that section against the current European Champions.

Turkiye are unbeaten in 8 games in all competitions and have won 7 of those since losing to Spain at home and that includes a 2-2 draw when visiting the latter later in that World Cup Qualifying Group.

Quality in the final third makes Turkiye dangerous and they have all they need to make it out of this section as Group Winners as long as they don't make self-inflicted mistakes at the back.

Opening up against Australia gives Turkiye a strong opportunity to get on track in this section with a victory.

After three consecutive Group Stage exits, Australia did manage to climb out of the Group Stage in Qatar, but the current squad are going to have to battle to do the same, even if with the extra eight places afforded to those finishing third in their section.

Australia did comfortably finish above Saudi Arabia in Qualifying, but they look like a team that is going to be more functional than fluid and strong defensive performances will be key in helping them out of this Group. A bit more quality will need to be found in the final third, but Australia's game plan in the opener has to be to frustrate Turkiye and try and exploit set pieces.

This could be successful, but Turkiye are expected to show their quality and the experience that was picked up through Qualifying and recent performances at Euro 2024 and the Nations League.

Sunday 14th June

Germany vs Curacao Pick: There have been some serious signs that the Germany national team is improving over the last couple of years, but some have criticised the decisions made to put together this squad ahead of the World Cup Finals.

There is pressure on this squad- Germany have failed to make it out of the Group Stage in either of the last two World Cup Finals since winning the tournament in 2014 in Brazil.

Germany have been in solid form in the build up to the tournament and it would be a huge surprise if they are not able to make a strong start against a surprising Qualifier in Curacao.

The latter are still a developing nation and this could be a bit of a lesson as to how far they have to travel to become a regular in the World Cup Finals when taking on some of the quality nations in this Group.

Big defeats in recent international friendly games is a real concern, while Germany will want to put a strong result on the board to open to ensure they are not suffering another very disappointing Group Stage exit on the biggest stage.

Netherlands vs Japan Pick: When Japan picked up a deserved international friendly win at Wembley Stadium in March, many would have circled the team and placed them on the 'Dark Horse' list ahead of the World Cup Finals.

Credit has to be given to this nation for the regularity in which they have forced their way out of the Group Stage and four years ago they helped eliminate Germany by Qualifying alongside Spain.

However, Japan have not had a lot of fortune in the injury department and the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino were ruled out before the squad was finalised. Wataru Endo is the latest to pick up an injury that has meant leaving the squad too and those hurt Japan and their hopes of finally reaching the latter stages of the World Cup.

There is still pace and tenacity about this team, which will make them dangerous, and Japan are expecting to still have the quality to find a way out of this Group.

Getting the toughest team out of the way in the opener will help, but Japan may be playing catch up if the Netherlands can put together a performance that will remind everyone why so many are pretty high on their chances over the next month.

The reasoning for that is the Netherlands losing on Penalties to Argentina in the World Cup Quarter Final in 2022 and then conceding in the last minute to lose to England in the Euro 2024 Semi Final.

Ronald Koeman's team have a decent defensive unit and a midfield that can keep the ball in the conditions, but much will depend on whether Netherlands can score enough goals against the elite competition in the business end of the tournament.

The opener against Japan will tell us plenty about the Netherlands and it feels like they may have just enough about them to get off to a winning start. Nothing will come easy against Japan, but some key players missing out has shifted the edge to the Group favourites and Netherlands may just edge it behind a set piece.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador Pick: There is plenty to like about these two nations at this 2026 World Cup and neither Ivory Coast nor Ecuador are going to be an easy out.

Both are pretty resilient at the back, but it is Ivory Coast who perhaps have the edge in the attacking third, although breaking down this Ecuador back line is going to be incredibly challenging.

The South American nation finished second in Qualifying behind Argentina and that was largely thanks to a very good defensive unit, although they are perhaps still needing to find a bit more in the final third.

At the last World Cup, Ecuador were beaten by Senegal in the Group Stage and that saw them eliminated, but they earned 4 points and reaching that tally should be enough for a spot in the Last 32.

Both teams will have that in mind and a point here may not feel like a bad result with a fixture against Curacao to come.

Impressive results in the lead up to the World Cup Finals means there will be a lot of confidence in both camps and it would not be a big surprise if they end up cancelling one another out.

The layers feel the same with an incredibly short price on under 2.5 goals and even backing one of the teams to fail to score is a very short price.

You could perhaps play the 'No Goalscorer', but that is the 'favourite' in the First Goalscorer market and it is a fixture that feels like a draw will end up being the outcome, which would suit Ivory Coast and Ecuador in terms of Qualification.

Goals are likely to be at a premium and it could come down to one piece of magic to decide the outcome of this opening fixture for these two nations.

Sweden vs Tunisia Pick: The European nation are going to feel a little fortunate to be playing at the World Cup considering how poorly they performed in the Qualifying Group, while the African Qualifiers are trying to find a way into the Knock Out Rounds for the first time.

Sweden earned a reprieve having won a Nations League Group and that meant an automatic spot in the World Cup Play Offs, even after finishing with 2 points from a possible 18 from the World Cup Qualifying Group.

Graham Potter was tasked with helping Sweden and wins over Ukraine and Poland have helped them return to the World Cup having reached the Quarter Final in 2018. Avoiding missing out for a fourth time in five Finals will have been a boost for Sweden, but they are under pressure to make a strong start in their bid to progress into the Knock Out Rounds.

Qualifying was much more impressive from Tunisia, but they are being guided by a new manager and have suffered a disappointing early exit in the African Cup of Nations. International friendly performances have been really disappointing and Tunisia are a team that struggle to create quality chances.

The defensive shape will give them a chance, but Sweden have two strong strikers in Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak who will be the key to any successes this team can have.

That firepower looks like it could be the difference between these two teams and Sweden look capable of finding at least one goal, which is all it make take for the important three points to be placed on the board.

Monday 15th June

Spain vs Cape Verde Pick: The conditions may dictate how much teams are willing to push forward in search of goals, but a team like Spain should be pretty comfortable with the amount of possession they are expected to have throughout their time in the United States.

They have plenty of experience compared with Cape Verde, one of the debutants, and Spain are expected to control the ball and use the depth of the squad from the bench to make sure they avoid any upsets.

Since 2010, the Spanish World Cup record has been really disappointing, but they are one of the favourites in North America and you can imagine they are motivated to make an early statement.

Cape Verde deserve their spot in the tournament Finals and they should be respected, but they were well beaten by Cameroon in the away World Cup Qualifier and Spain's possession and quality in the final third could see them put a gloss on the final scoreline when all is said and done in this opening Group H match.

Belgium vs Egypt Pick: This feels like a fixture that would have been featuring much stronger teams if it was played at the last World Cup, or perhaps the one before, but Belgium and Egypt know key players are in the back end of their careers.

Transitions are tough when the likes of Belgium's 'golden generation' and Egypt's Mo Salah have had better days and neither of these nations is expected to have a deep impact in North America this summer.

However, the Group draw has given both a real opportunity to progress from the Group Stage and Belgium are deserving favourites to open up.

There is still a good look to the midfield and attacking options, but Romelu Lukaku's fitness is a concern and the defence is perhaps not as strong as it once was. That should still be enough to edge past an Egypt team that have been lions when it comes to African Cup of Nations Football, but lambs in World Cup Qualifiers having only made one Finals since 1990.

Recent friendly performances will give Egypt encouragement, but Belgium should have enough quality to win what could be a relatively low-scoring fixture.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Pick: The expectation is that Spain will be too strong in this Group, but there are some challenges to overcome to follow them out of the section either as the second place team or potentially third place.

Uruguay are rightly going to arrive in the United States as second favourites in the Group, but this is a team that are not quite as strong as those that travelled between 2010 and 2018.

In 2022 they failed to move out of the Group Stage when finishing behind Portugal and South Korea and Marcelo Bielsa's style could be hard to implement in the conditions.

Attacking options look a little basic and Saudi Arabia can make things very difficult for Uruguay, much as they did in a 1-0 defeat in the 2018 World Cup Group Stage.

However, Saudi Arabia may need more in the forward areas to break down this Uruguay team and matching the upset of Argentina in the 2022 World Cup is going to be very tough.

The las time the United States hosted the World Cup, Saudi Arabia did find a way through to the Knock Out Rounds, but they have failed to do that since.

Both teams have lacked goals and this could end up being a tight, competitive fixture that has the outcome determined by a single strike.

Iran vs New Zealand Pick: You cannot ignore all of the political tensions around Iran and the World Cup being hosted by the United States and that has made things very difficult for a squad looking to reach the Knock Out Rounds for the first time.

Instead of being based in the United States as planned, Iran will be in Mexico and given twenty-four hours to travel into the USA for the three Group games to be played.

It is a big country and that is far from ideal, but it could serve as motivation for an experienced squad.

They have won at least one World Cup fixture in each of the last two Finals played and that may be enough to see them out of this Group and into the Knock Outs for the first time. Iran are pretty well balanced and they have a reliable goalscorer in Mehdi Taremi, which could be key in getting out of this 'weak' Group.

Facing New Zealand in the opener gives Iran every chance to begin with a win, although the All Whites need to be respected.

Yes, they come out of a weak Confederation and one that Australia had to depart to find stronger competition to aid them in their development.

However, New Zealand have shown they can be resilient and you can imagine they sit back and look to exploit set pieces and counter attacks to try and hurt Iran. They can have some success with Chris Wood a danger man, but Iran's experience and extra quality can eventually see them pick up three points before travelling back out of the United States.

Tuesday 16th June

France vs Senegal Pick: There does feel like a lack of jeopardy at this stage of the World Cup Finals and especially for some of the stronger nations involved in the tournament.

Some of the early Group matches have lacked a bit of 'star power', but the France opener against Senegal leapt off the page as one of the standout matches of Match Day 1 of the Group Stage.

Twenty-four years ago, Senegal stunned then defending World Champions France with a 1-0 win in the Group Stage and they reached the Quarter Final of the tournament, but the nation did not return until 2018. The last two World Cup Finals showings have ended in disappointment for Senegal, but they will feel they are the strongest of the African Qualifiers having won the African Cup of Nations on the field, but later having it stripped from them.

There is quality in this Senegal squad, but they will find out very early as to what kind of capabilities they have at this tournament when opening up against one of the favourites.

France have reached the World Cup Final in 2018 and 2022 and they were a Penalty Shoot Out success away from defending the crown in Qatar having beaten Croatia to win it all in 2018.

Didier Deschamps is leaving at the end of the World Cup, but he brings another very talented squad to the Finals and France will be expected to have a very deep run.

Nothing is wrong with the attacking options, but the defence and midfield is perhaps not quite as strong and France will be tested- they have been in strong form over the last year since losing to Spain in an epic Nations League Semi Final, but Senegal will take encouragement from seeing Ivory Coast beat the French in a friendly game played earlier in the month.

At this stage of the tournament, neither team will be thinking about anything other than Qualifying and it could make for a competitive contest. However, like the Brazil vs Morocco game, there is a chance that both teams would settle for what they have if the game is tied with twenty minutes left, especially as both France and Senegal may consider the other as the big threat in this section.

You would always expect a Deschamps coached team to be well set up defensively, but France have struggled for recent clean sheets and this Senegal team have enough in the final third to hurt them. At the same time, Senegal's own defence is likely to be tested like they have not been in some time at competitive level and backing both teams to score is a surprising price.

Iraq vs Norway Pick: While the two nations considered the strongest in this Group face one another, Norway return to the major international tournament stage with a decent looking squad that can cause one or two upsets.

English Premier League based Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland are the stand out names and Norway can give themselves a very solid platform to progress to the Last 32 by beating Iraq in this opening fixture.

While Norway made short work if Qualifying and continue to grow in Europe, Iraq had to fight through a number of Asian Qualifying Rounds and then ultimately upset Bolivia in the inter-Confederation Playoff to return to the World Cup Finals in forty years.

They have already achieved all they set out to do by competing in North America, but Iraq have a big gap to bridge to Norway, France and Senegal within this section and even earning a point would be considered a huge achievement.

An international friendly draw with Spain earlier this month will give Iraq massive encouragement, but it was not the main Spanish first eleven and the underdog needed to hang on considerably.

That looks tougher to do in this opener and Norway made short work of the weaker opponents faced in Qualifying to believe they win pretty comfortably on Tuesday.

Argentina vs Algeria Pick: The World Champions arrive in 2026 as one of the favourites thanks to a squad that is filled with experience and also one that has a number of important players approaching their prime.

Lionel Messi may be finishing up his international career and is not the player he was when leading Argentina to success in 2022, but the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez are much more experienced now.

There is a really nice balance to the squad with some up and coming talented attacking players set to make a name for themselves, while Argentina continue to be very strong at the back and that makes them dangerous.

It looks like they have been placed in a Group they should manage, although Argentina fans will not have forgotten losing to Saudi Arabia in the opening Group fixture at the last World Cup.

Argentina continue to be resilient at the back and they will feel that gives them an edge over all three Group opponents beginning with Algeria.

One of the African Qualifiers, Algeria have some experience in the dugout and on the field, while they made short work of Qualification for the 2026 World Cup Finals.

However, the African Cup of Nations performance earlier in the season which saw Algeria fail to score in normal time in both Knock Out ties against DR Congo and Nigeria are a concern and there is a feeling that they need more in the final third. It should be more comfortable facing Austria and Jordan, but Argentina are a different kind of test and the expectation is that the defending World Champion can get off to a solid start in this Group J opener.

Austria vs Jordan Pick: The big question for Austria in their return to the World Cup Finals is whether Ralf Rangnick's high-press tactics will be able to work in what can be very hot conditions in North America at this time of the year.

His squad has experience, but Austria will miss Christoph Baumgartner after his strong showing in Euro 2024.

There is still enough in this Austria side to find a way out of this section, even if they have to face the World Champions in the middle of the three Group games.

That does make it more important to start off on the front foot against Jordan, who are a debutant at the World Cup Finals and who look like one of the weaker nations that have earned a spot in the expanded forty-eight team tournament.

Jordan have already achieved what they would have set out to do when earning a spot in North America, but this is a big step up compared with the teams beaten in Qualification from a Group containing Iraq and Oman as the big threats after South Korea got away.

Inexperience could be costly and the time of this fixture may just allow Austria to perform at a more usual level.

Opening World Cup fixtures can be cagey, but we have seen the likes of the United States and Sweden earn big wins against opponents who have perhaps struggled with the step up. That could be the case for Jordan, although they may avoid the kind of blowout defeats suffered by Paraguay and Tunisia.

The key will be avoiding mistakes, but Austria should have the majority of the ball and they can use that to earn a win by a couple of goals that will put them in a strong position to Qualify for the Knock Out Stages.

Wednesday 17th June

Portugal vs DR Congo Pick: Roberto Martinez may have taken Belgium to the World Cup Semi Final in 2018, but people will look back at his time in charge of that 'golden generation' as one of underachievement.

After being Sacked by the Belgian Football Association, it was a real surprise to see Martinez take over as manager of Portugal, another extremely talented team with big expectations.

Despite the options available, Portugal reached the Quarter Final at Euro 2024 having played out back to back goalless draws in Knock Out ties and winning one Penalty Shoot Out, but then losing the other. Last year they did win the Nations League, which will have given the team confidence and Portugal made relatively easy work in Qualification for the World Cup Finals so the expectations will have perhaps increased as Cristiano Ronaldo takes one more shot at trying to win this tournament.

Portugal should be good enough to beat DR Congo in the opener after the latter Qualified through the inter-Confederation Play Offs.

DR Congo have some quality players within the squad and may yet make it through to the Last 32, but they could struggle to break down this Portugal rearguard.

Ultimately they are a team that will be looking to make life very difficult for opponents, but Portugal should have enough quality in attacking areas, either from the start or off the bench, and that may see them edge past this opponent with a clean sheet.

England vs Croatia Pick: World Cup fever will finally hit England, who were placed in the final Group and so begin the campaign in the last of the Match Day 1 Group Stage fixtures.

There is so much expectation on the shoulders of this England team and the manager Thomas Tuchel will need a strong run to justify some of the squad decisions made.

It would take a monster upset for England to be eliminated in the Group Stage, but England will be looking to win the section and thus avoid ending up in a Bracket that could feature a number of the favourites. Winning the Group will be the expectation, even if England have to deal with a Croatia who have reached the World Cup Final in 2018 and Semi Final in 2022, which is better than the runs England have produced in the same tournaments.

Two years ago Croatia really disappointed in the Euro 2024 tournament though and this is an ageing team that have struggled to find the quality of players to ease the transition from some legendary players.

Croatia have tended to save their best for the World Cup Finals and the experience within the squad and the ball-retention qualities means they should be able to reach the Knock Out Stages.

Both teams will see the other as the biggest test in the section, and that may end up being displayed on the pitch with the respect England and Croatia will have for the other.

Recent games between the nations have tended to be competitive and the last two major tournament meetings have ended in a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 England win in regulation time (Croatia won the former in the 2018 World Cup Semi Final in Extra Time).

Potentially hot conditions could see the tempo slowing down at various times in the match and both England and Croatia will feel they have sound defensive principles that will make things very difficult for the other.

It feels the most likely result is a narrow England win thanks to the slightly stronger options in the attacking third, but goals could be at a premium in this fixture that looks like it could be very competitive.

Ghana vs Panama Pick: With games against England and Croatia to come, the two other nations making up this World Cup Group will know that they 'must' start with a victory if they are going to have any ambitions of making it through to the Knock Out Rounds.

Ghana and Panama will both arrive with some confidence, although the former are under new management having struggled with the international friendly matches after Qualifying for the World Cup Finals.

Despite that, Ghana have some quality in the final third and they looked more competitive in the friendly games played under experienced Carlos Queiroz, who can guide them to an opening success.

Credit has to be given to Panama for returning to the World Cup Finals and for the results achieved over the last couple of years, but the standard of opponents is up for debate. The Confederation is hosting the World Cup Finals, which opened the door for others to come through a Qualifying campaign that did not have Canada, Mexico and United States involved, although Panama are probably 'best of the rest'.

The familiarity with the conditions in North America will help, but Antoine Semenyo provides the sprinkle of magic dust that could make the difference for Ghana in this fixture.

Panama have been pretty stubborn to break down, but you have to believe they are aware that a point may not be enough and any spaces left behind could be exploited by Ghana on their way to three priceless points.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia Pick: The last fixture of Match Day 1 of the Group Stage is played in Group K when debutants Uzbekistan take on Colombia and it does feel like the Asian Qualifiers could find the step up a little too difficult.

Since Qualifying, Uzbekistan have taken on a mixed of opponents and defeats to the likes of Uruguay, Canada and Netherlands suggests they will find it tough against the top two nations in this Group.

Credit has to be given to the players for avoiding heavy defeats though and Uzbekistan should be well drilled when they face a Colombia side looking to finally make a significant impact at the World Cup Finals.

Colombia did reach the Quarter Final in 2014, but a Last 16 defeat in 2018 was followed by failing to even reach Qatar and they will arrive in the United States with some bigger expectations to meet.

They won both friendly games this month, but defeats to Croatia and France in March suggests there will be a ceiling to what can be achieved by the Colombians.

However, that may not be seen in this Group and Colombia should have enough resilience to contain the Uzbekistan attack, but also the kind of quality in the final third to eventually break them down.

Nothing will come easy against an opponent who should be excited to be playing on this World Cup stage, but Colombia's quality should eventually prevail.

MY PICKS: Mexico to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 1.75 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Czechia Draw No Bet @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

Bosnia-Herzegovina + 0.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

USA @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Switzerland Win to Nil @ 1.75 William Hill (1 Unit)

Brazil to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Scotland to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Turkiye to Win & Under 5 Total Goals @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Germany - 3 English Handicap @ 1.95 William Hill (1 Unit)

Netherlands @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Ivory Coast-Ecuador Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.30 William Hill (1 Unit)

Sweden @ 1.85 Bet365 (1 Unit)

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

Belgium to Win & Under 5 Total Goals @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Saudi Arabia-Uruguay Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 William Hill (1 Unit)

Iran @ 1.83 Bet365 (1 Unit)

France-Senegal Both Teams to Score @ 2.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Norway - 1 English Handicap @ 1.60 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

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

Austria - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Portugal Win to Nil @ 1.95 William Hill (1 Unit)

England-Croatia Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Ghana @ 2.20 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Colombia Win to Nil @ 2.05 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

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