Portugal

vs

Uzbekistan

Houston Stadium hosts a Group K match that looks straightforward on paper but comes with a bit of edge attached. Portugal were held 1-1 by tournament debutants DR Congo in their opener and now need a response, while Uzbekistan, beaten 3-1 by Colombia in their own first-ever World Cup game, are out to avoid the kind of consecutive defeat that would end their stay early.

Portugal — Selecao das Quinas

Most of the talk since the DR Congo draw has centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, who played the full 90 minutes but didn't manage a single shot on target from his three attempts. Critics have pointed to a tense moment involving Bruno Fernandes as a sign of friction, though Roberto Martinez is expected to stick with his captain regardless of the noise. Ronaldo's last World Cup goal came against Ghana on matchday one back in 2022, so there's pressure building either way.

Ruben Dias missed the opener after being ruled "not 100% fit," and while there's a chance he gets a recall, Portugal have enough cover at the back to manage him carefully with Colombia looming on the final matchday. The lineup pencilled in here has Joao Cancelo at right-back alongside Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes, with Francisco Conceicao further forward on the right of the front three alongside Pedro Neto and Ronaldo. Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fernandes look set to control the middle of the pitch.

Uzbekistan — The White Wolves

Uzbekistan's nerves were obvious early against Colombia. They failed to register a single touch inside the opposition box during the first half, the only side at this World Cup to manage that, and their xG sat at just 0.02 by that point. Their first touch in the box still produced their first ever World Cup goal, with Dostonbek Khamdamov crossing for Eldor Shomurodov, whose blocked volley fell for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to tap home.

Fabio Cannavaro is expected to make few changes despite the defeat. Rustamjon Ashurmatov is managing a calf issue and is a game-time call, but he's nonetheless pencilled in alongside Abdukodir Khusanov in the heart of defence. Some reports have Uzbekistan setting up in a back three with Khojiakbar Alijonov in the squad mix, though the version expected to start here is a five at the back protecting Yusupov, with Fayzullaev and Shomurodov the closest thing to a counter-attacking outlet.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Bruno Fernandes vs Uzbekistan's midfield block. Portugal's creativity flows through Fernandes finding pockets between the lines. If Uzbekistan's deep five-man shape and midfield screen deny him time on the ball, they have a real chance of frustrating Portugal the way DR Congo did. If he gets even a yard, Ronaldo and the wide men should finally start finding the net.

Prediction

Portugal carry far too much individual talent for a side that couldn't get a foot on the ball for 45 minutes against Colombia. Uzbekistan's deep block and the threat of Fayzullaev on the counter should make this awkward early, but the gap in quality is significant and the longer it goes on, the more it should open up.

Portugal 3–0 Uzbekistan — Ronaldo, Fernandes, Neto

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☕ A Quick Thank You — Plus Something New

Quick one outside the usual match previews and recaps. Someone out there used my Buy Me a Coffee page this week to buy me three coffees — they know who they are, and I genuinely appreciate it. Caffeine levels have been restored.

So, if you fancied chipping in, I've set up a proper donation page to make it easier than hunting down a link. It runs through Stripe, so it's fully secure. I've got a few prize ideas floating around — the cheapest sits in the £20 range, so we're not miles off having enough for that one already. There's also a genuinely brilliant idea sitting at the top of the list, but realistically that one's beyond what we'll get to through donations alone — unless I can talk the company behind it, or a retailer who stocks it, into sponsoring it instead. Watch this space.

🔒 Secure payments via Stripe. No account needed, no obligation — every donation helps get us closer to a real prize on the table.

Jordan

vs

Algeria

Both sides head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on zero points, making this Group J clash close to must-win for whoever wants to keep their last-32 hopes realistic. Jordan, at their first-ever World Cup, lost 3-1 to Austria but got something to cheer with their first-ever World Cup goal, while Algeria were dismantled by a Lionel Messi hat-trick in a 3-0 defeat to Argentina that put manager Vladimir Petkovic under early pressure back home. Algeria remain heavy favourites on paper, but a flat opener has left them with real questions to answer.

Jordan — Al-Nashama

There were promising signs in defeat against Austria, with Jordan defending for long spells before a set piece and Yazan Al Arab's own goal did the damage rather than any real tactical breakdown. Ali Olwan's strike — the nation's first-ever World Cup goal — and Mousa Al Tamari's general threat in behind give head coach Jamal Sellami something to build on. Sellami is expected to keep the same compact back-three system that lets the wing-backs support the attack and frees Tamari to roam — Jordan defended well as a unit against Austria, so there's little incentive to change the structure now.

The back three of Mohammad Abualnadi, Yazan Al Arab and Saed Al Rosan, and the midfield four in front of them, are predicted to stay unchanged, with goalkeeper Yazid Abulaila continuing between the posts. Up top, Tamari again leads the line as the spearhead of any counter-attacking threat, flanked by Olwan and Odeh Fakhoury — between them they account for the bulk of Jordan's set-piece deliveries, with Tamari and Olwan sharing penalty duties.

Algeria — Les Fennecs

Petkovic has a job on his hands lifting his side after they barely laid a glove on Argentina — shorn of their two most dangerous attackers from the off, Algeria's display drew unflattering comparisons to sides ranked far below them, and the manager will have noted the alarm it caused. There is some encouragement on the fitness front, with Ramy Bensebaini reported to be back to full health after a fitness scare, and Petkovic is predicted to restore both Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amine Amoura to the starting front three after the pair were left out against Argentina — a clear sign the manager wants more genuine difference-makers on the pitch from the off against a Jordan side capable of hurting teams who aren't at their sharpest.

In behind the front three, Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza and Nabil Bentaleb are tasked with controlling tempo and supplying Mahrez, Amoura and Fares Chaibi, while Rayan Ait Nouri and Rafik Belghali provide the width from full-back that Algeria will need to break down a side as well-organised as Jordan showed themselves to be against Austria. Luca Zidane continues in goal, with Aissa Mandi alongside Bensebaini at the heart of the defence.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Mousa Al Tamari vs Algeria's full-backs. Jordan's clearest route to a goal is Tamari running in behind as Ait Nouri and Belghali push forward in search of an equally pressing win. If Jordan can win the ball back quickly and release him, his pace and finishing are a genuine threat on the counter — exactly the kind of moment that could drag them back into this group.

Prediction

Algeria have the better individual quality across the pitch and the greater need to put a flat performance right, with Mahrez and Amoura both restored to add some much-needed sharpness. Jordan will make this uncomfortable for periods and carry a real threat through Tamari, but Algeria should have enough in the final third this time to get the win their group situation demands.

Jordan 1–2 Algeria — Tamari — Amoura, Mahrez

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Norway

vs

Senegal

Norway can wrap up qualification from Group I when they host Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium late on Monday night. Erling Haaland's brace put Norway top of the group on matchday one, while Senegal pushed France hard before eventually losing 3-1. Opta's pre-tournament model had Norway as the second-most likely side in Group I to progress, behind only France, with Senegal next best and Iraq the rank outsider — a result here would go a long way to confirming that order.

Norway — The Vikings

It was a result that papered over some defensive cracks. Haaland's double either side of a Leo Ostigard header did the damage against Iraq, but Stale Solbakken admitted afterwards that the back line and midfield were poor in possession for long stretches — Kristoffer Ajer in particular endured a difficult night defensively, while David Moller Wolfe had to be withdrawn in the 73rd minute and Julian Ryerson complained of muscular fatigue at full time. Both full-backs have since made swift recoveries and are expected to be available for selection, with Solbakken able to call on his entire squad.

Ostigard's cameo off the bench was a bright spot, and both Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb pushed their case for a recall during the week, but the predicted XI sticks with the same front three of Antonio Nusa, Haaland and Alexander Sorloth that started the opener, with Martin Odegaard — who set a UEFA-high seven assists in qualifying — pulling the strings behind them. Haaland is now on an 11-game scoring streak for his country and, remarkably, had more shots (5) than completed passes (4) against Iraq, the first player to manage that in a World Cup match since Fernando Torres during Spain's triumphant 2010 campaign. This is his first major tournament — Norway's last appearance was Euro 2000, three weeks before he was born.

Senegal — Lions of Teranga

Few changes are expected from the side that gave France a real fright. Ibrahim Mbaye's response to Bradley Barcola's opener made the 18-year-old the youngest African scorer in World Cup history and has him knocking on the door for a start ahead of Ismaila Sarr, but head coach Pape Thiaw — who was an unused substitute when Senegal famously beat France 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup — is predicted to stick with the same front three of Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane that started in defeat. Mane, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, arrives in good form after winning the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Gueye continue to shield the back four, with Kalidou Koulibaly anchoring central defence. A repeat of Senegal's best-ever World Cup showing — the 2002 quarter-final, secured under current boss Thiaw's watch as a player — still feels some way off, but avoiding a fourth straight match without a win (a run last suffered in June 2018, when Senegal weren't even at the World Cup) starts with a result here. The teams' only previous meeting, a 2006 friendly, ended in a 2-1 win for Senegal.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Erling Haaland vs Senegal's central defence. Haaland's shot volume against Iraq says everything about how Norway use him as their central outlet. Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhate will need a far more disciplined collective performance than Senegal showed at times against France if they're to keep him quiet for 90 minutes.

Prediction

Both sides have shown they can be got at defensively, which points toward goals at both ends. Norway's superior firepower and home comforts at the top of the group should just about see them through, but Senegal have enough up top to make this an entertaining watch rather than a rout.

Norway 2–2 Senegal — Haaland, Sorloth — Mane, Jackson

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France

vs

Iraq

France can seal their place in the last 32 with a game to spare when they take on Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday. Les Bleus survived a scare from Senegal in their opener, while Iraq were thumped 4-1 by an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway. Opta's supercomputer rates France at a 99.59% chance of reaching the knockouts despite Group I being one of the toughest pools in the draw — Iraq, by contrast, remain one of the longer shots in the whole competition to progress at all.

France — Les Bleus

Kylian Mbappe continues to rewrite the history books. His brace against Senegal made him France's all-time top scorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud, and broke Just Fontaine's record for the country's most World Cup goals along the way — all while reportedly the subject of an online petition, signed by close to 100 million people, calling for him to leave Real Madrid. None of the noise has affected his standing with Didier Deschamps, whose side are now just one win away from an early knockout qualification. Deschamps's men have scored in 14 successive matches, finding the net more than once in 13 of those, though they haven't kept a clean sheet in six straight games following Ibrahim Mbaye's late consolation for Senegal.

France have been managing a defensive quartet of William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez and Malo Gusto carefully through the week, though there's nothing to suggest any of the four will be unavailable. Lucas Digne and Manu Kone have both been mooted as potential changes in for Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni respectively, and Bradley Barcola — now the youngest Frenchman to score on his World Cup debut since Thierry Henry 28 years ago — has been tipped to replace Desire Doue out wide. None of those three changes are predicted to materialise here, however, with Hernandez, Tchouameni and Doue all expected to retain their places, while Michael Olise is given license to drift inside through the middle rather than stay fixed to the right.

Iraq — Lions of Mesopotamia

Iraq remain without a point in their World Cup history, and after going 21 qualifying matches just to reach the tournament — more than any other side, eventually getting there via a play-off win over Bolivia — head coach Graham Arnold will need a big improvement following the loss to Norway. Aymen Hussein scored at both ends in that game, becoming only the third player to do so in a World Cup match, and was reportedly detained for several hours by US immigration officials in the build-up — between that and the result, it's been an eventful week for Iraq's frontman. Arnold's "double nine" approach of Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi is rarely abandoned and is predicted to continue, with Amir Al-Ammari the other key man in midfield given he takes all of Iraq's set pieces.

Ali Jasim was withdrawn at half-time against Norway with a knock but has trained fully this week and is expected to be available again if needed. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan has also shaken off a minor fitness concern, and despite local reports speculating Ahmed Basil could come in following an unconvincing display last time out, Hassan is predicted to continue in goal. Tactically, expect Arnold's side to stay narrow and compact in a 4-4-2, protecting the box before looking to spring Hussein, Al-Hamadi and Zidane Iqbal on the break.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Kylian Mbappe vs Iraq's back line. Iraq shipped four to Norway's frontline, and Mbappe — now both his country's all-time leading scorer and its World Cup top scorer — represents an even sharper threat in behind. If Iraq's central pairing of Akam Hashem and Zaid Tahseen are dragged out of position, France have more than enough quality elsewhere to punish the space left behind.

Prediction

Iraq have scored in nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions, so a goal can never be entirely ruled out, but this French attack has been relentless and Iraq's defensive record against the calibre of Norway's frontline doesn't bode well here. France should have the game wrapped up well before the hour.

France 4–0 Iraq — Mbappe, Dembele, Doue, Olise

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Argentina

vs

Austria

Group J's heavyweight clash arrives at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Monday, with both sides on three points after contrasting openers. Argentina cruised past Algeria thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick, while Austria needed a 12th-minute-of-stoppage-time penalty from Marko Arnautovic to see off Jordan. Opta's supercomputer gives Argentina a 99.44% chance of reaching the last 32 against Austria's 95.30% — both are expected through regardless, but top spot, and the easier round-of-32 draw that comes with it, is on the line here.

Argentina — La Albiceleste

Messi's hat-trick against Algeria pulled him level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record, and qualification is now well in hand for the champions — a point here would in all likelihood be enough to guarantee a top-three finish, with a win sealing the last 32 outright. Lionel Scaloni's side have been close to flawless over their last eight matches, winning all of them and failing to keep a clean sheet in only two, while a victory on Monday would make it eight straight World Cup wins — as many as Argentina managed across their previous 14 fixtures at the tournament combined.

The midfield four shielding Messi — Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada — picks itself. At the back, Gonzalo Montiel's hamstring issue rules him out, with Nahuel Molina continuing at right-back alongside Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, a pairing that always offers a good mix of aggression and progression. Nicolas Tagliafico's calf knock means Facundo Medina keeps his place on the left, while Leandro Paredes is fit again but not expected to be needed in the engine room. Up front, Lautaro Martinez is predicted to partner Messi rather than Julian Alvarez, giving Argentina a more out-and-out striking presence alongside their captain.

The teams have only met twice before, both friendlies — Austria held Argentina to a 1-1 draw back in 1990, but were beaten 5-1 a decade earlier in 1980 — so there's effectively no competitive history to lean on here. For set pieces, Messi takes the bulk of Argentina's corners and free kicks, while penalty duties are shared between Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Alvarez.

Austria — Das Team

Austria are closing in on a first World Cup knockout appearance since 1982, with the achievement made all the more significant given 2026 is the country's first finals appearance since 1998. Ralf Rangnick's side showed real character to come from behind against Jordan, though the 67-year-old will know his team were too open defensively when Jordan's 50th-minute equaliser arrived — the left side of his lineup was unusually exposed after a poor attempt to press high, and that's an area Argentina's own wide threat could look to target again.

The bigger concern is Stefan Posch, who suffered a fractured jaw against Jordan and, while surgery isn't required, is being protected by Rangnick for this one — Konrad Laimer is predicted to fill in at right-back, which in turn frees up a midfield spot. Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald, RB Leipzig teammates, continue their hard-working double pivot, with Carney Chukwuemeka retaining the number 10 role just behind Marcel Sabitzer and Romano Schmid, while David Alaba's experience anchors the back line.

Up front, Sasa Kalajdzic led the line against Jordan but was withdrawn for Arnautovic at half-time, and after his impact off the bench, Arnautovic is predicted to start outright this time — he'll need to, with Austria having scored at least twice in four of their last six competitive fixtures but also having conceded more than once just once in their last 18 matches, a defensive record that gives them at least a platform to stay competitive. Sabitzer takes the lion's share of Austria's set pieces, with Arnautovic on penalties.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Lionel Messi vs Austria's midfield press. Everything Argentina do well runs through Messi finding pockets between the lines, and Austria's entire defensive plan hinges on Seiwald and Schlager crowding him out before he can turn. If they manage it, Austria stay in the contest; if Messi gets even half a yard, Argentina's runners in behind should make it count.

Prediction

Austria have the organisation and the press to make this competitive for spells, much as they did against Jordan, but the gap in individual quality is significant and Messi in this kind of form tends to find a way through sooner or later. Argentina should have enough in the tank to make sure of top spot without needing to be at their absolute best.

Argentina 2–0 Austria — Messi, Lautaro Martinez

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New Zealand

vs

Egypt

Both sides surrendered leads in their opening fixtures, and both are still chasing a first-ever World Cup win when New Zealand host — in a footballing sense — Egypt at BC Place in Vancouver. It's a fixture either could realistically win, and with Group G already this tight, the result here matters a great deal more than a meeting of two World Cup minnows might usually suggest.

New Zealand — The All Whites

A bright, encouraging performance against Iran, and a 2-2 draw that felt about right on the balance of play. Eli Just was the story of the night, scoring twice — the opener inside seven minutes and a second early in the second half — to drag New Zealand level both times after Iran's response. Defensively, Michael Boxall didn't always look comfortable and Tyler Bindon could be in line for a recall, though Darren Bazeley praised Boxall's contribution after the match, so don't expect a change there just yet.

Elsewhere, Callum McCowatt got the nod ahead of Liberato Cacace's deputies Ben Old and Francis de Vries on this occasion, with Old now the preferred back-up left-back over de Vries. Ryan Thomas came off the bench after picking up a minor knock of his own, while up top, Just and Chris Wood linked up well throughout — Wood still without a goal of his own but contributing two assists. Matt Garbett is now out of the tournament entirely with a hamstring injury, and Logan Rogerson has been called up as cover.

Egypt — The Pharaohs

No fresh injury concerns for Hossam Hassan, Egypt's manager and the country's all-time record goalscorer, after the 1-1 draw with Belgium — expect him to retain the bulk of the side that took an early lead through Emam Ashour before being pegged back. Mohamed Salah, who played the second half of Egypt's final warm-up but was powerless to prevent a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, remains the team's leading scorer and sits just two goals behind Hassan's own national-team record of 69 — a mark he could match with a brace here.

That said, Salah's display against Belgium hinted at a more creative, facilitating role going forward rather than pure poacher duty, which would put greater onus on Omar Marmoush (wayward in front of goal last time out), Mostafa Ziko and the in-form Ashour to provide the cutting edge. Trezeguet remains a useful attacking option in reserve if Hassan wants to freshen things up.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Mohamed Salah vs New Zealand's back line. Even in a more withdrawn, creative role, Salah remains the single biggest individual quality gap in this fixture. If he's allowed time to turn and pick out Marmoush or Ashour, New Zealand's defence — already stretched thin by Michael Boxall's uneven evening against Iran — could be in for a long night. Keep him quiet, and Egypt's attack looks far more ordinary.

Prediction

Opta gives Egypt an 80.39% chance of reaching the last 32 against New Zealand's 37.15%, and on individual quality alone the Pharaohs should have enough to finally land that elusive first World Cup win. New Zealand's spirit and the Just-Wood partnership make them more than capable of testing Egypt's settled back line, much as they did Iran's, but Egypt's greater attacking depth — even with Salah playing a slightly different role — should edge a tight, entertaining contest.

New Zealand 1–2 Egypt — Just — Ashour, Salah

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Uruguay

vs

Cape Verde

Uruguay go into Sunday's clash at Miami Stadium top of Group H on the back of a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, but it's Cape Verde — World Cup debutants — who arrive with the romance, having held Spain to a goalless draw in one of the great shocks of the competition so far. Marcelo Bielsa will know that complacency here would be unforgivable, while Cape Verde will be dreaming of an even bigger statement against another South American giant.

Uruguay — La Celeste

The 4-4-2 simply didn't work against Saudi Arabia, and Bielsa tore it up at half-time. Darwin Nunez and Mathias Vina both had poor afternoons and look set to make way, while Martin Araujo, Sebastian Vinas and Federico Valverde all did enough to be retained. De La Cruz and Rodriguez made a real impact off the bench, though the expectation is they continue in that supersub role rather than starting outright.

The training ground updates through the week have been telling. Sanabria and Canobbio were back working with the first-choice group by Thursday, with Canobbio now predicted ahead of Nunez entirely. Manuel Ugarte missed a session with De La Cruz deputising in his place — and after the impact De La Cruz made against Saudi Arabia, that's far from a downgrade. Olivera also sat out one session, though there's no suggestion of an injury, and Jose Gimenez remains out of training altogether. Ronald Araujo and Guillermo de Amores are both already ruled out. By all accounts, Bielsa has settled on his eleven for this one.

Cape Verde — Tubaroes Azuis

Vozinha is the name on everyone's lips after his heroics against Spain — a genuinely outstanding defensive performance from the whole side, and the expectation is minimal changes given how well it worked. The one fitness note is Jovane Cabral, who picked up a muscular issue just after the hour mark against Spain, though it isn't considered serious enough to be a concern here.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Vozinha vs Uruguay's front line. Cape Verde's entire game plan against Spain rested on their goalkeeper producing a near-perfect afternoon, and there's no reason to expect a different approach here. If Vozinha can repeat anything close to that level, a Uruguay attack that has looked blunt in recent outings may find this just as frustrating as Spain did. If he can't, the gulf in attacking quality should tell quickly.

Prediction

Uruguay are the heavy favourites on paper, and Opta backs that up with a 78.08% chance of reaching the last 32 against Cape Verde's 45.94% — but this Uruguay side have scored one goal or fewer in seven of their last eight matches, and Vozinha has already proven he can shut out a considerably better attack than this one looked against Saudi Arabia. Expect Cape Verde to make this uncomfortable for long spells, but Uruguay's class and the fresher legs of De La Cruz and Canobbio should eventually find a way through.

Uruguay 2–0 Cape Verde — Valverde, Vinas

⚽ Don't forget to submit your prediction at bantamtalk.com/predictionleague before kickoff!

Belgium

vs

Iran

Group G is locked at one point apiece after round one, and with both Belgium and Iran left needing a response, Sunday's meeting at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is shaping into a genuine six-pointer in disguise. Belgium were rescued by little more than Romelu Lukaku's presence off the bench against Egypt; Iran twice came from behind to snatch a point off New Zealand. Neither side will be entirely happy with where they sit.

Belgium — The Red Devils

Not the start Belgium wanted. Egypt had the better of long spells in Monday's 1-1 draw and arguably deserved more than a point, with Emam Ashour's stunning strike putting the Red Devils behind before Lukaku's mere introduction as a substitute forced Mohamed Hany into an own goal within seconds. The performance either side of that moment was underwhelming — better in the second half than the first, but short of what's expected from a side still ranked ninth in the world.

Zeno Debast still hasn't trained with the group and won't be risked here, so Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy continue as the centre-back pairing. On the left, expect a more attacking look with Maxim De Cuyper over Timothy Castagne — the manager has already hinted he doesn't want too many defensive-minded options stacked on one side. Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans are certainties through the middle, with Doku equally undroppable out wide despite a minor breathing scare this week (a respiratory infection compounded by too much time in air-conditioned rooms, by all accounts nothing to worry about). On the right, Leandro Trossard currently has the edge over Saelemaekers and Lukebakio, though he was also short of his best against Egypt.

Up front is the most interesting call of all. Lukaku remains short of match rhythm but is growing into more minutes by the game, and his pressing alone won Belgium their goal last time — yet Charles De Ketelaere is predicted to start through the middle once again, with Lukaku poised to make an impact from the bench rather than from the off. One human-interest note: Doku is expecting his first child in early July, so don't be surprised if he misses a game further down the line regardless of how this group plays out.

Iran — Team Melli

Roozbeh Cheshmi (hamstring) and Mehdi Torabi (calf) are both managing knocks, while Dennis Dargahi and Mohammad Mohebi have been on personalised training programmes this week — none of which appears to have ruled them out, with Mohebi predicted to feature in the final third regardless. Saman Ghoddos, who has a genuine ankle niggle, is the closest thing Iran have to a doubt, though the coach has recently leaned toward Razzaghinia ahead of him in any case — Ghoddos is nonetheless predicted to retain his place for now.

Mehdi Taremi remains the clear focal point and captain, most likely operating just off or alongside Shahriyar Moghanlou up top. Iran's spirited fightback against New Zealand — twice equalising — says plenty about the mentality in this squad even before a ball is kicked here.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Kevin De Bruyne vs Iran's midfield screen. Belgium's creativity runs almost entirely through De Bruyne finding pockets between Iran's lines. Saeid Ezatolahi and whoever lines up alongside him have to deny him time on the ball — if De Bruyne is allowed to turn and pick his pass, the wide threat of Doku and the runners beyond him should do the rest. Contain him, and Iran's well-drilled block has every chance of frustrating Belgium for long spells, just as it nearly did against New Zealand.

Prediction

Belgium have the better individual quality across the pitch even amid the uncertainty up front, and Opta still rates them at 90.31% to reach the last 32 against Iran's 47.63% — this is one Belgium are expected to win, even if it isn't always pretty. Iran's discipline and the threat of Taremi on the counter should make it a grind rather than a stroll, and a tense afternoon wouldn't be a surprise. Belgium's class should tell in the end.

Belgium 2–1 Iran — De Bruyne, Trossard — Taremi

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Spain

vs

Saudi Arabia

All four sides in Group H sit level on a single point, and Spain's underwhelming 0-0 with Cape Verde means Sunday's clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta carries far more weight than a routine "favourites vs underdogs" tag suggests. Saudi Arabia, fresh off a battling draw with Uruguay, know that another result here would leave them in a genuinely strong position with one game left to play.

Spain — La Roja

It would be generous to call Spain's tournament opener anything other than a disappointment. Dominant in possession but toothless in front of goal, La Roja's goalless draw with Cape Verde was eerily reminiscent of their stalemate with Morocco at the last World Cup — plenty of lateral passing, no real penetration. Some of that came down to selection (Gavi struggled out on the left, a role Hansi Flick already tried and abandoned at Barcelona), and some came down to fitness, with Rodri looking short of his best and Luis de la Fuente's changes arriving suspiciously late, possibly on medical advice.

De la Fuente has all but confirmed changes are coming, telling radio media on Friday that several alterations are planned for this one. Lamine Yamal — not yet considered fit for a full 90 minutes, but undroppable when available — and Dani Olmo are both expected out wide, either side of Mikel Oyarzabal, with Pedri and Rodri keeping their places in the engine room alongside Fabian Ruiz. Fabian's spot looked the shakiest after a quiet outing against Cape Verde, with Mikel Merino waiting in the wings for exactly this kind of tight, low-block game, but he's predicted to retain his place here. No changes are expected at the back, where Victor Munoz remains the only absence.

The bigger picture is far less alarming than one frustrating afternoon suggests — Opta's supercomputer still gives Spain a 96.43% chance of reaching the round of 32 and a 70.43% chance of topping the group outright. This is about rediscovering the cutting edge, not panic.

Saudi Arabia — The Green Falcons

Saudi Arabia will arrive in Atlanta full of confidence after frustrating Uruguay into a 1-1 draw, a result built on exactly the kind of disciplined, deep defensive shape Georgios Donis will ask for again here. If there's one name to watch for fantasy purposes, it's Saud Abdulhamid — his all-round numbers (tackles, interceptions, passes completed) mean he can return a useful score even in a defeat, and his experience playing in Europe gives him a sharper edge than most of his teammates.

The only fitness note of any note concerns back-up goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, sidelined again with a hamstring issue for a second straight day — but with Mohammed Al-Owais firmly established as first choice, it has zero bearing on the starting eleven. Expect the same low block that frustrated Uruguay, built to spring Salem Al-Dawsari and the front line on the counter.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Lamine Yamal vs Saudi Arabia's left side. Even short of full match fitness, Yamal isolating his full-back is Spain's most direct route to goal — and if he drags defenders toward him, it opens exactly the kind of central space Oyarzabal and the midfield runners want to exploit. Saudi Arabia have to find a way to deal with him without leaving Olmo unmarked on the opposite flank, and that's an awkward balancing act to hold for ninety minutes.

Prediction

Twenty-seven shots and nothing to show for it against Cape Verde doesn't lie about Spain's underlying quality — sooner or later that volume turns into goals, and a Saudi side forced to defend for long stretches tends to crack eventually. Saudi Arabia have the discipline and the Abdulhamid-led resilience to make this awkward early, especially with the version of this team that just held Uruguay. But the class gap is real, and once Spain find the breakthrough, this should open up.

Spain 3–0 Saudi Arabia — Oyarzabal, Yamal, Olmo

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