Tunisia

vs

Japan

Few sides arrive at a World Cup second fixture in as much disarray as Tunisia, who were thrashed 5-1 by Sweden and have since sacked their head coach — replaced by Hervé Renard, appointed personally by the Tunisian president, with barely any time to make an impression before facing Japan at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Japan, by contrast, arrive full of confidence after an excellent 2-2 draw with the Netherlands that showcased exactly why this generation is considered one of Asia's strongest ever. This is, on paper, one of the most one-sided fixtures of the round — but predicting Tunisia's lineup with any confidence is close to impossible.

Tunisia — Eagles of Carthage

New head coach Hervé Renard inherits a squad in genuine crisis after the Sweden mauling, during which goalkeeper Chamakh recorded what has been described as one of the worst statistical performances ever logged at a World Cup match. The goalkeeping situation heading into this game is entirely unclear — reports suggest Dahman could be handed the gloves, but with three options in contention, nothing should be considered settled.

The back line is similarly uncertain. Talbi, expected to be the defensive leader, struggled badly against Sweden and could be dropped, while Rekik — who scored Tunisia's consolation — is predicted to retain his place. Abdi continues at left-back in the absence of any real competition for the role, and Valery is predicted to keep his spot on the right. In midfield, captain Skhiri is expected to start regardless of his underwhelming display against Sweden, while the genuinely undroppable name in this entire squad is Hannibal Mejbri — Tunisia's most talented and influential player, who is "100% certain" to start, with the only question being whether he operates in a deeper or more advanced role. The wide attacking positions are close to a coin toss, with Saad and Tounekti the predicted starters.

It is genuinely difficult to predict how Renard's first selection will look — he inherits a demoralised squad with almost no time to implement any new ideas before kickoff. Whatever happens here, simply seeing a reaction from the players would represent progress after the Sweden humiliation.

Japan — The Samurai Blue

Hajime Moriyasu is predicted to make minimal changes to the 3-4-2-1 that produced an excellent two-goal comeback against the Netherlands, with Zion Suzuki continuing as the clear first-choice goalkeeper. The back three of H.Ito, Taniguchi and Watanabe offers genuine solidity, with Itakura and Tomiyasu waiting in reserve as excellent rotation options if needed.

The midfield is built around Daichi Kamada as the chief playmaker, with captain Wataru Endo dropping out of the picture due to ongoing physical struggles, replaced in influence by Kamada's dynamism. Ao Tanaka and Sano provide additional control and defensive balance. With Kaoru Mitoma ruled out through injury, the creative burden in the final third falls heavily on Kubo — though he himself carries an injury concern — and Nakamura. Ayase Ueda continues as the number nine after an excellent record in front of goal, fending off competition from Maeda and Ogawa for the central striker role.

Japan have now drawn level with two of the strongest European footballing nations in this tournament — Brazil-beating credentials in friendlies aside, the Netherlands result confirms that this squad belongs at the business end of this group. A win here against a Tunisia side in genuine turmoil would put Japan in a commanding position to progress.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Hannibal Mejbri vs Japan's midfield. Mejbri is the one undisputed quality outlet in a Tunisia side otherwise in chaos, and his ability to drive forward from deep or operate creatively in advanced positions makes him the player Japan must account for above all others. If Kamada, Tanaka and Sano can collectively limit his influence, Tunisia's attacking threat drops considerably given the uncertainty everywhere else on the pitch. If Mejbri finds space, he is talented enough to create something from nothing even in a side this disorganised.

Prediction

Tunisia's situation — a sacked coach, a demoralised squad, a goalkeeping crisis and barely any preparation time for the new manager — makes this an extremely difficult assignment against a Japan side playing with genuine confidence and quality. Expect Japan's superior organisation and individual talent to tell clearly.

Tunisia 0–2 Japan — Ueda, Doan

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Netherlands

vs

Sweden

NRG Stadium in Houston hosts a fascinating second-round clash in Group F, as Sweden — sitting top of the group on three points after a stunning 5-1 win over Tunisia — face a Netherlands side who let two separate leads slip in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Japan. There is genuine pressure on Ronald Koeman's side here. Sitting third in the group on a single point, the Dutch know that a positive result against the tournament's form team in this group would settle nerves considerably ahead of the Tunisia finale on June 25.

Netherlands — Oranje

Koeman is predicted to retain the 4-2-3-1 that twice led against Japan, with Bart Verbruggen expected to return between the posts having recovered from the hip complaint that was a doubt before the tournament. The back four of Van de Ven, Van Dijk, Van Hecke and Dumfries remains unchanged, with the double pivot of Gravenberch and De Jong providing the platform in midfield.

In the advanced positions, Gakpo, Reijnders and Summerville continue to support lone striker Malen. The Japan game showed both the considerable quality and the defensive fragility in this Dutch squad — twice ahead, twice pegged back, in a match that produced genuine drama at both ends. With Timber, De Ligt, Simons and Schouten all unavailable through injury, the depth issues that hampered Koeman's preparations for the tournament remain a live concern. Van Dijk's leadership at the back will be more important than ever against a Sweden side with serious firepower up top.

The Dutch have never won the World Cup despite three runners-up finishes, including as recently as 2010, and reached the quarter-finals in 2022. A repeat of their slow start to the group would put real pressure on the must-win finale against Tunisia.

Sweden — Blågult

Graham Potter is predicted to make no changes to the 3-4-1-2 that produced a five-goal demolition of Tunisia — a remarkable response given Sweden's extraordinary route to this tournament, having finished bottom of their original qualifying group before sneaking through the Nations League play-off path. Nordfeldt in goal, Lagerbielke, Hien and Lindelöf at the back, with Gudmundsson and Bernhardsson providing width from wing-back positions.

Karlström and Ayari continue in central midfield, with Nygren in the number 10 role behind the devastating partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. That front two scored four of Sweden's five goals against Tunisia between them, and together they represent arguably the most clinical striking partnership outside of the tournament's traditional heavyweights. Sweden's underlying numbers from the Tunisia game were exceptional — high pressing intensity, rapid transitions, and a conversion rate that few sides in this tournament have matched.

Sweden's qualification story remains one of the most remarkable of the entire competition — the first nation in history to reach a World Cup having finished bottom of their initial qualifying group without a win. Whatever happens from here, this is already a campaign that has defied expectation.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Isak and Gyökeres vs the Netherlands centre-backs. Van Dijk and Van Hecke held up reasonably well against Japan's front line but were still breached twice. Isak and Gyökeres represent a sterner physical and technical test — Gyökeres's strength and aerial presence combined with Isak's movement and finishing creates a genuinely difficult problem to solve. If the Dutch back four can stay disciplined and limit the service into the box, they have the quality to contain Sweden's front two. If not, this could be a long afternoon in Houston.

Prediction

This is genuinely difficult to call. The Netherlands have more individual quality across the pitch, but their defensive frailties have been exposed twice already this tournament. Sweden's front two are in irresistible form, and Koeman's depleted squad may struggle to contain them for the full ninety minutes. Expect goals at both ends in what should be an entertaining contest.

Netherlands 2–2 Sweden — Gakpo, Malen — Gyökeres, Isak

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Ecuador

vs

Curaçao

The second Group E fixture of the day takes place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Ecuador — beaten narrowly by Ivory Coast in their opener — face Curaçao, who endured a brutal afternoon against Germany, conceding seven for the first time at a World Cup since their unlikely qualification made history. For Ecuador, this is a real opportunity to record their first points of the tournament against an opponent in some defensive disarray. For Curaçao, simply being competitive again would represent a significant step in the right direction after Sunday's chastening experience.

Ecuador — La Tri

Sebastián Beccacece is predicted to make some adjustments to his 3-5-2, with Ángelo Preciado predicted to come in for Alan Minda, while Alan Franco is expected to drop into a deeper midfield role to free up both Moisés Caicedo and Vite further forward. The core of the side — Galíndez in goal, Pacho and Hincapié in central defence, Caicedo dictating midfield and Enner Valencia leading the attack — remains the spine around which everything is built.

The one fitness note to watch is Kevin Yeboah, who has reported some physical discomfort and has been working on individualised training, though he is not considered seriously injured. Ecuador were narrowly beaten by Ivory Coast in a tight, low-event contest, and their underlying numbers from that game suggest a side that defends with real discipline but lacks a cutting edge in the final third. Caicedo's influence in midfield will be central to whatever success Ecuador find here — he is one of the best ball-winners in the tournament and the platform from which their attacks are built.

Curaçao — The Blue Wave

Dick Advocaat is predicted to make changes following the heavy defeat to Germany — conceding seven goals is the kind of result that forces a rethink regardless of the opponent's quality. Gaari and Sambo are among the contenders to rotate into the back line, with the predicted lineup showing Fonville, Obispo, Gaari and Floranus across the back four — a notable reshuffle from the side that started against Germany. The midfield is expected to remain largely unchanged, with the Bacuna brothers — Leandro and Juninho — continuing alongside Comenencia, and Tahith Chong in the advanced playmaking role.

Up front, Curaçao have options to rotate, with Locadia and Hansen predicted to lead the attack. The reality for Curaçao is that they are the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a World Cup, and results like the one against Germany were always a realistic possibility given the gulf in resources and depth between the two football nations. What matters now is the response — whether they can show the resilience and organisation that got them here against an Ecuador side who, while talented, are far more cautious and beatable than world champions Germany.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Moisés Caicedo vs Curaçao's reshuffled defence. Caicedo's ability to win the ball, drive forward and dictate tempo from deep midfield gives Ecuador a platform that few of their opponents in this group can replicate. Against a Curaçao back line that has been rearranged following the Germany mauling, there is a genuine opportunity for Ecuador's midfield control to translate into chances. If Caicedo can dominate the centre of the pitch as he is capable of, Ecuador should have enough quality in Valencia and the wide players to make it count.

Prediction

Ecuador are the better side on paper and should have enough control of this game to find a way through Curaçao's defence, which will be lacking confidence after the Germany result. Curaçao's spirit and organisation got them to this tournament against considerable odds, and they will not simply roll over — but the gap in quality, particularly in midfield, should tell over ninety minutes.

Ecuador 2–0 Curaçao — Valencia, Yeboah

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Germany

vs

Ivory Coast

The top two sides in Group E collide at BMO Field in Toronto in what is genuinely the standout fixture of the round. Germany ran in seven goals against Curaçao to record the biggest win of the tournament so far. Ivory Coast ground out a tense 1-0 win over Ecuador to open their campaign with three points. The two have met only once before — a 2-2 friendly draw back in 2009 — and this rematch carries considerably higher stakes. Win here, and either side takes a commanding position in the group with a game to spare.

Germany — Die Mannschaft

Julian Nagelsmann's side are predicted to stick with the 4-2-3-1 that delivered seven goals against Curaçao, though it was far from a flawless performance — Felix Nmecha's early opener was cancelled out by a historic Curaçao equaliser before Die Mannschaft responded with six unanswered goals. Nathaniel Brown is predicted to retain his place at left-back after a strong individual performance that included a goal, while questions persist over Leroy Sané's continued inclusion — his recent club and international form has been underwhelming, though Nagelsmann continues to trust him in the side.

The predicted front four of Wirtz, Musiala and Sané behind Kai Havertz — who scored twice against Curaçao — represents the most talented attacking unit in this tournament outside of perhaps Spain or France. Musiala in particular was excellent in the opener, finding pockets of space and driving Germany's attacking momentum throughout. The shaky moments in the first half against Curaçao will not have gone unnoticed by Ivory Coast's analysts — Germany's defensive line was occasionally exposed before their attacking quality took over.

Germany have failed to escape the group stage in their last two World Cups — a remarkable statistic for a four-time champion nation. The pressure to deliver a strong group campaign this time is significant, and a win here would go a very long way to settling any remaining nerves.

Ivory Coast — Les Éléphants

Emerse Faé's side are predicted to set up in a 4-3-3, with Yahia Fofana continuing in goal — Lafont remains the back-up option, with Koné third choice. The defensive picture has been complicated by injuries: both Évan Ndicka and Odilon Kossonou are likely to miss out, which is a significant blow to a defence many already considered Ivory Coast's weaker department. Singo is predicted to step into the centre-back role with Agbadou, while Doué moves to right-back to cover the gap. It is a defence considerably weaker than originally anticipated — though it is worth noting the same issue applied against a deeply defensive Ecuador, and they still kept a clean sheet.

In midfield, Sangaré and Kessié are considered the two certainties, with S.Fofana, Touré, Oulai and Seri all competing for the remaining spot — a genuinely open battle. Up front, Diomandé has the left-wing role locked down, but the central striker position between Wahi, Guessand and Bonny remains very much undecided heading into this fixture, while Pepe and Diallo continue to compete on the right. Wahi was initially denied entry into Canada over a visa issue connected to an investigation in France, but has since been cleared to join the squad.

Ivory Coast won emphatic warm-up friendlies against Philadelphia Union II and France before the tournament — though the gulf in standard between the Ecuador test and what Germany will provide is considerable. This is, by a distance, the toughest match Ivory Coast have faced in this competition so far.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Jamal Musiala vs Ivory Coast's makeshift back line. With Ndicka and Kossonou both unavailable, Ivory Coast's defence is considerably weakened heading into this game — and Musiala is exactly the kind of player who exploits unfamiliarity and improvised partnerships. He drifts between the lines and is at his most dangerous receiving the ball on the half-turn in space that a settled defence would otherwise deny him. If Singo and Agbadou can stay organised and communicate effectively despite their lack of partnership experience, Ivory Coast have a chance. If Musiala finds the gaps, this could be a long evening for Les Éléphants.

Prediction

Germany's attacking quality, even allowing for defensive uncertainty of their own, should be too much for an Ivory Coast side missing two key defenders. Ivory Coast were excellent in keeping Ecuador at arm's length, but Germany possess a different calibre of attacking talent altogether. Expect Germany's class to tell, though Ivory Coast's spirit and the unpredictability already shown throughout this tournament mean nothing should be taken entirely for granted.

Germany 3–1 Ivory Coast — Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz — Wahi

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Turkey

vs

Paraguay

Both sides arrive at BC Place in Vancouver with their World Cup hopes already in serious jeopardy. Turkey — beaten 2-0 by Australia in a result that shocked even the most sceptical observers — must win here to keep any realistic hope of progression alive. Paraguay — crushed 4-1 by the USA — are in an equally desperate position, knowing a third consecutive defeat in the final game against the co-hosts would end their tournament. This is, in every sense, a knockout match dressed up as a group stage fixture. The losers go home with nothing. The winners live to fight another day.

Turkey — Ay-Yıldızlılar

Montella is expected to make a significant tactical adjustment. The biggest change is the predicted inclusion of a fully fit Kenan Yıldız from the start — he was not fully fit against Australia and came on as a substitute, but should now be available to start. With Yıldız in the XI, Arda Güler is predicted to shift into the number 10 position behind the striker, which is arguably a more natural role for him than the wider one he occupied against Australia. That move may come at the expense of Kökçü, who drops out entirely — a significant call given his quality, but reflects the reality that a 4-2-3-1 with Yıldız and Güler both starting in advanced roles requires compromise elsewhere.

Çalhanoğlu and Yüksek continue as the double pivot, and Akturkoglu leads the line. Kadioglu, Bardakci, Demiral and Celik form the back four. The predicted lineup represents a more attack-minded setup than the one that lost to Australia — understandable given the imperative to win. Turkey generated a relatively modest xG of 0.64 against Australia despite having more possession — a stat that underlines how ineffective their attacking play was on the day. With Güler and Yıldız operating together and more fluently, that should improve significantly.

Turkey are one of only four teams in this tournament yet to register an xG above 1.0 in their opening match — a concerning statistic for a side with this much attacking quality. The talent is undeniable; the execution must follow.

Paraguay — La Albirroja

Alfaro is also expected to make changes following the 4-1 collapse against the USA. Bobadilla and Sanabria are both predicted to drop to the bench — Bobadilla's own goal opening the floodgates and Sanabria having a difficult afternoon throughout. Pitta and Enciso are predicted to start as the front two, with Galarza coming into midfield. Almiron, Cubas and D.Gomez complete the midfield four. The back four of Alonso, G.Gomez, Alderete and Caceres stays largely intact, with Gill in goal — notably Caballero is out with a muscle strain and Sosa with an ankle problem, two notable absences from the squad.

Julio Enciso is the player Paraguay fans most want to see given the opportunity — technically gifted, creative and capable of producing moments that nobody else in this squad can. His link-up play with Pitta, who brings pace and directness, gives Paraguay a more dynamic front two than the Sanabria-led approach that struggled to impose itself against the USA. Paraguay managed just 0.62 xG against the USA despite the game being relatively open after the first goal — they will need to be significantly more threatening here.

Paraguay beat this same Turkey in a warm-up friendly earlier in the year, which gives Alfaro's squad a psychological edge worth noting.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Arda Güler vs Paraguay's midfield. With Güler dropping into the number 10 role, his ability to receive the ball between the lines, turn and drive at Paraguay's defensive shape becomes the central question of this match. Paraguay's midfield of Almiron, Cubas, Galarza and D.Gomez is disciplined and combative, but Güler is a different kind of problem to anything they faced against the USA. If Turkey can get him on the ball quickly and with space to operate, the combination of Güler threading passes to Yıldız and Akturkoglu on either side of him could be devastating. If Paraguay's midfield can press him high and deny him the turn, Turkey will struggle to create as they did against Australia.

Prediction

Both sides are desperate. Turkey have more individual quality and the added motivation of having significantly underperformed their expectations in game one. Paraguay's changes — bringing in Enciso and fresher options — give them more attacking threat than was apparent against the USA. But Turkey, with a fully fit Yıldız and Güler both in the starting XI, should have too much creativity for Paraguay to contain for ninety minutes.

Expect a high-intensity, open game from two sides with nothing to lose. Turkey edge it — but this is far from straightforward.

Turkey 2–1 Paraguay — Güler, Akturkoglu — Enciso

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Brazil

vs

Haiti

An under-pressure Brazil — still reeling from the 1-1 draw with Morocco that left Ancelotti fielding uncomfortable questions — take on a Haiti side who lost 1-0 to Scotland in a match that arguably deserved more. At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Seleção need a convincing win to restore confidence and keep pace at the top of Group C. For Haiti, another creditable defensive performance and the chance to add a historic first point — or even a historic first goal against Brazil — is the target. This is one of the most mathematically lopsided fixtures of the group stage, but after the results we have seen in this tournament, nobody is writing Haiti off entirely.

Brazil — A Seleção

Ancelotti is expected to make two changes from the Morocco draw. Casemiro — heavily criticised for his performance against Morocco, where he was outworked in the midfield battle — keeps his place in this predicted lineup despite pressure from Fabinho, who made a strong impression as a substitute. Douglas Santos is predicted to retain his left-back spot. The more notable shift is up front, where Paquetá is dropped following a below-par display, with Luis Henrique coming in on the right of the attacking three — allowing Raphinha to shift more centrally. Vinicius Júnior continues on the left, where he created the most danger against Morocco. Up front, Igor Thiago leads the line — Cunha and the pressure for Endrick to start remain in the background, but Ancelotti appears reluctant to deviate from Thiago as his preferred central option.

Brazil's first-round xG numbers were encouraging even in the draw — they generated real chances, Vinicius was their most dangerous player, and the Morocco goal came against the run of play. What they lacked was a clinical finisher in the mould of a fully fit Neymar to convert the half-chances that fell to them. Haiti will defend in a low block and look to frustrate, which is exactly the type of opponent that exposes this Brazil team's current limitations if they cannot find early goals to open the game up.

Haiti — Les Grenadiers

Migné is predicted to keep faith with broadly the same 4-4-2 that gave Scotland significant problems, with one change on the right wing — Deedson comes in for Casimir after his two successive 60-minute appearances earned him the nod. Captain Placide returns in goal, the back four of Experience, Delcroix, Ade and Arcus stays intact, and the midfield of Providence, Bellegarde, Jacques and Deedson will be tasked with the near-impossible job of limiting Vinicius and Raphinha.

Up front, Isidor and Pierrot partner again — Nazon, Haiti's all-time top scorer with 44 goals in 78 caps, remains an option from the bench, but Pierrot keeps his starting place after featuring in the Scotland game. Haiti's performance against Scotland was genuinely impressive — they conceded only from a rebound effort, created their own chances and showed a defensive resilience that impressed watching coaches. Against Brazil they will need to be even better organised, and they may well consider a more defensive shape as the game approaches. Their best hope is to stay in it for 60 minutes and find a moment from a set-piece or a counter-attack.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Vinicius Júnior vs the Haiti back four. Against Morocco, Vinicius was Brazil's most dangerous player by a considerable distance — running at defenders, winning free-kicks and creating the direct threat that the rest of the attack struggled to provide. Haiti's back four kept McGinn and the Scotland attack relatively quiet, but Vinicius is in a different category entirely. Experience and Arcus will face the most difficult ninety minutes of their international careers. If Brazil can get Vinicius on the ball in wide areas early and build pressure from his movement, the floodgates should open. The key question is whether Haiti, playing more defensively against superior opposition, can stay compact enough to limit his impact for long enough to make this interesting.

Prediction

Brazil need to win and win well to restore both confidence and goal difference ahead of the Scotland match. Haiti are organised and spirited — but the gap in quality at this level is too significant to overcome for ninety minutes. Expect Brazil to find the goals their first-game performance perhaps deserved, with Vinicius the catalyst throughout.

Brazil 3–0 Haiti — Vinicius Júnior, Thiago, Raphinha

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Scotland

vs

Morocco

Scotland's World Cup generation has waited 28 years for this moment — and now, having beaten Haiti in their opener, they walk into Gillette Stadium in Foxborough knowing that a result against Morocco could put them within touching distance of the knockout stages. That is not a sentence anyone expected to write before this tournament began. Morocco arrive having been the better side against Brazil and playing with a confidence and organisation that makes them one of the most awkward opponents in the draw. Steve Clarke's side have earned the right to dream, but tonight they face their sternest examination yet — and the occasion will demand everything they have.

Scotland — The Tartan Army

Steve Clarke is expected to stick with the 4-4-2 that earned the opening win, though the predicted lineup shows one change at centre-back — Hanley is predicted to come in alongside Hendry, with Souttar — who was on yellow card duty at left back in the first game — potentially shifting. Gunn keeps his place in goal, with the goalkeeper battle remaining close. Robertson and Hickey are the full-backs, while the midfield four of McGinn, McTominay, Ferguson and Gannon-Doak stays intact.

McTominay had a slightly quieter game against Haiti after his stomach bug, but should be fully fit here and will be determined to assert himself against a more technically demanding midfield. He has been the most prolific scorer in competitive matches for Scotland over the past three years — Morocco will have specific plans to limit his influence. Shankland and Adams continue up front; the partnership created few clear-cut chances against Haiti and Clarke may have considered changes, but is expected to persist with the same combination, trusting the pair to deliver against higher-quality opposition.

Scotland created precious few clear-cut chances against Haiti and Clarke will know they need to be more threatening going forward against a Morocco side with considerably more attacking quality. McTominay's influence was also slightly muted after his stomach bug — if he is fully fit here and finds the form that has made him Scotland's most important player over the past three years, that shift alone could change the dynamic of this match considerably.

Morocco — Atlas Lions

Ouahbi is expected to make no changes from the Brazil draw — the same 4-2-3-1 that gave Brazil's defence genuine problems throughout the 90 minutes. Bounou in goal, Mazraoui, Riad, Diop and Hakimi in the back four. The midfield pivot of Bouaddi and Aynaoui, with the creative three of Khannouss, Ounahi and Brahim Díaz operating behind lone striker Saibari.

Morocco were excellent against Brazil — they held 40% possession, but used it efficiently, created real danger on the counter and exposed Brazil's defensive vulnerabilities repeatedly. Díaz and Ounahi in particular were dangerous throughout. They have now kept a clean sheet in 13 of their last 16 competitive matches, conceding just 11 goals across that run. That defensive solidity, combined with their attacking quality in transition, makes them one of the most dangerous sides to face in this tournament.

The Opta supercomputer rates Morocco as slight favourites here — which tells you something about the respect this side has earned. They ranked among the top five sides in the tournament's first round for pressing intensity and transition speed, and Scotland's wide midfielders will need to be disciplined in tracking Hakimi and Mazraoui's overlapping runs throughout.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

McTominay vs Bouaddi and Aynaoui. Morocco's midfield pivot will be tasked with preventing McTominay's late runs into the box — exactly the movement that has made him Scotland's most dangerous player. Bouaddi is combative and reads the game well; Aynaoui brings energy and press-resistance. If McTominay can ghost beyond them and arrive into dangerous positions, Scotland's set-piece delivery and his ability to finish from range become live threats. If Morocco's midfield screens him effectively and forces Scotland wide, the Tartan Army's attacking options thin considerably.

Prediction

This is Scotland's toughest test of the tournament, and Morocco are a better team than Haiti in every meaningful way. The absence of Gilmour hurts. But Clarke's Scotland are organised, disciplined and believe in what they are doing — the Haiti win was built on structure and grit, and they will bring exactly that here. Morocco should win on quality, but Scotland will make it uncomfortable throughout.

Scotland 0–2 Morocco — Saibari, Díaz

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USA

vs

Australia

The most eagerly anticipated fixture in Group D takes place at Lumen Field in Seattle, where two sides who both won their opening matches — and won them convincingly — meet in a contest that could effectively decide who tops the group. USA demolished Paraguay 4-1, with Balogun becoming only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup game. Australia stunned Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver, with Irankunda's brilliant first touch and Metcalfe's thunderbolt from distance producing one of the upsets of the opening round. The Opta supercomputer gives the USA a 57.8% chance of victory — but after what we have seen in this tournament already, that figure should be treated with appropriate caution.

United States — The Stars and Stripes

Pochettino is expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 with the key question mark hanging over Christian Pulisic, who has been in individual training for a calf injury and as of Wednesday had not rejoined the full group. If he cannot go — and his participation remains uncertain — Giovanni Reyna is the predicted replacement, shifting into one of the advanced roles alongside Malik Tillman behind Folarin Balogun. The predicted back three of Ream, Freeman and Richards offers more of a two-CB feel with Dest pushing higher as a wing-back, while Antonee Robinson provides the thrust on the left. McKennie and Adams continue in the midfield pivot.

Balogun's two-goal opening performance was the moment this tournament needed from the co-hosts — the crowd at SoFi Stadium erupted, and the confidence that brings to a young squad should not be underestimated. Reyna, if he starts, also arrives with momentum after his stunning stoppage-time strike to seal the Paraguay win. The USA have scored four goals in their opening match and created chances with real quality. If Pulisic is fit, the attacking depth is genuinely formidable. Even without him, they have enough.

USA lead the tournament's expected goals rankings in the opening round with some eye-catching numbers from the Paraguay game — their pressing intensity and transition speed caused Paraguay enormous problems throughout. Australia will be a very different and more organised challenge.

Australia — The Socceroos

Popovic is expected to retain the 3-4-2-1 that worked so well against Turkey, with one notable change between the sticks — Beach is predicted to keep his place in goal over Ryan following his inspirational performance against Turkey. The back three of Burgess, Souttar and Circati stays intact, with Bos and Italiano as the wing-backs. Irvine and O'Neill — the latter carrying some discomfort but expected to be fit — form the midfield pivot.

The predicted attacking shape is interesting — Metcalfe and Irankunda are expected to operate in the advanced roles behind lone striker Toure, who holds his place over Yengi following a convincing performance and a quick return from injury. Metcalfe's goal against Turkey — a thunderous drive from outside the box in the 75th minute — announced him to a global audience, while Irankunda's first touch for the opener was one of the moments of the tournament so far.

Australia are playing with the freedom that comes from having nothing to lose and everything to gain. They set-piece threat — Hrustic is their most dangerous dead-ball deliverer — and their direct, physical counter-attacking game are the tools they will deploy against a USA side who have conceded on the break. Their xG against Turkey was modest, but the goals came at exactly the right moments. Against a USA side potentially without Pulisic, they have a genuine chance.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Reyna/Tillman vs the Australia back three. If Pulisic misses out, the onus falls on Reyna and Tillman to create the quality in the half-spaces between Australia's defensive lines. Both are technically capable, but neither carries quite the same penetrative threat from wide. Australia's back three of Burgess, Souttar and Circati held Turkey's Haaland-less attack comfortably — the question is whether they can do the same against USA's more fluid, possession-based approach. If Reyna can arrive late and find Balogun in the channels, the USA should win. If Australia's defensive structure holds as it did against Turkey, this could be much tighter than expected.

Prediction

Two excellent sides, two perfect records, and one of the genuinely open fixtures of the second round. USA have home advantage in every sense in Seattle — the crowd will be electric — and even without Pulisic they carry enough attacking threat to win this. But Australia are organised, confident, and Popovic's tactical preparation for this kind of opponent has been excellent throughout. Expect a competitive match before USA's quality edges it.

USA 2–1 Australia — Balogun, Reyna — Toure

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Mexico

vs

South Korea

The Group A clash with the most riding on it. Mexico — three points and a win over South Africa in a chaotic, red card-filled opener — take on South Korea, who came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in a disciplined and impressive performance. A Mexico win here would put them in a commanding position to qualify. A South Korea win draws the group back level and creates a proper four-way battle. There will be no shortage of quality on either side — this is a fixture with genuine knockout potential.

Mexico — El Tri

Javier Aguirre makes one enforced change and one tactical adjustment. Montes is suspended following his red card against South Africa, with Edson Álvarez stepping in — a significant upgrade in quality in central defence, arguably. Reyes retains his place at right back, having surprised many by starting ahead of Sánchez in game one. The back four of Gallardo, Vásquez, Álvarez and Sánchez has a more settled, technical feel than the opener.

The midfield of Mora, Lira and Fidalgo gave good sensations against South Africa — Mora in particular pushed his case for a starting spot with an energetic display. Up front, the trio of Alvarado, Jiménez and Quiñones retained. Jiménez — who headed home the decisive second against South Africa in Azteca — is the focal point, experienced and powerful in the air. Alvarado's creativity from the left and Quiñones' direct running from the right give Mexico genuine width and the ability to hurt any defence with speed on the counter.

Mexico have now reached the round of 16 at every World Cup since 1994 — a remarkable run of eight consecutive tournaments. A win here goes a very long way to extending that record to nine. But South Korea's performance against Czechia showed they are organised, tactically sharp and more than capable of making El Tri's evening difficult.

South Korea — Taeguk Warriors

Hong Myung-bo sticks largely with the winning formula from the Czechia game, using a 3-4-3. Seung-gyu in goal behind a back three of Gi-hyuk, Min-jae and Han-beom. The wing-backs are Tae-seok and Young-woo, with In-beom and Seung-ho in the midfield pivot. Up front the attacking three of Jae-sung, Heung-min Son and Kang-in Lee.

Son Heung-min came off without scoring against Czechia — a quiet game by his standards — but the captain's quality is undeniable and he will be driven by the desire to deliver on the biggest stage. Lee Kang-in is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad and operates with real creativity from the right side. In-beom was the scorer against Czechia with a cool chip and provides the crucial midfield quality and energy that allows the back three to stay compact.

South Korea's 3-4-3 offers tactical flexibility — the wing-backs can push high and turn it into an effective 3-2-5 in possession, or drop back to create a 5-4-1 off the ball. Against Mexico's width, Hong will need them to track runners diligently and prevent Alvarado and Quiñones getting in behind. If they can limit Mexico's wide threat and spring Son and Kang-in on the counter, South Korea are a genuine danger.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Son Heung-min vs the Mexico back four. Son was quiet against Czechia — he will not want a repeat. Against Mexico's back four, his movement, pace and ability to arrive late into the box represent the most dangerous individual threat on either side. He drifts across the front line and makes runs that are genuinely difficult to track in a 4-3-3 defensive structure. Mexico's centre-backs handled South Africa comfortably enough, but Son is a completely different kind of problem. If Son fires, South Korea can win this.

Prediction

Mexico's quality across the pitch and their superior strength in depth make them slight favourites, and the Montes suspension is offset by Edson Álvarez's quality stepping in. But South Korea's first-game performance showed they are more than capable of competing at this level, and Son will be determined to make his mark. This is genuinely close.

Mexico 2–1 South Korea — Jiménez, Alvarado — Son

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Canada

vs

Qatar

Canada know a win here effectively secures a place in the knockout stages. Qatar — who defied all logic to steal a last-minute draw against Switzerland, turning a dominant 23-shot bombardment into a share of the spoils through a Swiss own goal — arrive buzzing with unexpected confidence at BMO Field in Toronto. The stadium that witnessed Canada's first World Cup point against Bosnia will now host their most important match in forty years. For Qatar, this is their chance to produce one of the genuine upsets of the tournament on Canadian soil.

Canada — Les Rouges

Jesse Marsch makes no changes from the Bosnia draw, retaining the 4-4-2 that earned Canada their historic first World Cup point. Crépeau in goal, back four of Laryea, Fougerolles, Cornelius and Johnston, midfield of Millar, Koné, Eustaquio and Buchanan, with Larin and Jonathan David up front.

The big uncertainty remains Alphonso Davies, who has been recovering from injury and did not feature in the pre-tournament friendlies. His involvement or absence from the squad is still unclear — if he is fit and available, his introduction changes Canada's dynamic entirely. Without him, Buchanan on the right and Millar on the left give Canada width and directness, but nowhere near the same level of explosive quality. David remains the primary danger regardless — his movement, clinical finishing and ability to create space for Larin make him the most potent striker Canada have ever produced, and he will be a serious problem for Qatar's back line.

Canada's home advantage at BMO Field is real. The crowd will be enormous and the noise levels will provide exactly the kind of atmosphere that can unsettle a side with Qatar's limited big-game experience. They have already earned their first World Cup point. Now they want their first win.

Qatar

Julen Lopetegui makes one adjustment from the Switzerland game — Madibo retains his surprise starting spot ahead of Boudiaf in the midfield three alongside Laye and Gaber. Abunada stays in goal behind the same back four of Ahmed, Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi and Al-Oui.

Up front, Afif leads through the middle with Junior and Abdurisag in the wider positions — the same attacking trio that functioned against Switzerland. The context of Qatar's first game cannot be overstated: they had 32% possession, an xG of 0.60 against Switzerland's 3.20, and still took a point. Their entire gameplan is built around staying compact, making life difficult and hitting teams on the counter through Afif's individual quality. Against Canada's attacking-minded 4-4-2, there will be spaces to exploit.

The notable omission remains Almoez Ali — Qatar's all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 119 games — who did not get a single minute against Switzerland. His continued absence from the starting lineup is puzzling, and if Qatar fall behind here, his introduction could change the game.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Jonathan David vs Khoukhi and the Qatar back four. David is Canada's most dangerous player and the man Qatar's entire defensive plan will be built around limiting. He is quick, intelligent in his movement and clinical in front of goal — exactly the profile that low-block defences struggle most to contain. If David can get in behind Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel even once, he has the quality to finish. Qatar will look to keep him in front of them at all times, stay compact and deny him the turn. If David fires, Canada win.

Prediction

Qatar's first-game performance was extraordinary in its efficiency — they achieved almost nothing and still got a point. Against Canada at home, with David firing and the crowd behind them, it is hard to see them repeating that trick. Canada have too much quality up front and the atmosphere will drive them forward from the first minute. Qatar will make it competitive for an hour, but Canada should see it out.

Canada 2–0 Qatar — David, Larin

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