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

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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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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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