England

vs

Croatia

For England, every major tournament opener carries the same narrative weight — sixty years of hurt, renewed hope, and a squad that might finally be good enough. For Croatia, this is a chance to prove that the nation which finished runners-up in 2018 still has enough in the tank for one more statement at a World Cup. They meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas — a fixture loaded with history, tactical intrigue, and the very real possibility that one of these sides goes home early if they don't start well. Group L also contains Ghana and Panama. This result could define the group.

England — The Three Lions

Thomas Tuchel lines up in a 4-2-3-1, with Jordan Pickford in goal behind a back four of Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Liam O'Reilly. The double pivot of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson — the Nottingham Forest midfielder who has been one of the revelations of England's qualifying campaign — provides the platform. In the advanced roles, Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon flank Jude Bellingham, with Harry Kane leading the line.

England's qualification was flawless — eight wins from eight, eight clean sheets, the first UEFA nation to book their place. But the cracks have shown in warm-up: a draw with Uruguay and an unprecedented defeat to Japan — their first ever against an Asian nation — unsettled confidence ahead of the tournament. A win over Costa Rica in the final warm-up steadied things, but the questions over Tuchel's best system and Bellingham's optimal role remain unanswered. Bellingham at his best is one of the finest players in the world. Getting the best of him in a team context is England's central tactical challenge.

Kane arrives needing three goals to break England's all-time scoring record outright. He has 64 — level with Wayne Rooney. The motivation is real, and against a Croatia side who are no longer as defensively robust as they once were, he will fancy his chances.

Croatia — The Vatreni

Zlatko Dalić sets up in a 3-4-2-1, with Dominik Livaković in goal behind a back three of Gvardiol, Vušković and Sutalo. The wing-backs are Perišić on the left and Stančić on the right, while the midfield pairing of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić remains one of the most technically gifted in the tournament at any age. Baturina and Kramarić operate in the advanced roles behind lone striker Budimir.

Modrić is 40 and this is almost certainly his final World Cup. He will not be the explosive force he was in 2018 — but his reading of the game, his passing range and his ability to slow or quicken the tempo remains essentially unmatched at this level. Kovačić alongside him gives Croatia the energy and box-to-box running that allows Modrić to function. Joško Gvardiol is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now — his composure, athleticism and ability to carry the ball from deep make him Croatia's most important defensive asset and an attacking outlet from the back three.

Croatia's Euro 2024 was a disaster — three group games without a win, out before the knockouts. Dalić has rebuilt since, but the questions over what happens when Modrić retires still hang over this squad. Their warm-up brought losses to Brazil and Belgium before a 2-1 win over Slovenia steadied things. They are a dangerous, experienced side — but not the irresistible force of 2018.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Jude Bellingham vs Luka Modrić. The heir apparent against the master — Bellingham at 22 facing the midfielder who has defined this era of the game at 40. Modrić will look to control tempo, pick passes that bypass England's pressing and dictate the match from deep. Bellingham will look to arrive in dangerous areas, win second balls and create the moments that unlock a back three. Whoever exerts more influence on the midfield battle will go a long way to winning the match. It is the generational passing of the baton in one 90-minute contest.

Prediction

England have more quality in this squad than at any World Cup since 1990, and North American soil should suit them better than a neutral European venue would. Kane is motivated by the scoring record, Bellingham is capable of winning any game on his own, and Croatia, for all their experience, are no longer the side they were in 2018. England should win this, and win it without too much drama.

But after Tuesday's results, nobody is predicting anything with complete confidence.

England 2–1 Croatia — Kane, Bellingham — Kramarić

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Portugal

vs

DR Congo

Portugal open their Group K campaign at NRG Stadium in Houston against a DR Congo side making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. This is a first-ever meeting between the two nations, and the occasion could hardly be more loaded — Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 years old and playing in his sixth World Cup, steps out in what may be the final chapter of the most decorated individual career in the history of the sport. Roberto Martínez's side are among the most technically gifted squads at this tournament. But after the shock of Spain being held by Cape Verde on Tuesday, nobody is taking anything for granted.

Portugal — A Seleção das Quinas

Martínez lines up in a 4-3-3, with Diogo Costa in goal behind a back four of Cancelo, Dias, Veiga and Nuno Mendes. Rúben Dias captains the side and brings the authority and leadership this defence needs — his partnership with the technically gifted Veiga gives Portugal a solid but ball-playing base. The midfield three of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves is one of the most technically complete in the tournament — Fernandes the creative hub, Vitinha the quick-passing connector, Neves the disciplined energy provider.

Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line in what is almost certainly his final World Cup, flanked by Francisco Conceição on the right and João Félix on the left. Ronaldo arrives having had a complicated season at Al-Nassr — 27 goals, but at 41 he is no longer the explosive athlete of his peak. What he does bring is an unmatched ability to produce in the biggest moments, the movement to still threaten in behind, and the set-piece menace that has defined his international career. Portugal have won all three warm-up matches, scoring 12 goals against USA, Chile and Nigeria. The platform is there.

Their best World Cup was 1966, when they finished third. Since then — quarter-finals, semi-finals, quarter-finals — always promising, never quite delivering. Ronaldo has reached two semi-finals but never lifted the trophy. This is his last realistic chance, and the entire Portuguese squad is built around making that happen.

DR Congo — The Leopards

Sébastien Desabre sets up in a compact 5-2-1-2, with Mpasi in goal behind a back five of Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Mbemba, Tuanzebe and Masuaku. The double pivot of Mukau and Sadiki protects the back five, with Moutoussa the link between midfield and the front two. Cédric Bakambu and Lois Openda's replacement Wissa lead the attack.

The back five is genuinely intriguing — Axel Tuanzebe, the man whose extra-time goal against Jamaica secured DR Congo's place here, partners with Aaron Wan-Bissaka — both Premier League-pedigreed players who give this side a level of top-flight experience that belies their ranking. Chancel Mbemba anchors the centre alongside them. The shape is clearly designed to be hard to break down, remain compact and hit Portugal on the counter.

DR Congo's qualification story is extraordinary. They held Denmark to a goalless draw in warm-up, reached the last-16 of the most recent AFCON, and their victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff has already given this squad a belief that they can compete at the highest level. They have won two of their last four and have only suffered one defeat in that stretch. Desabre will be under no illusions about the task here, but nor will he have come simply to make up the numbers.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Bruno Fernandes vs the DR Congo double pivot. Fernandes is at his most dangerous when he receives the ball in half-spaces between the lines and can drive forward with purpose. Mukau and Sadiki will be tasked with denying him exactly that — staying compact, closing quickly and forcing him wide. If DR Congo can limit Fernandes' influence and stay compact for the first hour, they have a chance of making this uncomfortable. If he finds space and starts picking passes into the front three, Portugal can win this by any margin.

Prediction

Portugal are the class act here and should win comfortably. But Spain's draw on Tuesday serves as a timely reminder that compact defensive systems and a goalkeeper in form can cause anyone problems. DR Congo will be well organised, Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe are experienced defenders, and this may be tighter than expected for the first hour. Eventually though, the quality of Fernandes, Félix and Ronaldo will tell.

Portugal 3–0 DR Congo — Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Félix

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Austria

vs

Jordan

Group J concludes its opening round in the early hours at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, where Austria make their first World Cup appearance since 1998 against a Jordan side making their very first appearance in the finals. The contrast could barely be more stark — Austria arrive as one of Europe's more underrated sides, under the meticulous management of Ralf Rangnick and with genuine knockout stage ambitions. Jordan arrive as complete tournament debutants, on a five-game winless run, missing their top scorer, and facing the daunting prospect of opening their World Cup with Austria before then playing Argentina and Algeria. Both sides have their own reasons to make this count.

Austria — Die Burschen

Rangnick lines up in a 4-2-3-1, with Alexander Schlager in goal behind a back four of Posch, Alaba, Lienhart and Laimer. David Alaba — returning from a long-term knee injury that ruled him out of much of the club season at Real Madrid — is expected to start despite fitness concerns, and his experience and leadership in the heart of the back four is simply too important to leave out. The double pivot of Xaver Schlager and Seiwald provides the defensive structure and midfield energy, with Seiwald in particular one of the most underrated holding midfielders in European football.

In the advanced positions, Marcel Sabitzer operates on the left, Romano Schmid on the right, and the tireless Michael Gregoritsch through the middle — the man whose 77th-minute equaliser against Bosnia in qualifying sent Austria to this tournament. Up front, the talismanic Marko Arnautovic leads the line. At 37, he is well past his peak but remains a handful for defenders and arrives in decent personal form. The notable absence is Christoph Baumgartner, ruled out through injury — a significant creative loss for Rangnick's side.

Austria's qualification was superb — six wins, one draw, one defeat from their European group, finishing above France in the process. Their warm-up form has been equally encouraging: a stunning 5-1 win over Ghana, followed by tight 1-0 victories over South Korea and Tunisia. They have not reached the World Cup knockout stages since 1954 — and this is the most talented, best-coached Austrian squad in a generation. A win here would be the ideal launchpad before the Argentina and Algeria tests that follow.

Jordan — The Chivalrous Ones

Jamal Sellami sets up in a 5-3-2, with Abulaila in goal behind a back five of M.Taha, Obaid, Arab, Nasib and Haddad. The midfield three of Mardahi, Rashdan and Rawabdeh is disciplined and compact, while Ali Olwan and Mousa Tamari partner up front.

The biggest blow to Jordan's preparations has been the absence of Yazan Al-Naimat — their top scorer with eight goals during World Cup qualifying — who has been ruled out since December with injury. His absence strips Jordan of their most dangerous attacking outlet at the worst possible time. Tamari, the Sporting CP forward, becomes the primary threat in his place — 14 international goals and a player with genuine top-level club experience — but he is a very different type to Al-Naimat and Jordan's attacking plan has had to be rebuilt around him.

Jordan's build-up form has been poor — four friendlies without a win, two draws and two defeats, including a loss to Serbia. Their five-match winless run represents the kind of momentum that heading into a World Cup opener against a quality opponent is deeply concerning. The Arab Cup run to the final earlier this year — losing only narrowly to Morocco after extra time — showed what this squad is capable of at its best, but that version of Jordan feels some way away from what has been seen since.

The occasion itself will be enormous for Jordanian football. This is a country that has never before appeared at a World Cup finals — and simply being here, whatever happens, is a historic achievement that should not be understated.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Marcel Sabitzer vs Jordan's right side. Sabitzer operating on Austria's left will look to exploit the space behind Jordan's right wing-back and drive into the areas where he can combine with Arnautovic and Gregoritsch. Sabitzer is one of the most dynamic players in this Austrian squad — quick, technically excellent and capable of arriving late to score from midfield positions. If Jordan's defensive shape holds and their wing-backs stay disciplined, they can limit the damage. But Sabitzer finding pockets and running at a back five that has not been tested at this level before is Austria's most reliable route to goal.

Prediction

Austria are the significantly better team and should win comfortably. Jordan's poor recent form, the absence of Al-Naimat and the sheer step up in quality they face makes this a very difficult assignment. Rangnick's side are organised, well-drilled and hungry to announce themselves at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Expect Austria to be professional and controlled — and Arnautovic, as always, to make sure everyone knows he turned up.

Austria 3–0 Jordan — Arnautovic, Sabitzer, Gregoritsch

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Argentina

vs

Algeria

The reigning world champions finally take the field. Argentina open their Group J campaign at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City against a Algeria side that has quietly assembled one of the most dangerous attacks outside the top ten in this tournament. This is not the banana skin that 2022's opener against Saudi Arabia turned out to be — but Lionel Scaloni has warned his players to take nothing for granted, and with good reason. The Fennec Foxes beat the Netherlands in warm-up, have conceded just twice in their last six matches, and carry a front three capable of punishing any lapse. The occasion carries its own weight too: tonight, Lionel Messi makes his 200th international appearance and becomes the first player in history to participate at six different World Cup tournaments. This is history in every sense.

Argentina — La Albiceleste

Scaloni lines up in a 4-4-2, with Emiliano Martínez — the penalty hero of Qatar 2022 and undisputed first choice — in goal behind a back four of Medina, Otamendi, Romero and Molina. Romero and Otamendi is one of the most experienced and formidable centre-back partnerships at this tournament, while Molina's overlapping runs from right back provide a crucial attacking outlet for the team.

The midfield four of Almada, Fernández, Mac Allister and Paúl is balanced and technically excellent. Mac Allister provides the creative link from deep, Fernández the combative energy to win second balls, while Almada and Paúl give Argentina width and the ability to switch play quickly. Up front, the partnership of Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez is the most celebrated in world football right now. Álvarez — tireless, intelligent and clinical — ran the channels and scored vital goals throughout the 2022 run. Messi, at 38, is no longer the explosive wide forward of his Barcelona peak, but his vision, movement, dead-ball delivery and sheer ability to conjure something from nothing in the tightest of spaces remains unmatched by anyone alive.

Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualifying with 38 points, including a memorable 4-1 win over Brazil, and have won seven consecutive matches since, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one. They have won all six of their World Cup matches against African opposition since 1990. The weight of defending the title is significant — but this is a squad that has been through everything together and knows how to deliver under pressure.

Algeria — The Fennec Foxes

Vladimir Petkovic lines up in a 4-3-3, with Zidane in goal behind a back four of Nouri, Mandi, Bensebaini and Belghali. The midfield three of Boudaoui, Maza and Chaibi provides a solid engine room — Boudaoui is the standout, a combative and dynamic presence who can drive forward and add numbers to attack when the opportunity arises.

The front three is where Algeria carry their genuine threat. Riyad Mahrez — at 35 and winding down his career at Al-Ahli, but still a player of world-class pedigree when motivated — starts on the right and will look to cut inside onto his left foot and find the killer ball. Islam Slimani's replacement as the primary striker is Mohamed Amoura — the Wolfsburg forward who has been one of the revelation performers in Algeria's build-up, quick, direct and increasingly clinical in front of goal. Gouiri provides the pace and creativity from the left.

Algeria's qualification was impressive — they topped their CAF group, suffered just one defeat, and only two African teams scored more goals. Their pre-tournament results are genuinely encouraging: a 7-0 rout of Guatemala, a goalless draw with Uruguay, wins over the Netherlands and Bolivia. Petkovic has built a defensively organised and tactically disciplined side, and they arrive on a five-match unbeaten run. The gap in class between these two sides is real — but Algeria's form says they can make this uncomfortable.

The one context worth noting: in 2022, Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia before recovering to win the title. Scaloni will have made sure his players have not forgotten that.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Riyad Mahrez vs Nicolás Medina. Mahrez at his best is one of the most dangerous players in this tournament — he drifts inside from the right, operates in tight spaces and can deliver the final ball or shoot on goal in equal measure. Medina at left back will have to be disciplined in denying him the turn, aggressive enough to press high when needed and alert enough not to ball-watch when Mahrez looks to exchange passes and spin in behind. If Mahrez finds pockets and has time, Algeria can hurt anyone. If Medina can contain him, Argentina's right side opens up and Molina's overlapping runs become far more dangerous for Algeria in return.

Prediction

Argentina will win this. Their quality is simply too great across the pitch, Messi and Álvarez are the best strike partnership in the tournament, and the occasion of Messi's 200th cap and sixth World Cup will bring the best out of a squad that thrives on historic moments. But Algeria's defensive solidity, Mahrez's individual quality and the memory of Saudi Arabia 2022 ensure this is far from a formality.

Expect Argentina to be patient, professional and ultimately decisive in the second half.

Argentina 3–0 Algeria — Messi, Álvarez, Mac Allister

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Iraq

vs

Norway

Group I concludes its opening round of fixtures at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, where Iraq — making only their second ever World Cup appearance — face a Norway side built around one of the most feared strikers in the history of the game. The late kick-off is not without significance: both sides will already know France and Senegal's result before they take the field, adding an immediate strategic dimension to a match that could define the group's shape from the very first evening. For Iraq, every point is precious. For Norway, only one result is acceptable.

Iraq — Usood Al-Rafidayn

Australian coach Graham Arnold sets up in a 4-4-2, with captain Jalal Hassan — earning his 103rd cap at the age of 35 — in goal behind a back four of Doski, Hashem, H.Ali and Tahseen. The midfield four of Jassim, Sher, Ammari and Amyn is tasked with the near-impossible job of limiting Norway's attacking quality, with Ammari and Sher providing the defensive screen at the base. Up front, Aymen Hussein partners Ali Al-Hamadi — both mobile strikers who will rely on pace on the counter-attack rather than sustained possession to create their opportunities.

Iraq's story to reach this point is one of the more remarkable of the tournament. Arnold inherited a team on the brink of elimination from AFC qualifying after a shock defeat to Palestine in March 2025 — the result that cost Jesus Casas his job. Arnold steadied the ship, guided Iraq through rounds three, four and five of qualifying and then delivered a 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia to seal their place here. It is only Iraq's second ever World Cup appearance — their first was in 1986, where they lost all three group games and scored just once. The weight of that 40-year wait to return, and the journey through which this generation has earned it, gives this squad a fierce motivation that no team should underestimate.

The concern is form. Iraq have won just twice against teams outside their own confederation since November 2022, losing four and drawing two of those eight matches. Their pre-tournament friendlies brought a 1-0 win over Andorra, a creditable 1-1 draw with Spain — which will give Arnold's players heart — and a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela. The step up in class from AFC opposition to Haaland and Ødegaard is enormous. But Arnold is a canny coach who knows how to organise a defence, and Iraq will not be here simply to make up the numbers.

Norway — Landslaget

Ståle Solbakken lines up in a 4-3-3, with Nyland in goal behind a back four of Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer and Ryerson. The midfield three of Ødegaard, Berge and Aursnes is captained by the Arsenal midfielder — one of the most technically complete players at this tournament and the creative conductor around whom everything Norway do flows. Berge alongside him provides the physicality and range of passing from deeper positions, while Aursnes covers the ground and makes the runs that others are too disciplined to attempt.

Up front, the selection of Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth represents one of the most powerful front threes at this World Cup. Haaland needs no introduction — 44 goals in 52 international appearances, the most prolific striker on the planet and a player whose physicality, movement and finishing ability simply do not have a meaningful weakness. Nusa, still only 20, provides electric pace and directness on the left, while Sørloth offers a different kind of threat on the right — powerful, direct and capable of holding the ball with his back to goal when Norway need to relieve pressure.

Norway's qualifying campaign was flawless — 24 points from 24, 37 goals scored, just five conceded, finishing above Italy in their group. Their last World Cup appearance was in 1998, where they made the round of 16. Solbakken will be acutely aware that the group stage draw pitches them against France in the next fixture — making a win here not just desirable but essential to give Norway breathing room going into that enormous match.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Erling Haaland vs the Iraq centre-backs. Tahseen and H.Ali will face the most demanding 90 minutes of their international careers. Haaland is at his most devastating when he can run in behind a high defensive line — and Arnold will instruct Iraq to sit deep and compact to deny him that space. The question is what happens in the air from set-pieces and crosses, where Haaland's physical superiority is essentially impossible to negate. If Iraq can keep him goalless for the first half hour and stay in the game, the equation changes. If Haaland finds the net early, this could become a very long evening for Usood al-Rafidayn.

Prediction

Iraq's defensive resilience and Arnold's tactical nous may frustrate Norway early, but the gulf in class is too significant to sustain for ninety minutes. Haaland is the difference-maker in this fixture — he has scored against every type of opponent and there is no evidence Iraq's back line is equipped to contain him. Ødegaard will find the pockets between Iraq's lines and supply the ammunition, and once the first goal goes in, Norway should be comfortable.

Iraq's 1-1 draw with Spain in warm-up suggests they can compete at this level — but Norway are a different kind of opponent, and Haaland is a different kind of problem.

Iraq 0–3 Norway — Haaland, Haaland, Sørloth

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France

vs

Senegal

Group I opens at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with one of the most historically charged fixtures of the entire tournament. France — co-favourites alongside Spain to lift the trophy — begin their campaign against a Senegal side that knows exactly what it is capable of against this opponent. In 2002, Senegal stunned the then-reigning world champions 1-0 in one of the great World Cup upsets, a result that began the end of France's tournament. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was in that squad. He has not forgotten. Les Bleus will be making sure their players haven't either.

France — Les Bleus

Didier Deschamps — in his final World Cup before handing the reins to Zinedine Zidane — sets up in a 4-3-3, with Mike Maignan in goal. The back four of Theo Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano and Koundé is as strong a defensive unit as any nation has assembled at this tournament. Saliba arrives having recovered from a back injury scare sustained in the Champions League final — fears that he might miss the entire tournament were quickly allayed when he returned to full training, and his partnership with Upamecano gives France an authoritative platform at the back.

The midfield three of Rabiot, Olise and Tchouaméni is the creative engine — and Michael Olise is the most exciting player in this role, capable of ghosting past opponents in tight spaces and producing decisive moments from seemingly nothing. He was the inspiration behind France's 3-1 friendly win over Northern Ireland just before the tournament, and Deschamps will be looking to him to unlock Senegal's well-organised defensive block.

Up front, Ousmane Dembélé provides pace and directness on the right, Désiré Doué the creative running on the left, while Kylian Mbappé leads the line through the centre. Mbappé needs no introduction — 50 international goals, the most feared attacker in world football, and a player who has consistently reserved his best performances for World Cup stages. He arrives having resolved his long-running contract situation with Real Madrid and in a considerably calmer headspace than in some previous tournaments. France have scored two or more goals in nine of their last ten fixtures. When they click, they are simply irresistible.

Deschamps has the chance to overtake Helmut Schön's record of 16 World Cup wins as a manager with a perfect group stage. The motivation to go out on the highest possible note after over a decade in charge is immense.

Senegal — The Lions of Teranga

Pape Thiaw sets up in a 4-2-3-1, with the veteran Édouard Mendy in goal behind a back four of Éric Diouf, Niakhate, M.Sarr and Diatta. The double pivot of Idrissa Gueye and Pathé Gueye provides the defensive structure, with the attacking three of Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye operating behind lone striker Nicolas Jackson.

That front four is genuinely dangerous. Sadio Mané — despite being at 34 and no longer the explosive force of his Liverpool peak — remains technically excellent, reads the game beautifully and leads this attack with experience and intelligence from the left. Ismaïla Sarr on the opposite flank brings pace and directness, while Iliman Ndiaye is the most creative of the three in central areas. Nicolas Jackson, the Chelsea striker, leads the line — 9 goals in his last 14 appearances for Senegal make him a more reliable international option than his sometimes inconsistent club form might suggest.

Senegal's preparations have been mixed. A 3-2 loss to the USA was followed by a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia that broke a 17-match scoring run — but also extended their clean sheet record to five from seven. Thiaw's side are well organised and hard to score against, and the Lions of Teranga arrive having claimed the 2025 AFCON title — or at least an extremely strong claim to it, with the legal dispute over the Morocco final still unresolved. Whatever the paperwork says, this squad believes it is the best on the African continent, and that belief matters.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Kylian Mbappé vs Niakhate and the Senegal back four. Mbappé will run at Senegal's centre-backs from the moment the whistle blows, looking to exploit the space in behind with his trademark acceleration. Niakhate is experienced and composed — but he has rarely faced a player moving at this pace with this quality. If Senegal's back four hold their defensive line too high, Mbappé will go in behind repeatedly. If they drop deep to protect the space, France will have more room to play through midfield and the problem simply shifts elsewhere. There is no comfortable answer to Mbappé on his day, and this may be his day.

Prediction

Senegal caused the upset of the 2002 World Cup against this exact opponent. But this France side is not the 2002 vintage — this is arguably the most complete French squad since 1998. Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise in full flow is a combination that Senegal's midfield will struggle to contain for ninety minutes, and Maignan and that back four will keep Jackson and company at arm's length for much of the game.

Expect France to win comfortably, with Mbappé inevitably on the scoresheet.

France 3–1 Senegal — Mbappé, Mbappé, Olise — Mané

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Iran

vs

New Zealand

Group G concludes its opening fixtures in the early hours at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Iran face a returning New Zealand side in a match that carries far more significance than its billing might suggest. With Belgium and Egypt playing in the same group, both sides know that a win here could be the difference between a credible knockout push and another early exit. Iran arrive as clear favourites on paper — but they do so under a cloud of extraordinary logistical difficulty that makes this one of the more unusual fixtures at this entire World Cup.

Iran — Team Melli

Amir Ghalenoei lines up in a 4-2-3-1, with the experienced Alireza Beiranvand in goal behind a back four of Nemati, Khalilzadeh, Kanaani and Rezaeian. The double pivot of Ezatolahi and Ghoddos provides the defensive structure, while the creative three of Mohebi, Taremi and Ghaedi operate behind lone striker Hosseinzadeh.

The headline name is Mehdi Taremi — 105 caps, 60 international goals, and one of the most technically accomplished centre-forwards to emerge from Asian football in a generation. His movement, finishing and ability to hold the ball up under pressure make him the centrepiece of everything Iran do in attack. Behind him, Mohammad Mohebi (14 international goals) and Mehdi Ghaedi (10) provide genuine secondary threats. The notable absentees are Alireza Jahanbakhsh — Iran's all-time top scorer with 17 goals — and Mehdi Torabi, both unlikely to feature through injury. Roozbeh Cheshmi is also being assessed.

The extraordinary subplot to this fixture is Iran's logistical situation. A diplomatic dispute with the United States means Team Melli must travel into the country on matchday and depart again on the same day for every group fixture — no hotel stays, no acclimatisation, no normal preparation routine. It is an unprecedented situation at a World Cup and one that adds a layer of uncertainty to any assessment of their performance. That they arrive in fine form — four wins from their last five including 5-0 and 2-0 clean sheets — is a testament to the squad's mental resilience. Iran have never advanced from the group stage at a World Cup. This generation wants desperately to be the first to change that.

New Zealand — The All Whites

Darren Bazeley sets up in a 4-2-3-1, with Michael Crocombe in goal behind a back four of Cacace, Boxall, Surman and Payne. The double pivot of Bell and Stamenic provides the midfield structure, with Just, Singh and Garbett operating in the creative positions behind lone striker and captain Chris Wood.

Wood is the story of New Zealand football. The Nottingham Forest striker has 35 goals in 75 international appearances — an astonishing return for a nation of this size — and is the primary reason New Zealand can threaten anyone on their day. Powerful in the air, clinical in the box and a natural leader, he will be a constant problem for Iran's centre-backs and represents New Zealand's best and essentially only route to goal if the game gets tight.

The concern is New Zealand's form, which has been genuinely worrying in the build-up. Nine losses in 11 matches over the last year, failing to score in six of those nine defeats. The most recent preparations brought a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Haiti and a 1-0 loss to England — hardly the ideal run-in to a World Cup opener. New Zealand are returning to the global stage after a 16-year absence, having missed the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The occasion will be enormous for this group of players, many of whom will never play in a larger match. Whether the emotion of the moment helps or hinders them is the key question.

Their one genuine encouragement: Iran's extraordinary travel situation. If any team is likely to feel the effects of disrupted preparation, it is one that has been forced in and out of the country on the day of each game. New Zealand will hope that fatigue and disorganisation can level the playing field.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Mehdi Taremi vs the New Zealand back four. Taremi is the most dangerous player on this pitch by a considerable distance, and the way New Zealand's defence manages him will determine the outcome of the match. Boxall and Surman in central defence will need to be physical, disciplined and alert — Taremi is at his most deadly when he drops into the half-space, receives the ball on the turn and drives at goal. If they give him that space, Iran will score. If they can keep him in front of them and deny him the turn, New Zealand have a chance of making this competitive.

Prediction

Iran are the better team and should win this comfortably on paper. The travel situation is a genuine wildcard, and New Zealand's threat through Chris Wood means this will not be an entirely comfortable evening. But New Zealand's form has been dreadful, they haven't beaten a side of Iran's calibre in years, and Taremi, Mohebi and Ghaedi are simply too much for this All Whites defence to handle for ninety minutes.

Iran win, but New Zealand make them work for it — and Wood gets his moment.

Iran 2–1 New Zealand — Taremi, Ghaedi — Wood

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Saudi Arabia

vs

Uruguay

The late fixture of Monday's programme takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Saudi Arabia and Uruguay meet in a Group H clash that could effectively settle second place before the group has barely begun. With Spain almost certain to top the group, whoever wins here takes a commanding position in the race for the remaining qualifying spots. Both sides arrive carrying significant injury concerns and a burning desire to avoid the group stage exits that have defined their recent World Cup history. This is a match neither can afford to lose.

Saudi Arabia — The Green Falcons

Georgios Donis lines up in a 4-3-3, with Mohammed Al-Owais in goal behind a back four of Boushal, Amri, Al-Tambakti and Abdulhamid. The midfield three of Kanno, Khaibari and Juwayr provides the platform, with the creative burden falling on the front three of Dawsari, Feras and Mandash.

Captain Salem Al-Dawsari is the standout name — 34 international goals, the man who scored that stunning individual winner against Argentina in 2022, and the heartbeat of everything Saudi Arabia do going forward. His ability to drive at defenders, find pockets between the lines and produce moments of genuine quality makes him one of the most dangerous players in this group at his best. Feras leads the line through the centre — a mobile forward whose movement and link-up play will be key to unlocking a well-organised Uruguay defence.

Saudi Arabia memorably beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup — one of the great upsets in tournament history — and will draw on the belief that no game is beyond them on the right day. But they have not won a World Cup knockout match since 1994, and their last two tournaments ended in group stage exits. Their warm-up form has been concerning — four consecutive losses before a goalless draw with Senegal — but tournament football has a habit of resetting the table entirely.

Uruguay — La Celeste

Marcelo Bielsa sets up in a 4-4-2, with the veteran Fernando Muslera in goal behind a back four of Viña, Olivera, Cáceres and Varela. The midfield four of Araújo, Bentancur, Ugarte and Valverde is formidable on paper — although question marks remain over the fitness of several players heading into this fixture.

Federico Valverde is the most important player on this pitch. The Real Madrid midfielder is technically excellent, box-to-box in his energy, capable of scoring from distance and always dangerous arriving late from deep. Alongside him, Manuel Ugarte provides the defensive shield and combative presence that allows Valverde the freedom to get forward. Rodrigo Bentancur adds quality and experience in the third midfield slot.

Up front, Darwin Núñez partners Viñas in attack. Núñez is explosive, powerful and one of the most physically imposing strikers at this tournament — Saudi Arabia's centre-backs will find him a constant handful. His Liverpool season was inconsistent but he arrives at tournaments fired up, and the space Saudi Arabia's attacking 4-3-3 can leave on the counter will suit him perfectly. The loss of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani from this setup has shifted the goalscoring burden entirely onto Núñez's shoulders, and he has the quality to carry it.

Uruguay won their last World Cup meeting with Saudi Arabia 1-0 in 2018. They were semi-finalists in 2010 and quarter-finalists in 2018, but went out in the group in 2022. Bielsa will demand a reaction — and this is the kind of opponent against whom his meticulously organised sides tend to produce their best performances.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Salem Al-Dawsari vs Federico Valverde. The two most important players in this match are likely to cross paths repeatedly. Al-Dawsari will look to find space between the lines and drive at Uruguay's defence — Valverde, operating from the right of midfield, will be aware that tracking Al-Dawsari defensively is as much his job as anything else. When Al-Dawsari has time and space, Saudi Arabia can hurt anyone. Valverde's ability to press intelligently and deny him that room could be the decisive factor in a match where the margins will be tight throughout.

Prediction

Saudi Arabia at home in the Miami atmosphere with Al-Dawsari in the mood is not to be underestimated, and Uruguay's injury concerns make this more open than their FIFA ranking suggests. But Bielsa's sides are tactically intelligent and hard to break down, and the combination of Valverde pulling the strings and Núñez physically dominating Saudi's centre-backs gives Uruguay a clear edge in the positions that matter most.

Al-Dawsari will get his moment — he almost always does — but Uruguay have enough quality to win this.

Saudi Arabia 1–2 Uruguay — Al-Dawsari — Núñez, Núñez

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Belgium

vs

Egypt

In what could prove the defining fixture of Group G, Belgium take on Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle — a match that carries far more significance than a typical opening-round encounter. Belgium are the highest-ranked side in the group and carry the weight of a generation that has consistently promised more than it has delivered. Egypt arrive with the most dangerous player on either team sheet and a historical head-to-head record against the Red Devils that makes for uncomfortable reading in the Belgium camp. This is not the straightforward opener it might appear on paper.

Belgium — Les Diables Rouges

Rudi Garcia sets up in a 4-2-3-1, with the talismanic Thibaut Courtois back between the sticks after his long injury recovery — his presence alone gives Belgium a significant upgrade in goal. The back four of Cuyper, Theate, Ngoy and Meunier is solid without being spectacular, while the double pivot of Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans provides a reliable engine in the middle. Onana brings the physicality and pressing intensity, Tielemans — coming off an excellent campaign at Aston Villa — provides the technical quality and range of passing.

The real quality lies in the attacking positions. Kevin De Bruyne, operating as the central attacking midfielder, remains one of the most creative players in world football at 34 despite a mixed season at Napoli — his vision, range of passing and ability to find a killer ball from deep are unmatched in this squad. Flanking him, Jérémy Doku provides electric pace and directness on the left while Leandro Trossard offers quality and movement on the right. Charles De Ketelaere leads the line as the lone striker — his excellent season at Atalanta, including Champions League involvement, has made him the preferred option over Loïs Openda.

Belgium's recent World Cup record is a source of genuine frustration. Ranked among the favourites for three consecutive tournaments, they have never reached a final, and their 2022 exit — failing to score against either Croatia or Morocco — was particularly painful. Garcia has since overseen a more disciplined and balanced structure, winning three of four warm-up friendlies including victories over the USA, Croatia and Tunisia, keeping clean sheets in the last two. The tension between individual quality and collective underperformance has followed this generation throughout — this may be their last chance to resolve it.

Egypt — The Pharaohs

Hossam Hassan's side line up in a compact 5-2-1-2, with Shenawy in goal behind a back five of Fatouh, Rabia, Abdelmaguid, Ibrahim and Hany. The double pivot of Attia and Fathy sits in front of the defence, with Ashour operating as the link between midfield and attack. Up front, the partnership of Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah is as dangerous a two-man combination as Egypt have ever fielded.

And let's talk about Salah. At 34 and coming off what many consider the finest individual season of his career — 37 goals and 20 assists for Liverpool across all competitions, culminating in the Premier League title — he arrives at his first World Cup in the form of his life. He has never played at a World Cup before: Egypt missed out in 2022 and he was injured throughout 2018. This tournament represents the crowning chapter of one of the great careers in modern football, and the hunger to perform on the biggest stage is unmistakeable. Belgium's defence will know they are facing the most dangerous player at this entire World Cup, and they have no comfortable answer to him.

Marmoush alongside him is far from a passenger either — 26 goals and 12 assists for Manchester City this season make him one of the most in-form strikers heading into this tournament. Egypt's front two is, on their day, capable of scoring against anyone. The question is whether the 5-2-1-2 provides enough of a platform to protect against Belgium's width and creativity while giving those two the service they need.

Egypt have beaten Belgium in three of their four previous meetings — including a 2-1 win as recently as November 2022. They will not be intimidated. Hassan has navigated the side to an unbeaten qualifying campaign, topping their CAF group with 26 points from 10 matches. They are not here as passengers.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Mohamed Salah vs Wout Faes and the Belgium back four. Salah will drift wide right and look to cut inside onto his left foot — the most predictable movement in world football and still the hardest to stop. Belgium's left-sided defensive pairing of Cuyper and Theate will be well aware that this is where the danger comes from. If Cuyper pushes high — as he tends to — he leaves the space for Salah to exploit in behind. If he sits deep, Belgium lose one of their attacking outlets. It is a genuine tactical dilemma, and whoever wins this battle will likely determine the outcome of the match.

Prediction

This is the most genuinely unpredictable match of today's programme. Egypt's head-to-head record, the form of Salah and Marmoush, and the cautious structure Hassan has built all point toward a competitive match. But Belgium's attacking quality — De Bruyne pulling strings, Doku running at defences, De Ketelaere leading the line — is simply too rich for Egypt to suppress for ninety minutes. Courtois in goal is also a huge presence that Egypt will struggle to beat.

Belgium should win, but Salah will get his goal. He always does.

Belgium 3–1 Egypt — De Ketelaere, De Bruyne, Doku — Salah

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Spain

vs

Cape Verde

Reigning European champions Spain open their 2026 World Cup campaign at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Cape Verde, who make their first ever appearance at a World Cup finals. On paper, this is the most one-sided fixture of the opening round — La Roja are co-favourites alongside France to win the entire tournament, while the Blue Sharks arrived in North America having beaten Serbia and Bermuda in their warm-up matches. But Cape Verde are not here to be cannon fodder, and Spain have a tendency to underperform against supposedly inferior opposition at major tournaments. Luis de la Fuente will want a very different start to the one his predecessors managed.

Spain — La Roja

De la Fuente lines up in a 4-3-3, with Unai Simón in goal behind a back four of Llorente, Cúbarsi, Laporte and Cucurella. The midfield three of Fabián Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri is one of the finest in world football — Rodri as the anchor and controller, Pedri as the creative heartbeat, Fabián Ruiz as the dynamic box-to-box presence. When all three are functioning together, Spain are almost impossible to play through or around.

The big talking point surrounds the front three. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams — the two players who lit up Euro 2024 and are the primary reasons Spain are considered among the tournament favourites — have both returned to full training after recent injury scares but are expected to start on the bench as a precaution. In their place, Alex Baena starts on the left and Ferran Torres on the right, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line through the middle. That is a front three of genuine quality in its own right — Oyarzabal scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final and Torres was a Champions League winner with Manchester City — but it is a significant step down from what Spain's best looks like. The expectation is that Yamal and Williams will be eased into the tournament from the bench here, ready to start from gameweek two onwards.

Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, winning seven of them, and arrive as the most technically complete side at this tournament. They won the World Cup in 2010 but have been eliminated in the group stage in 2014 and failed to progress beyond the last 16 in either 2018 or 2022. The hunger to reverse that recent World Cup record is a significant motivating force for this squad.

Cape Verde — The Blue Sharks

Bubista sets up in a 4-2-3-1, with the experienced Vozinha — one of the most decorated goalkeepers in Cape Verdean history — between the sticks. The back four of Cabral, Diney, Lopes and Moreira provides the defensive base, with the double pivot of Pina and Arcanjo tasked with the near-impossible job of disrupting Spain's midfield three. The attacking three of Cabral, Monteiro and Ryan Mendes support lone striker Dailon Livramento.

Mendes is the name to know. At 36, he is Cape Verde's all-time top scorer with 22 goals in 97 appearances — a veteran of multiple African Cup of Nations campaigns and a player with real quality and experience despite the gap in pedigree between the sides. Livramento, meanwhile, has seven goals in 22 caps and provides the primary attacking threat through the centre.

Cape Verde's qualification story is one of the more remarkable of this tournament. They finished above Cameroon — a vastly more established footballing nation — in their CAF group, conceding just three goals across their entire qualifying campaign. Their defensive organisation is real, their team spirit is fierce, and they arrive having won three consecutive matches including those 3-0 victories over Serbia and Bermuda. This is a side that has earned its place here, and Bubista will organise them to make Spain's evening as uncomfortable as possible for as long as possible.

Predicted Lineups

Key Battle

Pedri vs the Cape Verde double pivot. Pedri is at his most dangerous when he finds the ball in tight spaces between the lines and plays give-and-goes that split defensive blocks open. Pina and Arcanjo will be disciplined and combative — but neither operates at anything close to the level of player they are being asked to contain. If Pedri, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz can circulate the ball quickly enough to drag Cape Verde out of shape, the spaces will open for Oyarzabal and the wide players to exploit. Cape Verde's best hope is that Spain are slow to find their rhythm in the opener — and historical precedent suggests that is not an entirely unreasonable hope.

Prediction

Spain will win this comfortably — the question is whether Yamal and Williams are introduced early enough to make it a rout or whether the rotated front three takes time to click. Cape Verde will defend deep and make this hard for the first twenty minutes, but Spain's quality in midfield is simply too good to be kept out for long. Once the first goal goes in, the floodgates are likely to open.

Expect a controlled, professional performance — and perhaps a cameo from Yamal that reminds everyone what is coming for the rest of the tournament.

Spain 4–0 Cape Verde — Oyarzabal, Pedri, Torres, Baena

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