FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Predictions: 18th – 24th June 2026
- Terry Begley
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage continues with another exciting week of football, featuring some of the biggest nations in world football alongside emerging teams looking to cause an upset. From Brazil and Argentina aiming to make a statement to England, Scotland, and the USA facing crucial group fixtures, fans can expect plenty of drama, goals, and surprises.
Here are our predictions for all group stage matches taking place between 18th and 24th June 2026.
Thursday 18th June 2026
Czech Republic vs South Africa
Prediction: 2-2
A closely fought encounter between two sides capable of creating chances. South Africa's pace could trouble the Czech defence, while the Europeans have enough quality in attack to ensure they leave with a point.
Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Prediction: 2-1
Switzerland's tournament experience and defensive organisation could prove decisive. Bosnia are likely to make life difficult, but the Swiss should edge a competitive match.
Canada vs Qatar
Prediction: 1-1
Canada will be expected to control possession, but Qatar have shown in recent tournaments that they can remain difficult to break down. A draw could be a fair result.
Friday 19th June 2026
Mexico vs South Korea
Prediction: 2-1
Mexico's attacking flair and big-match experience could make the difference. South Korea will compete strongly but may fall just short.
USA vs Australia
Prediction: 2-2
One of the most intriguing fixtures of the week. The hosts will be backed by a passionate crowd, but Australia have the resilience to earn a valuable point.
Scotland vs Morocco
Prediction: 1-2
A difficult test awaits Scotland against a Morocco side that continues to impress on the international stage. The Scots should compete well, but Morocco's quality could prove decisive.
Saturday 20th June 2026
Brazil vs Haiti
Prediction: 5-0
Brazil will be overwhelming favourites and should dominate from start to finish. Expect plenty of attacking football and goals.
Turkey vs Paraguay
Prediction: 1-1
Both teams are evenly matched and could cancel each other out. A draw seems the most likely outcome.
Netherlands vs Sweden
Prediction: 3-1
The Dutch have looked strong heading into the tournament and possess the attacking talent needed to overcome Sweden comfortably.
Germany vs Ivory Coast
Prediction: 3-1
Germany's blend of youth and experience should be enough to see off an energetic Ivory Coast side.
Sunday 21st June 2026
Ecuador vs Curacao
Prediction: 2-0
Ecuador's pace and physicality should prove too much for Curacao as they look to strengthen their position in the group.
Tunisia vs Japan
Prediction: 1-1
Both sides are well organised and difficult to beat. This could be one of the tightest matches of the week.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia
Prediction: 3-0
Spain's technical quality should shine through as they control possession and create numerous chances.
Belgium vs Iran
Prediction: 4-0
Belgium's attacking options could overwhelm Iran in what may become a one-sided contest.
Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Prediction: 3-0
Uruguay's experience and strength throughout the team should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Monday 22nd June 2026
New Zealand vs Egypt
Prediction: 1-3
Egypt's attacking threat and tournament experience should help them secure all three points.
Argentina vs Austria
Prediction: 3-0
Argentina will be looking to maintain momentum and should have far too much quality for Austria.
France vs Iraq
Prediction: 4-0
France remain among the tournament favourites and are expected to produce a dominant display.
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Norway vs Senegal
Prediction: 3-1
Norway's attacking firepower could make the difference against a strong Senegal side.
Jordan vs Algeria
Prediction: 1-1
An evenly balanced encounter where both sides may settle for a point.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Prediction: 4-0
Portugal's quality throughout the squad should be too much for Uzbekistan to handle.
England vs Ghana
Prediction: 3-1
England will expect to take all three points, although Ghana possess enough talent to cause problems on the counter-attack.
Wednesday 24th June 2026
Panama vs Croatia
Prediction: 1-2
Croatia's experience at major tournaments should help them edge a competitive fixture.
Colombia vs DR Congo
Prediction: 2-0
Colombia's attacking options and technical ability should see them finish the week with a victory.
Teams to Watch This Week
Brazil
Brazil look capable of producing some of the tournament's most entertaining football and could make a major statement against Haiti.
Argentina
The reigning South American giants will be aiming to build momentum heading into the knockout stages.
England
England's clash with Ghana could provide an indication of how serious their title ambitions are.
Morocco
After recent international success, Morocco continue to be one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional football powerhouses.
Portugal
Portugal's talented squad has the ability to go deep into the competition and should be among the standout performers this week.
Prediction of the Week
Brazil 5-0 Haiti
Brazil's attacking quality, depth, and experience make this our most convincing prediction of the week. Expect goals, flair, and a dominant performance from the five-time world champions.
Final Thoughts
The second week of World Cup group stage action could prove crucial in shaping the knockout rounds. Several nations will be looking to secure qualification early, while others may already be facing must-win situations.
As always with the World Cup, surprises are never far away. While the favourites are expected to deliver, history tells us that shocks can happen when least expected.
Will Brazil, Argentina, France, and England continue their march towards the latter stages? Can underdogs such as South Africa, Curacao, or Uzbekistan spring a surprise? We'll soon find out.
What are your predictions for the week ahead? Which team do you think will be the biggest surprise package of World Cup 2026? Let us know in the comments! ⚽🌎🏆
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