FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Predictions for 11th – 18th June 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally underway, and fans around the globe are preparing for another week of exciting international football. From potential giant-killings to heavyweight clashes, the opening week of the tournament promises drama, goals and plenty of talking points.

Here are our predictions for every Group Stage match taking place between 11th and 18th June 2026.

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Thursday 11th June 2026

Mexico v South Africa

Prediction: Mexico 2-1 South Africa

The hosts will be eager to start their World Cup campaign with a victory. South Africa have the pace and energy to cause problems, but Mexico's experience and home support could prove decisive in a closely contested opener.

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Friday 12th June 2026

South Korea v Czech Republic

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Both teams possess quality and organisation, making this one of the more evenly matched fixtures of the opening week. A hard-fought draw seems the most likely outcome.

Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Canada's youthful attacking talent will test Bosnia, but the Europeans have enough experience and discipline to earn a share of the points.

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Saturday 13th June 2026

USA v Paraguay

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

The United States will look to make a strong start, but Paraguay are notoriously difficult opponents. Expect a physical contest with both sides cancelling each other out.

Qatar v Switzerland

Prediction: Qatar 1-2 Switzerland

Switzerland's tournament experience and defensive organisation should give them the edge. Qatar may create chances but the Swiss are favourites to take all three points.

Brazil v Morocco

Prediction: Brazil 3-1 Morocco

Brazil enter the tournament among the favourites and should have enough attacking quality to overcome a determined Moroccan side. Expect the South Americans to begin with a convincing victory.

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Sunday 14th June 2026

Haiti v Scotland

Prediction: Haiti 0-3 Scotland

Scotland will be looking to make a statement in their opening game. Steve Clarke's side possess greater quality throughout the squad and should comfortably secure three points.

Australia v Turkey

Prediction: Australia 2-1 Turkey

A difficult fixture to call, but Australia's physicality and tournament know-how could make the difference in a competitive encounter.

Germany v Curacao

Prediction: Germany 5-0 Curacao

Germany should have little trouble in this match. The four-time world champions are expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Netherlands v Japan

Prediction: Netherlands 3-1 Japan

Japan continue to improve on the world stage but the Dutch quality and attacking depth should prove too much over 90 minutes.

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Monday 15th June 2026

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Two talented sides with plenty of athleticism and attacking threat. This could be one of the most entertaining draws of the group stage.

Sweden v Tunisia

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Sweden's organisation will be tested by Tunisia's energy and work rate. Neither side may do enough to secure victory.

Spain v Cape Verde

Prediction: Spain 5-0 Cape Verde

Spain are expected to dominate from start to finish. Their technical ability and possession game should overwhelm the underdogs.

Belgium v Egypt

Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Egypt

Egypt have enough talent to make life difficult for Belgium, but the Red Devils should edge a competitive match thanks to their superior attacking options.

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

One of the surprise results of the week. Saudi Arabia have shown in recent tournaments that they can compete with top nations, while Uruguay remain dangerous but inconsistent.

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Tuesday 16th June 2026

Iran v New Zealand

Prediction: Iran 0-2 New Zealand

A potential shock result. New Zealand's organisation and confidence could help them secure a valuable opening victory.

France v Senegal

Prediction: France 3-1 Senegal

France remain one of the tournament favourites. Senegal possess quality throughout their squad but Les Bleus should have too much firepower.

Iraq v Norway

Prediction: Iraq 0-3 Norway

Norway's attacking talent should see them comfortably through this fixture as they begin their campaign with three points.

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Wednesday 17th June 2026

Argentina v Algeria

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

The reigning South American giants should have little trouble overcoming Algeria and are expected to start strongly.

Austria v Jordan

Prediction: Austria 2-0 Jordan

Austria's organisation and experience at major tournaments should help them secure a professional victory.

Portugal v DR Congo

Prediction: Portugal 4-0 DR Congo

Portugal possess one of the strongest squads in the competition and should comfortably dispatch DR Congo.

England v Croatia

Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia

A repeat of several memorable encounters in recent years. Croatia remain dangerous opponents, but England's quality could see them edge a tight contest.

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Thursday 18th June 2026

Ghana v Panama

Prediction: Ghana 2-0 Panama

Ghana's athleticism and attacking threat should prove decisive against a Panama side likely to defend deep.

Uzbekistan v Columbia

Prediction: Uzbekistan 0-3 Columbia

Columbia have the quality and experience to secure a comfortable victory and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

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Final Thoughts

The opening week of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises plenty of excitement, with several heavyweight nations looking to make an early statement. Brazil, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal and Argentina are all expected to start strongly, while matches such as England vs Croatia, USA vs Paraguay and Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay could provide some early tournament drama.

As always, the World Cup is full of surprises, and there is every chance that some of these predictions will be turned upside down once the action begins.

Check back throughout the tournament for more predictions, match analysis and reaction as the road to the FIFA World Cup Final continues.🌎🏆