Preview

Jun

2026

Preview: Norway and France meet to decide Group I

It’s a little early for two of the World Cup’s Golden Boot frontrunners to be going at each other, but Norway and France have had their fun – now to see who scores most to take Group I top spot.

By Karl Matchett

Naturally, France will be the favourites here. They have the history, the expectation, the Champions League winners and the most feared attacking line. Norway, though, have Erling Haaland.

Will he really have more chances?

Winning the World Cup itself might prove forever beyond a nation like Norway, but the Golden Boot is very definitely within the reach of a giant Nordic striker who has better than a goal a game strike rate on the international stage. Haaland, 59 strikes to his name in 52 caps, is very much seizing his chance to leave an indelible mark at a major finals. He – like opponent Kylian Mbappé and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior – has four goals in two games, one behind only Lionel Messi (obviously). And already pundits and experts are touting his potential to be one of the World Cup’s greatest-ever scorers, given time.

But Haaland will know that may not be realistic. After all, Messi has just broken that record and he’s at his sixth finals. Norway are playing their first in 28 years – there’s just no telling how often he’ll be back, let alone his form and fitness at the time. Certainly Haaland will hope to return, but he won’t be taking that for granted and even with Norway through to the last 32, he’ll want to max out every opportunity he gets on the pitch to add to his own legend and keep Norway plotting a path through North America.

Allez les rotations

We’ve all seen managers make sweeping alterations in the third group game, to keep some players fresh and have others feel involved. It would be a bit of a risk for Didier Deschamps’ coaching staff to do that here though, given France and Norway are tied on six points and with the (presumed) benefits finishing first can bring. Still, France have a stacked squad and the boss did switch up his whole left flank between games one and two. Ibrahima Konaté, N’Golo Kanté and Jean-Philippe Mateta are among those yet to feature, and even a draw will see France finish first.

The side note is Deschamps himself will be absent, following a family bereavement. Guy Stephan will be in charge.

Recent form

Two wins from two apiece at the World Cup, with Senegal and Iraq both vanquished. Norway have scored one more, but conceded two more, across the pair of fixtures played.

Team news

Full-back Julian Ryerson is the only major doubt, though Torbjørn Heggem had an issue in the last game.

William Saliba could be rested after noting he had a few niggles.

Key player

For all Haaland’s threat, Mbappé has the supply line. He’s two years older than the Norwegian but has 12 World Cup goals more. His four in this tournament have come from 12 shots, seven on target, an xG of 1.99 and through 17 touches in the box. The French captain is unstoppable at his best.

Prediction

A fearless approach from both but the greater firepower to win the game: Norway 1-2 France.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Türkiye playing for pride against group winners USA

The first dead rubber contest of the World Cup sees already-eliminated Türkiye take on the co-hosts.

By Neel Shelat

Just misses no hits

Türkiye’s tally of 62 shots was the highest after the first two rounds of the World Cup — no other team even managed 50 — yet they drew a blank in both games. A big reason behind that was the fact that the majority of their efforts came from outside the box. They also had to go through a lot of traffic for the most part, facing the staunch low blocks of Australia and Paraguay. As a result, less than a quarter of their attempts were on target, while over a third were blocked.

*Türkiye’s shot map in their last game vs. Paraguay*

Vincenzo Montella’s side undoubtedly have some top-end attacking talent with the likes of Kenan Yıldız and Arda Güler, but their issue in these two games was that they were simply far too static in the final third. Having already been eliminated from the knockouts, they could use this game as an opportunity to try something different tactically.

USMNT on a favourable path to the quarter-finals

Convincing wins over Paraguay and Australia have already assured the United States men’s national team (USMNT) of top spot in Group D, and with it, a quite inviting pathway in the initial knockout rounds.

Should there be a winner between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar in the Group B decider, the USMNT will face a World Cup knockout debutante in the first round. Thereafter, they are on course to Egypt or Czechia/South Africa in the Round of 16, as things stand.

Given the relatively weaker nature of this pathway, most models place the USMNT among the five likeliest teams to reach the quarter-finals, giving them just under a 50% chance. A memorable knockout run on home soil could well be in the offing for the co-hosts.

Team news

Türkiye are expected to be fully fit for this game. Yunus Akgün missed a training session earlier in the week due to some slight discomfort, but that shouldn’t keep him out if the coach wishes to call upon him.

The USMNT have a couple of injury concerns. Christian Pulisic sat out the win over Australia after picking up a calf issue in the opener. Though he has returned to training, he is unlikely to be risked in this game. Cristian Roldan’s status is also uncertain due to a muscle strain. With nothing to play for in this match, Mauricio Pochettino may well rotate the side and should certainly look to protect the players at risk of a yellow card suspension, namely Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun.

Prediction

The second-choice options in the USMNT squad will likely be motivated to show what they’re capable of, so they could make it three wins out of three in the group stage against a dispirited Türkiye.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Goalless Ecuador face free-flowing Germany

The Group E leaders meet Ecuador in the final round of the group stage at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

By Filip Mishov

The toothless Ecuadorians must cause an upset to avoid an early exit

La Tri are one of only four national teams without a single goal scored at the World Cup after two rounds played, and Sebastián Beccacece‘s squad are under pressure to break the deadlock and deliver against the Group E leaders in the final round.

Despite recording an xG of 2.84 (from 15 shots on target) and enjoying 75% of ball possession, Ecuador failed to find a way past Curaçao’s outstanding goalkeeper, Eloy Room, and remain in third place behind Ivory Coast, in desperate need of a positive result if Moisés Caicedo & co. are to secure a place in the round of 32.

Germany, with nine goals, boast the highest-scoring squad at the tournament so far, and the 10th-ranked internationational team have already booked a ticket to the knockout phase for the first time since the 2014 World Cup – Die Mannschaft’s first objective in North America.

Furthermore, Germany are destined to finish top of the group following their stoppage-time victory against Ivory Coast, taking the pressure off Julian Nagelsmann and allowing room to rest players in this game.

Key players

Enner Valencia is nearing the end of his legendary career in La Tricolor shirt and Thursday’s clash might be the final World Cup match for Ecuador’s leading all-time goalscorer (49 goals). The 36-year-old is expected to lead the forward line once again in hope of unlocking Germany’s defence, and the captain will be extra motivated to find the back of the net in order to extend his national team’s stay in North America.

Deniz Undav is in elite company alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, as one of the most efficient players at the World Cup 2026 with the in-form striker scoring three goals and adding a couple of assists in just 56 minutes of action.

The 29-year-old came off the bench against both Curaçao and Ivory Coast and recorded a FotMob rating of 8.8 and 8.7, respectively, while being selected as the Player of the Match on the latter occasion following his match-winning brace. In spite of the coach’s public criticism ahead of the tournament, Undav is becoming too good to ignore, and a place in the starting XI seems inevitable.

Team news

Nico Schlotterbeck suffered an ankle injury against Ivory Coast and the centre-back will miss the rest of the tournament, which is a big blow to Germany’s defence. Antonio Rüdiger is set to replace him. Nadiem Amiri is among the players pushing for a start after his positive cameo off the bench, with Nagelsmann expected to reshuffle the starting line-up.

Everyone is fit and available within Beccacece’s squad and the coach must decide whether to deploy a more attacking formation with a place in the Round of 32 on the line for Ecuador.

Prediction

Even though Germany were far from impressive against the Ivory Coast, Nagelsmann’s star-studded squad managed to complete a full comeback thanks to the superior quality in squad depth (and Undav’s brilliance), and even if the coach once nicknamed ‘Baby Mourinho’ decides to rotate the squad against Ecuador, I expect another win and maybe even a repeat of their last meeting from the World Cup 2006.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Scotland clash with Brazil in final round of group fixtures

Three points against Haiti was the absolute requirement for Scotland and they achieved that – but to reach the knockout phase there’s a real chance that they’ll need to pull off a shock result against Brazil.

By Karl Matchett

Maths and maybes

Of course, it’s likely that at least one team goes through with only three points, but the problem Scotland have is that in playing their final group game relatively early, they won’t know what’s really required until much later.

Only eight of the 12 third-placed teams will progress to the round of 32, and already – with a game to play – there are four nations in third in their groups with a win on the board. Scotland are one of them but it’s more than feasible that the likes of DR Congo or Bosnia and Herzegovina move to four points by the time all the groups are done. Goal difference is very likely to come into play, so if they have to suffer defeat, Steve Clarke’s men dare not let the game get away from them.

Minus one is feasible; if it starts to reach two, three or more, they are in trouble. It’s tough to play to draw, but the Scots are organised, hard working and have incredible team spirit – but they must counter-attack when the chance is there, too.

Are Brazil really contenders?

After all, the Seleção have already shown they have a soft underbelly. They are susceptible to fast breaks, they are ponderous through the centre of the pitch and there are no shortages of players who don’t particularly relish tracking back to make up the numbers, even under Carlo Ancelotti. That said, they retain an array of attacking talent who are match-winners, and the depth to switch matters up if they’re not working. Going direct might be reductive for Brazil, but if the one-on-one speedsters don’t have their day, a poacher or two from the bench could still decide the group. Beyond that? We’ll be looking for a lot more from the team before placing them among the genuine contenders – at present they’re on course to face Netherlands or Japan and you wouldn’t feel it’s a guarantee they even triumph there.

*Brazil’s starting line up and match ratings vs. Haiti*

Recent form

Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 then lost to Morocco by the same scoreline after a first-minute goal. Brazil laboured to a draw with the Africans, then trounced Haiti without getting out of second gear.

Team news

Scott McKenna, Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey are injury doubts for the Scots, while Raphinha is out for Brazil – but Neymar could be fit enough to return.

Key player

Assuming Brazil dominate play, it’s Lewis Ferguson who will be key for Scotland in the holding midfield role. Across European midfielders he ranks ahead of 70% over the past year for defensive actions and 93% for aerials won – and at the World Cup so far he ranks 99% for fouls and duels won. He’ll need to keep that up.

Prediction

Brazil really haven’t impressed much…but it only takes a momentary lapse for some of these quality attackers to break through. The Scots will give them that: Scotland 1-2 Brazil.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: England meet Ghana as Three Lions target the knockout stages

England will be looking to continue their perfect start at the World Cup as they host a Ghana side who limped over the line against Panama.

By Matt Smith

Thomas Tuchel‘s side secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening match after a professional second half saw them take all three points.

It took a 95th-minute winner for Ghana to defeat Panama in their opening game, putting them in second place behind England in the group.

It’s been a while since these two sides faced each other, with their last meeting coming all the way back in 2011.

Tuchel’s game-changing team talk

England manager Tuchel will be hoping that he doesn’t have to provide an influential team talk at half-time when they face Ghana, but he certainly proved he can do so if needed. England were relatively disappointing in the first half against Croatia, but they produced some of their best attacking play in recent years in the second half.

England produced a phenomenal nine shots on target, with 22 touches inside the opposition box in the second half, with a lot of those coming from the left-hand side. Tuchel made incredibly positive changes, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Morgan Rogers all coming off the bench.

Ghana going through tricky period

Although Ghana managed to qualify for the World Cup, there’s no doubt they’ve endured a difficult period over the last 20 years or so. Ghana currently rank 73rd in the FIFA rankings despite being 14th in 2008.

Ghana’s victory over Panama also ended a run of seven games without a win, losing six of those matches. They did manage to top their group in qualifying, but there is no doubt they had a favourable set of sides to face.

They’ll certainly have to improve on their performance against Panama if they want to beat England, and they’ll need more from the likes of Antoine Semenyo.

Kane the obvious danger man

It’s not just Harry Kane‘s finishing ability that the likes of Ghana need to worry about at the World Cup. The Bayern forward can dictate games from deep, despite being a centre-forward on paper, while also getting into the box to score goals.

Kane created two chances against Croatia while also scoring twice, having more touches in the opposition box than any other player. When you have players like Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Rashford or Saka running in behind, Kane dropping into deeper areas doesn’t even limit England’s attacking play.

Ghana will have to do everything they can in order to try to keep Kane quiet, but many clubs and countries have tried and failed to tame the deadly forward.

Prediction

England should get the job done considering Ghana’s recent struggles over the last few years. We are going for a 3-1 victory to Tuchel’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Spain look to kickstart World Cup campaign vs. Saudi Arabia

Spain are expected to bounce back from their shock goalless draw against Cape Verde in their second group game.

By Graham Ruthven

Point to prove

While nobody has written Spain off as World Cup contenders, the European champions have a point to prove against Saudi Arabia after their insipid 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. Indeed, Luis de la Fuente will expect much better from his team.

Spain had 27 shots without scoring against Cape Verde, a joint-record number in World Cup history. The pre-tournament favourites must demonstrate a much sharper edge to make the most of their superior possession and territorial advantage in the opposition half.

Saudi Arabia could be difficult to break down if their performance against Uruguay is anything to go by. The 2034 World Cup hosts defended their penalty box well and posed a threat from set pieces in a display that was similar to how Cape Verde frustrated Spain.

At some point, Spain are expected to click into gear at this World Cup. However, they could face a similar test to the one they failed to overcome against Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia will recycle the game plan that worked so well for the Africans.

Key players

Spain need Lamine Yamal available. Without the Barcelona winger fit from the beginning, the European champions lacked a direct threat, making them much easier to play against. By the time Yamal was introduced in the second half, Cape Verde were closing up space in their low block.

In central midfield, Pedri, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will give Spain control of the ball in the centre of the pitch while Ferran Torres could be moved into the centre forward position after starting against Cape Verde on the right wing.

Marc Cucurella gave Spain a way to get in behind down the left side while Aymeric Laporte was their dominant defensive presence at the back.

Salem Al-Dawsari could pose the biggest threat to the Spanish goal down the left side. The Al-Hilal attacker scored the winning goal for Saudi Arabia against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup and is accustomed to delivering on the big stage.

Realistically, Mohammed Al Owais will need to be in top form for Saudi Arabia to take anything from their encounter with Spain. The goalkeeper made a number of big saves in the draw against Uruguay, but was also at fault for the equalising goal.

Team news

Yamal’s fitness remains a big talking point as does Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger only came off the bench for the final few minutes of the draw against Cape Verde and is still searching for sharpness at the tournament.

Otherwise, de la Fuente has a full squad to choose from, meaning he could afford to shake up his forward line to ensure Spain have more joy in front of goal.

Similarly, Georgios Donis also has no new injury or suspension concerns. Saudi Arabia will have the license to field a full-strength team against the European champions.

Prediction

The European champions should find a way to win in Atlanta: Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Germany and Ivory Coast battle it out for top spot in Group E

After racking up the biggest result in the first round of World Cup fixtures, Germany face a much tougher test against a well rounded-looking Ivory Coast side, with top spot in Group E at stake.

By Karl Matchett

It is, of course, advantage Germany when it comes to being in the driving seat for top spot, purely on account of that massive 7-1 win over Curaçao.

Rotate or roll again?

But Julian Nagelsmann will have seen a few aspects of his team’s performance that could do with improving all the same and, regardless, the calibre of opposition will ensure that was seen as not much more than an additional warm-up match. It leaves the manager caught between seeing how the team really plays against a notable opponent, and resting or rotating to keep others involved, knowing that even a draw puts Germany in with a great chance of topping the group.

Wing wonders

The African side started their win over Ecuador with two unbelievably quick wide forwards on the flanks – and both ply their trade in Germany. Bazoumana Touré is direct, a tremendous crosser of the ball and a hard worker; Yan Diomande is the primary outlet, an absolute dribble monster and capable of the spectacular. Even if Germany dominate play, the threat at the other end will remain constant because of these two, with Diomande in particular the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool.

He topped the Bundesliga charts last term among wingers and attackers for successful dribbles, racking up 4.3 per 90 minutes on average, while he also ranked at 96% for touches in the box. Against Ecuador he had the most (12) in that latter stat of anyone on the pitch and made the most chances (5) too. If that duo wasn’t enough, Amad Diallo came off the bench to score the winner – he could feature anywhere along the attacking midfield line, including in place of Touré from the start or as a No. 10.

Recent form

Germany beat Switzerland and Ghana in March, Finland and USA before the World Cup started and then Curaçao last week. Ivory Coast lost 3-2 to Egypt in the Afcon quarter-final in January but have won four straight since then.

Team news

Manuel Neuer has confirmed he’ll retire (again) after these finals but is certainly available for the next few weeks, which has understandably irritated a few other German goalkeepers. Neither side have any injury worries and Ivory Coast have striker Elye Wahi available after he was initially denied entry into Canada.

Key player

There will be a lot more defensive requirement on the German midfield this time around, so Aleksandar Pavlović is the one to watch as nominally the ball-winner against those regular and speedy Ivory Coast breaks. Last season in the Bundesliga he was dribbed past 0.55 times per 90 minutes and Bayern Munich conceded an average of 1.42xG while he was on the pitch – his timing and pitch coverage will have to be on point here.

Prediction

Germany will have to raise their game, but the expectation is that they will. Control against counter-attack, and a few goals could be the result: Germany 3-2 Ivory Coast.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Scotland looking to upset Morocco in Group C

Scotland and Morocco go head-to-head at the Gillette Stadium on Friday as Steve Clarke’s side look to extend their lead at the top of their group.

By Matt Smith

The Scots secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening game of the tournament, which was a crucial victory due to the two difficult games they have remaining. Morocco held Brazil in their opener after Ismael Saibari‘s goal was cancelled out by Vinícius Júnior.

These two sides last met back in 1998 in the World Cup, with Morocco securing a 3-0 victory in a game that saw Scotland’s Craig Burley sent off.

Team news

Scott McKenna could miss out for Scotland due to a calf problem, meaning he is a doubt heading into the game. An unchanged 11 from Clarke’s side certainly wouldn’t be a surprise after their victory in the opening match.

Morocco may also be unchanged after their impressive performance against Brazil. Ayyoub Bouaddi was the star of the show in midfield, running the game at the age of 18.

Scotland will need to step it up a level

It was an impressive result from Scotland to secure the 1-0 victory over Haiti, but they were certainly under a lot of pressure in the second half. After John McGinn scored the opener in the first 45 minutes, Scotland sat back in the second half, having just 36% possession.

Morocco might look to dominate proceedings with Scotland implementing a defensive counter-attack in style, but there is no doubt they will have more quality than Haiti. As a result, Scotland will need to step it up a level if they want to secure a victory. Although there is every chance that they will be happy with a draw.

Morocco need the three points

Although it was an impressive performance against Brazil, Morocco still only secured one point. They’ll be expecting to beat Haiti, but if they draw their second game and head into the final match with just two points, things could start to look a little tetchy.

Morocco need to ensure they secure all three points against Scotland, which could potentially see them top the group heading into the final game.

Scotland must limit Bouaddi

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Bouaddi after his performance in the opening game, and rightly so. The 18-year-old was everywhere in the middle of the park, winning nine ground duels while also completing 91% of his passes.

Stopping him from being able to control the game would be a smart move for Scotland, but unfortunately it’s never that simple. The Lille midfielder bossed the middle of the park despite coming up against experienced professionals in Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães.

Prediction

Morocco should have too much quality if Scotland are going to sit deep and invite the pressure. We’re going for a narrow 2-1 victory to Morocco.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: USMNT and Australia looking to back up big wins

Co-hosts United States face Australia in the second round of fixtures at the World Cup, with both teams in with a chance of sealing a knockout spot before their final group games.

By Neel Shelat

Free-flowing USMNT have found an attacking formula

How Mauricio Pochettino would set the United States men’s national team (USMNT) was not entirely clear coming into the World Cup, but it should be now after an emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opener.

The co-hosts tore apart the South Americans’ player-oriented mid block with a very dynamic attacking performance, running rings around the opposition defence with constant movement. While they lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation on paper with Sergiño Dest on the right of a front three, they moved into a back three in possession with Antonee Robinson advancing on the left flank and freeing Christian Pulisic to drift infield. Tyler Adams operated as the lone defensive midfielder as the two number eights caused all sorts of problems with their forward runs.

All of that contributed to the USMNT’s first World Cup win, so they will be high on confidence as they prepare to take another step towards the knockouts.

Another test for Australia’s defensive resolve

Australia showcased excellent defensive discipline as they got the better of Türkiye in Vancouver.

Having taken the lead in under half an hour, they bunkered into a low block and sought to frustrate their opponents. The Socceroos did exactly that, giving up precious few clear looks at their goal. Though they faced 30 shots, the majority of them were from outside the box. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach worked hard to earn a clean sheet on his competitive international debut, keeping out all eight shots on target that he faced.

While Tony Popovic’s side kept out Türkiye’s technicians with sheer numbers at the back, they will face a different sort of test against a more dynamic USMNT.

Team news

Pulisic is the only doubt across both squads after he was brought off at half-time against Paraguay. He has been training separately due to a left calf issue, so the extent to which he will be available is uncertain.

Key Players

The USMNT will need their attacking stars to step up if they are to find a way through the Australian defence. Tillman’s clever runs in and around the box will be important, while Folarin Balogun will be keen to add to his brace from the opener. At the back, Alex Freeman will have an important role to play in limiting the Socceroos’ counterattacking threat.

Australia can expect Beach to face some more tests in goal, but they will hope that the back line shields him as far as possible. 6′ 6″ centre-back Harry Souttar will have a big role to play in that, and he will also be a significant threat from set-pieces at the other end. Nestory Irankunda will hope to lead the attacking charge again after scoring a wonderful opener against Türkiye to become the Socceroos’ youngest World Cup scorer.

Prediction

A close contest between two cohesive units should be in the offing. The USMNT may be on the front foot for longer stretches, but might have to settle for a score draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Brazil prepare for game two against Haiti

Brazil’s World Cup kicked off with a stutter against Morocco; can they improve on this against outsiders Haiti?

By Ian King

Brazil need to improve after being shut out by Morocco

Well, it wasn’t quite the triumphant kick-off that the Seleção would have hoped for. Brazil rather limped to a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match, reliant on a moment of brilliance from Vinícius Júnior to rescue them from another otherwise anaemic performance during which they were dependent on an excellent late double-save from Alisson to preserve a point.

And if anyone was thinking that Haiti will be a pushover in this group, their performance against Scotland demonstrated that they’re not in North America merely to make up the numbers. A narrow defeat in their opening fixture leaves them still very much in the competition, and their confidence will likely have been fuelled by the result of Brazil’s opening fixture.

*The Group C table prior to the second round of games*

Brazil’s record against Haiti is predictably one-sided

These two teams have met on three previous occasions, and the upshot of these meetings is not very encouraging for Haiti. Their first meeting came in a warm-up game for the 1974 World Cup finals in Brasilia, with a further two coming in Port-au-Prince in 2004 and Orlando in 2015, in a Copa America group match. Those three matches finished 4-0, 6-0 and 7-1 to Brazil.

Raphinha had an injury-disrupted season, but now is his time to shine

All eyes will be on Vinícius Júnior following his goal in their opening match, but one of his attacking foils, Raphinha, deserves greater attention. He had something of a disrupted season with Barcelona, with a recurring hamstring injury limited him to just 22 appearances in LaLiga, but he scored 13 goals in that 22 from the left-wing and he’s plenty capable of both scoring and creating.

If there was a transformative moment in Haiti’s road to qualification, it was probably persuading Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to switch his international allegiance from France to Haiti last autumn. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder was their main creative outlet against Scotland, and he can play in either a defensive or attacking midfield position, or on the left-wing, and he’s a player who Brazil neglect at their peril.

Not for the first time, Brazil’s World Cup injury gossip largely concerns Neymar

The big story regarding the Brazil squad throughout this group stage will concern Neymar. Having battled his way into their squad with a series of decent displays for Santos despite undergoing knee surgery in December, he suffered a calf injury in May, which has led to intense speculation over whether he’ll play at all in this tournament.

At the moment, it seems that he will miss the group stages at least, though he is back in training. Now 34 years of age, the decision to select him ahead of such established players as Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison was a gamble, and there’s been little indication yet that it’s going to pay off.

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make changes for this match, and there was something slightly ominous about him saying that his players’ “nerves were all over the place” in the post-Morocco press conference. He signed a contract extension to 2030 shortly before the start of this tournament, but the likelihood of him seeing that through will be severely diminished should Brazil not go deep.

The Haiti head coach Sébastien Migné has no injury or suspension worries ahead of this match. If there was a controversial decision surrounding their opening match, it was his decision to omit striker Duckens Nazon, who’s their all-time record goalscorer, with 44 goals in 82 appearances for them. He’s had fitness issues of late, but may return for this match.

Brazil need to prove that their opening performance against Morocco was the exception rather than the rule

Expectation levels in Brazil ahead of this tournament were as high as ever, but the team’s performance in their opening fixture against Morocco was sub par, so the big question mark hanging over their heads as they go into this fixture is whether this was just a slow start or a sign of something more endemic within their squad.

What they absolutely can’t afford to do is turn in more performances like the one they managed against Morocco; lifeless, lethargic, and dependent on a moment of brilliance to rescue them from what otherwise might have ended up an extremely embarrassing defeat. Morocco was not the jogo bonito that is implicitly promised by the team, and they now need to turn up the heat against one of the tournament’s biggest outsiders.

Haiti’s narrow margin of defeat to Scotland means that their tournament is far from over, though it may start to look this way should they get obliterated in this match, so we can expect them to set up in a more defensive formation than they did in their opening fixture. Keeping the scoreline respectable would give them a puncher’s chance, going into their final match.

This should be a comfortable win for Brazil, but the first week of their tournament has raised one or two questions. Was the decision to select Neymar in the squad altogether wise? Were their poor performances against Morocco an exception or the rule? I’m going for a fairly comfortable 2-0 win for Brazil, but for any questions concerning whether they can actually win this tournament to remain unanswered.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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