Preview

Jul

2026

Preview: Canada kick off the Round of 16 against Morocco

Co-hosts Canada face their biggest test of the 2026 World Cup so far against a formidable Moroccan side.

By Graham Ruthven

Home advantage (?)

Canada have played their part as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, making the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Unlike Mexico and the USA, though, Canada’s home advantage isn’t really a home advantage at all.

After seeing off South Africa in Los Angeles, Jesse Marsch’s team are now in Houston to take on Morocco in what will be their biggest test of the tournament so far. Canada might have to produce their best-ever performance to get past the 2022 semi-finalists.

Morocco have looked strong at the 2026 World Cup so far. The Atlas Lions saw off Netherlands in a Round of 32 penalty shootout and will be favourites to progress past Canada into the quarter-finals.

This could be a cagey affair with both teams at their best in quick transition. Morocco will likely control the majority of possession and will be able to call upon their experience of their deep run at the 2022 World Cup.

Key players

Nobody has scored more goals for Canada at this World Cup than Jonathan David who is expected to lead the line once more against Morocco. The Juventus forward’s link-up play is valuable, but Canada will need his finishing instincts more than anything else.

All three of Canada’s forward options have delivered at various points of the World Cup with Promise David and Cyle Larin both capable of finding the back of the net. Meanwhile, Tajon Buchanan will be a threat on the wing.

The game could come too early for Alphonso Davies who made his much-anticipated return from injury in the win over South Africa. The Bayern Munich left back may be limited to another cameo off the bench.

Achraf Hakimi is widely seen as the best right back in the world and is so important to Morocco’s attack, creating more chances than any player for the Atlas Lions at this World Cup. His direct running is almost impossible to stop.

Morocco will lean on Ayyoub Bouaddi to control possession in the centre of the pitch. The Lille teenager has been one of the breakout stars of this World Cup and offers so much on both sides of the ball.

Brahim Díaz could be a useful tool for Morocco to break down Canada’s defence while Yassine Bono will be the Atlas Lions’ final line of defence at the other end of the pitch. Morocco boast quality all over the field.

Team news

Davies’ fitness is Canada’s primary concern ahead of Saturday’s match in Houston. The Bayern Munich left back still looks to be lacking sharpness, but could Marsch gamble by playing him from the start?

Ismaël Koné is out with a serious injury sustained in the group stage while Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli are Morocco’s only concerns. Otherwise, Mohamed Ouahbi will have a fully fit and available squad to choose from.

Prediction

After a very encouraging World Cup showing, both on home soil, and in the United States, this could prove a step too far for Canada, but should give them cause for optimism: Canada 1-2 Morocco.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: World Champions Argentina clash with Cape Verde, the fairytail story of the 2026 finals

Argentina were expected to reach the knockout stages with relative ease. Cape Verde, on the other hand, are the biggest surprise package of the tournament and reached this round thanks to three draws in Group H.

By Ross Kilvington

Argentina poised for more World Cup glory

Lionel Scaloni’s side were one of only three teams to emerge from the group stages with a 100% record, alongside Mexico and France.

Eight goals scored, one conceded, and three solid performances have many believing Argentina can become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups.

Lionel Messi has scored six of those eight goals and the Inter Miami star looks hungry for yet more success at the World Cup. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive matches at the tournament following his free-kick against Jordan.

The World Cup Golden Boot has so far eluded Messi. Should he maintain this sort of goalscoring form, though, that could well change in the coming weeks.

The route to the semi-finals has certainly opened up for La Albiceleste. Victory over Cape Verde sets up a clash against either Australia or Egypt in the last 16. Win that, and it is likely Colombia stand in their way of a third World Cup semi-final in the previous four tournaments.

Tournament Favourites France and Spain are in the other half of the draw, thus Argentina cannot meet either of them until the final. Surely that is enough incentive for Messi and Co to progress seamlessly through the bracket.

Cape Verde have been the biggest surprise package this summer

The Island nation, which lies off the coast of Africa, has already made history by becoming the smallest country to ever reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Vozinha has arguably been the cult breakout star of the finals. After his heroics against Spain, the veteran saw his Instagram follower count rise from 31,000 to nearly 17m. That even surpassed the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for percentage increase during the tournament.

Having conceded just twice across their three group games, however, Cape Verde demonstrated plenty of fight in reaching the knockout phase.

Bubista’s men have absolutely nothing to lose, which could make the nation a dangerous opponent to break down. Argentina will have avoid complacency.

Team news

Scaloni has no fresh injury concerns ahead of this clash. Messi did start the final group game on the bench, but enjoyed a late cameo, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament in the process.

For Cape Verde, Telmo Arcanjo is out of the clash against the world champions due to a hamstring injury. Aside from that, Bubista has no other injury concerns.

Prediction

Argentina have played some wonderful football so far, making light work of Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Cape Verde, though, are riding the crest of a wave right now and this could perhaps give the nation a massive boost heading into the clash.

President José Maria Neves certainly believes his country can prevail, saying: “I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0,” when speaking to the BBC.

Unfortunately, their journey will end at the hands of the defending world champions, who should win comfortably in Miami.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Outsiders Australia and Egypt meet in the Round of 32

AFC representatives Australia face off against record AFCON winners Egypt in the World Cup Round of 32 in Dallas, as the latter look to continue making history.

By Matt Smith

Egypt recorded their first-ever World Cup victory in the group stages after beating New Zealand 3-1. Australia will be hoping to win a World Cup knockout game for the first time, so this is a huge encounter for both sides.

They last went head-to-head back in November 2010, with Egypt emerging victorious with a 3-0 win.

Team news

Australia will be out without both Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie for their last 32 clash with Egypt, but they shouldn’t have any fresh injury concerns. Manager Tony Popovic could name an unchanged side from their last game against Paraguay.

The big bit of team news heading into this game is that Egypt’s superstar Mohamed Salah is a doubt. They are hopeful that he’ll be able to overcome a hamstring injury, but there are certainly no guarantees.

Australia have struggled going forward

So far in the World Cup, Australia have scored just twice, with both of their goals coming against Turkey. They’ve created just one big chance throughout the whole tournament, the joint lowest in the competition.

Australia managed to emerge through the group stage in second place, with their victory over Türkiye proving crucial. Their first-ever knock out victory will see them face either Argentina or Cape Verde. It’s set to be a huge occasion for the Socceroos.

Egypt must tighten up defensively

Although Egypt’s defensive record doesn’t look too bad, considering they’ve conceded just 3 goals in 3 games, there’s no doubt they need to tighten up at the back. They’ve conceded 4.6 xG throughout the tournament, suggesting that they’ve been fortunate not to have conceded more goals.

Thankfully for them, Australia have struggled in terms of creating chances, so it’s not a game that screams goal fest. Egypt will look to hold firm defensively while trying to create chances for Salah if he’s available.

Egypt fans praying for Salah

It’s difficult to see Egypt making it into the next round if former Liverpool forward Salah is unavailable for this one. Although the 34-year-old hasn’t lit up the World Cup like we’ve seen him do in domestic football, he’s certainly been a key player for the Egyptians.

Salah has provided three goals and assists in three games so far, playing a crucial role in particular against New Zealand in their important victory. Egyptian fans around the world will be praying that Salah is available to face Australia. With 61 goals in 87 appearances, he is their superstar.

Prediction

As mentioned, it’s difficult to see this game having too many goals. A lot could depend on the fitness of Salah, but if the experienced forward is fit, we’re going for a 1-0 victory to Egypt.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Heavyweights clash as Ronaldo’s Portugal face Modrić’s Croatia in Round of 32

Can Cristiano Ronaldo finally score a World Cup knockout goal or will Luka Modrić continue Croatia’s giant-killing streak?

By Filip Mishov

One legend destined for a bitter farewell

Portugal’s underwhelming showing in the group stage heaped the pressure on Roberto Martínez‘s squad to deliver in the knockouts, as the Seleção only managed to defeat the 60th-ranked Uzbekistan in Froup K, while stumbling to a draw against both DR Congo and Colombia.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut at the World Cup 2006, the Portuguese have reached the Round of 16 in four of the consequent five editions of the tournament, and failure to progress here would most probably signal a sour end to their greatest-ever player’s World Cup career.

The bronze medallists from the 2022 finals finished a point off England in the Group L table, and even though Croatia were far from flashy, Zlatko Dalić‘s squad got the job done by winning back-to-back matches against Panama and Ghana.

Now, Croatia’s goal is to continue their well-established trend of eliminating the big favourites in the knockout stag of a major tournament, something which led them to winning successive medals in 2018 and 2022.

However, the resilient Croats are winless against Portugal in competitive competitive and their sole victory came back in a friendly in 2024 with Ante Budimir scoring the winner in Lisbon.

Key players

Despite scoring a brace against the debutants Uzbekistan and shouting “I’m back!” to the cameras afterwards, Ronaldo (231 caps) is yet to reaffirm his difference-making ability in North America. If Portugal are to go far in the tournament, then the 41-year-old must raise his performance levels (averaging a FotMob rating of 7.3) and could go some way to doing that by scoring his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal in this one.

His teammates are going to give him the opportunities to do so, with only Senegal (28.3) and Panama (28) completing more accurate long balls (27.7) per match than Portugal so far at the tournament.

*Ronaldo vs. Modrić top stats at the World Cup*

Luka Modrić displayed was not his usual self against England in Croatia’s opener, but the 40-year-old improved in the consequent matches and even provided a match-winning assist against Ghana, earning him the Player of the Match award with a FotMob rating of 8.1.

As captain, Modrić reached 200 appearance for his country during the Group Stage, and Friday’s clash will be truly a unique one with the two former Real Madrid teammates being two of the only four players alongside Lionel Messi (202) and Bader Al-Mutawa (202) with more than 200 caps for their national teams.

Team news

Roberto Martínez has a fullly fit squad at his disposal, but the ultimate question is whether Bernardo Silva will get the nod to return in the starting lineup over Rafael Leão or Joao Félix.

Zlatko Dalić is facing a similar dilemma, with Ante Budimir being the starting striker in the last match, when it was Petar Musa who impressed in Croatia’s first two games.

Prediction

On paper, Portugal must be considered as favourites going into the match given the bags of experience and talent within Roberto Martínez’s squad, but Cristiano Ronaldo & co. have been far from impressive so far, and Croatia are well known for upping their performances when it comes to knockout football.

I expect a dramatic and close match, potentially going to extra time and even to penalties, with either Dominik Livakovic or Diogo Costa deciding the final outcome.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2026

Preview: Spain meet Austria in Round of 32

Spain finished the group stage with back-to-back wins after failing to score against Cape Verde in their opener.

By Ross Kilvington

Spain topping Group H has set up a meeting with Austria, who finished second in Group J on goal difference. It’s the winners of Euro 2024 against potential tournament dark horses. Who progresses?

Spain building momentum nicely

Spain registered 27 shots, took 51 touches in the opposition penalty area and won 11 corners, yet still couldn’t find the back of the net against World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

The same mistakes were not repeated against Saudi Arabia a few days later as the Spaniards sealed an imperious 4-0 win. Uruguay were then sent packing courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory to round off the group stages.

Luis De La Fuente’s men didn’t concede a single goal across their three matches and La Roja restricted their opponents to just three shots on target during that period.

Remarkably, though, Spain have not won a World Cup knockout tie since their triumph in the 2010 final. De La Fuente will be hoping to change that in California.

Austria could spring a surprise

Ralf Rangnick has led Austria to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1982, but can they progress even further?

A late equaliser against Algeria set up this clash with the European champions, but if they can channel the sort of performances that were on show when they topped their at that tournament, Rangnick’s men have a chance.

The Austrians scored three goals against both Jordan and Algeria, yet couldn’t break through a resolute Argentinian defence. This will be the challenge against the Spaniards, who will be determined to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Austria have defeated the Netherlands, Norway, Ghana and South Korea over the previous two years. A win against Spain, however, would be their biggest achievement, no doubt about that.

Key players

Lamine Yamal was restricted to a cameo appearance in the opening game against Cape Verde, but the teenager did socre his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia.

He failed to register a shot on target against Uruguay, yet De La Fuente will be hoping Yamal can provide the cutting edge for Spain against Austria.

Marcel Sabitzer has started all three games for Austria so far, getting on the scoresheet against Algeria in that enthralling 3-3 draw.

Marko Arnautović might be the main goal threat for Rangnick, yet Sabitzer makes things tick and he could be vital in this round of 32 matchup.

Team news

Spain will be without the services of both Nico Williams and Yéremy Pino for this clash, as the duo are injured.

Rangnick has a couple of players that are doubts for the match. David Alaba came off during the second half against Algeria, but it looks like he could be fit and ready to go.

Arnautović, however is a doubt for this knockout stage clash and Rangnick will be sweating on a late fitness test for Austria’s all-time top scorer.

Prediction

Spain would have hoped for an easier tie to begin the knockout stage, but confidence has been building since the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

Austria were a mixed bag during the group stage, but if Rangnick can get them performing to their best, we could see a tight affair play out in LA: Spain 2 – 0 Austria.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Co-hosts USMNT go up against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mauricio Pochettino’s US men’s national team face their first knockout match in a World Cup campaign that has so far exceeded expectations.

By Graham Ruthven

American dream

So far, so good for the US men’s national team. Comfortable wins over Paraguay and Australia gave Mauricio Pochettino the luxury of resting all but one (Weston McKennie) of his first-choice players for the dead rubber game against Türkiye in the belief that would help his team in the knockout rounds.

Now that the knockout rounds are here, the USA must keep up the energy and intensity they have shown to this point. That was key to Pochettino’s team making light work of Paraguay in their opening fixture and it will be key to their chances of breaking down Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia have never kept a clean sheet in any of their six World Cup matches to date, but the USA have lost seven of the eight knockout matches they have ever played in the World Cup. Indeed, the last knockout match they won at this level was all the way back in 2002.

The pressure is on the USA to make the round of 16. For Bosnia, though, this is something of a free hit having exceeded expectations to make it this far. This could make them dangerous opponents.

Key players

Christian Pulisic has played just 78 minutes at this World Cup so far due to injury, but could return to the USA lineup in time to face Bosnia. The AC Milan winger’s direct running and one-v-one threat could be crucial to the co-hosts breaking down their opponents.

McKennie has enjoyed a positive World Cup to date, giving the USA some creativity down the right side of the pitch where he can dovetail with Sergiño Dest as the high and wide player in Pochettino’s fluid system.

Folarin Balogun, however, is the USA’s primary attacking threat and will lead the line after being rested for the final group game against Türkiye. The Monaco forward offers potency in quick transition and is capable of creating his own shot in the box.

At the age of 40, Edin Džeko remains Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest physical threat in the penalty area with Ermedin Demirović expected to start alongside the former Manchester City forward as a second striker.

Esmir Bajraktarević will come up against the country of his birth with the Wisconsin-born winger a threat in the wide areas. RB Salzburg youngster Kerim Alajbegović is also worth keeping an eye on.

Team news

Pulisic’s calf injury seems to have cleared up, making it likely he will start on the left wing for the USA. While the co-hosts made do without the 27-year-old against Australia and Turkey, he remains their biggest attacking difference-maker.

Cristian Roldan will miss the match while Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty are also doubts for the round of 32 encounter in San Francisco.

Amar Dedić is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only injury concern, otherwise the European qualifiers have a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the meeting with the co-hosts.

Prediction

The host nation should enough to edge past the European outsiders: USA 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: England prepare for Round of 32 date with DR Congo

England emerged from their group relatively unscathed, and they now embark upon the knockout phase of the competition against outsiders DR Congo.

By Ian King

DR Congo have already achieved a first by getting to the knockout stages

With one reasonably swashbuckling performance followed by two considerably more workmanlike ones, England have had a mixed start to the 2026 World Cup, but their results were good rough for them to top their group, and now they move on to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32.

DR Congo finished at the top of the group made up of third-placed qualifying teams, edging through to the knockout stage of the tournament with four points after drawing with Portugal, narrowly losing to Colombia and beating Uzbekistan, a win which marked their first ever win in the finals of a World Cup and their first ever progression beyond the group stage.

England’s are unbeaten against African teams at the World Cup

England have never lost to an African nation in the World Cup finals in nine previous meetings, but they’ve failed to win on four of those occasions, with draws against Morocco in 1986, Nigeria in 2002, Algeria in 2010 and Ghana in the group stages this summer. Their five wins against African nations include knockout matches against Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2018.

The only other time that DR Congo qualified for the World Cup finals came in 1974 as Zaire, and they were involved in the elimination of a British side that time. Beaten 9-0 by Yugoslavia, 2-0 by Scotland and 3-0 by Brazil, they were knocked out with room to spare, but Scotland’s relatively modest win against Zaire ended up costing them dear; they were eliminated on goal difference after they could only draw their final match against Yugoslavia when that huge discrepancy in goal difference meant that they needed to win.

England missed Declan Rice against Panama

England’s relatively tepid performance against Panama coincided with the absence from their team of Declan Rice with injury. The Arsenal captain delivered the cross from which Harry Kane scored in their opening match against Croatia, and talented though Rice’s replacement for the Panama match Elliot Anderson might be, Rice’s calming influence will be extremely welcome in their midfield, presuming he returns for this match.

Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United is DR Congo’s in-form attacker, with two goals in the group stages of the competition to help his team through. These were Wissa’s first goals for his country since he scored in their 3-2 loss to Senegal in a qualifying match in September 2025. He scored twice in their final match against Uzbekistan, a 61st-minute equaliser from the penalty spot, and then a stoppage-time goal to put the seal on their 3-1 win.

England are burning through right-backs at a rate of knots

With Declan Rice fit again, the big issue that Thomas Tuchel faces concerns the right-back position. With Reece James having got injured against Ghana, Jarell Quansah joined him on the treatment table with an ankle injury against Panama, and we can now expect Djed Spence to step in and fill that position. Fitness permitting, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford may continue on the flanks, though either or both of Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon could return.

The DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match, so their biggest change is likely to be tactical. Needing a win against Uzbekistan, they switched to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation from the 5-3-2 they’d played against Portugal and Colombia, and they may revert to this more defensive formation for this match, with Steve Kapuadi returning to the centre of their defence and Brian Cipengua making way for him.

Complacency could be England’s biggest enemy against opponents who’ve already proved themselves in this tournament

The opening rounds of matches in this mammoth round of 32 have not been kind to European teams, with both the Netherlands and Germany having already been eliminated from the competition.

Will this run continue in this match, though? While England may be unbeaten against African nations in the World Cup finals, they’ve come close to losing before, and a couple of their wins came about as a result of a bit of good luck. With nine African qualifiers in the last 32, it should be considered absurd to under-estimate CAF nations in the knock-outs, but the sort of attitudes that lead to this happening can be deeply ingrained.

This match, then, is a test of England’s professionalism. Four years ago, they came through a similar one in the round of 16 against Senegal with a comfortable 3-0 win against a team arguably superior to their opponents this time around. But the hard work they made of grinding their way to a goalless draw against Ghana in the group stages indicates that this might not be as straightforward as some of the more complacent English pundits may presume.

With just two goals conceded in their three group matches, DR Congo proved themselves to be defensively solid against Portugal and Colombia, while their second half performance against Uzbekistan demonstrated their attacking chops, and switching formation for that final group match was proof of their tactical flexibility.

On paper this should be a comfortable win for England, but DR Congo are absolutely not to be written off, as a decent result against Portugal and a very narrow defeat to Colombia proved in the group stages. I’m going to go for Thomas Tuchel’s team to squeeze through by a 2-1 margin, but it may even take extra-time and some shredded nerves to get there.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Formidable France ready for Swedish test in Round of 32

France’s procession through the group stages looked ominous for their rivals, but can they continue this run against a Sweden team who blew hot and cold?

By Ian King

France have been one of the strongest-looking teams so far

As runners-up four years ago and winners eight years ago, France were talked up as potential winners of this summer’s World Cup before it got underway, and there was little in their three group match performances to disavow this notion. Comfortable wins against Senegal, Iraq and Norway were enough to see them through with room to spare, with Ousmane Dembélé offering a timely reminder that their attacking options are far from limited to Kylian Mbappé alone with a stunning first half hat-trick in their final match against Norway.

*France are our top rated side at the finals*

Sweden had a somewhat less stately procession through the group stages. They looked set pretty fair after demolishing Tunisia 5-1 in their opening match, but undid most of this good work by losing their next match by the same scoreline to the Netherlands and eventually scrambled through as one of the third-placed teams following a 1-1 draw with Japan in their final group match. With their place in the World Cup play-offs having been determined by their Nations League performances, they’re already in the somewhat unusual position of having already won more matches in the finals than they did in their qualifying group (which was none).

France have never beaten Sweden in the finals of a major tournament

With twelve wins and five draws from their 23 meetings, France have the clear upper hand in the previous meetings between these two sides, but this hasn’t been the case when they’ve met in the finals of a major tournament.

This has only happened twice before, and both times in the European Championships rather than the World Cup. In 1992, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Rasunda in Solna, and the group stage ended with Sweden going through to the semi-finals while France went home.

In 2012, when they met in Kyiv in their final group match, Sweden had already been eliminated and France were already through to the quarter-finals, but this didn’t prevent Sweden from winning the match 2-0.

The last time these two sides met was in the 2019/20 Nations League, and there was better news for France this time, as they recorded a 1-0 win in Stockholm and a 4-2 win in Paris in the return match.

France’s attacking options stretch beyond Mbappé and Dembélé

Mbappé and Dembélé may have scored eight of France’s ten goals between them so far in these finals, but their attacking options don’t end there. Bradley Barcola of PSG scored for them in their opening match against Senegal, but he’s been in and out of their first team recently, returning to the bench for the Norway match after starting against Iraq. Barcola can play on either wing, and may return to the starting XI for this match.

*France goal contributions at the World Cup*

Sweden’s most visible presence on the pitch at this tournament so far has been the Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, who scored in two of their group matches, including the crucial equaliser in their final match against Japan which sent them through to the knockout stage. With two strong performances behind him after having missed out on their opening win against Tunisia, Elanga’s support for striker Viktor Gyökeres could be crucial for Graham Potter, if his team are to edge through this match.

Sweden have to reshuffle following a serious injury to Isak Hien

The biggest change for France for this match will come on the sidelines rather than on the pitch. The death of his mother required Didier Deschamps to return to France for her funeral, but Deschamps is now back with his team, with Guy Stephan having taken control of the team for the Norway match.

France have no suspensions, and Stephan didn’t rock the boat too much for his game in charge, opting to stick with Mbappé, Dembélé and Desiré Doué, while replacing Bradley Barcola with Michael Olise. Elsewhere, William Saliba may return after missing the Norway match with a back problem, though his appearance remains uncertain.

Sweden have no suspensions, but they do have one injury. Defender Isak Hien had to be withdrawn after 37 minutes of the Japan match with a hamstring injury which will keep him out of the remainder of the tournament. Victor Lindelhof started that match in midfield, but will likely drop back to the centre of defence, with Lucas Bergvall the most likely candidate to step into the centre of their midfield to replace him.

Sweden can offer France a challenge, but the tournament favourites should be too strong for them

Having finished bottom of their qualifying group with just two points from their six matches, there’s a case for saying that Sweden shouldn’t be in these finals at all, having secured their play-off place via the Nations League. But they’re here, and their convincing win against Tunisia and a solid draw against Japan have demonstrated that they warranted their qualification, despite falling apart during the 5-1 loss to the Netherlands that came between these two impressive results.

But France will be overflowing with confidence following their comfortable progress through their first three matches. True enough, it was difficult to draw too many inferences about them from the Norway match alone, given that their opponents chose to field the reserves for a match being played when both teams had already qualified, but they still won it 4-1, and there have been no real signs of weakness in their team in their matches so far.

It is, therefore, difficult to see past France winning this match. With surprise package Paraguay awaiting them in the last 16, their route through this tournament is opening up, and they should get through this match with a degree of comfort. 3-0 sounds like the sort of scoreline that would accommodate goals from more than one of their lavish attacking options.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Netherlands and Morocco set for heavyweight clash in the Round of 32

One of the most enticing ties as the World Cup knockouts begin sees Netherlands face Morocco in Monterrey, with attacking talent on show for both sides making for a watchable and unpredictable encounter.

By Karl Matchett

Given how open the other side of the bracket looks, Morocco could perhaps be forgiven for wondering what might have been, after finishing second only on goal difference behind Brazil in the groups.

Saibari and an underrated attack

Obviously stats from the group stage don’t present a level playing field, given the huge variance between strengths and weaknesses in each quartet. All the same, the numbers look compelling when added to Morocco’s overall approach: they have one of the most dynamic sides going forward and look well-balanced without the ball.

In fact, Morocco ranked top ten among the 48 nations for expected goals, xG difference, accurate passes and big chances created (10). Key to much of their good work was Ismael Saibari, who’s move to Bayern Munich should go through this week. He netted three times from ten shots and is the team’s outlet in the channels, one of the chief creators and the first line of defence. Shutting him down will be the responsibility of the many, not the single defender, if Netherlands want to blunt the Africans’ attack.

Can workrate make up for Dutch lacking star quality?

In years gone by it would be Netherlands who were the star attraction for attacking talent, but this group is a little more functional. Brian Brobbey epitomises that, having made a good impact since coming into the XI with his movement, brute force and self-belief – but few would have him at a top table of Europe’s strikers on goal return and technical ability alone.

There will be much expectation on the midfield triumvirate to provide off-the-ball workrate as much as a cutting edge for the Oranje to go much further, with a key mix of running power and quick-footed ability on show between Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders in particular. They must thrive for their attacking teammates to produce the goods.

Recent form

It was a draw and two wins for the Dutch in the groups, with the thumping of Sweden a highlight. Morocco drew with Brazil then beat two lightweights – not scoring more goals was the only concern they might hold.

Team news

No reported injuries for either team in the buildup, though Cody Gakpo suffered a devastating personal loss at the weekend. He is expected to feature.

Key player

There will be a lot of eyes on youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi’s showing, which means Ryan Gravenberch needs to step up and show both sides of his game – ball-winning and creativity going forward alike. So far he has been fairly poor on the former, but better with the latter. Gravenberch has two assists but his ball-carrying has been hit and miss, completing two of five dribbles – under 50 touches per game shows he must get involved more.

Prediction

This should be a tremendous tussle which could really go either way – but Morocco will have designs on replicating their last World Cup run and could edge it: Netherlands 2-3 Morocco.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jun

2026

Preview: Unbeaten Brazil and Japan meet in the Round of 32

Brazil have reached the quarter-finals in each of the past eight World Cups, while Japan are targeting a third consecutive appearance in the Round of 16.

By Filip Mishov

The five-time world champions looking to avoid the Samurai’s sword in Houston

Brazil have gradually improved along the way during the World Cup Group Stage, and following the 1-1 draw with Morocco in Group C’s opening match, Vinícius Júnior & co. quickly recovered to record dominant wins against Haiti and Scotland. Subsequently, the five-time world champions are entering the Round of 32 as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, with only Canada boasting a higher xG (8.9) than their 7.3.

Japan displayed quality and character to stay unbeaten and finish only behind the Netherlands in Group F, leaving Sweden to face the might of France in the Round of 32.

The Samurai Blue are not far off Brazil’s efficient attack (7 scored), but Hiroki Ito & co. will have to solidify their defence further if they are to replicate the success of reaching the last 16 in the 2018 and 2022 finals. History is on Brazil’s side as well, with the Seleção comfortably defeating Japan in the 2006 World Cup Group Stage in Dortmund.

Key players

After coming off the bench in the opening match, Matheus Cunha made the no. 9 position his own in the starting lineup, with the flamboyant forward scoring a brace against Haiti and then finding the back of the net against Scotland too. The 27-year-old added dynamism and flair to Brazil’s attacking trident alongside, Vinícius Júnior and Rayan, and was awarded as the Player of the Match against Haiti, earning a FotMob rating of 8.9 and averaging a rating of 8.7 in the last couple of starts.

Daichi Kamada is Japan’s midfield orchestrator, pulling the strings alongside Ao Tanaka and the Crystal Palace midfielder is deservedly one of the highest-rated (7.75) players in the squad and the joint top scorer (2 goals) with Ayase Ueda. The tireless Samurai scored in back-to-back matches in the group stage and his performance against Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães will be crucial to Japan’s hopes of causing an upset in Houston.

Team news

Raphinha remains on the sidelines but the Brazilian is targeting the Round of 16 for a possible return if his teammates are successful here. Carlo Ancelotti has the rest of his squad fit and ready to go.

Similarly to Raphinha, Takefusa Kubo is still recovering from an injury sustained in the opening match and although the playmaker is back in first-team training, coach Hajime Moriyasu has ruled him out of this match.

Prediction

Brazil are improving with each passing match, and Carlo Ancelotti’s squad possesses all the necessary ingredients to add a record-breaking sixth golden star on the shirt, but I do not expect Japan to be pushovers.

The Samurai Blue are well organized and hard to break down, similar to Morocco, but I believe that Brazil have more than enough to come out on top in the end.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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