World Cup Predictions for 6/19/26

Yesterday was a fun day of action, but I was definitely wrong about the Czechia game. They still have a path to qualify for the Round of 32 after last night’s result in the Mexico game, but I’m shocked we didn’t see a bigger effort from them in that spot. Let’s dive into Friday!

 

USA vs Australia 

Kick-Off: 3 PM ET 

Location: Seattle 

 

We kick off the Friday slate of games with all eyes on the United States as they look to keep their form after a shocking 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening match. Christian Pulisic’s status is up in the air for this game, but I would be surprised to see him not make the start and assume he will just get subbed off in the second half. Australia played the counter beautifully against Turkiye picking up three points – but that doesn’t tell the full story. I was in on Turkiye to win this group prior to the tournament and they actually led the opening round of games in expected goals despite scoring 0. They lacked finishing quality, but they dominated possession and were creating chances which gives me hope for this USA side on offense today. The issue for me would be Tim Ream attempting to defend this Australia counter led by Nestory Irankunda. He found the back of the net against Turkiye and his pace would be a big issue for Ream if he gets caught having to try and keep up with him. The USMNT have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games. 

 

Prediction: USA 2, Australia 1

 

Scotland vs Morocco 

Kick-Off: 6 PM ET 

Location: Boston 

 

This is another banger of a match with all the implications in the world. Scotland notched three points with a win over Haiti while Morocco managed a 1-1 draw with Brazil. I’m not sure what to take from that match, whether it was more of a positive for Morocco or a negative for Brazil. That being said, Scotland is looking to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in their history and a draw here would certainly put them through, while Morocco absolutely needs three points. 

 

I expect Morocco to come out quick and start fast in this game while Scotland is going to look to keep it even as long as they can. I could see Scotland switching up their personnel a bit here compared to what we saw against Haiti to deal with some of the threats from Morocco. Ayyoub Bouaddi is my player to watch as he was maybe the single most impressive player from the first round of group play. 

 

Prediction: Morocco 2, Scotland 1

 

Brazil vs Haiti 

Kick-Off: 9 PM ET 

Location: Philadelphia 

 

Brazil was one of my picks to go far in this tournament, and they looked very sluggish in their opening draw vs the Moroccans. Vini Jr broke out with a big goal finally for his country, but overall the team struggled with the press from Morocco and multiple players complained about the field at MetLife Stadium. They will be on a natural grass field today, and I’m expecting them to come out way more creative in the offensive third against a weaker opponent. I was high on Brazil due to them bringing in Carlo Ancelotti as manager and I’m not bailing on that after one draw. Haiti doesn’t have the ability and means to press like Morocco does and they will be forced to sit back here and play the counter. I think they deserved a tie vs Scotland, but they lack finishing quality in the box and this will be a much tougher task for them to get a goal. I think Brazil secures three points here behind a big goal from Matheus Cunha. 

 

Prediction: Brazil 2, Haiti 0

 

Turkiye vs Paraguay 

Kick-Off: 11 PM ET

Location: San Francisco 

 

If you couldn’t tell from the blurb in the USA game, I’m still high on this Turkiye team. Despite a goalless performance against the Socceroo’s – the data still tells me this is a threatening offense. I’m expecting them to have much more urgency here to find the back of the net given that a lack of points here could put the knockout stage in serious jeopardy. Paraguay should have a similar outlook, but I don’t think they were anywhere near the skill level especially offensively. The biggest key to me is that we should see Kenan Yildiz back in the starting lineup for Turkiye and if that’s the case I will back him to score in a big win. 

 

Prediction: Turkiye 2, Paraguay 0