Any early shocks? Sutton's World Cup 2026 score predictions - opening group games

GROUP A

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: South Korea (winners) and Mexico (runners-up). Czech Republic to finish third and South Africa fourth.

Mexico v South Africa

Mexico City / Thursday, 11 June / 20:00 BST

I am at the Azteca Stadium for BBC Radio 5 Live for this game and cannot wait.

I’m not expecting too much from this Mexico team, however. The co-hosts don’t have many players from Europe’s top five leagues and it feels like they are a bit mediocre going forward.

The onus is on Raul Jimenez, who has just rejoined Wolves from Fulham, to score their goals but, at 35, he is not the player he was.

A lot of South Africa’s team are based in their own league as well – Burnley striker Lyle Foster is their only player from the Premier League or Championship.

This will be close, but Mexico’s home advantage gives them the edge.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-0

AI’s prediction: 2-0

South Korea v Czech Republic

Guadalajara / Friday, 12 June / 03:00

South Korea’s captain and icon Son Heung-min is at his fourth World Cup and brings experience, but their hopes don’t just rest on him – Lee Kang-in of Paris St-Germain should shine too.

The Czech Republic are a pragmatic team but they are resilient too, and I can see them picking up a point.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 1-1

GROUP B

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Switzerland (winners) and Canada (runners-up). Bosnia-Herzegovina to finish third and Qatar fourth.

Canada v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Toronto / Friday, 12 June / 20:00

Edin Dzeko is still leading the line for Bosnia-Herzegovina at 40 and they don’t carry a huge goal threat, but their focus is more on defence anyway.

Canada are not prolific scorers either but, like any Jesse Marsch team, the co-hosts will play with high intensity and press the ball.

I know their right-back Alistair Johnston well from watching him play for Celtic – he will play in the Premier League one day – and it is great he has made this tournament after missing most of the season with a hamstring injury.

It appears another Canada defender, Nice centre-back Moise Bombito, was not so lucky, however. If he is not fit he will be a big miss for them.

Canada’s first aim is to win a game at a World Cup finals for the first time. I don’t think they will quite manage it against Bosnia, but this is definitely a group they can get out of.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 1-1

Qatar v Switzerland

San Francisco / Saturday, 13 June / 20:00

Switzerland have got some exciting young players to go with the know-how of Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.

Qatar lost all three of their group games at their home World Cup in 2022 and I don’t see them doing much better this time.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP C

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Brazil (winners) and Scotland (runners-up). Morocco to finish third and Haiti fourth.

Brazil v Morocco

New York / Saturday, 13 June / 23:00

Brazil only finished fifth in South American qualifying but they improved once Carlo Ancelotti took charge and have still got so much talent in their squad.

It will be interesting to see if Brentford’s Igor Thiago starts up front for them, but they will be strong at the back with Arsenal’s Gabriel and Paris St-Germain’s Marquinhos together in central defence.

Another PSG player, Achraf Hakimi is one of Morocco’s stars and a lot of people are expecting another good tournament from them after they reached the semi-finals in 2022.

They will give Brazil a really good game but Ancelotti’s teams usually find a way to win.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Haiti v Scotland

Boston / Sunday, 14 June / 02:00

We all know the importance of winning this game for Scotland in terms of them getting out of their group for the first time at a World Cup, but I would not under-estimate Haiti.

Any team on the journey they have been on, qualifying without being able to play at home, has got something about them.

Haiti have got Premier League experience from Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, and they will not be sitting back and defending deep.

I still think Scotland will eke out the win, but how will Steve Clarke go about it? Lawrence Shankland will play up top but will he have a strike partner or will Clarke stick with an extra body in midfield? He might have to take a risk.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP D

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Turkey (winners) and Paraguay (runners-up). United States to finish third and Australia fourth.

USA v Paraguay

Los Angeles / Saturday, 13 June / 02:00

This is quite a tricky group for the United States. All four teams will be expecting to make the last 32.

Paraguay had one of the best defensive records in South American qualifying and will be tough to beat. The co-hosts might have to settle for starting with a draw.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Australia v Turkey

Vancouver / Sunday, 14 June / 05:00

Turkey have some exciting creative players like Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, and are well organised under boss Vincenzo Montella.

But Australia will have a Norwich striker, Mohamed Toure, leading the line and, while he is a bit raw, he knows where the goal is – he has scored a couple of hat-tricks since joining from Danish side Randers FC in February, including one on his first start.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-2

AI’s prediction: 1-2

GROUP E

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Germany (winners) and Ecuador (runners-up). Ivory Coast to finish third and Curacao fourth.

Germany v Curacao

Houston / Sunday, 14 June / 18:00

Curacao are the smallest nation ever to make it to a World Cup, in terms of geographical size and population – 158,000, which is only slightly bigger than my home city of Norwich.

Sadly, Norwich never made it to a World Cup, but for Curacao to qualify is a great story – and so is the return of Dick Advocaat as their head coach.

At 78, he is set to be the oldest coach in World Cup history when he takes charge of this game. I remember facing his Rangers side when I was at Celtic and he is such a smart guy and a really wily manager.

I am covering this game for 5 Live too and it is strange there is so little expectation around Germany at this tournament – they are usually among the favourites but did not get out of their group in 2018 or 2022.

They should make it to the knockout stages this time, however, and I think they will begin with a win. Curacao will sit deep and defend in numbers, but Germany will find a way through.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

Philadelphia / Monday, 15 June / 00:00

Both of these teams had a strong defensive record in qualifying – Ecuador only shipped five in 18 games in the South American section, and Ivory Coast did not concede any in 10 matches in their African group.

The obvious prediction, then, is a goalless draw.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-0

AI’s prediction: 1-1

GROUP F

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Japan (winners) and Netherlands (runners-up). Tunisia to finish third and Sweden fourth.

Netherlands v Japan

Dallas / Sunday, 14 June / 21:00

I became a bit of a celebrity in Japan when I correctly backed them to beat Germany at the last World Cup, or at least I appeared on TV over there to talk about it anyway.

They have got some excellent technical players and will be dangerous, whoever they play – and I am going to back them again to beat the Dutch.

The Netherlands look strong defensively but I am less convinced by them up front.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Sweden v Tunisia

Monterrey / Monday, 15 June / 03:00

Graham Potter has worked his magic with Sweden since taking charge of them in October and getting them through the play-offs, but I am not expecting them to make it out of their group.

Like Ivory Coast, Tunisia did not concede a goal in their qualifying campaign but they are another team at this World Cup who like to keep things tight at the back but lack a bit of firepower – and that makes me think this will end in a draw.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 1-0

GROUP G

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Belgium (winners) and Egypt (runners-up). New Zealand to finish third and Iran fourth.

Belgium v Egypt

Seattle / Monday, 15 June / 20:00

It feels like Belgium are a fading force. Unlike a few years ago, you don’t think of them as potential tournament winners anymore, although of course they still have some very talented players.

This will be tight because of how Egypt are set up to play on the counter-attack.

They are another team hoping to get their first win at a World Cup, but whether they get it probably depends on Mohamed Salah, and whether he puts his boots on the right feet after such a disappointing season for Liverpool.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Iran v New Zealand

Los Angeles / Tuesday, 16 June / 02:00

I read an amazing stat about New Zealand, which is that they only have around 60 professional footballers across the world.

As a nation, just by getting to this World Cup they are punching well above their weight, and it would be massive for them to get their first win in their third finals.

They have got some decent players, too, like ‘the Wood-chopper’ Chris Wood up top and their playmaker, Sarpreet Singh, and I am also looking forward to seeing Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just, who is a good footballer.

They are up against an Iran team with a lot of off-field issues, and won’t even be based in the United States where they play their three group games, but in Mexico.

A lot of their players play in the Persian Gulf League, which has been suspended since March, and they are an ageing squad anyway.

So, it won’t be easy for them and I am going to back ‘the Wood-chopper’ to get the winner.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-1

AI’s prediction: 1-0

GROUP H

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Spain (winners) and Uruguay (runners-up). Saudi Arabia to finish third and Cape Verde fourth.

Spain v Cape Verde

Atlanta / Monday, 15 June / 17:00

Cape Verde topped their qualifying group by being attack-minded and playing possession football. I doubt that will work for them against Spain, though,

My one concern about Spain is Rodri, really, and what level he is at. He had a very stop-start season for Manchester City through injury, but they are still potential winners of this World Cup without him.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-1

AI’s prediction: 3-0

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Miami / Monday, 15 June / 23:00

My old Blackburn Rovers team-mate Georgios Donis is the new Saudi Arabia coach and I’m sure he will be in touch while I am at the World Cup and want to meet to pick my brains over a coffee.

It did not really happen for him in the Premier League but he was a good player, lightning quick, and scored a great goal against Everton.

As a manager he got this job because he had been doing well domestically in the Saudi Pro League, and the reputation of football there is growing all the time.

We saw Saudi Arabia shock Argentina in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup but they still finished bottom of their group. This time, they must be thinking the last 16 is doable, although this is a tricky start.

I was impressed by how organised Uruguay were when they drew with England in March and, under Marcelo Bielsa, you know they will have a go at teams too.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP I

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Senegal (winners) and France (runners-up). Norway to finish third and Iraq fourth.

France v Senegal

New York / Tuesday, 16 June / 20:00

When you go through the France squad, they are clearly capable of winning this World Cup, but my old Chelsea team-mate Didier Deschamps does not always take the handbrake off.

If they do open up, this could be a cracker because Senegal have got plenty of firepower too. They famously beat France in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup and could catch them cold again.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-3

AI’s prediction: 2-0

Iraq v Norway

Boston / Tuesday, 16 June / 23:00

Like a lot of people, I am looking forward to seeing how Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland link up in Norway’s attack.

Iraq’s assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, came on the Monday Night Club to talk about how difficult their preparations have been after an arduous qualification campaign too.

Meulensteen and head coach Graham Arnold are vastly experienced and Iraq will be well-drilled and play on the counter-attack to try to hang on in this game, but it is going to be very tough for them.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-4

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP J

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Argentina (winners) and Austria (runners-up). Algeria to finish third and Jordan fourth.

Argentina v Algeria

Kansas City / Wednesday, 17 June / 02:00

This will be Lionel Messi’s sixth World Cup, which is amazing in itself.

What level is he at now, though? At 38, he is not the player he once was but can he still have an impact on games for Argentina?

It is going to be fascinating to find out and, although the holders have plenty of other very talented players, Messi’s performances will probably decide how deep they go in this tournament.

Algeria’s star man is Riyad Mahrez, who is 35 now, but they have got some talented youngsters who could make a name for themselves.

I still think Argentina will win, but it might not be comfortable for them.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 2-0

Austria v Jordan

San Francisco / Wednesday, 17 June / 05:00

This could be a fascinating clash of styles, with Austria playing the high press under Ralf Rangnick and Jordan sitting in and playing on the counter.

It will help the defensive-minded teams like Jordan that they will get three-minute hydration breaks at this World Cup, which turns the games into quarters and disrupt momentum.

I still think Austria will find a way through, however. They will come after Jordan, who might find striker Marko Arnautovic’s physicality hard to handle.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 2-0

GROUP K

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Colombia (winners) and Portugal (runners-up). DR Congo to finish third and Uzbekistan fourth.

Portugal v DR Congo

Houston / Wednesday, 17 June / 18:00

I am at this game and am looking forward to watching DR Congo.

They have got some real quality in their team, from Lille’s Chancel Mbemba and Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan Bissaka at the back to Sunderland’s Noah Sidiki in midfield and Yoane Wissa up front, although he struggled for form and fitness at Newcastle last season.

DR Congo will be competitive but they still might struggle to contain Portugal’s midfield, which is eye-wateringly good.

Joao Neves and Vitinha have been absolutely superb for PSG, while Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also had excellent seasons for Manchester United and City.

They have so much guile in there, and the only issues with them are who partners Ruben Dias in the centre of defence and how it works with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, aka old spoilt chops, up top.

Is it about him, or the team? He has been a brilliant player but if they struggle then of course people will be asking if he holds them back.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 3-1

Uzbekistan v Colombia

Mexico City / Thursday, 18 June / 03:00

Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is the heart of the Uzbekistan team and their hopes rest on their defensive displays.

Colombia will look to Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez to break them down, and I think they will find a way through.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-1

AI’s prediction: 1-2

GROUP L

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: England (winners) and Ghana (runners-up). Croatia to finish third and Panama fourth.

England v Croatia

Dallas / Wednesday, 17 June / 21:00

I worry about England’s defence a bit, but they are definitely in the mix to win this World Cup.

Their midfield, with Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, is particularly strong. They won’t have too many weaknesses and, when we get to the knockout stage, they are capable of beating anyone in a one-off game.

They should start with a win, too. Croatia are creaking now – they are an ageing team, miles off where they were when they reached the final in 2018 – and they could struggle in the heat.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Ghana v Panama

Toronto / Thursday, 18 June / 00:00

Panama are quite an old team too and not particularly exciting to watch.

Ghana’s defence is not the greatest, but forward Antoine Semenyo can make the difference for them here.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 2-0

Any early shocks? Sutton’s World Cup 2026 score predictions – opening group games

GROUP A

Mexico v South Africa

South Korea v Czech Republic

GROUP B

Canada v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Qatar v Switzerland

GROUP C

Brazil v Morocco

Haiti v Scotland

GROUP D

USA v Paraguay

Australia v Turkey

GROUP E

Germany v Curacao

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

GROUP F

Netherlands v Japan

Sweden v Tunisia

GROUP G

Belgium v Egypt

Iran v New Zealand

GROUP H

Spain v Cape Verde

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

GROUP I

France v Senegal

Iraq v Norway

GROUP J

Argentina v Algeria

Austria v Jordan

GROUP K

Portugal v DR Congo

Uzbekistan v Colombia

GROUP L

England v Croatia

Ghana v Panama

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GROUP A

Mexico v South Africa

South Korea v Czech Republic

GROUP B

Canada v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Qatar v Switzerland

GROUP C

Brazil v Morocco

Haiti v Scotland

GROUP D

USA v Paraguay

Australia v Turkey

GROUP E

Germany v Curacao

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

GROUP F

Netherlands v Japan

Sweden v Tunisia

GROUP G

Belgium v Egypt

Iran v New Zealand

GROUP H

Spain v Cape Verde

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

GROUP I

France v Senegal

Iraq v Norway

GROUP J

Argentina v Algeria

Austria v Jordan

GROUP K

Portugal v DR Congo

Uzbekistan v Colombia

GROUP L

England v Croatia

Ghana v Panama

Related topics

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Leave a Reply Cancel reply