International Cup of Champions

Warren:Mexico will move from the Azteca to the Estadio Guadalajara, but the home support will be as vociferous as ever and they will look to extend their unbeaten run over their opponents to five matches. South Korea dominated possession against a set-piece reliant Czech team and they will not see as much of the ball against a Mexican team full of energy and attacking threat.

Enda: Paraguay were 4-1 losers against the USA, trailing 3-0 at the interval in a stroll for the co-hosts, and Turkey should rebound with victory in Santa Clara. 

Alex: A sensational hat-trick took Lionel Messi level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time goalscoring charts in World Cup competition, and the 38-year-old can take the record for himself against Austria. 

Dan: Sweden may be ready to do some damage thanks to a front two of Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres, which looks capable of causing problems for any defence. The Netherlands looked too open in their 2-2 draw with Japan and they could be on the wrong end of a shock defeat.

Aidan: The Socceroos should get on the scoresheet and backing BTTS may be the value pick in this Group D clash. The States have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last eight games, while Australia have only failed to find the back of the net in two of their last 16. 

Gareth: Japan looked excellent at stages in their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and a win over the north Africans would all-but secure a place in the knockout stages. They should be able to see off Tunisia and they can cover a -1 handicap against a side who have shipped 10 goals in just two games and have scored just once across their last four.

The USA have been involved in a series of high-scoring matches, with the latest their 4-1 victory over Paraguay and the goals look set to flow against Australia, who pulled off a huge World Cup shock when beating Turkey 2-0.

Morocco haven’t lost across their last 33 internationals, and they followed up their run to the semi-finals in 2022 by reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Scotland started 2026 with defeats to Japan and the Ivory Coast, and they look set to fall short in their second group game.

Brazil are expected to improve on their opening display, but they look vulnerable at the back. The Selecao have conceded in all five of their games this year, and they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine. Haiti generated 1.05 xG in their opener, and they can threaten here.

Turkiye drew a blank against Australia but created a hatful of chances and may enjoy more success against Paraguay, who have just two clean sheets in their last eight games. Los Guaraníes struck in defeat to the USA and have scored in 15 of their last 17 games so both sides look capable of scoring.

After losing their last three home league games, Galway United have been forced to move their games to Pearse Stadium due to pitch renovations at their home ground. Derry City beat Bohemians 4-1 last time out, and they’ve shipped 1.14 goals per game this term. Galway have scored in 14 of their 19 matches, with BTTS landing in 10 of their last 11, so back an away win and both teams to score.

The USA have been involved in a series of high-scoring matches, with the latest their 4-1 victory over Paraguay and the goals look set to flow against Australia, who pulled off a huge World Cup shock when beating Turkey 2-0. The USA’s last five victories have come by scorelines of 4-1, 3-2, 5-1 and 2-1 (twice), and they’re backed to concede in another victory.

Brazil are expected to improve on their opening display, but they look vulnerable at the back. The Selecao have conceded in all five of their games this year, and they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine. Haiti generated 1.05 xG in their opener, and they can find the net in defeat.

St Pats sit second in the table, and they’ve made short work of the league’s strugglers this term. They’ve secured 4-1 home wins against each of the bottom three, including a meeting with second-bottom Sligo Rovers. The visitors have lost 4-0 to Waterford, 3-1 to Bohemians, and 4-1 to Galway United across their last four matches.

The USA have been involved in a series of high-scoring matches, with the latest their 4-1 victory over Paraguay and the goals look set to flow against Australia, who pulled off a huge World Cup shock when beating Turkey 2-0.

Third-bottom Drogheda United have seen both teams score in four of their last five games, and they’ve scored 12 times in 10 home matches, while winning only three times. The Shels have failed to score once in their travels, so both teams to score appeals.

Both teams have scored in each of the Bohs’ last 12 matches, and they host a Dundalk side have have scored in seven straight matches, while keeping only two clean sheets. The first two meetings between these sides this term have finished 1-1 and 3-1 to the Bohs, and eight of the hosts’ 10 home games have seen both sides score.

Brazil are expected to improve on their opening display, but they look vulnerable at the back. The Selecao have conceded in all five of their games this year, and they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine. Haiti generated 1.05 xG in their opener, and they can threaten here.

Turkiye drew a blank against Australia but created a hatful of chances and may enjoy more success against Paraguay, who have just two clean sheets in their last eight games. Los Guaraníes struck in defeat to the USA and have scored in 15 of their last 17 games so both sides look capable of scoring.

After losing their last three home league games, Galway United have been forced to move their games to Pearse Stadium due to pitch renovations at their home ground. Derry City beat Bohemians 4-1 last time out, and they’ve shipped 1.14 goals per game this term. Galway have scored in 14 of their 19 matches, with BTTS landing in 10 of their last 11, so back an away win and both teams to score.

St Pats sit second in the table, and they’ve made short work of the league’s strugglers this term. They’ve secured 4-1 home wins against each of the bottom three, including a meeting with second-bottom Sligo Rovers. The visitors have lost 4-0 to Waterford, 3-1 to Bohemians, and 4-1 to Galway United across their last four matches.

Waterford have lost only two of their 10 home matches this season, and their results overall have improved under Graham Coughlan. Shamrock Rovers have lost three of their last five. They’re missing captain Pico Lopes, who is away at the World Cup with Cape Verde, so back the hosts to take something from this game.

Third-bottom Drogheda United have seen both teams score in four of their last five games, and they’ve scored 12 times in 10 home matches, while winning only three times. The Shels have failed to score once in their travels, so both teams to score appeals.

Both teams have scored in each of the Bohs’ last 12 matches, and they host a Dundalk side have have scored in seven straight matches, while keeping only two clean sheets. The first two meetings between these sides this term have finished 1-1 and 3-1 to the Bohs, and eight of the hosts’ 10 home games have seen both sides score.

The USA’s last five victories have come by scorelines of 4-1, 3-2, 5-1 and 2-1 (twice), and with pressure off both sides in Los Angeles, the Stars and Stripes are fancied to win another high-scoring contest.

Morocco have conceded exactly once in four of their last six fixtures, and they meet a Scotland side that has struck nine goals across their previous three matches. Steve Clarke’s side saw both teams score in their final four qualifiers, and they gave up 1.05 xG to Haiti in their 1-0 victory last Saturday.

Diaz scored in five of his first six games at AFCON, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. He found the net against Norway ahead of the tournament and assisted their opener against Brazil. Back him to add to his 15 international goals in this contest.

Diaz scored in five of his first six games at AFCON, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. He found the net against Norway ahead of the tournament and assisted their opener against Brazil. Back him to add to his 15 international goals in this contest.

Raphinha has scored 55 goals for Barcelona across the last two seasons, and he had opportunities to score against Morocco. He netted five times in qualifying, and his tally of 11 international goals is second only to Neymar among the current squad.

Kenan Yildiz should get the nod for Turkiye after a decent display from the bench against the Socceroos. The 21-year-old hit 10 goals for Juventus in Serie A last season and can open his World Cup account against Paraguay.

Brazil are expected to improve on their opening display, but they look vulnerable at the back. The Selecao have conceded in all five of their games this year, and they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine. Haiti generated 1.05 xG in their opener, and they can threaten here.

Co-hosts Mexico may face stiff competition from Czechia and South Korea, but a home crowd and a favourable travel schedule could make all the difference.

El Tri, who are unbeaten in eight games, play all three of their group games at high altitude and have the lowest travelling distance of any team at the World Cup. Their squad consists largely of domestic-based players, who will be acclimatised to the conditions in Mexico City and Zapopan.

The teams in Group D appear relatively well-matched, but USA will be hoping that home advantage can play a part in securing top spot.

They beat both Paraguay and Australia in friendlies last year, and a repeat of those successes would likely be enough to get them over the line, although Turkey are the biggest threat to those hopes.

Germany begin their World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao, and it is hard to see anything other than a winning start for a side boasting some of the most exciting attackers in the world.

They have won their last eight games and are likely to have too much for both Ecuador and Ivory Coast, so it would not be a surprise to see them top the standings with maximum points.

The Netherlands have not lost inside 90 minutes since October 2024 and their rock-solid defence should guide them to the top spot in Group F.

They have a worrying reliance on Memphis Depay going forward and a continued inability to beat the better teams in the competition, but all three of their Group F competitors are there for the taking for Ronald Koeman’s side, who went unbeaten in qualifying.

Spain are outright favourites to lift the trophy in July, and the European champions look primed to ease to top spot in Group H.

Uruguay are their only realistic competition for that position, but they have failed to beat Algeria, England, USA and Mexico in their last four games and are likely to come undone against the star-studded La Roja.

Lamine Yamal is the most exciting attacking talent in a strong Spain side and he has a habit of scoring eye-catching goals, those attributes can be key in deciding where the player of the tournament award ends up.

Australia may be the underdogs in Group D, but this is arguably the most competitive group in the World Cup and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a few upsets shake up the pecking order.

The Socceroos may lack star quality, but they are tactically sound under Tony Popovic and head into the tournament in good form. They won two group-stage games in Qatar four years ago and, with the expanded tournament format, a single win in Group D could be enough to see them through to the knockout stages again.

Sweden’s squad has all the individual components to construct a good side, but the cohesion is lacking for Graham Potter’s men and all three of their Group F competitors are capable of beating them.

They are fortunate to have made it this far after a dismal qualifying campaign in which they failed to win a single game. They scraped past Poland in their play-off final and have failed to beat both Greece and Norway so far this year.

Taking part in their first World Cup since then-Zaire qualified for the 1974 edition, DR Congo have a reasonable chance of picking up their first World Cup points this time around.

The likes of Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa give them plenty of quality going forward and their defence is well-staffed with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku.

It would not be a surprise to see them nick a result against either Norway or France, and a win over Uzbekistan appears likely.

Ghana have plenty of quality going forward, but the absence of the injured Mohammed Kudus is a big blow and they head into the tournament in woeful form.

They have lost five of their last six games and Carlos Queiroz’s first two games in charge have yielded defeat to Mexico and a draw with Wales. The Portuguese manager has not had time to get to grips with this squad and they have won just two of their last 13 major tournament fixtures.

Panama may be outsiders, but they are compact enough to frustrate Ghana, and it’s difficult to see the Black Stars getting anything from Croatia or England.

Since winning Euro 2024, Spain have extended their unbeaten record to 28 matches, reaching the final of the Nations League and breezing through their World Cup qualifying campaign. European sides have historically struggled in tournaments held in other continents, but that trend appears to be turning. Spain won in South Africa in 2010, followed by Germany’s success in Brazil four years later. France were a shootout away from repeating the trick four years ago. There hasn’t been a World Cup final without a European side since 1950, and the European champions can extend that streak this summer.

Portugal have landed in a winnable group alongside Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. Winning that group would give them a softer run in the early knockout rounds, before a potential meeting with Argentina in the quarter-finals. They beat hosts Germany 2-1 in the Nations League semis before triumphing over Spain, and edging those big clashes suggests they could become the ninth country to win the World Cup.

World Cup surprise packages tend to have solid defensive records and a core group of quality players. Japan have some real midfield quality in Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan, and Liverpool’s Wataru Endo. After five straight wins to nil, Japan look capable of recording their best ever tournament finish this summer. The expanded field should play into their hands, but they’ve proven capable of upsetting football’s elite in the past.

Ecuador conceded only five goals across their 18 South American qualifiers, losing just two of 18 games across the toughest qualifying route in the world. They put together an 18-game unbeaten run ahead of the tournament, which is largely built on defensive solidity. While they aren’t thrilling in the final third, being hard to beat helped take Morocco and Croatia far four years ago. In a tournament where the heat is expected to work against progressive, attacking sides, Ecuador could thrive.

Ecuador conceded only five goals across their 18 South American qualifiers, losing just two of 18 games across the toughest qualifying route in the world. They put together an 18-game unbeaten run ahead of the tournament, which is largely built on defensive solidity. While they aren’t thrilling in the final third, being hard to beat helped take Morocco and Croatia far four years ago. In a tournament where the heat is expected to work against progressive, attacking sides, Ecuador could thrive.

Kylian Mbappe finished last season as the top scorer in La Liga with 25 goals and he scored five goals in four games during qualifying. France are among the tournament favourites and are likely to reach the latter stages and they will face Iraq, Senegal and Norway in the group stages, so Mbappe may be able to score a few goals in the earlier rounds.

Spain are the current favourites and seem set for a deep run at the World Cup. La Roja also have a kind draw with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia joining them in Group H. Lamine Yamal scored 16 goals in La Liga for Barcelona in 28 games and is among the contenders to top the World Cup 2026 scoring charts.

Julian Alvarez has developed a reputation as a striker who raises his levels in cup competitions having scored 22 goals in 32 Champions League games for current club Atletico Madrid and Manchester City across the last three seasons. Argentina will face Algeria, Jordan and Austria in the group stages, so Alvarez could grab a few goals in the group phase and that makes him a contender to top the scoring charts.

Rayan Cherki had 12 Premier League assists for Manchester City this season and he also provided a further four in 11 games across their EFL Cup and FA Cup successes. France have an incredible attacking line-up and Cherki will be picking out passes for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Desire Doue.

In terms of technical ability Neuer is right up there with the best stoppers of all time and the fact he is now playing for a fairly average Germany side, by their standards anyway, could actually work in his favour in the battle for Golden Glove honours as he may have more saves to make and more work in terms of organising his defence.

Co-hosts Mexico may face stiff competition from Czechia and South Korea, but a home crowd and a favourable travel schedule could make all the difference.

El Tri, who are unbeaten in eight games, play all three of their group games at high altitude and have the lowest travelling distance of any team at the World Cup. Their squad consists largely of domestic-based players, who will be acclimatised to the conditions in Mexico City and Zapopan.

Switzerland and Canada may be the two favourite sides in Group B, but Bosnia-Herzegovina showed the grit needed in tournament football to beat Wales and Italy en route to World Cup qualification.

Led by veteran Edin Dzeko, they bring a good balance of youth and experience to the tournament. They should beat outsiders Qatar with relative ease, and it would not be a surprise to see them beat either Canada or Switzerland and take top spot.

This crop of Brazil players may lack the superstar quality to pin them as one of the favourites to land a record-extending sixth World Cup, but they should top Group C with ease.

Haiti are huge outsiders and both Morocco and Scotland lack the pedigree and quality to topple Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao.

The teams in Group D appear relatively well-matched, but USA will be hoping that home advantage can play a part in securing top spot.

They beat both Paraguay and Australia in friendlies last year, and a repeat of those successes would likely be enough to get them over the line, although Turkey are the biggest threat to those hopes.

Germany begin their World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao, and it is hard to see anything other than a winning start for a side boasting some of the most exciting attackers in the world.

They have won their last eight games and are likely to have too much for both Ecuador and Ivory Coast, so it would not be a surprise to see them top the standings with maximum points.

The Netherlands have not lost inside 90 minutes since October 2024 and their rock-solid defence should guide them to the top spot in Group F.

They have a worrying reliance on Memphis Depay going forward and a continued inability to beat the better teams in the competition, but all three of their Group F competitors are there for the taking for Ronald Koeman’s side, who went unbeaten in qualifying.

Similar to the Dutch, it is difficult to see this crop of Belgium players going all the way in North America, but they have been handed a favourable group and should ease to top spot.

Egypt will be their biggest threat but their squad lacks quality outside of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, while Iran and New Zealand should pose few problems for the Red Devils.

Spain are outright favourites to lift the trophy in July, and the European champions look primed to ease to top spot in Group H.

Uruguay are their only realistic competition for that position, but they have failed to beat Algeria, England, USA and Mexico in their last four games and are likely to come undone against the star-studded La Roja.

Norway enjoyed a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, but recent performances against the Netherlands and Switzerland hint at an inability to compete with the best sides, and France are certainly in that bracket.

Finalists in the last two World Cups and heading to the 2026 edition as second-favourites, Les Bleus have won eight of their last 10 games and have arguably the best squad in world football.

Continuing the theme of hot favourites living up to the billing, defending champions Argentina have won their last five games and should ease to the group win later this month.

La Albiceleste have form and quality on their side and should kick off proceedings with a big win over Jordan. A meeting with Austria in the second round of fixtures is likely to be key, but Messi and company should be able to navigate that tie.

Portugal made the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago and there is a case to be made for them being legitimate contenders for their first-ever World Cup crown.

They may not be able to take those last few steps, but they should begin the campaign by topping a relatively easy Group K. Colombia are the biggest threat, but they have lost to both France and Croatia this year and lack the quality of the two-time UEFA Nations League champions.

With Ghana trying to adapt under new manager Carlos Queiroz and Panama huge outsiders, England’s opener against Croatia is likely to decide top spot in Group L and the Three Lions should have enough to see off that threat.

They have won their last two meetings with Croatia and are yet to concede a competitive goal under Thomas Tuchel, while the Vatreni have lost to Brazil and Belgium this year.

Erling Haaland had 16 goals in eight games over qualifying and enjoyed another excellent season domestically with 38 goals across all competitions. Haaland’s Norway face France, Senegal and Iraq in the group stage and he could reach four goals in those three games alone.

World Cup surprise packages tend to have solid defensive records and a core group of quality players. Japan have some real midfield quality in Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan, and Liverpool’s Wataru Endo. After five straight wins to nil, Japan look capable of recording their best ever tournament finish this summer. The expanded field should play into their hands, but they’ve proven capable of upsetting football’s elite in the past.

Tani Oluwaseyi failed to convert some fair opportunities in the 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Canadian forward has the running power, presence and ability to punish a weak Qatar rearguard.

Tomas Soucek has scored in three of his last 10 international games and registered multiple shots on target in five of them. He is a major threat on set pieces and had a goal ruled out for a close offside against South Korea on Friday.

Son Heung-min has scored 56 goals for South Korea and went close on a couple of occasions against Czechia. He looks the most likely scorer for the Taegeuk Warriors.

Canada played well in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening World Cup contest and they rate a cut above Qatar, who were bashed by Switzerland, but somehow managed to pick up a point.

Both teams have scored in Czechia’s last five matches. The European nation should have enough quality and firepower to beat a South Africa side that have lost three of their last six games with BTTS in four.

Mexico have failed to win eight of their last 11 home games against World Cup-qualified teams, drawing six. Meanwhile, South Korea have avoided defeat in three of their last four away games against World Cup-qualified teams, drawing against Mexico in one.

Switzerland were left regretting a whole host of missed chances when drawing 1-1 with Qatar, but the A-Team have the quality to bounce back and beat a poor Bosnia and Herzegovina’s side.

Canada played well in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening World Cup contest and they rate a cut above Qatar, who were bashed by Switzerland, but somehow managed to pick up a point.

Both teams have scored in Czechia’s last five matches. The European nation should have enough quality and firepower to beat a South Africa side that have lost three of their last six games with BTTS in four.

Switzerland were left regretting a whole host of missed chances when drawing 1-1 with Qatar, but the A-Team have the quality to bounce back and beat a poor Bosnia and Herzegovina’s side.

Bosnia-Herzegovina know how to keep things relatively tight and each of their last six games have gone under 2.5 goals, while Switzerland have seen fewer than three goals in three of their last four outings.

Qatar are likely to play with their backs to the wall again and five of their last six have featured fewer than three goals. Each of Canada’s last four have gone under 2.5 goals.

Czechia will be looking for a response after losing their opener and over 2.5 goals has landed in their last six fixtures. South Africa need to be more adventurous, too, and their back line is almost certain to leave plenty of gaps.

Both teams have scored in Czechia’s last five matches. The European nation should have enough quality and firepower to beat a South Africa side that have lost three of their last six games with BTTS in four.

South Korea have scored in 10 of their last 11 away games and can bag once against a Mexican side that has conceded in six of their last 12 at home.

Both teams have scored in Czechia’s last five matches. The European nation should have enough quality and firepower to beat a South Africa side that have lost three of their last six games with BTTS in four.

Canada played well in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening World Cup contest and they rate a cut above Qatar, who were bashed by Switzerland, but somehow managed to pick up a point.

Switzerland were left regretting a whole host of missed chances when drawing 1-1 with Qatar, but the A-Team have the quality to bounce back and beat a poor Bosnia and Herzegovina’s side.

Lukic stood out in Bosnia’s opener, scoring the opening goal and taking three shots in total. The forward has only won four caps for his country, but the 27-year-old’s presence should help him trouble a Swiss side which looked shaky at times against Qatar.

Lee set up a goal in South Korea’s win over the Czech Republic, while he also finished that clash with a shot on target. The PSG winger had seven efforts on target across the third round of Asian qualifying, and he recorded a shot on target in his first five games at the Asian Cup in 2024.

South Korea have scored in 10 of their last 11 away games and can bag once against a Mexican side that has conceded in six of their last 12 at home. However, scoring multiple goals may be a problem against the co-hosts, who have only shipped more than once in one of their last 10 at home.

Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi, Ali Ahmed, Promise David and Cyle Larin are all excellent attacking options for Canada and the Reds should have the firepower to score a comfortable 2-0 success over Qatar.

Canada played well in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening World Cup contest and they rate a cut above Qatar, who were bashed by Switzerland, but somehow managed to pick up a point.

Tani Oluwaseyi failed to convert some fair opportunities in the 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Canadian forward has the running power, presence and ability to punish a weak Qatar rearguard.