Second-bottom Varnamo have lost five straight games, and they’ve suffered six defeats in seven matches away from home. All six of those defeats have seen them ship three or more goals, letting in 3.29 per game overall. Landskrona have scored at least twice in four straight games, while struggling to keep clean sheets this term.

Norrkoping have won five straight games, scoring exactly twice in each of those victories. They meet a Norrby side that has failed to score in their previous three matches, while three of the visitors’ four defeats this term have been to nil. The hosts have conceded 0.69 goals per game this term, and they can continue their fine form with a comfortable win.

Helsingborg have claimed both of their away wins this term against teams in the bottom four, and the visitors have suffered three defeats in their last six games. Sandviken have won three of their last four matches, scoring 11 times, but they’ve kept only two clean sheets all season.

Both teams scored in six of South Africa’s eight matches ahead of the tournament, and the African side have managed to find the net in their last two group games. Canada have kept one clean sheet in four, but they can strike against Bafana Bafana, who have conceded in 10 of their last 12.

Daniel Munoz has starred for Colombia at this tournament and he has scored against both Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The Crystal Palace man looks good value to make it three goals in as many games when his side face Portugal.

Colombia are on a four-game winning run and have just two defeats in their last 15. Los Cafeteros only need a point to secure top spot in Group K and they can avoid defeat against Portugal, who have underwhelmed in a couple of recent clashes against quality opponents.

Norrby have conceded exactly two goals in three of their last four games, and two of their three matches in June have been 2-0 defeats. Norrkoping have scored exactly twice in each of their last five matches, winning 2-0 on four occasions, and they’ve got the best defensive record in the division.

Canada are backed to edge past a South African side that is ranked 60th in the world. Mexico dispatched Bafana Bafana with ease in their opener, and Canada can claim a 2-1 win if they carry over the intensity of their final 30 minutes against Switzerland.

Second-bottom Varnamo have lost five straight games, and they’ve suffered six defeats in seven matches away from home. All six of those defeats have seen them ship three or more goals, letting in 3.29 per game overall. Landskrona have scored at least twice in four straight games, while struggling to keep clean sheets this term.

Helsingborg have claimed both of their away wins this term against teams in the bottom four, and the visitors have suffered three defeats in their last six games. Sandviken have won three of their last four matches, scoring 11 times, but they’ve kept only two clean sheets all season.

Larin has scored in two of his first three games at the tournament, and he’s recorded a shot on target in every match. He scored eight times in 16 Championship games for Southampton this term, and he can score his third goal of the tournament on Sunday.

Both teams scored in six of South Africa’s eight matches ahead of the tournament, and the African side have managed to find the net in their last two group games. Canada have kept one clean sheet in four, but they can strike against Bafana Bafana, who have conceded in 10 of their last 12.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Henry: Brazil lack the legs and tempo to expose disciplined defensive performances and that will be even more apparent with Raphinha now missing through injury. Scotland have a chance to dig in and make history by nicking this Miami contest.

Aaron: Ecuador have suffered one defeat in their last 21 internationals, and that was courtesy of an added-time winner in their tournament opener against the Ivory Coast. Given how a full-strength Germany side toiled in their second game, Ecuador are good value to at least avoid defeat in their final match.

Tom: South Korea still need to get a result to ensure they secure second spot in Group A and they should be able to rack up the goals against South Africa. South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in round one, while they were unlucky not to score against Mexico.

Aidan: The Dutch have scored seven goals in two games and can follow up their 5-1 thrashing of Sweden by picking up another high-scoring victory, which would also boost their hopes of securing top spot in the process.

Gareth: Paraguay were well beaten by the USA in their opener and then managed a smash-and-grab win over Turkiye. I’d argue Australia performed better in both of their games against those sides, hurting Turkiye on the counter and then putting USA under pressure late on after falling behind. A point would probably suit both sides but that isn’t really the Aussie way and they look backable as underdogs here.

Alex: Japan were clinical as they dismantled Tunisia last time out and were good value for their draw with the Oranje. With top spot still up for grabs in Group F, Samurai Blue can get the points against a Sweden side that were fortunate to qualify for the competition in the first place.

Warren: In Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and Real Betis’ Cedric Bakambu, DR Congo have two top-class forward players who will prove a real handful for the Uzbek backline.

Colombia are on a four-game winning run and have just two defeats in their last 15. Los Cafeteros only need a point to secure top spot in Group K and they can avoid defeat against Portugal, who have underwhelmed in a couple of recent clashes against quality opponents.

Panama will probably set up to keep the game tight but an early goal could open this clash up and backing both teams to score looks a good angle. Panama will be desperate to at least score after back-to-back 1-0 defeats and England had looked a little vulnerable at the back, conceding twice against Croatia and giving a few chances away late on against Ghana. England should take maximum points but Panama have been competitive in both of their games so far and can get on the scoresheet against a Three Lions side who have already qualified.

The group qualification situation forces both teams to go for it as each needs to win. Both teams have scored in two of DR Congo’s last three matches and also in two of Uzbekistan’s last three games.

Having already won the group we are bound to see some rotation from Argentina, however they should still have way to much firepower for Jordan, who are very leaky at the back. Argentina have the quality to score at least three here,

Daniel Munoz has starred for Colombia at this tournament and he has scored against both Uzbekistan and DR Congo. The Crystal Palace man looks good value to make it three goals in as many games when his side face Portugal.

Yoann Wissa scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup finals goal in their 1–1 draw against Portugal, one of five strikes in his last 12 international appearances. He should get chances against an Uzbek side that have conceded eight times across their two games.

Harry Kane can put a below-par game against Ghana behind him with an anytime effort against Panama. Kane scored twice against Croatia and the Bayern Munich man has scored in 13 of his last 16 games for club and country.

Amine Gouiri leads the line for Algeria and found the net against Jordan in their previous match. He can get on the scoresheet again here.

Julien Alverez is bound to start here having come off the bench in the first two whilst recovering from injury. He scored four goals in the previous World Cup and should play a big part here.

Harry Kane can put a below-par game against Ghana behind him with an anytime effort against Panama. Kane scored twice against Croatia and the Bayern Munich man has scored in 13 of his last 16 games for club and country.

Yoann Wissa scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup finals goal in their 1–1 draw against Portugal, one of five strikes in his last 12 international appearances. He should get chances against an Uzbek side that have conceded eight times across their two games.

Ghana have kept two clean sheets in a row and the new coach seems to have instilled some discipline to a defence that had been struggling. They now have confidence in Queiroz’s methods and can carry out another cautious gameplan. A draw would suit both sides and they may both settle for a stalemate.

Portugal are on a seven-game unbeaten run and Colombia have just two losses in their last 15. Both of these sides are tough to beat and ultimately a draw isn’t a bad result for either side, so a stalemate has a chance.

A draw is likely to benefit both teams here, and with both teams evenly matched this is very likely going to be a close match.

Panama have only lost one of their last 23 games by more than one goal, a 6-2 friendly defeat to Brazil, and have kept things on the right side of respectable against a couple of strong teams, including 1-0 defeats to Croatia and Mexico. England should be able to win but are unlikely to expend too much energy having already qualified for the knockout stages and as goals at both ends are predicted a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions has a chance. 

Portugal are on a seven-game unbeaten run and Colombia have just two losses in their last 15. Both of these sides are tough to beat and ultimately a draw isn’t a bad result for either side, so a 1-1 stalemate has a chance.

Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of Croatia’s last eight World Cup finals matches, which were all under current coach Zlatko Dalic. Ghana’s last four games have also been low-scoring affairs and with tension ramped up for this game, it may be low on chances.

Having already won the group we are bound to see some rotation from Argentina, however they should still have way to much firepower for Jordan, who are very leaky at the back. Argentina have the quality to score at least three here.

Panama will probably set up to keep the game tight but an early goal could open this clash up and backing both teams to score looks a good angle. Panama will be desperate to at least score after back-to-back 1-0 defeats and England had looked a little vulnerable at the back, conceding twice against Croatia and giving a few chances away late on against Ghana. England should take maximum points but Panama have been competitive in both of their games so far and can get on the scoresheet.

DR Congo have got better finishers than Uzbekistan and that should tip the balance their way in an open game. The White Wolves have conceded multiple goals in their last four matches but did score against their last two African opponents, so back Les Leopards to win and concede.

Colombia are on a four-game winning run and have just two defeats in their last 15. Los Cafeteros only need a point to secure top spot in Group K and they can avoid defeat against Portugal, who have underwhelmed in a couple of recent clashes against quality opponents.

Having already won the group we are bound to see some rotation from Argentina, however they should still have way to much firepower for Jordan, who are very leaky at the back. Argentina have the quality to win by at least three goals.

Konsa has drawn two fouls in each of his first two games at this tournament, continuing a fine record in that regard under Thomas Tuchel. He drew two or more fouls in four of his six starts in qualifying, and he won 63 fouls for Aston Villa last season. Konsa has now been fouled 24 times across 11 competitive starts for England at centre-half, and this is a Panama side that has committed 30 fouls across their first two games.

Diaz scored and assisted in Colombia’s opener, and he had five shots on goal in their clash with DR Congo. The Bayern Munich winger has been fantastic across the last 12 months, scoring a combined 30 goals for club and country. Diaz has recorded 13 shots on target across his last eight competitive matches for Colombia, and he should prove to be their biggest attacking threat in this clash.

Olwan has recorded a shot on target in both of his games in this group, scoring against Austria in their opening match. Jordan have shown attacking intent at this tournament, and that should continue despite them being eliminated from the competition. Argentina have already sealed first place in their group, so expect them to make changes, which should allow Olwan to continue his good form in front of goal.

The group qualification situation forces both teams to go for it as each needs to win. Both teams have scored in two of DR Congo’s last three matches and also in two of Uzbekistan’s last three games.

Panama will probably set up to keep the game tight but an early goal could open this clash up and backing both teams to score looks a good angle. Panama will be desperate to at least score after back-to-back 1-0 defeats and England had looked a little vulnerable at the back, conceding twice against Croatia and giving a few chances away late on against Ghana. England should take maximum points but Panama have been competitive in both of their games so far and can get on the scoresheet against a Three Lions side who have already qualified.