BBC football expert Chris Sutton predicts outcomes for all World Cup 2026 group stage matches, starting with the tournament opener.
Football journalist Chris Sutton is forecasting the results of every match at the 2026 World Cup, beginning with the first games in each group. The tournament opener will see co-hosts Mexico face South Africa, while defending champions Argentina take on Algeria and England play Croatia. An artificial intelligence tool, which topped last season’s domestic predictions, is also making its own forecasts using Microsoft Copilot Chat.
Readers can now join in by predicting winners for every match or opting for draws in a new interactive game.
Sutton tips South Korea to top Group A ahead of Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa. The first match in the group will be Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11 at 8:00 PM British Summer Time.
He expects the hosts to edge a close contest, though doubts their attacking strength outside forward Raúl Jiménez, now back at Wolves. South Africa’s lone Premier League representative, Burnley’s Lyle Foster, will face a tough task against a home side with limited European-based talent.
South Korea’s captain Son Heung-min will be making his fourth World Cup appearance, but Sutton believes the team’s depth extends beyond its star man. Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in is highlighted as another key player who could shine in Guadalajara on June 12 at 3:00 AM.
The Czech Republic, described as pragmatic and resilient, are tipped to collect at least a point in this early clash.
Switzerland are tipped to win Group B, with Canada finishing second, Bosnia-Herzegovina third, and Qatar last. The first match sees Canada face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12 at 8:00 PM.
Sutton notes that Bosnia relies on 40-year-old striker Edin Džeko and a disciplined defensive approach, while Canada, under Jesse Marsch, will press high despite limited scoring options. Canada’s right-back Alistair Johnston, a former Celtic player, is singled out as a standout performer, though centre-back Moise Bombito is recovering from a hamstring issue that could impact their chances.
Switzerland is expected to dominate a meeting with Qatar in San Francisco on June 13 at 8:00 PM. The Swiss side boasts exciting young talent alongside experienced players like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.
Qatar, having lost all three group games in their 2022 World Cup on home soil, are unlikely to fare better this time around.
Brazil are tipped to top Group C ahead of Scotland, Morocco, and Haiti. The South American side, despite finishing fifth in qualifying, have improved under Carlo Ancelotti and retain significant talent, including forwards like Brentford’s Igor Thiago.
Morocco, with PSG’s Achraf Hakimi as a key player, impressed in 2022 by reaching the semifinals and are expected to provide Brazil with a stern test in New York on June 13 at 11:00 PM.
Scotland aim to progress from their group at a World Cup for the first time, facing Haiti in Boston on June 14 at 2:00 AM. Sutton warns not to underestimate Haiti, whose qualification journey included playing without a home venue.
The Haitian squad features Premier League players like Wolves’ Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor, who will press rather than sit deep. Scotland’s Steve Clarke may rely on striker Lawrence Shankland, though the team’s structure remains a question.
Turkey are predicted to top Group D, followed by Paraguay, the United States, and Australia. The United States begin their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 13 at 2:00 AM in what Sutton describes as a tough group where all four teams could advance.
Australia’s clash with Turkey in Vancouver on June 14 at 5:00 AM features Norwich striker Mohamed Toure, a young but clinical forward who has recently scored multiple hat-tricks.
Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup by population—just 158,000—are set to make their debut in Houston on June 14 at 6:00 PM against Germany.
Their 78-year-old manager Dick Advocaat, a seasoned tactician, will aim to upset the hosts despite Germany’s struggles in recent tournaments. Sutton recalls facing Advocaat’s Rangers side during his playing days and acknowledges his tactical acumen.
Germany, despite limited pre-tournament hype, are expected to progress, though Curacao will likely defend in numbers.
Ivory Coast and Ecuador are predicted to play out a goalless draw in Philadelphia on June 15 at 12:00 AM. Both teams conceded few goals during qualifying—Ivory Coast went unbeaten in 10 matches and Ecuador shipped just five in 18 games.