
World Cup Predictions Blend Expertise and Whimsy Ahead of Crucial Matchday
The Athletic’s daily preview mixes professional insight with unexpected contributors, recapping recent results and projecting the next wave of knockout‑stage battles.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mahmud Abunada across Soccer, Football.

The Athletic’s daily preview mixes professional insight with unexpected contributors, recapping recent results and projecting the next wave of knockout‑stage battles.

Canada and Switzerland are tied at the top of Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar fight for survival, Christian Pulisic returns from injury, and the Team Conduct Score could shape the knockout picture.

From Morocco’s pulsating draw with Brazil to Australia’s shock win over Turkey, the latest predictions weigh Germany’s confidence against Curacao, preview a tight Netherlands‑Japan clash, and highlight Ivory Coast’s defensive duel with Ecuador, while Sweden eyes a must‑win against Tunisia.

Qatar will face Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, marking its first World Cup qualification on merit. Manager Julen Lopetegui seeks defensive discipline while planning a balanced 4‑3‑3 attack led by Akram Afif.