2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 11

There were goals all over the place on Day 10 of the World Cup, except for Ecuador, who really, really needed to find the net.

Things are going down to the wire in both Group E and Group F, though Tunisia are now officially out after what might well go down as one of the worst of the World Cup campaigns of all time.

Here's your overview of Day 10, and a look ahead to what's coming up today at the World Cup.

🇳🇱 Netherlands 5-1 Sweden 🇸🇪

Outcome predicted by 60% of users | Scoreline predicted by 0.02% of users

This was a very satisfying day for the Netherlands and Ronald Koeman who, having received a fair bit of criticism in Round 1, got it spot on this time around. The selection of Brian Brobbey at centre forward proved to be a masterstroke as the Sunderland striker practically manhandled the Swedish back three. The first three Dutch goals were almost identical, so Japan know the way to go against Sweden in Round 3. Have your centre forward bounce the ball out to the flanks, and then attack the box in numbers for a low cross.

I thought Graham Potter gave a fair assessment post-match - the scoreline was arguably a little generous to the Netherlands but he conceded that Sweden simply didn't start either half well enough. There were passages of the game where Sweden were on top, but they aren't good enough defensively which means it's hard to see them getting a win over Japan in Round 3. Going from a 5-1 win to a 5-1 defeat is quite something!

🇩🇪 Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮

Outcome predicted by 94% of users | Scoreline predicted by 17.2% of users

This was a fantastic match. It's one of those games where despite picking Germany, I felt bad when looking at the tiny percentage of Superbru players that had backed the Ivory Coast because to me it always felt as if there was a 25/30% chance we'd see a win for the African nation. The Ivorians were really good for a lot of this game, but I still can't believe Simon Adingra didn't take that chance first time!! I had an Exact for Germany's 2-1 victory and yet still felt frustrated for the Ivory Coast that they hadn't won it moments earlier.

Considering how tough things proved to be, this was a great result for Germany and Deniz Undav has further improved his remarkable international record. The late winner almost felt too simple in some ways, but the touch from Undav is exceptional as the ball was absolutely lasered into him and that composure to get the 3 points was ultimately what the Ivory Coast lacked.

🇪🇨 Ecuador 0-0 Curaçao 🇨🇼

Outcome predicted by 12% of users | Scoreline predicted by 2.1% of users

I was always slightly hesitant about how well-suited Ecuador were to a game where they're expected to dominate and score a load of goals, but in fairness, it's taken a record-breaking number of saves in a World Cup match from Curaçao's Eloy Room to deny them. Room made 15 saves in this game, preventing an xG of 2.27.

Ultimately, this is obviously a huge disappointment for Ecuador. It was always going to come down to Enner Valencia really and the captain missed 3 or 4 big chances which now leaves his country needing a win over Germany in Round 3 in order to stand a chance of progressing. That's not impossible, but it's far from ideal when Ecuador really should be set for progression with probably 4 points already.

Well done to Curaçao though. Getting a point in this group is a major achievement and the fact that they could yet progress themselves with a miracle against the Ivory Coast in Round 3 is fantastic.

🇹🇳 Tunisia 0-4 Japan 🇯🇵

Outcome predicted by 89% of users | Scoreline predicted by 0.8% of users

We've only got a couple of hundred Tunisians playing our World Cup Predictor, and while I'd love to have one of them share their thoughts on this World Cup in the comments section, I suspect they're now firmly in 'don't want to to talk about it' territory.

As expected, Herve Renard isn't a miracle worker, and this was another awful performance from Tunisia. Japan are far too good to miss such an opportunity for points and it will now be a shootout between them and the Netherlands in the final round to see who tops the group. Japan are playing a very weak Sweden defence, but my money is probably on the Dutch facing this Tunisian side...

Today

There won't be any teams eliminated from the World Cup today, as Groups G and H are both completely even heading into Round 2 with all 8 teams on 1 point.

Today's schedule:

• 🇪🇸 Spain vs. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 (Group H) | Kick-off 12:00 local, 17:00 UK, 18:00 CET/CAT
• 🇧🇪 Belgium vs. Iran 🇮🇷 (Group F) | Kick-off 12:00 local, 20:00 UK, 21:00 CET/CAT
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay vs. Cape Verde 🇨🇻 (Group H) | Kick-off 18:00 local, 23:00 UK, 00:00 CET/CAT
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand vs. Egypt 🇪🇬 (Group F) | Kick-off 18:00 local, 02:00 UK, 03:00 CET/CAT

After the surprise results we saw across these groups in Round 1, there's a fair amount of intrigue around each of these matches, even if I'm not sure there'll be quite as many goals as yesterday.

I expect Spain to click into gear now that Yamal's back, but I'm a little more hesitant about Belgium now that Doku has been shut down so effectively in Round 1. It still feels a stretch to pick against them with Iran preparing and playing under such unique circumstances, though.

As much as we'd all love to see further antics from Vozinha, Uruguay looked to find their feed in the second half of Round 1 so I think that might be reasonably comfortable for the South Americans.

Then, since New Zealand and Egypt just don't win World Cup matches and are very excited to try and change that in Vancouver, it would be quite fitting if that ends up as another draw? 😅 You'd have to say Egypt are the more likely, tough.

For match previews for each game (and all others in the tournament), upgrade to Superbru Premium.

Good luck to all! Anyone predicting Spain to fail to score again?