2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 12
After Day 11 of the World Cup, Spain are officially back, Belgium still very much aren't, and Cape Verde remain everyone's second (or first) favourite team at the tournament.
Today, it's Messi and Mbappe time again, with a bit of Erling Haaland for those who stay up to watch him too.
Here's your overview of Day 11, and a look ahead to today's Day 12 action.
About as one-sided as they come. Spain were untouchable in the first half of this game, and while it was Lamine Yamal's return that made the big difference because of his quality and just the fact that opponents are terrified of him, there were other great displays, particularly from Mikel Oyarzabal. Had that shot that hit the crossbar gone in, it would have been quite a first half hat-trick for the Real Sociedad icon.
Not much shame in this result for Saudi Arabia, so it'll all come down to what now looks like a very fun game against Cape Verde in Round 3. The winner will reach the Round of 32!
This was largely the opposite of the above, as Belgium just continue to get in their own way. After missing several big chances, the best of which fell to Maxim de Cuyper, Belgium were then reduced to 10 men just as they were finding some relentless pressure. Nathan Ngoy is a young defender so I felt a bit sorry for him and this campaign clearly isn't all his fault, but man did it sum up just how frustrating Belgium have been to watch in this tournament. It must be excruciating for Belgians!
A great result for Iran though and they, like Belgium, stand a chance of making the Round of 32 even with another draw in Round 3.
Up there with the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far. A very different performance from Cape Verde to what we saw against Spain as they knew they could have more joy with the ball themselves in this one, and they certainly showed it.
Uruguay were again underwhelming. I thought they'd cracked it by the end of the Round 1 match vs. Saudi Arabia, but after a reasonable start in this one they fell behind in a stupid way as a two-man wall just decided to split and let Kevin Pina's free-kick right between them. Bielsa's side then responded really well and led by half time, only to once again let Cape Verde back into things and they're now in all sorts of trouble needing at least a point against Spain.
For Cape Verde, what a tournament and what an opportunity. Avoiding defeat against Saudi Arabia will likely be enough for a place in the Round of 32, but they'll fancy their chances of winning that match having showed real courage and, at times, quality in this one. Who'd have thought that Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at 1am (UK) on a Saturday morning would be carrying some interest?
Another reasonable performance from New Zealand who have proved me wrong in this tournament (I didn't think they'd get close to a point) but Egypt's superior quality came through in the second half. They did well to bounce back after falling behind to a goal they'll have been so disappointed by given how much space Finn Surman had to head home that corner.
As you'd expect, Mo Salah was pivotal in that second half turnaround to help Egypt to a first ever win at a World Cup. They've taken control of Group G with it. Should they manage another against Iran, they'll progress as group winners which should mean a reasonable chance of at least a place in the Round of 16.
Today's schedule:
The best game of the day should undoubtedly be Norway vs. Senegal. To me, Senegal are the more balanced side and I think I'm backing them to win, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of people predicting Norway's forwards to fire them to victory so that'll be a tense watch for Superbru purposes.
I will not be watching Jordan vs. Algeria live at 4am, but I was quite impressed with Jordan in Round 1 so I am quite intrigued as to how that goes as you couldn't properly judge Algeria against Argentina.
For match previews for each game (and all others in the tournament), upgrade to Superbru Premium.
Good luck with your predictions today.
Today, it's Messi and Mbappe time again, with a bit of Erling Haaland for those who stay up to watch him too.
Here's your overview of Day 11, and a look ahead to today's Day 12 action.
🇪🇸 Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Outcome predicted by 97% of users | Scoreline predicted by 8.1% of usersAbout as one-sided as they come. Spain were untouchable in the first half of this game, and while it was Lamine Yamal's return that made the big difference because of his quality and just the fact that opponents are terrified of him, there were other great displays, particularly from Mikel Oyarzabal. Had that shot that hit the crossbar gone in, it would have been quite a first half hat-trick for the Real Sociedad icon.
Not much shame in this result for Saudi Arabia, so it'll all come down to what now looks like a very fun game against Cape Verde in Round 3. The winner will reach the Round of 32!
🇧🇪 Belgium 0-0 Iran 🇮🇷
Outcome predicted by 7.1% of users | Scoreline predicted by 0.4% of usersThis was largely the opposite of the above, as Belgium just continue to get in their own way. After missing several big chances, the best of which fell to Maxim de Cuyper, Belgium were then reduced to 10 men just as they were finding some relentless pressure. Nathan Ngoy is a young defender so I felt a bit sorry for him and this campaign clearly isn't all his fault, but man did it sum up just how frustrating Belgium have been to watch in this tournament. It must be excruciating for Belgians!
A great result for Iran though and they, like Belgium, stand a chance of making the Round of 32 even with another draw in Round 3.
🇺🇾 Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde 🇨🇻
Outcome predicted by 12% of users | Scoreline predicted by 1.5% of usersUp there with the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far. A very different performance from Cape Verde to what we saw against Spain as they knew they could have more joy with the ball themselves in this one, and they certainly showed it.
Uruguay were again underwhelming. I thought they'd cracked it by the end of the Round 1 match vs. Saudi Arabia, but after a reasonable start in this one they fell behind in a stupid way as a two-man wall just decided to split and let Kevin Pina's free-kick right between them. Bielsa's side then responded really well and led by half time, only to once again let Cape Verde back into things and they're now in all sorts of trouble needing at least a point against Spain.
For Cape Verde, what a tournament and what an opportunity. Avoiding defeat against Saudi Arabia will likely be enough for a place in the Round of 32, but they'll fancy their chances of winning that match having showed real courage and, at times, quality in this one. Who'd have thought that Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at 1am (UK) on a Saturday morning would be carrying some interest?
🇳🇿 New Zealand 1-3 Egypt 🇪🇬
Outcome predicted by 71% of users | Scoreline predicted by 7.3% of usersAnother reasonable performance from New Zealand who have proved me wrong in this tournament (I didn't think they'd get close to a point) but Egypt's superior quality came through in the second half. They did well to bounce back after falling behind to a goal they'll have been so disappointed by given how much space Finn Surman had to head home that corner.
As you'd expect, Mo Salah was pivotal in that second half turnaround to help Egypt to a first ever win at a World Cup. They've taken control of Group G with it. Should they manage another against Iran, they'll progress as group winners which should mean a reasonable chance of at least a place in the Round of 16.
Today
Last week in Round 1, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland didn't disappoint, so let's see how they go in Round 2 today.Today's schedule:
- 🇦🇷 Argentina vs. Austria 🇦🇹 (Group J) | Kick-off 12:00 local, 18:00 UK, 19:00 CET/CAT
- 🇫🇷 France vs. Iraq 🇮🇶 (Group I) | Kick-off 17:00 local, 22:00 UK, 23:00 CET/CAT
- 🇳🇴 Norway vs. Senegal 🇸🇳 (Group I) | Kick-off 20:00 local, 01:00 UK, 02:00 CET/CAT
- 🇯🇴 Jordan vs. Algeria 🇩🇿 (Group J) | Kick-off 20:00 local, 04:00 UK, 05:00 CET/CAT
The best game of the day should undoubtedly be Norway vs. Senegal. To me, Senegal are the more balanced side and I think I'm backing them to win, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of people predicting Norway's forwards to fire them to victory so that'll be a tense watch for Superbru purposes.
I will not be watching Jordan vs. Algeria live at 4am, but I was quite impressed with Jordan in Round 1 so I am quite intrigued as to how that goes as you couldn't properly judge Algeria against Argentina.
For match previews for each game (and all others in the tournament), upgrade to Superbru Premium.
Good luck with your predictions today.
Superbru on X
I am going Argentina 20- or 3-0 vs Austria. I think they'll get the job done and it's just if they get two or three. Austria might give them a game but Argentina looked good in round 1. I am not sure that Austria are that much better than Algeria, so backing Argentina strongly again, especially of Messi can pull off more magic.
France v Iraq looks one-sided. As I said I think Norway were a bit flattered by their scoreline v The Asians, but France should win this comfortably, if all goes to plan. I was thinking 4-0 but gonna be more conservative and go 3-0. Not ruling our Iraq might score, but I think France will get the job done.
As for the most intriguing game of the day - I am actually playing a 7 a side tournament myself tomorrow, and have to be up just before 7 am, but I don't wanna miss it and will go to bed right after it. I fancy Senegal, actually. As people know I am not as convinced as others on Norway, and think Senegal can win th
I won't see Jordan v Algeria either due to the aforementioned tournament - I have to try and get SOME sleep. However, Jordan looked decent to me against Austria and I think this might be competitive. I will give them a goal and go 2-1 Algeria.
I was zombied out with lack of sleep yesterday, hence not giving some thoughts on yesterday's games before them.
All the best of luck to all predictors.
2 perfect scores as well and Messi captain as well in fantasy can't get any better
Austria were poor though