2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 19
The World Cup Round of 32 action got underway yesterday and while I certainly can't say it did so in style, today's lineup looks exciting.
Here's your overview of yesterday's game, as well as a look ahead to what's coming up today.
A huge result for Canada who have won their first ever World Cup knockout tie to set up a meeting with either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16. A late strike from Stephan Eustaquio was enough for victory.
In truth, this was not a good game to watch, and I think my suggestion yesterday that South Africa might lack the belief to progress any further proved somewhat true. Bafana Bafana had possession for large parts, but it was all in their own half leading to understandable frustration from those that had paid to be at the game.
South Africa's approach of staying in the tie wasn't a bad one, at least initially, but they had to show some bravery at some point which never really came and by the time they conceded, there was no time to respond. A disappointing way to exit, but this was of course ultimately a record-breaking tournament for SA as they made a knockout tie for the first time.
It didn't look as if Canada were going to score a goal either barring one chaotic spell just before half time, but Eustaquio did the neutrals a favour in the end by sparing us extra time.
Today's schedule:
I think I'll be backing Brazil in the opener but it's not without slight hesitation because if at their best, Japan could prove a nightmare for their midfield. It's more that I'm not sure we will see Japan at the best in a knockout game.
Germany should win comfortably, and then it's all about a cracker of a tie between the Netherlands and Morocco. I'm not sure anyone will feel confident about predicting that one and I feel extra time is likely. Because of the attacking form they've shown so far, I think I'm leaning slightly towards the Netherlands, but it feels very risky going against Morocco given their quality and what they did at the last World Cup.
Enjoy the action, folks. Feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments section.
Here's your overview of yesterday's game, as well as a look ahead to what's coming up today.
🇿🇦 South Africa 0-1 Canada 🇨🇦
Outcome predicted by 64.8% of users | Scoreline predicted by 8.4% of usersA huge result for Canada who have won their first ever World Cup knockout tie to set up a meeting with either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16. A late strike from Stephan Eustaquio was enough for victory.
In truth, this was not a good game to watch, and I think my suggestion yesterday that South Africa might lack the belief to progress any further proved somewhat true. Bafana Bafana had possession for large parts, but it was all in their own half leading to understandable frustration from those that had paid to be at the game.
South Africa's approach of staying in the tie wasn't a bad one, at least initially, but they had to show some bravery at some point which never really came and by the time they conceded, there was no time to respond. A disappointing way to exit, but this was of course ultimately a record-breaking tournament for SA as they made a knockout tie for the first time.
It didn't look as if Canada were going to score a goal either barring one chaotic spell just before half time, but Eustaquio did the neutrals a favour in the end by sparing us extra time.
Today
I feel confident in declaring that today's opening game will be much easier on the eye, and the late game should be a belter too.Today's schedule:
- 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. Japan 🇯🇵 | Kick-off 12:00 local, 18:00 UK, 19:00 CET/CAT
- 🇩🇪 Germany vs. Paraguay 🇵🇾 | Kick-off 16:30 local, 21:30 UK, 22:30 CET/CAT
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs. Morocco 🇲🇦 | Kick-off 19:00 local, 02:00 UK, 03:00 CET/CAT
I think I'll be backing Brazil in the opener but it's not without slight hesitation because if at their best, Japan could prove a nightmare for their midfield. It's more that I'm not sure we will see Japan at the best in a knockout game.
Germany should win comfortably, and then it's all about a cracker of a tie between the Netherlands and Morocco. I'm not sure anyone will feel confident about predicting that one and I feel extra time is likely. Because of the attacking form they've shown so far, I think I'm leaning slightly towards the Netherlands, but it feels very risky going against Morocco given their quality and what they did at the last World Cup.
Enjoy the action, folks. Feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments section.
Superbru on X
I think I am going:
Brazil 2-1 Japan
Germany 2-0 Paraguay
Netherlands 2-1 Morocco
Maybe after extra time time for either or both of Brazil and Netherlands.
Like you, I am hesitant too. I don't really rate this Brazil team and identified Japan as a potential dark horse to go fairly far before the tournament. However, Japan have never won a World Cup knockout game, and asking them to do so against the five-time champions is a lot. I think they can win, but gonna play safe and back Brazil.
I was gonna go 3-0 Germany and still might yet, but think Paraguay can keep the score down. Honestly, I am not that impressed with Germany, so it does feel like we are writing off Paraguay a bit. On paper, Germany should win comfortably but often things don't work out that way.
I am also very wary about going against Morocco and feel this tie is a toss up. However, gonna go with the Dutch just because they appear to have some good firepower.
Best of luck to everyone with picks.
https://www.wc26.one/#live
29 Jun 11:40
Germany 3-0
Netherlands 2-1 (my fancy to go all the way)