2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 20
As promised, the World Cup Round of 32 properly got going yesterday with an excellent day that was kickstarted by a great clash between Brazil and Japan.
Then, not one but two penalty shootouts followed.
Here's your overview of yesterday's games, as well as a look ahead to what's coming up today.
This was a brilliant watch, despite largely playing out exactly how so many predicted. We all knew Japan had the technical quality to trouble Brazil, but there were always question marks over whether they could actually get the job done in a World Cup knockout match and once again they came up just short. Thousands and thousands of you had 2-1, sadly I went 3-1 (like many other thousands) 😅
This was very similar to the Brazil v Morocco game in that Brazil looked in real trouble at half time, before Carlo Ancelotti improved things for the second half. By the end of this game, Brazil deserved Gabriel Martinelli's winner.
A real shame for Japan who are a very likeable team. I think there was an element of that psychological barrier hitting them, but equally, Brazil really were much improved in the second half so it wasn't easy.
I'm still in disbelief by this outcome. A huge upset. Paraguay were always going to defend like lions and show no real interest in doing much with possession, but considering the team he's in, it's very handy that Julio Enciso has such a knack for finding a goal involvement out of nowhere.
I didn't think the South Americans were going to be able to keep Germany at bay over 120 minutes, and while they certainly got some luck with a very soft VAR call in extra time that denied Jonathan Tah a goal, the overall performance didn't feel outrageously fortunate. Germany didn't show enough creativity and Julian Nagelsmann didn't change things enough.
The shootout was an absolute rollercoaster. Germany had never lost a World Cup penalty shootout prior to this, so when Paraguay missed *two* penalties that each would have sealed the victory, I was sure Tah would step up and punish them. Instead, he blazed it over the bar and gave them a third chance.
A remarkable outcome and Germany can only blame themselves.
Penalties always felt a lot more plausible in this tie and as you can see from the stats above, a lot of people correctly called the draw so well done on that.
I had personally backed the Netherlands to edge it, but Morocco deserved to progress. This was a really impressive display. Much will understandably be made of the Netherlands' record in shootouts and that they've only ever been eliminated from major tournaments in extra time/penalties in recent years, but Morocco could have easily won this in 90 minutes.
Bart Verbruggen made some stunning saves and didn't deserve to be on the losing side, especially with that misfortune in the shootout, but yet again we're seeing Morocco take down European giants in another World Cup.
The equaliser was a cracking header from Issa Diop who had been thrown forward for injury time, canceling out an opener from Cody Gakpo who did well to make a significant impact in this game after such an incredibly tough few days off the pitch.
Today's schedule:
Most seem to slightly favour Norway for today's opener, and it's easy to see why, but I have a feeling the Ivory Coast might have the nous to edge it. If (and it's a massive if), they can keep Norway's attack to a single goal or better, the Norwegian defence can undoubtedly be got at. Neither side has won a World Cup knockout game before so there'll undoubtedly be some nerves and it's hard to judge who will be the more composed.
The other two matches have clearer favourites. I don't think Sweden have much of a chance at all to be honest.
Ecuador are a more solid side, and I'd perhaps even fancy them against Mexico if the game was in the US, but there's a huge home advantage to consider and I'm not sure I'm going against that Azteca crowd!
Good luck to you all with your predictions.
Then, not one but two penalty shootouts followed.
Here's your overview of yesterday's games, as well as a look ahead to what's coming up today.
🇧🇷 Brazil 2-1 Japan 🇯🇵
Outcome predicted by 88.9% of users | Scoreline predicted by 29.8% of usersThis was a brilliant watch, despite largely playing out exactly how so many predicted. We all knew Japan had the technical quality to trouble Brazil, but there were always question marks over whether they could actually get the job done in a World Cup knockout match and once again they came up just short. Thousands and thousands of you had 2-1, sadly I went 3-1 (like many other thousands) 😅
This was very similar to the Brazil v Morocco game in that Brazil looked in real trouble at half time, before Carlo Ancelotti improved things for the second half. By the end of this game, Brazil deserved Gabriel Martinelli's winner.
A real shame for Japan who are a very likeable team. I think there was an element of that psychological barrier hitting them, but equally, Brazil really were much improved in the second half so it wasn't easy.
🇩🇪 Germany 1-1 Paraguay 🇵🇾 (Pens: 3-4)
Outcome predicted by 1.8% of users | Scoreline predicted by 1% of usersI'm still in disbelief by this outcome. A huge upset. Paraguay were always going to defend like lions and show no real interest in doing much with possession, but considering the team he's in, it's very handy that Julio Enciso has such a knack for finding a goal involvement out of nowhere.
I didn't think the South Americans were going to be able to keep Germany at bay over 120 minutes, and while they certainly got some luck with a very soft VAR call in extra time that denied Jonathan Tah a goal, the overall performance didn't feel outrageously fortunate. Germany didn't show enough creativity and Julian Nagelsmann didn't change things enough.
The shootout was an absolute rollercoaster. Germany had never lost a World Cup penalty shootout prior to this, so when Paraguay missed *two* penalties that each would have sealed the victory, I was sure Tah would step up and punish them. Instead, he blazed it over the bar and gave them a third chance.
A remarkable outcome and Germany can only blame themselves.
🇳🇱 Netherlands 1-1 Morocco 🇲🇦 (Pens: 2-3)
Outcome predicted by 23.6% of users | Scoreline predicted by 12.5% of usersPenalties always felt a lot more plausible in this tie and as you can see from the stats above, a lot of people correctly called the draw so well done on that.
I had personally backed the Netherlands to edge it, but Morocco deserved to progress. This was a really impressive display. Much will understandably be made of the Netherlands' record in shootouts and that they've only ever been eliminated from major tournaments in extra time/penalties in recent years, but Morocco could have easily won this in 90 minutes.
Bart Verbruggen made some stunning saves and didn't deserve to be on the losing side, especially with that misfortune in the shootout, but yet again we're seeing Morocco take down European giants in another World Cup.
The equaliser was a cracking header from Issa Diop who had been thrown forward for injury time, canceling out an opener from Cody Gakpo who did well to make a significant impact in this game after such an incredibly tough few days off the pitch.
Today
A fantastic opener, a look at the team who many consider outright favourites, and then co-hosts Mexico back at the Azteca. Nice.Today's schedule:
- 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs. Norway 🇳🇴 | Kick-off 12:00 local, 18:00 UK, 19:00 CET/CAT
- 🇫🇷 France vs. Sweden 🇸🇪 | Kick-off 17:00 local, 22:00 UK, 23:00 CET/CAT
- 🇲🇽 Mexico vs. Ecuador 🇪🇨 | Kick-off 19:00 local, 02:00 UK, 03:00 CET/CAT
Most seem to slightly favour Norway for today's opener, and it's easy to see why, but I have a feeling the Ivory Coast might have the nous to edge it. If (and it's a massive if), they can keep Norway's attack to a single goal or better, the Norwegian defence can undoubtedly be got at. Neither side has won a World Cup knockout game before so there'll undoubtedly be some nerves and it's hard to judge who will be the more composed.
The other two matches have clearer favourites. I don't think Sweden have much of a chance at all to be honest.
Ecuador are a more solid side, and I'd perhaps even fancy them against Mexico if the game was in the US, but there's a huge home advantage to consider and I'm not sure I'm going against that Azteca crowd!
Good luck to you all with your predictions.
Superbru on X
That means that site believe Sweden will progress just under 1 of every 5 times. 30 Jun 11:42
30 Jun 12:54
I missed the second half of the game; really wanted to watch it but was just too tired at 3 am.
Germany v Paraguay - you're right, Germany didn't do anywhere near enough and their penalties were comical.
Brazil played well second half and eventually deserved the win, but felt bad for Japan, who are easily a better team than some who will make the last 16 - those groups C and F dovetailing groups are unlucky, even if the two group C teams got through.
I will leave some thoughts on tonight's games later.
It's a very tricky pick, but think I am gonna go 2-1 Norway. I have been a detractor of Norway, and Ivory Coast are a good team, but gonna give it slightly to the Norwegians.
France should dispatch Sweden but you never know.
Mexic0-Ecuador is tough to call as Ecuador are a really difficult opponent. They are also one of the few teams unaffected by the altitude in Mexico City. Mexico's record in the Azteca is absolutely formidable, but Ecuador don't need to win on the night to progress. Still, I am gonna back the Mexicans at home. They haven't conceded a goal yet but think I am gonna give Ecuador one.
So:
Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
France 3-0 Sweden
Mexico 2-1 Ecuador
It's not popular to say, but Haaland really is an anti-footballer. As a purist I could never enjoy watching him. He's pretty much invisible most games then gets on the end of service. Fair enough but he's awful to watch. Even his winning goal was a donkey touch.
Almost feels surreal that someone like him could be just a goal behind Messi in the golden boot race. Messi has 1000 times more ability and all-round game than Haaland (and Ronaldo too).
Not a fan at all of these players who are not involved in the game all game, then score a penalty and get celebrated like man of the match. Very cheapskate way to play football imo.
We will see. I think I will favour Mexico ever so slightly just because of their record in the stadium. Looking forward to it, has the potential to be a great game between two quality teams. 30 Jun 23:03
Forget stats 'achievements' and PR and just watch how they play - Mbappe has a speed of feet and an affinity with the ball that Ronaldo - who has always been very robotic looking - has always lacked. Mbappe just has more natural guile. Olise has vision and passing ability that Ronaldo never possessed.
But then, I think lots of players who are lower in the all-time debate are more talented than C Ronaldo. His placing in history comes from his stats and achievements. In terms of actual pure ability and affinity with the football he's more like Ricardo Quaresma level, I think.
These guys make football look so cavalier and effortless, whereas C Ronaldo always looks like he's trying really hard and is very unnatural. Even in his prime he was like that.