Today at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: June 20

By Deniss Novickis | Published: June 20, 2026, 09:24

Germany and Sweden will try to win their second matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Curaçao seek redemption after a 7-1 loss, while Tunisia are ready to play their first game under experienced coach Hervé Renard. MightyTips shares a World Cup value bet of the day and a risky parlay of the day, makes a prediction on all games of the Matchday, and gives away some interesting facts about the tournament.

Match 35: Netherlands - Sweden, 19:00 CET, June 20
Match 33: Germany - Ivory Coast, 22:00 CET, June 20
Match 34: Ecuador - Curaçao, 02:00 CET, June 21
Match 36: Tunisia - Japan, 06:00 CET, June 21

Sweden look capable of causing problems for the Netherlands in the second round of Group F. The Swedes have built a reputation for defensive organisation, physicality and resilience against higher-ranked opponents, and they have two excellent strikers in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. While the Netherlands are among Europe’s strongest sides on paper, Sweden have shown on numerous occasions that they can frustrate elite teams and remain in games for long periods. Besides, the Dutch looked vulnerable in the first match. Sweden to win or draw at 2.05 is a decent choice for this one.

A fascinating tactical battle awaits as the Netherlands’ possession-based approach meets Sweden’s direct and high-intensity style. The Dutch will look to control the midfield through Frenkie de Jong and build patiently from the back, while Sweden’s strike partnership of Isak and Gyökeres can trouble any defence with their movement and physicality. Squad news could also play a role, with Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber ruled out after suffering a concussion in training. Sweden, meanwhile, arrived with a near full-strength squad after welcoming Isak back for the tournament.

Germany enter the match full of confidence after an emphatic opening victory and will once again rely on the creativity of Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz. Ivory Coast, however, possess the athleticism and midfield quality to make life difficult for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, with Franck Kessié expected to play a key role in breaking up attacks and launching transitions. Germany are likely to keep changes to a minimum following their strong start, while Ivory Coast should be boosted by the availability of striker Elye Wahi after he was cleared to participate despite an ongoing investigation in France.

This matchup pits Ecuador’s established South American pedigree against one of the tournament’s most compelling debutants. Ecuador’s midfield, led by Moisés Caicedo, will be tasked with controlling possession and supplying experienced striker Enner Valencia in attacking areas. Curaçao, meanwhile, have embraced an adventurous style under Dick Advocaat and possess dangerous attacking options such as Tahith Chong, Jürgen Locadia and Kenji Gorré. The battle in wide areas could be decisive, particularly if Ecuador’s full-backs are able to push forward consistently. Curaçao’s confidence remains high after making history by reaching their first-ever World Cup finals, yet the heavy loss to Germany makes this a must-win game for them.

Tunisia and Japan are both known for tactical discipline, which could make this one of the most strategic contests of the group stage. Japan’s quick passing combinations and relentless pressing will test Tunisia, while the North Africans are expected to rely on structure, physicality and efficiency in transition. Tunisia’s coach Sabri Lamouchi was fired after the 5-1 loss to Sweden and replaced by Hervé Renard. The latter has huge experience working with various national teams, but his mission looks impossible. The midfield battle should be crucial, with both sides aiming to dictate the tempo and limit space between the lines. Japan can’t count on key midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Ayari has emerged as one of Sweden’s most promising midfielders and is becoming an increasingly important figure for the national team. The Brighton player combines technical quality with intelligent movement, allowing him to contribute both defensively and in attack. Ayari made a major impact in Sweden’s World Cup opener against Tunisia, scoring twice and helping his side make an ideal start to the tournament. While he is still building his international résumé, those goals represented the most significant moment of his Sweden career to date. The midfielder will now be expected to play a key role as Sweden seek a positive result against the Netherlands.

Here come Scotland’s Tartan Army once again marching to the sound of bagpipes in Boston - before tonight’s Scotland v Morocco World Cup match.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇲🇦 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/C4ZnMdxPMv

— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) June 19, 2026

On June 20, 2018, Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in England's 6-1 victory over Panama at the World Cup in Russia. It was England's biggest-ever win at a World Cup. Kane was on his way to winning the Golden Boot with six goals.