2026 World Cup group stage predictions: New format & new rules
By Deniss Novickis | Published: June 24, 2026, 09:00
The first two rounds of the group stage are over, as some teams have already qualified for the Round of 32. However, it’s sink-or-swim for the other ones, as they’re in a must-win situation one round before the play-offs. MightyTips comes back with a World Cup value bet of the day and a risky parlay of the day, shares a prediction on all games of the Matchday, and gives away some interesting facts about the tournament. One important thing to remember for those betting on the World Cup: picking every favourite is not a wise move in this round, as some of them have zero motivation.

Match 52: Bosnia-Herzegovina - Qatar, 21:00 CET, June 24
Match 51: Switzerland - Canada, 21:00 CET, June 24
Match 50: Morocco - Haiti, 00:00 CET, June 25
Match 49: Scotland - Brazil, 00:00 CET, June 25
Match 53: Czechia - Mexico, 03:00 CET, June 25
Match 54: South Africa - South Korea, 03:00 CET, June 25
South Korea and South Africa have left quite the opposite impressions after the first two games. While the Koreans celebrated a comeback win over Czechia and were somewhat unlucky in the game against Mexico, South Africa were completely outplayed in the opening match of the tournament. They earned a 1-1 draw against the Czechs thanks to a very dubious penalty, and once again looked very unconvincing. South Korea are simply better in every aspect of the game, and their speed and creativity will tell in this one. South Korea to win at 1.66 is a great choice, even though the odds are not the greatest.
This is effectively a last-chance saloon for both teams. Each side has just one point after two matches and realistically needs a victory to keep any hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive as one of the best third-placed teams. Bosnia-Herzegovina will again lean on veteran striker Edin Džeko, while Qatar look to Akram Afif for inspiration after a difficult tournament so far. Significant squad news sees Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović suspended, while Qatar are without Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo following red cards. With a draw helping neither side, we expect an open and attack-minded contest.
Group B's top two meet with qualification already within reach and first place potentially on the line. Canada have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages, thrashing Qatar 6-0 after drawing Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Switzerland followed up their opening draw with an impressive 4-1 victory over the Bosnians. The key battle could be Canada's energy and directness against Switzerland's experienced spine led by Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo. Squad-wise, Canada continue to monitor Alphonso Davies, who hasn’t played a minute yet, while Ismaël Koné is out for the rest of the tournament with a broken leg.
Morocco are in an excellent position heading into the final group match. The Atlas Lions have four points from two games and know that avoiding defeat should be enough to secure progression, while a victory could even see them finish top of the group. Haiti, meanwhile, have already been eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Morocco, leaving pride as their main motivation. Morocco's blend of technical quality and tournament experience should make them favourites, but Haiti will be eager to finish their first World Cup in more than 50 years on a positive note. Achraf Hakimi is expected to shine in Atlanta despite playing as a full-back.
One of the most intriguing final-day matches in the group stage will be played in Miami. Scotland still have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history and need a positive result against unbeaten Brazil. Steve Clarke's side will look to leaders Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Andy Robertson to deliver on the biggest stage. Brazil have already put themselves in a strong position but still have motivation to secure first place in the group. One major squad storyline is Neymar's potential return, which would give Brazil another attacking weapon. Brazil are without Raphinha, who has a thigh injury.
The pressure is firmly on Czechia. Mexico have already secured first place in Group A and qualification for the Round of 32, meaning they could rotate parts of their lineup before the knockout stage. Czechia, meanwhile, still need points to qualify and may benefit if Mexico rest key players. Patrik Schick, Tomáš Souček and Adam Hložek are likely to carry Czech hopes, while defender David Jurásek is out with a thigh problem. Motivation clearly favours Czechia, but Mexico's depth means this remains a difficult assignment, and a sold-out stadium will surely push them forward.
Everything remains to play for in Group A's other decisive clash. South Korea entered the tournament with expectations of reaching the knockout rounds and now face a match that could determine their fate. Their attack, led by captain Son Heung-min, will try to break down a South African side that was not convincing throughout the group stage. Motivation should be extremely high for both teams, as qualification remains within reach depending on results elsewhere.

Koné has become one of the key figures in the nation’s rise on the international stage. A regular since his senior debut in 2022, the dynamic box-to-box midfielder helped Canada return to the World Cup and has earned more than 30 caps for the national team. Known for his energy, ball-carrying ability and composure under pressure, Koné started Canada’s first two matches at the 2026 World Cup. However, his tournament ended in heartbreaking fashion after suffering a broken leg in a horrific challenge during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar. Koné underwent surgery and has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition. We wish him a speedy recovery.
🚨🇵🇹 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Cristiano Ronaldo (41) makes HISTORY! He is the first ever player to score in 6 World Cup tournaments. 🥇
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June 24 is the birthday of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in World Cup history. The Argentine legend won the tournament in 2022, claimed the Golden Ball twice (2014 and 2022), and is the competition's all-time leading goalscorer.
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