On July 19, the final fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played. Spain will take on Argentina in New York at 3 pm local time.

This is Spain’s first World Cup final since winning the title in 2010. They are unbeaten in their last 36 games (if you exclude a penalty-shootout defeat against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final last year). Argentina are the reigning champions.

How did Spain defeat France in the semi-final?

After their quarter-final 2-1 win over Belgium, Spain’s youngest player, Lamine Yamal, said he believed France should fear Spain. He helped make those words ring true when he drew a penalty against France in the 22nd minute, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the ensuing penalty to go ahead 1-0.

It was the first time that France trailed in its seven games of the tournament. They did not have a shot on target until the 81st minute and never took the lead. They lost 2-0 to Spain after a second goal from Pedro Porro.

How did Argentina rally against England in the semi-final?

In their semi-final match against England, both teams played a tight, conservative game until England scored in the 55th minute. After that, England moved to a back-five defensive formation as the gaps were far too open to cover.

Argentina played with a “nothing to lose” attitude and took more risks, with more rhythm and feeling. It freed them up and pulled England back. Argentina sent wave after wave against England but couldn’t score, even hitting the goal post. But eventually, they got a goal in the 85th minute to even the score, and again in extra time to win.

What is the historical record between Spain and Argentina?

Located oceans apart in different hemispheres, these teams have gone against each other 14 times since their first meeting in 1952, dividing the wins equally:

• Spain wins: 6
• Argentina wins: 6
• Draws: 2

All matches were international friendlies except for three:

Jul 13, 1966: Argentina 1 – 1  Spain (FIFA World Cup)

Oct 11, 1972: Spain 1 – 0  Argentina (Copa Hispanidad)

Oct 12, 1974: Argentina 1 – 1 Spain (Copa Hispanidad)

The Final is set: 🇪🇸🆚🇦🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/3M7bZ7cXjD

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2026

What is the prediction for Spain vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final?

This final brings two different types of teams against each other. Argentina has the track record and are the defending champions. They know how to win and are the comeback kings. If they fall behind, they go into full attack mode until they take the lead.

However, Spain has flown under the radar for the last two years. They have been quietly honing their defensive style of play and consistently winning with many clean sheets in the process. They’ve only conceded one goal in the entire tournament, not even allowing France to score, which was a huge surprise to Mbappé and his fans.

Argentina have the magic of Lionel Messi and the ability to come back from behind. They have scored 19 goals, the most in the tournament, with Messi contributing eight (tied with Mbappé).

Spain has a controlled technical game that focuses on possession and passing. If they take the lead, it’s doubtful that they will change their style of play, which might give Argentina more room to attack.

Argentina is favored to win, but we think Spain will surprise everyone.

Our Spain vs Argentina prediction is a 2-1 win for Spain, with Argentina attacking relentlessly in the end to try to win to no avail.

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France will play against England on July 18 at 5 pm local time in Miami to see which team takes home the bronze.

It would be a fantastic game if they were playing in any other round of the tournament’s knockout stage. This match has different priorities for both sides as France’s coach retires after the tournament and Mbappé looks to win the Golden Boot.

How did Spain frustrate France in the semi-final?

In the semi-final, Spain frustrated France at one end and punished them at the other. They beat France 2-0 to record their sixth clean sheet of the tournament, having conceded only one goal to Belgium in the quarter-final.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal just turned 19 and was clipped inside the box. Oyarzabal scored the resulting penalty to give Spain the lead. Porro got the second goal.

France’s Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki tried to get their team back into the game, but goalkeeper Unai Simon held them at bay.

How did England lose their lead against Argentina?

In the semi-final against Argentina, England was ahead 1-0. But they were in the same position against Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and against Italy in the 2021 European Championship final, losing both times.

Argentina kept pressing, and in the 85th minute, Messi fed the ball to Fernandez, who scored the equalizer. Two minutes into stoppage time, Messi assisted again as Martinez headed in the winner.

What is the historical record between France and England?

These rivals have played many games against each other since 1923, with England winning most of those matches.

• England wins: 17
• France wins: 10
• Draws: 5

However, most of England’s wins have come in the past. Since 1999, they’ve only beaten France once, and it was in an international friendly:

Feb 10, 1999: England 0 – 2 France (International Friendly)

Sep 2, 2000: France 1 – 1 England (International Friendly)

Jun 13, 2004: France 2 – 1 England (UEFA European Championship)

Mar 26, 2008: France 1 – 0 England (International Friendly)

Nov 17, 2010: England 1 – 2 France (International Friendly)

Jun 11, 2012: France 1 – 1 England (UEFA European Championship)

Nov 17, 2015: England 2 – 0 France (International Friendly)

Jun 13, 2017: France 3 – 2 England (International Friendly)

Dec 10, 2022: England 1 – 2 France (FIFA World Cup)

England will work to avenge their loss to England in the 2022 World Cup.

Semi-finals in the books 🔒#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/SFMsIYDXDG

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2026

What is the prediction for France vs England in the 2026 World Cup?

Although neither side wanted to be in this game, playing for bronze gives them the chance not to go home empty-handed. The managers will use this opportunity to experiment a little and give younger players a chance to gain experience.

France will be motivated to win for Didier Deschamps, who is managing his last World Cup. Will he suit up Mbappé to go after the Golden Boot?

France is the favorite in this matchup and should be able to walk away with the bronze. They have the deepest and most talented squad and more experience at this level, having reached multiple recent finals and semi-finals.

Unless England can copy Spain’s strategy, they will go home without any trophy, again. They have the potential to grind it out and gain a win in extra time if they can get their heads in the game.

Our France vs England prediction is a 2-1 win for France as England won’t be able to recuperate in time after their stunning loss to Argentina.

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England meets Argentina for the second semi-final. They play in Atlanta on July 15 at 3 pm local time.

No side has won the title in successive tournaments since Brazil did it 60 years ago, but Argentina is still in the running to make that happen this year. However, they haven’t faced a top team in this tournament, and yet they’ve struggled in all three knockout matches.

England is hoping to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966.

How did England perform in the knockout rounds?

England had an amazing opening game against Croatia, but floundered in the remaining Group L matches. They’ve woken up in the knockout round and have scored five goals against Mexico and Norway.

June 17: England 4 – 2 Croatia (Group play)

June 23: England 0 – 0 Ghana (Group play)

June 27: Panama 0 – 2 England (Group play)

July 1: England 2 – 1 Congo DR (Round of 32)

July 5: Mexico 2 – 3 England (Round of 16)

July 11: Norway 1 – 2 England (Quarter-final)

How did Argentina struggle in the knockout stage despite winning?

Argentina have won every match in the tournament so far. They did well in the group stage but have had difficulties in the knockout round:

June 16: Argentina 3 – 0 Algeria (Group play)

June 22: Argentina 2 – 0 Austria (Group play)

June 27: Jordan 1 – 3 Argentina (Group play)

July 3: Argentina 3 – 2 Cabo Verde (Round of 32)

July 7: Argentina 3 – 2 Egypt (Round of 16)

July 11: Argentina 3 – 1 Switzerland (Quarter final)

What is the historical record between England and Argentina?

These teams have not met very often, but unlike most football rivalries, this one has had several dramatic World Cup encounters:

• England wins: 6
• Draws: 5 (one decided by penalties in Argentina’s favor)
• Argentina wins: 3

1966 World Cup

• (England wins in group and quarter-final en route to their only title)

1986 World Cup Quarter-final

• Argentina 2 – 1 England (Maradona’s “Goal of the Century”)

1998 World Cup Round of 16

• Argentina 2 – 2 England (Argentina won on penalties)

2002 World Cup Group Stage

• England 1 – 0 Argentina (David Beckham penalty)

The teams have met twice more since their 2002 World Cup fixture, with England winning both times.

1998: Argentina 🆚 England#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/tf0iDXEuJ5

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2026

What is the prediction for England vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup?

England has been the better defensive side in the past few years. In this tournament alone, Argentina has conceded to Jordan and Switzerland, twice to Cabo Verde and twice to Egypt. They’re still in this tournament because they’re the highest-scoring side.

Both teams are probably battling fatigue as England had a huge battle against Mexico and then had to deal with the Miami heat and humidity to win against Norway, and they went into extra time to do it.

Argentina needed extra time to make a frantic comeback against Egypt after trailing 2-0, and then required an additional 30 minutes to beat Switzerland 3-1.

Argentina are slight favorites because of their recent accomplishments, but England has shown that they deserve to be here. Their stars like Bellingham, Kane, Saka and Rice easily counter Argentina’s top players: Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Mac Allister.

Given what we’ve seen between France and Spain on Tuesday (Spain winning 2-0), it’s quite possible England will also overcome expectations.

Our England vs Argentina prediction is a surprising 4-2 win for England. One thing’s for sure, there won’t be any shortage of drama.

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France meets neighboring country, Spain, on July 14 in Dallas at 3 pm local time for the FIFA World Cup semi-final. The winner will play against either England or Argentina in the final.

Spain is known for adhering to a strict system, committed to possession and pressing.

France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, has somehow managed to get four superstars to play as a well-performing line, which has been an unstoppable formula in the tournament.

Which teams managed to score against France in the group stage?

France has kept a clean sheet throughout the knockout stage. They weren’t as strong defensively during the group stage, conceding a goal against Senegal in the first match and against Norway in the third.

June 30: France 3 – 0 Sweden (Round of 32)

July 4: Paraguay 0 – 1 France (Round of 16)

July 9: France 2 – 0 Morocco (Quarter-final)

How did Spain remain unbeaten until the quarter-final?

Spain went through the entire tournament without conceding a goal until the Quarter-final match against Belgium. They led Group H and then easily took care of Austria in the Round of 32.

June 15: Spain 0 – 0 Cabo Verde (Group play)

June 21: Spain 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia (Group play)

June 26: Uruguay 0 – 1 Spain (Group play)

July 2: Spain 3 – 0 Austria (Round of 32)

July 6: Portugal 0 – 1 Spain (Round of 16)

July 10: Spain 2 – 1 Belgium (Quarter final)

Sending Spain to the Final in 2010 🇪🇸💥#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ic4KTI34ZV

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026

What is the historical record between France and Spain?

These rivals have met 38 times on the pitch since their first friendly in 1922. They have a rich history of passionate matches due to their proximity and the pride each country takes in its football.

• Spain wins:     18
• France wins:   13
• Draws: 7

The last three meetings are the most relevant:

Oct 10, 2021: Spain 1 – 2 France (UEFA Nations League final)

• Goals: Oyarzabal 64′, Benzema 66′ and Mbappé 80′

Jul 9, 2024: Spain 2 – 1 France (UEFA Euro knockout stage)

• Goals: Yamal 21′, Kolo Muani 9′ and Olmo 25′

Jun 5, 2025: Spain 5 – 4 France (UEFA Nations League semifinal)

• Goals: Williams 22′, Merino 25′, Yamal 54′ (penalty), Pedri 55′, Mbappé 59′ (penalty), Yamal 67′, Cherki 79′, Vivian 84′ (own goal), and Kolo Muani 90+3′

What is the prediction for France vs Spain in the 2026 World Cup?

Both teams can score and keep their opponents from scoring. At least one team will have to concede a goal to move to the final game. While Spain finally conceded their first goal in their quarter-final against Belgium, France has stopped all attempts since the group stage.

Their history shows that they are pretty balanced and have had close matches as of late.

Spain has a young superstar who hasn’t yet stood out in the tournament. Winger Lamine Yamal just turned 19. He’s produced just one goal, but leads the team in shots, shots on goal, ground duels won, and completed crosses.

Spain has averaged more possession time in their six games than any other team in this World Cup at 65.8%, which means they do a lot of passing. However, in the last game between these two teams, France had possession for 53% of the time, with more passes (522 vs 398) and more completions (468 vs 330), but Spain still won. It will be interesting to see what transpires on Tuesday.

Our France vs Spain prediction is a France victory as they have the momentum to win the tournament. But it will be close, 3-2.

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We are in uncharted waters for the Norwegians. They have never made it this far in the tournament before. On top of that, this is their first FIFA World Cup in 28 years. We get to watch them take on England in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11, at Miami Stadium at 5 pm local time.

What impact has Erling Haaland had on Norway’s campaign?

Norway advanced from Group I just behind France.

June 16: Iraq 1 – 4 Norway (Group play)

June 22: Norway 3 – 2 Senegal (Group play)

June 26: Norway 1 – 4 France (Group play)

June 30: Côte d’Ivoire 1 – 2 Norway (Round of 32)

July 5: Brazil 1 – 2 Norway (Round of 16)

In the Round of 16, Brazil had a chance to open the scoring early on a penalty kick against Norway, but goalkeeper Nyland made a brilliant save. The scoreless game continued until the 11th minute, when Norway star Erling Haaland headed the ball into the net. He followed that up with his seventh goal of the tournament, making it 2-0 for Norway.

Brazil scored on a stoppage-time penalty, but it was too little, too late for a comeback. It’s not a big surprise if you consider that Norway has not lost to Brazil in their last four encounters.

How did England perform in the group stage?

England topped Group L, going undefeated in the three games.

June 17: England 4 – 2 Croatia (Group play)

June 23: England 0 – 0 Ghana (Group play)

June 27: Panama 0 – 2 England (Group play)

July 1: England 2 – 1 Congo DR (Round of 32)

July 5: Mexico 2 – 3 England (Round of 16)

England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico, played in Mexico at high altitude, was a huge challenge, but they went ahead 2-0 with two goals from Jude Bellingham. However, England couldn’t clear a free kick, and Mexico’s top scorer, Julian Quinones, responded with a goal, giving them hope.

Mexico had several good chances as the match progressed, but couldn’t score. Kane eventually put England ahead by two goals again on a penalty. Mexico and their fans wouldn’t give in, though, and they also scored from a penalty, bringing the final score to 3-2.

England’s strong goalkeeping may have been the difference in this fixture.

What is the historical record between Norway and England?

The Norwegians have met the English on the football pitch 12 times since an international friendly in 1937. Their most recent encounter was a friendly in 2014, so it has little to no relevance to the current teams facing each other.

France takes the first Semi-final spot 🤝🇫🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WJqWdAea3H

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 9, 2026

What is the prediction for Norway vs England in the 2026 World Cup?

England is favored to win this match, but Norway has already shown that it can topple bigger nations. For a team that hasn’t appeared in the World Cup in 28 years, they have won over the fans with their rowing cheer to the beat of the drum.

England has a deeper roster with world-class players like Bellingham, Kane, Saka, and Rice. Norway has Erling Haaland and a dangerous counter-attacking style.

Except for a draw against Ghana in the Group stage, England has defeated each team in the tournament. Except for a dismal defeat by France in the group stage, Norway has won each of their games.

They’ve had similar success through the tournament, so expect a close game with England controlling possession and Norway making each step difficult.

Our Norway vs England prediction is a 2-2 draw, with England winning on penalties.

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Morocco faces their arch-enemy, France, on July 9 at Boston Stadium at 4 pm local time. Morocco hopes to avenge their loss at the last FIFA World Cup against Les Bleus. Expect the best match of the quarter-finals.

How did France perform in the group stage and knockout rounds?

France had four straight wins in the tournament, averaging a three-goal scoring differential and conceding only two goals. Then they came up against Paraguay.

June 16: France 3 – 1 Senegal (Group play)

June 22: France 3 – 0 Iraq (Group play)

June 26: Norway 1 – 4 France (Group play)

June 30: France 3 – 0 Sweden (Round of 32)

July 4: Paraguay 0 – 1 France (Round of 16)

Paraguay’s defense neutralized France’s attacks, giving them few chances. The game was still 0-0 in the second half and threatening to go into extra time. France’s intensity was dropping as Paraguay worked towards a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner.

Minutes after replacing Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue made a brilliant run past the Paraguayan defense, where he was clipped inside the box. The ensuing penalty shot by Mbappe finally opened the scoring and ultimately sent France to the quarter-finals.

How did Morocco remain unbeaten in the tournament?

Morocco has gone through the tournament without a loss, but they have had two draws, one during the Round of 32. It shows that they are willing to choke the play and bide their time, blocking their opponent’s attempts to attack.

They came second to Brazil in Group C only because of goal differential. Both teams had 7 points. But Brazil is now out of the tournament. Morocco hopes to oust France, just as the Norwegian underdogs did to Brazil.

June 13: Brazil 1 – 1 Morocco (Group play)

June 19: Scotland 0 – 1 Morocco (Group play)

June 24: Morocco 4 – 2 Haiti (Group play)

June 29: Netherlands 1 – 1 Morocco (PSO 2-3, Round of 32)

July 4: Canada 0 – 3 Morocco (Round of 16)

Against Canada, Morocco showed what it can do when given the space to run.

What is the historical record between France and Morocco?

These two teams have met six times, with their first meeting at the 1988 Tournoi de France. France won 2-1 and has won each meeting since, except for a 1-1 draw in a 2007 Friendly. Their most recent meeting was in the 2022 World Cup during the semi-final in Qatar. Morocco was the first African team to reach the semis, but France comfortably ended their Cinderella run with a 2-0 win.

2022: France 🆚 Morocco#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/vlzRbKwzr2

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 9, 2026

What is the prediction for France vs Morocco in the 2026 World Cup?

Morocco will do everything it can to prevent the past from repeating. They have improved over the last four years and are no longer just a defensive powerhouse. They are now on a 10-match unbeaten streak and have added a more potent attack style. They are controlling possession and creating scoring threats. They showcased this in their 3-0 sweep of Canada.

But France has that and more. Their depth is unmatched with players like Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Machael Olise and Bradley Barcola.

Morocco will have its entire country behind it as it seeks to get past its nemesis. They won’t be thinking about the remainder of the tournament. This will be a do-or-die match for them. Expect a passionate, physical and intense game that will test the endurance of the French players.

Our France vs Morocco prediction is an even game until the end, with France jumping ahead 2-1 to win. Remember to follow us on our social media accounts.

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European neighbors Portugal and Spain will battle in the Round of 16 to see who will advance to the quarter-finals. The game will take place on Monday, July 6, at Dallas Stadium at 3 pm local time.

The biggest challenge for Portugal will be Spain’s defense. They are yet to conceive a goal in the entire tournament. Until that happens, they will continue to progress to the next stage. They led Group H, while Portugal finished in second place in Group K behind Colombia.

What impact did Ronaldo have against Croatia?

Portugal has appeared in 9 World Cups, starting in 1966 when they made it to 3rd place, their best showing. Since 2002, they have appeared in every FIFA World Cup (7 straight tournaments). In their last appearance in 2022, they made it to the quarter-finals.

This year, they hope to go even farther:

June 17: Portugal 1 – 1 Congo DR (Group play)

June 23: Portugal 5 – 0 Uzbekistan (Group play)

June 27: Colombia 0 – 0 Portugal (Group play)

July 2: Portugal 2 – 1 Croatia (Round of 32)                  

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first career World Cup knockout goal with a penalty kick in the 68th minute against Croatia to tie the score at 1-1.

Then, in the 94th minute, Gonçalo Ramos scored Portugal’s go-ahead goal after Ronaldo had already been substituted off. In the 103rd minute, it looked like Croatia got the equalizer, but after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for an offside infraction.

How has Spain performed in the 2026 World Cup so far?

Spain has 16 out of a possible 23 appearances in the World Cup. Their only title came in 2010, but they usually do well whenever they are a part of the tournament. This year, they are rated among the top teams, behind France and Argentina.

June 15: Spain 0 – 0 Cabo Verde (Group play)

June 21: Spain 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia (Group play)

June 26: Uruguay 0 – 1 Spain (Group play)

July 2: Spain 3 – 0 Austria (Round of 32)

They didn’t score in their opening game, but have since scored each time, averaging 2 goals per game.

2018: Portugal 🆚 Spain#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/jFhkoeLp4p

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2026

What is the historical record between Portugal and Spain?

These teams have met on the pitch 41 times over the years, with Spain having a slight edge. They have won more games than Portugal, but most are close, with many resulting in a draw:

• Spain wins:      17
• Draws:             18
• Portugal wins:   6

Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in the 2010 Round of 16 before going on to win the World Cup title. Most of the recent matches have gone to Spain, but Portugal always raises their game when they play each other.

What is the prediction for Portugal vs Spain in the 2026 World Cup?

Portugal played well against teams that aren’t as competitive, but hasn’t shown the flash that brought them to the tournament. They barely got past Croatia and will need to bring back their intensity to get past Spain.

For its part, Spain started slowly with a draw against Cabo Verde but has since found its stride and rhythm. They controlled the match against Austria, who failed to register a single shot on target.

Our Portugal vs Spain prediction is that Spain will win 3-1, but Portugal will at least score one goal.

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Newcomers, Cabo Verde, must take on the biggest challenge of their inaugural World Cup appearance: play against the defending champions, Argentina. Their match takes place at Miami Stadium on Friday, July 3.

This could be one of the most striking mismatches of the tournament, or it could be one of the biggest surprises.

In a sense, the pressure is on Argentina not to lose, as Cabo Verde has already surpassed expectations and advanced from the group phase.

How did Argentina perform in the group stage?

Argentina won all three of their group matches, only conceding one goal throughout. Mexico and France were the only other teams able to win each fixture.

Jun 16: Argentina 3 – 0 Algeria (Group play)

Jun 22: Argentina 2 – 0 Austria (Group play)

Jun 27: Jordan 1 – 3 Argentina (Group play)

Although Jordan was the only side to score against Argentina, they lost all their games and finished bottom of Group J.

3 spots remain. #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 3, 2026

How did Cabo Verde advance without winning a game?

Cabo Verde advanced to the knockout phase as the runner-up of Group H without winning a single game. They had three draws, including their opener against top-ranked Spain. A win in itself, as Spain won their other two games.

Jun 15: Spain 0 – 0 Cabo Verde (Group play)

Jun 21: Uruguay 2 – 2 Cabo Verde (Group play)

Jun 26: Cabo Verde 0 – 0 Saudi Arabia (Group play)

Have Argentina and Cabo Verde ever played each other before?

Argentina and Cabo Verde have never competed against each other in international football before.

This is the first time ever that Cabo Verde has qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They came close in some African qualifiers but never made it to the finals. It is a huge achievement for one of the smallest and least-populated nations to qualify and then advance to the knockout stage.

Unfortunately, their next step is to play against the defending champions, who are heavy favorites to gain the title again.

What is the prediction for Argentina vs Cabo Verde in the 2026 World Cup?

Cabo Verde has played an excellent defensive tournament so far, not taking chances and holding off their opponents from scoring. Two of their group stage matches were goalless, but that’s no longer an option in the knockout stage. Someone has to score.

They were huge underdogs in the group stage and made it through by playing with heart, organization, and counter-attack threats. They will do their best to hold off the Argentina attackers, but that’s a losing battle against a team with multiple, relentless ways to score.

Argentina has the core that won in 2022, and everything still runs through Messi. The captain lets his teammates do the work while he watches for the right moments to take control and create chances.

Our Argentina vs Cabo Verde prediction is a harsh loss for the African island nation, with Argentina winning 3-0. Whatever the outcome, Cabo Verde will be celebrating after the game.

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On Thursday, July 2, Portugal will take on Croatia in the Round of 32. The game will be played at the Toronto Stadium at 7 pm EST.

Croatia’s young stars include 23-year-old Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic, but their strength remains in the midfield with Modrić, Kovačić and Pašilić. If they’re in top form and Livaković has a good game in goal, they have a chance against Portugal.

Portugal’s Bruno, Vitinha, and Neves haven’t found their chemistry yet, and the team is still successful and favored to win.

Portugal Recent Scores: No Losses

Portugal finished behind Colombia in Group K, and ahead of Congo DR and Uzbekistan after one win and two draws.

Jun 17: Portugal 1 – 1 Congo DR (Group play)

Jun 23: Portugal 5 – 0 Uzbekistan (Group play)

Jun 27: Colombia 0 – 0 Portugal (Group play)

They were outplayed by Colombia, but still managed a draw. Unfortunately, DR Congo managed a draw against Portugal in the opening fixture.

Ronaldo 🆚 Modrić

Two legends collide on the #FIFAWorldCup stage 🤩 pic.twitter.com/9iZqlMfiGy

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2026

Croatia Recent Scores: Regroup

Croatia had a rough start in the group stage, facing the top-ranked English team in Group L. They were surprisingly entertaining but reverted to their typical grinding game for the remaining matches.

They regrouped and won the next two fixtures against Panama and Ghana, showing experience and character. They scored against a defensive Panama side and again against a defensive Ghana side.

Jun 17: England 4 – 2 Croatia (Group play)

Jun 23: Panama 0 – 1 Croatia (Group play)

Jun 27: Croatia 2 – 1 Ghana (Group play)

They are surprisingly strong FIFA World Cup performers for such a small country, having reached the semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022.

Portugal vs Croatia History: Portugal Dominates

These rivals have competed against each other 10 times since 1996. Prior to that, Portugal played against Yugoslavia, as Croatia became an independent country after 1991.

Head-to-Head record:

• Portugal wins: 7
• Draws: 2
• Croatia wins:   1

The only win for Croatia was a friendly in June 2024, followed by a win for Portugal and a draw in the 2024 UEFA Nations League.

Portugal vs Croatia Prediction: Renaldo Shines

Although not that impressive in the group stage, Portugal went through all three matches without a loss and is predicted to win against an aging Croatia, which has been less consistent than its Portuguese counterpart.

Modrić and several other older Croatian players are not as quick as some of the young stars on Portugal, but Modrić still controls the rhythm with precision on the Croatian side.

The group stage has given Croatia time to manage the mix of young and aging, experienced players, preparing them for the knockout stage.

Portugal’s Renaldo, 41, has scored twice and remains an excellent scorer, but contributes little else to his side’s play. They are still one of the favorites to win the title, but if they are to get past Croatia, they’ll need to play a patient game, keeping possession as much as possible.

Our Portugal vs Croatia prediction is 2-1 win for Portugal.

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USA are strong favorites to win against Bosnia on Wednesday, July 1, at 5 pm local time in the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. They have lost seven of their eight World Cup knockout-stage matches; however, this is arguably the best team they’ve fielded in recent years, and it should be able to improve on that stat.

Bosnia has never kept a clean sheet in its six FIFA World Cup matches, which could be a liability against this high-scoring USA side.

USA Recent Scores: Effective Strikers         

Winning the first two games of the group stage is the first time that USA has won consecutive World Cup matches since the inaugural tournament in 1930. It solidified first place in Group D, without the need for the third game.

Jun 12: USA 4 – 1 Paraguay (Strong opening win)

Jun 19: USA 2 – 0 Australia (Clean sheet victory)

Jun 25: Türkiye 3 – 2 USA (Lost in the 8th minute of added time)

Even with the loss to Türkiye, the USA showed its striking ability, scoring at least two goals per game.

Three spots in the Round of 16 up for grabs 👀 #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026

Bosnia Recent Scores: Like to Draw

This is Bosnia’s second World Cup appearance and only their first time advancing to the knockout stages. Their only other appearance was in 2014. They showed resilience in the competitive Group B.

Jun 12: Canada 1 – 1 Bosnia (Bosnia dominant. Canada scored in 78th minute)

Jun 18: Switzerland 4 – 1 Bosnia (5 goals in last 15 minutes)

Jun 24: Bosnia 3 – 1 Qatar (Solid victory)

Their defeat to Switzerland showed their defense can be fragile against strong opposition. While beating Qatar was encouraging, they were the weakest team in the group.

Bosnia tends to play low-scoring games to a draw, which has occurred in their last six games, ending with their first match against Canada. All the draws were 1-1, except for a friendly against North Macedonia, which ended 0-0.

USA vs Bosnia History: Only Friendlies

This will be the fourth meeting between these two teams, with the USA going undefeated in all matchups.

Dec 18, 2021: USA 1 – 0 Bosnia (Friendly at USA)

Jan 28, 2018: USA 0 – 0 Bosnia (Friendly at USA)

Aug 14, 2013: Bosnia 3 – 4 USA (Friendly at Bosnia)

In 2013, the USA trailed 3-0, but made a thrilling comeback in the second half.

All matches were friendlies, so this will be the first time they’ll meet in competition.

USA vs Bosnia Prediction: Two Allegiances

The USA will see the return of injured player, Christian Pulisic, who sustained a calf injury against Türkiye.

Bosnia has the tallest squad in the tournament, with an average height of 6-foot-1. They used that to their advantage, scoring three goals from corners. They also have one of the oldest players in the tournament. Edin Dzeko, 40, is their record scorer.

On an interesting note, Esmir Bajraktarevic’s parents emigrated to the US to escape the war in Bosnia. He was born in the US in 2004 and played for the USA team in 2024 in a friendly against Slovenia. He switched to the Bosnian team a few months later and will be playing as a winger against his former team in this match.

Our USA vs Bosnia prediction is for a spirited game between two teams excited to be in the World Cup finals, but it will be a 3-1 win for the USA.

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