Group D and C will play their second matches of the 2026 World Cup on Friday. The United States vs Australia could settle leadership of their group, while Brazil looks to get back into winning ways against Haiti. We have predictions for all the matches.
United States vs Australia (Friday, June 19th at Lumen Field in Seattle)
The United States and Australia are involved in a war of words ahead of this clash on Friday to determine leadership of Group D. The United States were hot out of the block and smashed Paraguay in the opener, while an incredible defence and goalkeeper Patrick Beach allowed Australia to hit on the counter and get a clean sheet win over Turkiye. Australia only need a draw to reach the knockout stage and will likely be the defensive minded side in this one.
Without Christian Pulisic, the United States would look to bring in Tim Weah, if Pulisic is fit, the USA is favored, without Pulisic, this match could become quite pragmatic, with a draw somewhat suiting both teams. Folarin Balogun for the USA, and Nestory Irankunda for Australia are players to watch. I remain less confident of the USA keeping a clean sheet, but Mauricio Pochettino has this midfield humming.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Scotland vs Morocco (Friday June 19th at Gillette Stadium in Boston)
“Super” John McGinn helped Scotland secure a vital three points against Haiti. Now Steve Clarke’s men will need to suffer and survive to avoid defeat against Morrocco and reach the knockout stage. Morocco are defensively sound and limited Brazil in their matchup but this attack lacks some bite. Morocco are the better side on paper, but Scotland can play pragmatically enough to notch an upset draw against the odds.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Brazil vs Haiti (Friday June 19th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia)
Brazil’s midfield was exposed in their opening draw against Morocco. Haiti looked brave defensively against Scotland and will argue they were hard done by compared to the refs. The 1-0 scoreline was an even matchup, but Brazil’s quality is a step up.
This is a Brazil that likely won’t concede much to Haiti and should control the ball, but Carlo Ancelotti needs to look for changes if Brazil are going to be an actual contender this tournament. Vinicius Jr.’s individual quality was enough on matchday 1, and you would expect Brazil to press Haiti’s defence enough to secure 3 points and reach the knockout phase after Friday.
Prediction: Brazil 3-0
Turkey (Turkiye) vs Paraguay (Friday June 19th at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco)
Both teams were dreadful in matchday 1, though Turkiye could argue they were hard done by a suffocating Australia defence. With Turkiye’s best players failing to fire on matchday 1, it’s a must win game in San Francisco on Friday. Paraguay looked shell shocked and physically outmatched against the United States on matchday 1. Julio Enciso was fit to play, but was not a factor, and the best they could claim is they managed a late goal.
Neither team has confidence, but Turkiye’s luck feels more likely to turn, Paraguay simply create a limited amount of chances in open play, and being defensive when you need a win, and not a draw, is likely not going to cut it.
Prediction: Turkiye 2-1
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
