The 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls on with match day across all three host nations. There’s a UEFA clash when the Netherlands take on Sweden, while Tunisia with a new manager battles Japan and it’s Germany vs Ivory Coast. We offer predictions for every match.
Netherlands vs Sweden (Saturday June 20th in Houston)
Sweden leads the group and showed offensive firepower against Tunisia on matchday 1. The Netherlands were left with a draw against Japan, after the substitutions made by Ronald Koeman didn’t pay off in the second half. This Dutch side has enough offensively to pressure Sweden in a way Tunisia could not. Sweden should be able to score as well but the lack of defensive quality is a concern.
Prediction: Netherlands 3-1
Germany vs Ivory Coast (Saturday June 20th in Toronto)
Germany’s quality and professionalism was enough to earn a routine win over Curacao. Ivory Coast represents a much stronger opponent, but after they beat Ecuador, they only need a point to advance from this group. Ivory Coast’s talented attack will matter here, but Germany should be able to raise their level.
Prediction: Germany 2-1
Ecuador vs Curacao (Saturday June 20th in Kansas City)
A must win game for Ecuador, after their offensive limitations resulted in a defeat against Ivory Coast on match day 1. Curacao were solid for the first portion of the game against Germany but still suffered a heavy defeat. While Ecuador are unlikely to run riot on Curacao offensively, they are still a heavily favored side, and Curacao will have to work hard to get a second World Cup goal. This matchup is a mismatch, and Ecuador need the goal differential advantage from this game to try to secure passage even in a third-place position.
Prediction: Ecuador 4-0
Tunisia vs Japan (Saturday June 20th in Monterrey)
After a poor start to the tournament, suffering a heavy defeat against Sweden, Tunisia sacked their manager Sabri Lamouchi and brought in experienced international manager Herve Renard for the remaining games of the tournament. The drastic change should improve their performance, but this squad is still unlikely to match Japan’s level, especially given the defensive lapses in recent games.
A brave Japan draw against the Netherlands means they need a win here to secure passage to the knockout phase. I would expect they are consistent enough across the pitch to get that win.
Prediction: Japan 2-0
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
