Sunday action the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees Spain look to bounce back against Saudi Arabia. While Uruguay vs Cape Verde will have a significant impact on who advances to the knockout stage at this festival of football. As always we offer predictions for every match.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Sunday June 21st in Atlanta)
Spain lacked offensive creativity and were stifled against Cape Verde at their first game at this stadium. This is now a must win clash with Saudi Arabia, a side that, with their own great goalkeeping efforts, managed an upset draw against Uruguay.
The gameplan for Saudi Arabia is clear, limit Spain offensively and hope for a counterattack or some positive luck to find a goal. Spain may need Lamine Yamal as a starter to unlock this lineup, as their strikers struggled on match day 1 and their finishing was poor. Ultimately, Spain should be determined to bounce back, but it won’t be a rout.
Prediction: Spain 2-0
Belgium vs Iran (Sunday June 21st in Los Angeles)
Belgium needed substitute magic from Romelo Lukaku to avoid defeat against Egypt, a side that was able to attack and threaten them with pace, while the Belgians had few ideas and poor finishing on match day 1. Iran managed to get past New Zealand’s lack luster defence with two goals in an entertaining matchday 1 clash, but their own defensive lapses let New Zealand manage a draw. While this group remains open, Belgium should look to improve their performance and take advantage of the opportunity,
Prediction: Belgium 3-1
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Sunday 21st in Miami)
Uruguay looked jet lagged and listless at times against Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde put in the defensive shift of historic proportions to hold Spain to a scoreless draw. Cape Verde will look to repeat that effort on Sunday in Miami against a Uruguay side that is toothless in attack and lacks midfield punch. I’m not sure lighting can strike twice for Cape Verde, but this well drilled side will prove a challenge for Uruguay.
Prediction: Uruguay 1-0
New Zealand vs Egypt (Sunday June 21st in Vancouver)
New Zealand looked physically active and offensively talented against Iran, but the defensive lapses left them with a draw. Better finishing likely would have put Egypt past Belgium, they were the better team for long stretches but also settled for a draw. Egypt’s attack should be enough to get the win and advance to the knockout phase.
Prediction: Egypt 3-1
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
