Looking back at previous FIFA World Cup matches can provide valuable insight into how teams have performed on football’s biggest stage. This section highlights recent results, key moments, and historical trends that may help fans better understand each team's strengths, weaknesses, and tournament experience ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Whether you're following the tournament or comparing the best betting sites in Canada before placing your wagers, these insights can help you make more informed betting decisions.
Spain vs. Argentina World Cup Preview
The World Cup finals are set with defending champion Argentina facing off with 2010 winner Spain.
Spain vs. Argentina – The Details
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date and Time: Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Spain #2 / Argentina #1
Spain vs. Argentina Odds
- Odds: Spain 2.25 / Argentina 3.40 / Draw 3.00
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.30) / Under 2.5 goals (1.61)
- Spain vs. Argentina Match Preview
Spain vs. Argentina Analysis
Spain clinched their spot in the finals in yet another clean sheet, beating World Cup favorites France 2-0.
Argentina needed another comeback in their 2-1 win over England in the semifinals, scoring two goals after the 84th minute after being down 1-0.
Can Messi and Company Score?
To say Spain has played good defense in the tournament would be like saying Lionel Messi is pretty good. Yeah, major understatement. In six World Cup matches, La Roja have kept five clean sheets, and they kept another in their last match facing a French team that led the tournament in goals.
Pedro Porro, who scored a goal in the last match, Marc Cucurella, and Aymeric Laporte have played lockdown defense the whole tournament. Opposing teams are not getting many chances, as Spain goalie Unai Simón has only had to make eight saves over the last five matches.
Rodri has been a rock in the midfield and stymied the French in the semis. His tactics and ball control along with the defensive back line are why Spain is the betting favorite.
Play the Wings
Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored the goals in the win over England, and while Messi did not score for the second straight match, he assisted on both goals.
The Spanish have been disciplined in their defensive backfield and have killed it in the time of possession battle. Argentina must play the wings up front and give Messi and the other players space in the midfield.
Dangerous Wherever
While playing the wings and giving space to Messi will be an aim for the South American side, they have proven they can score at any time. In the last match against England and in the round of 16 against Egypt, Argentina was down late in both matches, and the opposing teams flooded the box, but they still found a way to score.
Messi is tied with Kylian Mbappé for the most goals in the tournament (8), and if he nets one in the final, he will win the Golden Boot in what is his World Cup swan song.
Can the Duo Come Through?
Young Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal is Spain's star, and while he has only scored one goal, he is dangerous every time he pushes forward. Fellow striker Mikel Oyarzabal leads the team with five goals, while no other player has more than two.
While Argentina has been up and down on the defensive side of the pitch in the tournament, they only conceded two shots on goal in the semifinals against England.
Contrasting Styles
This final pits Spain and their great defense against an Argentina team that is creative and has scored 11 goals in their four knockout stage matches.
La Roja controlled a lethal French attack, and can they do the same to keep Argentina from becoming the first repeat World Cup winner since Brazil did it way back in 1962? That is the big question.
England vs. Argentina World Cup Preview
Defending World Cup champion Argentina faces off with England with a spot in the finals on the line.
England vs. Argentina – The Details
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Date and Time: Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: England #4 / Argentina #2
England vs. Argentina Odds
- Odds: England 2.55 / Argentina 2.95 / Draw 2.95
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.10) / Under 2.5 goals (1.72)
England vs. Argentina Match Preview
England punched their ticket to the semis with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, with Jordan Bellingham scoring three minutes into extra time.
Argentina also went to extra time in their quarterfinal match, beating Switzerland 3-1.
Defensive Vulnerabilities
While both teams have a solid attack, each has shown defensive vulnerabilities. In the three knockout-stage matches, Argentina has conceded five goals, and England has conceded four.
England are still without suspended defender Jarell Quansah, and fellow defender Reece James may not be match fit due to injury.
England’s Two-Headed Monster
The Three Lions’ attack is led by Harry Kane and Jordan Bellingham, who each have scored six goals and have scored12 of the 13 goals the squad has in the tournament. Bellingham has scored two goals in each of the last two matches.
Argentina’s defense has a tall task against Kane and Bellingham and will be facing an England team that had eight shots on goal in the win over Norway.
England Looks to do it Again
In their win over Norway, the Three Lions did not allow star striker Erling Haaland, who had scored in 11 straight international matches and ranks second in the World Cup with seven goals, to score. They now have a tougher defensive battle facing Lionel Messi, who is tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé for the most goals in the tournament with eight.
Messi had his nine-match streak of scoring in the World Cup come to an end in the last match, but is still the player the England defense needs to key on.
Has Not Been Easy
Argentina is in the semifinals, but it has been far from easy. They needed extra time against the tiny nation of Cape Verde in their first knockout stage match, scored three goals in the last 11 minutes to erase a 2-0 deficit against Egypt in the round of 16, and needed extra time in their last match.
Cleaning up the Counter
In the first two knockout-stage matches, Argentina struggled against the counterattack, which they cleaned up in the last match. Still, with them attacking and pushing forward so often, they need to do that again against England.
Keep Messi and Company out of the Box
The England defense has to keep Argentina from continually getting into the box. Easier said than done, facing Messi and the creative Argentina attack, who had 12 shots in the box in the win over the Swiss.
The Three Lions were solid in their box in the last match and held Haaland to only one shot on goal. They must do that again in this match.
France vs. Spain World Cup Preview
France looks to make their third straight World Cup final, facing Spain in a battle of elite teams.
France vs. Spain – The Details
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date and Time: Tuesday July14 at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: France #1 / Spain #3
France vs. Spain Odds
- Odds: France 2.30 / Spain 3.10 / Draw 3.25
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.88) / Under 2.5 goals (1.90)
France vs. Spain Match Preview
France punched their ticket to the semis with their third straight clean sheet in the knockout stage in a 2-0 win over Morocco in their last match.
Spain gave up their first goal of the tournament in their last match, a 2-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Is the Third Time the Charm?
France is the betting favorite in this match, but they have lost to Spain in the last two encounters in the semifinals of major tournaments. Les Bleus lost to the Spanish 2-1 in the 2024 European Championships and 5-4 in the 2025 UEFA Nations League.
The Leader Leads
Kylian Mbappé redeemed himself in the win over Morocco after missing a penalty shot by scoring a goal just after halftime. He is tied for the lead in goals in the tournament, and he also assisted in the last match.
Michael Olise has the most assists in the World Cup (5), and the great French attack with Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé has combined for 13 goals for the squad that has scored the most goals in the competition.
The Spain Midfield
Rodri and Pedri have been the leaders in the Spain midfield, which has been solid throughout the tournament. They have kept possession and have fed the attackers, giving them chances. They will be facing a solid French midfield, but they have to be wary of the Les Bleus counter, which has produced several goals.
The Spanish Attack?
Spain has the talent up front with the likes of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, but they have seemed out of sorts and need to buckle down. Yamal only has one goal in the tournament, and his play will be key when facing a French side that has three clean sheets in a row.
Les Bleus on the Defense
Mbappé and the French attack are always at the forefront, but the squad’s defense has been stellar. Not only have they kept three clean sheets in all three knockout-stage matches, but they have also conceded only two goals in the whole tournament.
The French have shown they can defend for long periods and then pounce when counter-chances are there. The defense will be tested more in this match, facing a tactical Spain side that netted five goals the last time these teams faced off.
Defense vs. Offense
This match pits a Spanish side that has conceded one goal in the whole tournament against the French, who have three clean sheets in a row and have scored the most World Cup goals.
A tight match is likely in the making, and while Spain has won the last two encounters, France has not been thoroughly tested and looks to join West Germany as the only team to make three straight World Cup final appearances.
Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup Preview
The Three Lions look to push on to the semifinals facing a dangerous Norway team that upset Brazil in the round of 16.
Argentina vs. Switzerland – The Details
- Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Date and Time: Sunday July 12 at 9 p.m. ES
- FIFA Ranking: Argentina #2 / Switzerland #14
Argentina vs. Switzerland Odds
- Odds: Argentina 1.70 / Switzerland 5.25 / Draw 3.50
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.25) / Under 2.5 goals (1.65)
Argentina vs. Switzerland Match Preview
Argentina is the defending World Cup champion and they pulled off a miracle in their last match in a 3-2 win over Egypt where they were down 2-0 and scored three goals after the 78th minute.
Switzerland advanced to the quarterfinals with a penalty shootout win over Columbia in the round of 16 after a scoreless draw.
The GOAT has Showed Up
Lionel Messi is in the lead for the Golden Boot in this World Cup with eight goals. He added to his GOAT status in the last match where he missed a penalty early on but then scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
Messi has scored in all five matches of the tournament and can the 39-year-old living legend keep it going?
Cracks in the Defense
Argentina only conceded one goal in their three group matches but have conceded two in each of the knockout phase matches. In those matches they faced Cape Verde and Egypt, who are far from elite and were very vulnerable on the counterattack. They were fortunate to have the VAR overturn a counter goal in the last match.
The Argentines are an attacking club with Messi and company but their midfield must play better to thwart the counter.
It’s a Team Game
Switzerland is a solid tactical team that relies on team play rather than star power. Striker Johan Manzambi leads the club with three goals in the World Cup and Granit Xhaka anchors their midfield.
The Swiss only had two shots on goal in the Columbia match and like mentioned just above Argentina has had major issues on the counter in their last two matches. Switzerland has to pounce on those chances, which is likely their best chance to score.
Not Fresh Legs
Argentina is an older side and do they have enough fresh legs to advance? The slower the pace of the match is the better for them. They scored three goals in the last match while Egypt packed the defense with players and they may have to do that again against the Swiss, who will drop back on D for the majority of the match.
Creativity or Safety?
Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez are two very creative midfielders that like to push the attack. Again, the counter has been the thorn in the side of the South American side in the last two matches and will creativity trump playing more safely to prevent the counterattack? That is a big question in this encounter.
Cash of Styles
This match has a clash of styles with Argentina an attacking side that is creative while the Swiss side are a more blue collar squad with a focus on team play.
Messi and company are the big favorites but have suffered scares in the last two matches.
The Swiss are confident and their defense that has only conceded three goals in five matches must continue to play well against one of the better attacking squads.
Spain vs. Belgium World Cup Preview
In an all-European World Cup quarterfinals Spain clashes with Belgium with the victor heading to the last four.
Spain vs. Belgium – The Details
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date and Time: Friday, July 10, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Spain #3 / Belgium #8
Spain vs. Belgium Odds
- Odds: Spain 1.60 / Belgium 5.50 / Draw 3.90
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.82) / Under 2.5 goals (1.98)
Spain vs. Belgium Match Preview
Spain comes into the quarterfinals after another clean sheet in their last match, a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Belgium was dominant in their round of 16 match, beating the USA on their home soil in a 4-1 win.
Can Belgium Score?
Belgium has a solid attack, and they have totaled 12 goals in the last three matches. However, they face a Spain team that has not conceded one goal in their five World Cup matches.
Pau Cubarsí and Pedro Porro lead the Spain defense and combined for 157 touches in the last match. GK Unai Simón has not been tested much in the tournament, having made only six saves. The Spanish defense has been stellar at marking their opponents and preventing them from getting shots on goal.
Belgium has a balanced attack, with seven players scoring goals. They killed the Americans on the crosses in the box, but can they do that against a much more tactical Spanish defense?
Ride the Momentum
Belgium's win over the USA was utterly dominant, as they controlled the whole pitch. They were crisp in their passing and never allowed the Americans to get space or make runs. They have to ride that momentum, facing a Spain team that moves the ball well and controls the ball for much of the match.
Control in the Back
Belgium has conceded four goals in their last three matches after only one in their first two. They will face a Spanish attack that has struggled in the tournament, with eight goals in five matches.
Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain with four goals, and no other player has more than one goal. Young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has only one goal and looks for a breakout match.
The Midfield Battle
Belgium killed it in the midfield in the win over the USA with Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, and Hans Vanaken each having over 50 touches. They helped on the attack and played great in keeping the Americans from generating scoring chances. However, they now face a far more tactically disciplined Spanish midfield that makes few mistakes, and the duo of Rodri and Pedri have been great.
Belgium Must Capitalize
Belgium dominated the USA in their 4-1 win in their last match, but they had great chances to win by a bigger margin. Spain has limited opponents’ opportunities to score, as evidenced by their five clean sheets in the tournament.
Belgium will likely not get many chances to score, and they have to capitalize when they do, which they did not in their last match despite a comfortable win.
Norway vs. England World Cup Preview
The Three Lions look to push on to the semifinals, facing a dangerous Norway team that upset Brazil in the round of 16.
Norway vs. England – The Details
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Norway #19 / England #4
Norway vs. England Odds
- Odds: England 1.80 / Norway 4.10 / Draw 3.60
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.75) / Under 2.5 goals (2.05)
Norway vs. England Match Preview
Norway took out five-time World Cup winner Brazil in their last match and have won both of their knockout phase matches by a score of 2-1.
England beat host Mexico 3-2 in the round of 32, and they are unbeaten in the World Cup with four wins and a draw.
Contain Haaland
It is no secret that one of England's key factors in this game is containing Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland. He ranks tied for second in the tournament with seven goals, had two in the last match, and two in three of four WC matches.
Haaland is a big, bruising striker who uses his size to make space, and the England defenders must mark him and not let him bully them.
Haaland has scored in 14 straight international matches.
Concerns for the Three Lions
England has concerns ahead of this match, with key players missing. The team will have to shuffle their defense around, as Jarrell Quansah is out after a red card in the last match and Reece James is battling an injury. On top of that, central MF Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his wrist slipping on an advertising board celebrating the win over Mexico.
Familiar Territory
It is no surprise that most of England's players play in the English Premier League, but 10 of the 11 regualr players from Norway do as well. England will be familiar with those players, giving them the edge, since their squad has more talent across the pitch.
Norway’s Defense will be Tested
Norway has not kept a clean sheet in the tournament, and aside from France, where they rested 10 regular players, including Haaland, they have conceded four goals in the other three matches.
While easier said than done, Norway has to contain Harry Kane and Jordan Bellingham, who have scored 10 of the 11 goals for the Three Lions in the tournament.
The Norse were comfortable allowing Brazil to win the first half of possession while they won the second half. In the match, the Scandinavian side had four defenders, each with at least 57 touches.
The Midfield Factor
The Three Lions have superior talent in the midfield. The Norse MF duo of Sander Berge and Martin Ødegaard combined for a whopping 254 touches in the last match and are key in the midfield.
England is very tactical in that area of the pitch, and the Norse must play well, pushing forward in the attack and keeping the Three Lions from continually advancing the ball.
France vs. Morocco World Cup Preview
In a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinals, France faces Morocco with a spot in the semifinals this time around on the line.
France vs. Morocco – The Details
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date and Time: Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: France #1 / Morocco #6
France vs. Morocco Odds
- Odds: France 1.60 / Morocco 5.75 / Draw 3.90
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.00) / Under 2.5 goals (1.80)
France vs. Morocco Match Preview
France had dominated their first four World Cup matches, scoring at least three goals in each, before a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal in the round of 16.
After a 1-1 penalty shootout win over the Netherlands in the round of 32, Morocco dominated in the round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Canada.
Will Morocco follow Paraguay’s Blueprint?
The French were frustrated by the Paraguayan defense, which was very physical, and even accused them of ugly play. Unlike the previous matches, Les Bleus did not have the same movement around the pitch, and Morocco may want to take a page from the South American squad.
Morocco Defense has a Tall Task
Speaking of the Morocco defense, they have a tall task in this game facing the French, who have scored the most goals in the tournament. Kylian Mbappé is tied for the lead in goals scored with seven; Ousmane Dembélé has four goals; and Michael Olise is in the lead with five assists.
Note: Olise is playing on a yellow card, which the French are appealing, and a ruling has not been made at the time of writing.
Achraf Hakimi has created 15 counterattack chances in this World Cup and will have to continue doing so against France.
Possible Big Loss
While the Atlas Lions easily beat Canada, the loss may prove costly. Star striker Ismael Saibari suffered a hamstring injury in the 20th minute and could not continue. The recent Bayern Munich signee scored three goals in the group stage.
If Saibari cannot go, it would be a big blow to the team and put more pressure on Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi, who have two goals apiece.
Midfield has to Shine
Morocco has a strong midfield led by Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, who ranks second in the tournament with four assists. The midfield must push forward and help on the attack, and also get back on defense when the French unleash their attack. The Atlas Lions cannot give France space in the midfield and must feed the counter.
Defense has Been Great
The French attack has been solid, for the most part, but the defense has shined as well. Les Bleus have conceded only two goals in five matches and kept a clean sheet in each of their knockout-stage matches.
Thorn in the Side
While France beat Morocco 2-0 in the semifinals of the last World Cup, African sides have been a thorn in the side of Les Bleus. In France's six World Cup losses this century, half have come against African teams.
What’s Next?
The winner of this match will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals.
Brazil vs. Norway World Cup Preview
Five-time World Cup winnersBrazil look to add to their trophy case, and to do so, they will have to beat Norway to get to the quarterfinals.
Brazil vs. Norway – The Details
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date and Time: Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Brazil #5 / Norway #21
Brazil vs. Norway Odds
- Odds: Brazil 1.88 / Norway 3.90 / Draw 3.60
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.82) / Under 2.5 goals (1.98)
Brazil vs. Norway Match Preview
After a 1-1 draw facing Morocco in the World Cup opener, Brazil has won its last three matches and dispatched Japan 2-1 in the round of 32. Their last match was a tough one, and they needed a goal in the 96th minute from Gabriel Martinelli to advance.
Norway got over their 4-1 loss to France in the last group match to beat Ivory Coast 2-1, needing a late goal from star Erling Haaland to advance.
Stopping Haaland
Norway has scored 10 goals in the World Cup, and half of them have come from Manchester City star Erling Haaland. He ranks tied for second in the tournament with Harry Kane for the Golden Boot, most goals, behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who have six apiece.
The Brazilian defense has only conceded two goals throughout the tournament, but it must be physical with the bruising Haaland.
Shore up the Defense
While Norway has played well on offense, its defense has struggled, allowing 8 goals in 4 matches.
Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha have combined for seven goals. The Norwegian defense can’t let them have space, and marking them on long runs will be key.
Norway Must Be Ready for the Attack
Brazil has been pretty dominant in time of possession in the World Cup, and in the last match facing Japan, they won the battle 69% to 31%. Their midfield is strong in setting up the attackers, and in the Japan match, they had 19 shots.
Norway only faced nine shots in their win over Ivory Coast, but will be peppered more in this match. They have to be strong in the midfield and especially be wary of Bruno Guimarães, who ranks second in the tournament with four assists.
Arsenal MF Martin Ødegaard has three assists and will be tasked with leading the Norway midfield.
Legend Has His Team in Line
Legendary Brazilian manager Carlo Ancelotti is a tactical specialist who has his squad in line. Norway must disrupt those tactics, especially in the midfield. Brazil will likely control the pace of the match, but the Scandinavian squad has to press the issue and take some chances against a team with superior talent.
Norway Must Attack
With the issues of the Norse defense, it is important that they pressure the Brazilian defense. Whether it be through the counter or with Haaland’s physical play. A defensive battle does not favor Norway, as their attack has been solid, but their defense has not, with no clean sheets in the tournament, while Brazil has two.
France vs. Paraguay World Cup Preview
Paraguay looks for another shocker when they face tournament favorite France with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
France vs. Paraguay – The Details
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, at 5 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: France #1 / Paraguay #34
France vs. Paraguay Odds
- Odds: Paraguay 15.50 / France 1.18 / Draw 7.00
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.63) / Under 2.5 goals (2.25)
France vs. Paraguay Match Preview
Paraguay pulled off a shocker in their last match, beating Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw after regulation.
France has won all four of their World Cup matches and in the round of 32 comfortably beat Sweden 3-0.
Paraguay has a Tougher Task
While beating Germany was pretty shocking, the Germans are not as strong as they have been in the past. The same cannot be said for France, which is elite and the #1 ranked team in the World.
France has scored at least three goals in all four matches, outscoring their opponents 13-2.
Paraguay Defense Must Play Like the Last Three Matches
After giving up four goals in their first group match against the USA, Paraguay has only given up one goal in their last three matches. They will pack the defense in this match, but to say they have a tall task is an understatement.
The French are loaded on the attack, as Kylian Mbappé is tied with Lionel Messi in the lead for the Golden Boot with six goals, and Ousmane Dembélé has four goals. Michael Olise leads all players in the tournament with five assists.
Gill May Be Peppered
Paraguay goalie Orlando Gill has played well in the last three matches and saw seven shots on goal in the win over Germany. Now he will face a lethal French attack that had 13 shots on goal in their last match.
Just Like the Last Match
Paraguay was highly disciplined in its last match against Germany, not giving them much space to play. They lost the time-of-possession battle 76% to 24%, and that will likely happen again.
Keeping the French from getting space will be key but difficult, as they are so tactical and fast. The South American team must mark the key players at all times and pounce on any counter chance.
Not Only the Attack
While the French attack gets most of the attention with stars up front, the French defense has been solid as well. They have thwarted counterattacks and, over four matches, have conceded only two goals.
Must Be a Low Scoring Affair
In the last three matches for Paraguay, there have only been three goals scored. This match must be a low-scoring affair, as Paraguay cannot keep up with the French attack.
Les Bleus have yet to be tested in this World Cup. They are stacked all over the pitch, and while Paraguay pulled off a shocker in their last match, can they pull off an even bigger one in the round of 16?
Canada vs. Morocco World Cup Preview
For the second match in a row Canada is playing in their biggest match ever and faces Morocco for the right to advance to the quarterfinals.
Canada vs. Morocco – The Details
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, at 1 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Morocco #6 / Canada #28
Canada vs. Morocco Odds
- Odds: Morocco 2.45 / Canada 3.00 / Draw 3.10
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.10) / Under 2.5 goals (1.72)
Canada vs. Morocco Match Preview
This has already been a successful World Cup for Canada, getting their first World Cup points and first win. They recorded another first in their last match, securing their first knockout-phase win with a 1-0 victory over South Africa.
While Morocco is the sixth-ranked team in the world, they pulled off an upset in the round of 32, beating the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Can Canada Beat a Top-flight Team?
While Canada has had a solid World Cup, they have not beaten a top-flight team. The best they have played is 16th-ranked Switzerland, and they lost to them 2-1 in group play.
Canada has a tall task against Morocco, who played to a draw with #5 Brazil and beat #7 Netherlands.
Can Canada Score?
Veteran Jonathan David and the Canadian attackers will be tasked with scoring against an Atlas Lions team that has conceded only four goals in four matches. In their win over the Netherlands, they allowed only two shots on goal.
While the Canadians scored six goals in their group win over Qatar, they only scored a single goal in their other three matches.
Morocco has a solid midfield and will likely win the time-of-possession battle. While Team Canada will have to play well up front, their best chance to score may be on the counterattack.
The Defense Must Continue to Step Up
While Canada’s attack has struggled in three of the four matches, its defense has been solid throughout. They have to continue to play well against a legit Moroccan attack led by Ismael Saibari, who has three goals in the tournament.
Defenders Derek Cornelius and Alistair Johnston have played well on the back line, and in the last match, they combined for 116 touches.
Goalie Maxime Crépeau has not been tested much, only making five saves in four matches. He will likely be tested in this match against a Morocco team that had five shots on goal in their last match.
Canada Hopes History Does Not Repeat Itself
Canada has only played Morocco twice, and the last time they faced Morocco, it was a loss in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
The Experience Factor
The Atlas Lions have experience, having reached the semifinals of the last World Cup.
Canada has talent and has shown flashes so far in the tournament. However, they now face an elite team that has stood its ground against the big boys in Brazil and the Netherlands.
Team Canada must keep their composure and not get pressured into making mistakes in what is their biggest match ever.
Portugal vs. Croatia World Cup Preview
Two top-15 FIFA teams hook up in a first-round knockout phase match, with Portugal as the favorite, facing World Cup Cinderella Croatia.
Portugal vs. Croatia – The Details
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
- Date and Time: Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Portugal #8 / Croatia #13
Portugal vs. Croatia Odds
- Odds: Portugal 1.77 / Croatia 4.80 / Draw 3.40
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.10) / Under 2.5 goals (1.75)
Portugal vs. Croatia Match Preview
Portugal comes into the round of 32 after a second-place finish in Group K with one win and two draws.
Croatia finished in second place in their group with two wins and a loss to England.
The Song Swan of Legends
This match is the Swan Song of a couple of legends in Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in the GOAT conversation, and Luka Modric.
Ronaldo leads Portugal with two goals in the tournament, and Modric has played well after a sketchy first game facing England, where his foul in the first half allowed the Three Lions their first goal.
The Croat defense has to key on the legend, as the group matches showed that if Ronaldo is slowed down, so is the team.
Modric is still the key for the Croat team in the midfield, controlling the rock, spurring the attack up front, and playing solid defense as he did in the last match.
The Croat D
After giving up four goals to England in the opener, Croatia only allowed one goal in the next two matches. However, they face a Portuguese attack led by Ronaldo and the solid players Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão.
Portugal has looked lethargic in the tournament when teams sit back deep and are disciplined on the back line. The Croats have done that for the last two matches, and they will welcome the attack and look to pounce on the counter.
The Croat defense made two defensive errors in the England match that led to goals, and they have to avoid that in the round of 32.
The Attack
The Croat attack is led by 37-year-old veteran Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric, who has been solid in the front in international matches. However, they have a tall task ahead against a Portuguese defense that has conceded only one goal in three World Cup matches.
Modric Needs to Turn Back the Clock
While Modric is still world-class, he is 40 years old and not as dominant as he once was. He will be facing central MF Nevi, who is 21 and has a goal in the tournament. The Portuguese midfield with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha has been solid, and Modric and company need to control the ball in that area to win this match.
History
The last three times these teams met were in 2024 when Croatia won two friendlies, and Portugal won in the UEFA Nations League.
The World Cup trophy is the only one that Ronaldo has not won. However, he will be facing a gritty Croatian team from a smaller nation that finished second in the WC in 2018 and third in 2022.
The Croats have been world-beaters in the last two World Cups and need for that to continue this time around, where they are the big underdogs.
Spain vs. Austria World Cup Preview
Spain was not overly impressive in group play but are major betting favorites facing Austria in the first knockout phase match.
Spain vs. Austria – The Details
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date and Time: Thursday, July 2, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Spain #3 / Austria #22
Spain vs. Austria Odds
- Odds: Spain 1.30 / Austria 10.50 / Draw 5.25
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.85) / Under 2.5 goals (1.95)
Spain vs. Austria Match Preview
After playing to a surprising scoreless draw against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, they won on clean sheets in their next two matches to win Group H.
Austria qualified for the knockout phase as the second-place finisher in their group with a win, a draw, and a loss.
Can Austria Score?
The Austrians scored six goals in their three group matches, but can they score on a Spanish team that has not conceded a goal in the tournament?
Marko Arnautovic, who leads Austria with two goals, and Marcel Sabitzer and Romano Schmid have a tall task on the attack. With the tactical and controlling play that the Spanish have, the counter may be Austria’s best chance to score.
Spain has the attack but has not shown it
Spain boasts a solid attack with Mikel Oyarzabal and Barcelona young gun Lamine Yamal, who have combined for three goals.
The Spanish beat Saudi Arabia with four goals, but in the other two group matches, they only totaled one goal. Can Spain find their attack facing an Austrian team that has given up five goals in their last two matches?
The Age and Height Factor
Austria is an older team, with players under 25 accounting for only 17% of their group-stage World Cup minutes. However, they are a taller team that has accounted for two goals on headers. Still, will the older players be able to keep up with Yamal and company up front and the speedy Spanish squad?
The Midfield Battle
Spain has one of the best midfields in the tournament and has dominated possession in the group stage. Konrad Laimer is the anchor of the Austrian midfield and must lead the group and remain patient, as Spain will likely dominate possession and pounce on Austrian mistakes.
Shore up the defense
Austria has given up five goals in their last two matches. While giving up two to an Argentina team with Lionel Messi was expected, giving up three to an Algeria team and needing a 90+6-minute equalizer from Sasa Kalajdzic just to advance is worrying.
The Austrians will be playing a top-tier team, as they did in Argentina in the group stage, and will have to play better than they did in that match, when they had only one shot on goal.
It has been a while
These teams have not met since 2009, and since 2000, Spain has dominated Austria, winning or drawing every match.
There is a good reason the Austrians are the heavy underdogs in this knockout phase match. They have a good squad but nowhere near the talent that Spain has. The counterattack and defense will be the key for Austria to pull off the huge upset against the Spanish Armada, who have the third-best betting odds to win the World Cup.
France vs. Norway World Cup Preview
This is the last group match for these teams, who can each win the group with a win.
France vs. Norway – The Details
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date and Time: Friday, June 26, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: France #2 / Norway #22
France vs. Norway Odds
- Odds: France 1.50 / Norway 3.60 / Draw 3.10
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (1.70) / Under 2.5 goals (2.15)
France vs. Norway Match Preview
While both teams are a lock to make the knockout stage, the winner of this match will win the group, as each has two wins in two matches.
France has a slightly better goal differential of +1, so if the match ends in a draw, they will win the group.
Contain Haaland
The French have conceded only one goal in their two World Cup matches, and it is no surprise that their main goal in this match is to contain Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has scored two goals in each of the first two Norway matches. His strength and ability in the box will be a tall order for the formidable French defense.
Mbappe is a Huge threat as Well
Star PSG French striker Kylian Mbappe also has four goals and is living up to the hype. The Norwegian defensive duo of Torbjorn Heggem and Kristoffer Ajer have to keep him from getting free space and mark him around the box.
Playing to the Strengths
Norway plays a physically and technically dominant game to fluster opponents and pounce on the counterattack. The French play a more controlling game and are deep across all positions, allowing them to go all out for the entire match. The Norse have to be careful in midfield against the more talented French side, while France has to be tactical and avoid getting into a physical match.
Mappe Not Alone
While Mbappe is the main French striker, Les Blues are still strong up front with Man City's Rayan Cherki and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, who assisted on two goals in the win over Iraq. The Norwegian defense must mark all the French attackers while continually finding space for shots.
Can Norway Crack the French Defense?
Norway has been solid on the attack in their two wins, but that was against Senegal and Iraq. France is the second-ranked team in FIFA and one of the favorites to win the World Cup. While Mbappe and the attack are center stage, the French backline is a strength with the likes of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
Haaland and company have not faced a defensive line like France's, and their attacking style has to produce results.
Full Strength, Full Squad?
While both teams are at full strength, it remains to be seen whether they will field their best 11. Each is already in the knockout phase and expects safer play in the first half.
Suspensions and injuries are important in the last group match, and this is where France has a big advantage. They are so deep that their backups would start on most teams. Les Blues manager Didier Deschamps has plenty of options for this match and will not hesitate to use them early and often to keep the starters fresh for the knockout stage.
Switzerland vs. Canada World Cup Preview
This is the last group match for these teams, who can each win the group with a win.
Switzerland vs. Canada – The Details
- Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
- Date and Time: Wednesday, June 24, at 3 p.m. EST
- FIFA Ranking: Switzerland #18 / Canada #28
Switzerland vs. Canada Odds
- Odds: Switzerland 2.45 / Canada 3.00 / Draw 3.10
- Total: Over 2.5 goals (2.10) / Under 2.5 goals (1.72)
Switzerland vs. Canada Match Preview
Canada has already recorded two World Cup firsts: their first points in a draw in their first match and their first win, a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in the last match.
Switzerland easily beat Bosnia- Herzegovina in their last match to bag three points after playing to a surprising 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opener.
Ride the Momentum
Canada looks to ride the momentum of their impressive 6-0 win over Qatar in their last match, where Jonathan David had a hat trick. The Canadians outshot Qatar 32-2 and gave up no shots on goal. However, they have a tall task against a Swiss side that has conceded only two goals, none in regulation time.
Costly Win
While Canada easily beat Qatar, it was a costly win, with key MF Ismael Kone breaking a leg. Team Canada has to step up without him and play disciplined in the midfield, where the Swiss team is precise and pounces on mistakes.
What Game will Canada Play?
Even if this match ends in a draw, Canada will likely win the group on goal differential, having scored six in their last match. Will they play a more defensive match and leave star Alphonso Davies on the bench again to recover from injury and be fresh for the knockout stage?
Keep up the Defense
Canada has only allowed one goal in their two matches and looks to keep it up. They have to concentrate on containing Granit Xhaka, who scored in the last match and leads the Swiss attack.
Will Canada pounce?
In the last match, two of the better players for the Swiss, Denis Zakaria and Nico Elvedi, did not play due to yellow cards. Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles are also on yellow cards, and all of these players may not be on the field as they face suspension and will be needed in the knockout phase.
Will Canada press the issue on the attack with four starters likely on the bench? That remains to be seen, but the Swiss have a legit counterattack, and Team Canada has to be wary of that.
Look for Safe Play
Barring a miracle, both of these teams will advance to the knockout phase. While a win will ensure the group's victory, do not expect an aggressive match. It is likely that both teams will play it safe, as each wants to avoid a big defeat, injuries, and suspensions.
With how the points are lined up, with each team having four, look for both teams to take a cautious approach.
