Today's football tips for April 1, 2026: Analysis of 3 promising matches for World Cup playoff hopes and today's match schedule with expert insights.
On April 1, 2026, the key highlights in the national football program focus on major FIFA Day friendly matches and the 2026 World Cup playoff battles. Below is an analysis and expert opinion on three notable matches.
- FIFA Day friendly match / Kickoff at 07:00 GMT+7.
The "Samba" team, five-time World Cup champions, remain inconsistent despite Carlo Ancelotti taking over as coach. In nine matches under Ancelotti, Brazil has won 4, drawn 2, and lost 3—defeated by Bolivia 0-1, Japan 2-3, and most recently in a friendly 1-2 against France. Brazil has lost 3 of their last 6 games (winning against South Korea 5-0 and Senegal 2-0). The squad is also incomplete, missing Barcelona winger Raphinha and Roma right-back Wesley due to injury. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. is fatigued, so the team may rely on Matheus Cunha and João Pedro.
Croatia, having qualified for their 7th World Cup and fourth consecutive since 2014, remain unbeaten in eight qualifying matches with 7 wins and 1 draw, scoring 26 and conceding only 4 goals, winning Group L and going unbeaten in 9 games. They recently won a friendly 2-1 against Colombia and are aiming for a 5th consecutive victory. Croatia has a chance to beat Brazil in 90 minutes for the first time, having never done so in 5 previous meetings (3 losses, 2 draws), if stars like Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramarić and Como attacker Martin Baturina perform well.
Expert Opinion Croatia likely to edge a narrow victory.
- FIFA Day friendly match / Kickoff at 08:00 GMT+7.
Since beating the United States 2-1 in the Gold Cup final, Mexico had gone six games without a win (2 losses, 4 draws) through the end of 2025. However, in 2026, they remain unbeaten in four matches without conceding a goal, defeating Panama 1-0, Bolivia 1-0, Iceland 4-0, and most recently drawing 0-0 with Portugal. Mexico has faced Belgium 7 times, winning 3, losing 2, and drawing 2, but their last victory over Belgium dates back to 1986. Mexico will miss injured captain and midfielder Edson Álvarez but still fields key players such as Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez and Betis’ Álvaro Fidalgo.
The "Red Devils of Europe" have qualified for their 15th World Cup, remaining unbeaten in 8 qualifying matches, winning Group J with 29 goals scored and only 7 conceded. Coach Rudi Garcia has lost just 1 of his 11 games in charge (7 wins). In the UEFA Nations League playoff, Belgium lost 1-3 to Ukraine on 20 March last year but recently thrashed the USA 5-2. Although missing Leandro Trossard, who withdrew back to Arsenal, the core squad features Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Amadou Onana, and Senne Lammens, who are ready to pursue a third consecutive win.
Expert Opinion Belgium poised to celebrate victory.
- 2026 World Cup Intercontinental Playoff Final, Path 2 / Kickoff at 10:00 GMT+7.
Iraq is one step away from qualifying for their second World Cup after 1986, having narrowly missed out in the Asian fourth qualifying round due to goal difference against Saudi Arabia, with both teams tied on 4 points. Iraq then defeated the UAE 3-2 on aggregate and in the Arab Cup won 2 and lost 2, with losses to Algeria 0-2 and Jordan 0-1. Iraq has decided to skip friendlies to keep the squad fresh for this match, led by Port FC defender Rabin Sulaka, and top scorers Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali, the champions of the 2025 King's Cup.
Bolivia seeks their fourth World Cup appearance since 1994, finishing 7th in South American qualifiers. Their last match was a 1-0 win over Brazil. Bolivia has played eight friendlies from October to March 15, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 5. However, they recently secured a timely 2-1 victory over Suriname in the playoff semifinal. Bolivia and Iraq met once in 2018, ending 0-0. With Miguelito, who scored the winning goal against Brazil, leading the squad, Bolivia’s defense has kept only one clean sheet in their last eight matches. Considering freshness and form, Iraq is favored to achieve their goal.
Expert Opinion Iraq expected to narrowly secure World Cup qualification.