Football picks today 25 Jun 2026: Analysis of 3 promising matches for the 2026 World Cup and today's football schedule in detail.
On 25 June 2026, today's football picks continue with 3 key World Cup 2026 matches that will decide group stage advancement in Groups D, E, and F. Let's follow the detailed analysis and match previews for these three games.
- World Cup 2026 Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group E / Kickoff at 03:00 (26 June Thailand time)
Ecuador risks elimination in the group stage for the 4th time out of 5 World Cup appearances, having earned just 1 point from a 0-1 loss to Ivory Coast and a 0-0 draw with Curaçao, despite goalkeeper Eloy Room making 15 saves. Ecuador has yet to score in their first two games. In 8 warm-up matches before the tournament, they drew 5 and won 3; in 18 South American qualifiers, they drew 8, won 8, and lost 2. If they don't beat Germany, they'll likely be eliminated. Their latest squad is injury-free, led by Moises Caicedo in midfield, defenders Piero Hincapie and William Pacho, and forwards Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata.
Germany has already qualified for the round of 32 as Group E champions after thrashing Curaçao 7-1 and edging Ivory Coast 2-1. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team has won 11 consecutive matches since September last year. Germany has beaten Ecuador twice before in the World Cup 2006 (3-0) and a 2013 friendly (4-2). However, Nico Schlotterbeck withdrew due to an ankle injury with no replacement called up, leaving 25 players. Still, Antonio Rudiger, Malik Jau, and Waldemar Anton are available. Super-sub Deniz Undav, who scored twice in the previous match, may start despite possible rest for key players, and Germany is unlikely to lose.
Match Prediction Germany will finish the group stage unbeaten.
- World Cup 2026 Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group F / Kickoff at 06:00 (26 June Thailand time)
Japan aims to reach the knockout stage for the 5th time in 8 World Cup appearances after drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands and thrashing Tunisia 4-0, becoming the first Asian team to score 4 goals in a World Cup match. They are unbeaten in 9 matches (7 wins, 2 draws), including wins over Brazil (3-2) and England (1-0). Against Sweden, Japan has met 5 times, winning only once. Latest squad updates: Takefusa Kubo remains unfit from a knee injury, and Shuto Machino, who replaced Wataru Endo, is ill. Key players still include Hiroki Ito, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada (2 goals), and Ayase Ueda, who scored 2 goals and assisted once vs. Tunisia.
Sweden started well with a 5-1 win over Tunisia but then lost 1-5 to the Netherlands. In 6 matches this year, they have 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Historically, Sweden has faced Japan 5 times, losing once, winning twice, and drawing twice; their last meeting was a 1-1 friendly in 2002. Fortunately, Sweden's squad has no injuries. Anthony Elanga, who scored as a substitute in the previous match, is expected to start, partnering with Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari, Viktor Gyokeres, and Alexander Isak. However, Japan's recent team cohesion looks stronger. Despite missing Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and Wataru Endo, Japan is still well placed to challenge for a win.
Match Prediction Japan narrowly defeats Sweden to advance.
- World Cup 2026 Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group D / Kickoff at 09:00 (26 June Thailand time)
Turkey has been eliminated after losses to Australia (0-2) and Paraguay (0-1), mirroring their Euro 2020 performance where they lost all three group matches with zero points. Before this, Turkey had strong form with 7 wins and 1 draw in 8 matches (including a 2-2 against Spain). Against the USA, Turkey has met 5 times with balanced results: 2 wins each and 1 draw. Kenan Yildiz, a Juventus attacking midfielder with a slight calf injury, is likely fit to play alongside Hakan Calhanoglu, Ferdi Kadioglu, Ozan Kabak, and forwards Arda Guler and Kerem Akturkoglu, who scored against the USA in their last friendly 2-1 win in June last year.
The United States have qualified for the round of 32 as Group D champions after beating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0. This marks their 8th knockout stage qualification in 12 World Cup appearances. Their last 11 matches record is 7 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses—mostly to strong teams such as Germany, Portugal, and Belgium. Their last win against Turkey was in 2014 during a 2-1 friendly. Coach may rest key players including captain Christian Pulisic and those with yellow cards like Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Anthony Robinson, and Chris Richards, giving opportunities to Tim Weah, Giovanni Reyna, and Ricardo Pepi. This match may end in a draw.
Match Prediction A high-scoring draw is expected.