Today's football predictions for 26 Jun 2026: analysis of 3 key matches to watch in the 2026 World Cup and today's match schedule.
On 26 June 2026, the football predictions continue with three crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup that will decide qualification in the final group stage games of Groups G, H, and I. Let's follow the match analyses and insights for these three games.
- 2026 World Cup Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group I / Kickoff at 02:00 (Thai time on 27 June)
Norway returns to the World Cup for the fourth time, aiming for knockout qualification for the first time in 28 years after a 4-1 win over Iraq and a 3-2 win over Senegal. Despite conceding only once in their last nine games and remaining unbeaten in the last five matches (3 wins, 2 draws), Norway has faced France 15 times, winning only 4, with the latest 2-1 victory in a friendly in August 2010. Right-back Julian Ryerson is injured, so Markus Pedersen is expected to replace him. Key players remain, including striker Erling Haaland with 4 goals, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Martin Ødegaard.
France is competing in their 18th World Cup, chasing a third title after wins over Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0, leading Group I on goal difference by one goal over Norway. A draw will secure their place in the round of 32 as group winners. France has lost only once in their last eight matches, winning the rest. Against Norway, they have won 7 times, drawn 4. Their last friendly encounter in 2014 ended 4-0 in France's favor. This match may see Lucas Digne replace Théo Hernandez at left-back and Manu Koné substitute Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield. On attack, Desire Doué is likely to return on the left wing, replacing Bradley Barcola, joining Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé. Overall, France's lineup looks stronger and likely to edge Norway.
Match Insight France to win narrowly.
- 2026 World Cup Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group H / Kickoff at 07:00 (Thai time on 27 June)
Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, have struggled in their first two matches, drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with Cape Verde. Under Marcelo Bielsa, they have not won in six matches (5 draws, 1 loss). Against Spain, they have never won in 10 encounters. A draw may not be enough for Uruguay to advance. They will miss key players Ronald Araújo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta due to calf injuries. Striker Darwin Núñez is expected to regain his place over Federico Viñas to partner Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio. Midfield is led by Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Manuel Ugarte.
Spain started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde before bouncing back with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches (8 wins, 4 draws). A non-loss result here could be enough to advance as group leaders. Spain has never lost to Uruguay in 10 matches (5 wins, 5 draws). The latest squad has only Liverpool newcomer Víctor Muñoz injured, but Nico Williams, who came on as a substitute in two matches, is expected to start in place of Álex Baena alongside Lamine Yamal, who scored his first World Cup goal, and Miguel Oyarzabal, who scored twice. Spain looks stronger and expected to secure a win over Uruguay.
Match Insight Spain to edge past Uruguay comfortably.
- 2026 World Cup Group Stage, Matchday 3, Group G / Kickoff at 10:00 (Thai time on 27 June)
New Zealand, returning to the World Cup after 16 years and their third appearance following 1982 and 2010, has earned only one point from a 2-2 draw with Iran but lost 1-3 to Egypt. They still have a chance to finish second in the group. However, in their last 14 matches, they have won only twice, drawn twice, and lost 10. This will be their first meeting with Belgium. Their attack is led by Chris Wood, top scorer with 45 goals in 92 matches, who has yet to score but assisted Elijah Just, who has already scored twice. Defensively, Liberato Cacace, a left-back from Wrexham with Serie A experience at Empoli, is a key player.
Belgium, third place in the 2018 World Cup, started slowly with draws against Egypt 1-1 and Iran 0-0, but overall under coach Rudy Garcia, they have lost only once in 16 matches, winning 9 and drawing 6. Jérémy Doku, a sharp winger from Manchester City, returns after being away for the birth of his first child; if not fully fit, Alexis Saelemaekers will replace him. Nathan Ngoy, who received a red card last match, is suspended but Arthur Theate is ready to fill in. Key players remain including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, and Romelu Lukaku. Belgium looks stronger than New Zealand and is likely to win.
Match Insight Belgium to win comfortably over New Zealand.