Spain vs. Cape Verde
The European champions are perhaps the number one favorites to win this years World Cup after a dominant qualifying campaign and fantastic European Championship display. Lamine Yamal is a doubt to start this match but certainly will feature later on even if not in this opener. They certainly have plenty of quality that could replace him. Cape Verde are going to be hyped for their first ever FIFA World Cup match, but surely are a bit frustrated that it is against one of the main favorites of the tournament. They have lots of quality on the team and may just have enough to frustrate the Spaniards especially in defense with Moreira and Logan Costa.
Prediction: ESP 1 – 1 CPV
Spain will score first but an underwhelming attack will allow Cape Verde into the game and enough to get a point against the giants.
Belgium vs. Egypt
Belgium is always a wild card going into a World Cup and that certainly hasn’t changed this year. They still have the remnants of their golden generation who still are the little dispersions of class throughout the side alongside Jeremy Doku of Manchester City. Unfortunately for them they no-longer have a deady center back duo or the wizardry of Eden Hazard to help them out. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is playing with the shackles off after announcing his move from Liverpool and he’ll be looking for a result on his birthday in Seattle. Ultimately Egypt are tipped to do well in the group and could be hoping to find something early and upset the group favorites.
Prediction: BEL 3 – 1 EGY
The many stars of Belgium will use moments of brilliance to outshine Egypt and put 3 past them, but I certainly do not see a clean sheet being retained for the Red Devils.
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay
Saudi Arabia love an opening upset against a South American side as they did so in a 2-1 win over the World Cup winners Argentina in 2022. They may not have the best players in the world but the Saudis relish the opportunity to represent their nation on the world stage. The big names today for Uruguay will make them definite favorites and surely will have most expecting a win, especially their fans back home in Uruguay.
Prediction: KSA 0 – 2 URU
The defense of Uruguay will be enough to keep the Saudis quiet whilst the pace and power of Uruguay’s forward forces will find enough to go top of the group by the end of the matchday.
Iran vs. New Zealand
Lots of controversy surrounding Iran building towards this World Cup, footballing and in the real world. This will be a great opportunity to give their nation a moment of pride and make a ripple in the group. New Zealand are back for the first time in 16 years and will hope to get their first ever win at the World Cup. Each have their star striker: Mehdi Taremi of Olympiacos and Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest, both likely to score in this underrated matchup in Los Angeles Stadium.
Prediction: IRN 2 – 1 NZL
The two underdogs will have a fascinating encounter but ultimately the AFC side will have enough goals to just do the job against the only Oceanian side.