The World Cup is finally here, and the neds blog is your ultimate destination for daily tips on all the biggest matches. From the opening group stage clashes to the drama of the knockout rounds and all the way to the final showdown, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Expect expert insight, informed predictions, and a few bold calls along the journey. Be sure to check in each day to see who our football expert is tipping to come out on top and stay one step ahead throughout the tournament.
Group Stage
Switzerland vs Qatar Prediction – Group B (Match 2)
Switzerland have been a difficult team to rely on at the World Cup, and they face a challenging path in a competitive Group B that includes Canada, a spirited Bosnia and Herzegovina side, and a Qatar team that edged them 1–0 in a 2018 friendly.
However, much has changed since then—especially in Switzerland’s attack, where Premier League regulars Noah Okafor and Dan Ndoye now play leading roles.
Qatar, meanwhile, have struggled on the international stage in recent years, including a 1–0 friendly defeat to Ireland last month. With four losses in their last six matches and a noticeable gap in quality, this appears to be a difficult opening matchup for the Maroons.
Brazil vs Morocco – Group C (Match 1)
Morocco will back themselves against a reshaped Brazil side dealing with several key injuries, though they’re not without their own off-field distractions.
Walid Regragui’s resignation in March brought Mohamed Ouahbi into the managerial role, adding another layer of intrigue to a team already under scrutiny after last year’s AFCON final.
At AFCON, Morocco were defensively solid, conceding just once across three group-stage matches, and they’ve largely kept that backline intact as they prepare to handle Brazil’s individual quality.
Brazil’s road to the World Cup has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 4–1 qualifying defeat to Argentina. They still possess enough attacking talent to take this opener, but Morocco’s defensive structure could turn it into a tight, low-scoring contest.
Turkey vs Australia – Group D (Match 2)
Australia should carry a fair amount of confidence into this matchup against a Turkey side that hasn’t appeared at a World Cup since 2002.
That said, Turkey reached the semi-finals that year and arrive in strong form, having won five of their last six internationals. They head into this tournament as slight outsiders behind the USA to top Group D.
Australia’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a 1–0 loss to Mexico and a draw against Switzerland last month. On the positive side, they bring an experienced, well-connected squad led by Matthew Leckie, Mathew Ryan, and Jackson Irvine.
As in past matches, Australia will lean heavily on their defence after conceding less than half a goal per game during qualifying. Turkey, meanwhile, boast attacking quality, with Real Madrid’s Arda Güler capable of posing a serious threat in the final third.