Today marks the start of Matchday 3 in group play, and the World Cup is already moving fast. Seven nations have advanced into the knockout Round of 32, led by co-host Mexico, followed by fellow co-host Team USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, and Algeria.
The tournament has already delivered packed stadiums, massive watch parties, thrilling goals, and big-time players showing up to ball out. Messi keeps scoring in his sixth World Cup, Mbappé has fired in four goals in two games, Haaland has four goals in his first World Cup, and 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in six World Cups.
More excitement awaits as the final group matches begin, with teams fighting for top seeds, qualification spots, and pride.Canada vs. Switzerland
Co-host Canada will win Group B with a draw or win. If Switzerland wins, then the Swiss become Group B winners and move into the knockout stages as the No. 2 seed.
Even with a loss, Canada is mostly safe to advance as the group runner-up. It would take Bosnia and Herzegovina winning and somehow making up a nine-goal difference to overtake that spot. Mathematically feasible? Sure. Realistic? Not exactly. Still, it is safe to believe this group may produce three qualifiers into the next stage.
Coach Jesse Marsch knows the Swiss style and the Nati team well, having coached in neighboring Austria’s pro league. He has his Canadian team confident and prepared to take on a very strong Swiss side.
Canada, playing at home in Vancouver, will have the fan advantage for sure. But it will be the motivation of the players, pushing them to be relentless in attack and urgent in defense, that leads them to success.Pro Paul’s Pick: Canada wins.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
Both teams worked hard to impress and earn a point each with draws against Group B favorites. They enter this match with their hopes still alive for advancing out of the group, but it will require a win and some goals to land those hopes.
Per FIFA fairness rules, all games in the same group on Matchday 3 are played at the same time, so Bosnia and Qatar will not know the other result before their match kicks off.
It really does not matter, because a win and only a win gives whichever team wins this game a chance to advance.
Qatar has an uphill battle, missing players due to two red cards received in the previous match against Canada. Maybe Qatar has some reserve players hungry enough to step in, step up, and give Bosnia a run for their money.
Still, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the edge and should find a way to get the result.Pro Paul’s Pick: Bosnia and Herzegovina wins.
Morocco vs. Haiti
As much as Haiti has impressed fans, media, and skeptics, its World Cup campaign has been difficult in Group C. Haiti competed well in the opener against Scotland, losing only 1-0, but was eliminated from competition after a 3-0 loss to Brazil.
Haiti has come close but has yet to score a goal. They will do everything they can to gain respect in their final game of this World Cup campaign by playing attacking soccer. Haiti has nothing to lose, so expect them to play with the utmost ambition to score and represent.
Morocco, on the other hand, is seeking to win the group and become the top seed, potentially avoiding a powerhouse in the knockout stage. Brazil, Scotland, and Morocco all enter Matchday 3 with a chance to win the group.
Morocco has a very strong defense and is tactically sound, having conceded only one goal while scoring just two goals in two games. Morocco is in the top eight in terms of talent and top five when it comes to experience and team chemistry.
As much as Haiti will play with heart and leave everything on the pitch, a victory over a solid Moroccan side will be very challenging.Pro Paul’s Pick: Morocco wins.
Scotland vs. Brazil
This game will be played in Miami, and Brazil will feel rather at home, as their loyal fans are expected to show up in droves. The Scottish fans have become some of the most talked about and adored by Americans, and they are sure to be in the stadium to support Scotland’s best.
Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco all have a path to win the group and survive and advance. Morocco looks to be in the driver’s seat against last-place Haiti, but Scotland has shown strength and pride by beating Haiti and only losing 1-0 to Morocco.
Brazil played a tough opening match against Morocco that ended in a draw, but then bounced back and took care of business by defeating Haiti 3-0.
The Brazilians have pace, skill, and depth on their roster. The Scots play with heart and will put up a solid effort, never giving up during the entire match.
In a game where the Miami sun will shine on the stars on the pitch, Brazil’s samba skills and combinations should prevail.Pro Paul’s Pick: Brazil wins.
South Africa vs. South Korea
South Korea advances with a draw, but for South Africa, it is a must-win game or go home.
There have been flashes of brilliance and moments on the pitch by Bafana Bafana, but it has not produced the results they need. Sitting at the bottom of the table, they are still alive, but they must beat a South Korea team that has been strong in every game and has a defense that is difficult to break down.
South Africa will be dynamic on the ball and will need to get four or five players into the attack and into the box to have a chance of scoring.
South Korea does not often make mistakes, but as we saw against Mexico, when they do make a mistake, it can be costly. South Korea will be at its best, and South Africa will play without fear.
Both teams will not hold back, but South Korea will be less risky in attack. Anticipate a very exciting game that can be a nail-biter until the final minutes, or a floodgate could open if and when a goal is scored by either team.Pro Paul’s Pick: South Korea wins.
Czechia vs. Mexico
Mexico has already won the group, so expect El Tri to rest players on yellow cards, players with nagging aches or pains, and give others playing time and experience that will best support their efforts during the World Cup.
That may or may not help Czechia, which needs a win, and only a win, to drastically increase its chances of advancing with four points.
Mexico’s roster is strong, and the reserve players who get the nod will be hungry to perform well. They will be motivated to prove their worth to the coaching staff, teammates, media, and fans.
Czechia should be acclimated to the high altitude by this point and will come out with grit and heart. Count on these guys to leave every ounce of effort on the pitch and battle to the end.
Czechia has quality players, and its European style of play will test El Tri from the opening whistle. Still, Mexico has the depth, confidence, and home support to finish the group strong.
