Andy Schooler previews Saturday’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including Netherlands v Sweden.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Saturday June 20th
The games of these two produced plenty of goals on matchday one – 10 in total – and we could see a few again here. The Dutch largely controlled the game against Japan but were vulnerable on the break and Sweden’s pace could trouble them. The Swedes were way too good for Tunisia and certainly carry goal threat with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak in their attack. The market is clued up though – 1.68 about over 2.5 goals may tempt some but is short enough for me.
World Cup 2026: Netherlands v Sweden
Group F, Houston (BBC, 6pm)
Yasin Ayari smashed home two from long range in that Tunisia game and I’m always keen on siding with such players again after they’ve produced something special, particularly in the shot markets. With confidence up, don’t be surprised to see the Brighton midfielder letting fly from distance again – he’s 2.15 for 2+ shots here. Another potential angle is for cards – Sweden collected 16 in eight qualifiers and while the Dutch were much cleaner in their group, they did receive three against Japan the other day when they were properly challenged, unlike in qualifying.
Fit-again English referee Michael Oliver has produced some high card counts in his recent internationals – he’s on a run of 8-8-4-0-6-7, which goes hand-in-hand with his Champions Leage record. Basically, he’s well known for showing more cards abroad than he does domestically. Over 3.5 cards therefore looks decent at 1.9, although admittedly his last tournament stats from Euro 2024 are rather off-putting as none of his four games saw four or more cards.
World Cup 2026: Germany v Ivory Coast
Group E, Toronto (ITV, 9pm)
I’m not sure how much we learned about Germany in their first game when they smashed Curacao 7-1. They created and took their chances well against what looks the weakest team in the tournament, although they did have a few worrying moments in the first half when the CONCACAF side managed to get out and bring the ball forward – they were level at 1-1 at one stage.
Ivory Coast, 1-0 winners over Ecuador, should provide a much stronger test and they can probably afford to give things a go here, given that they already have three points on the board and still have Curacao to play. The runners-up in this group look likely to play Norway or Senegal in the last 32. With this in mind, Seko Fofana is an interesting one in the shot markets.
He’s often found lurking on the edge of the box at set pieces or when pushing forward from his midfield role. He duly managed four shots from outside the box against Ecuador. He’s at 2.55 for 2+ shots here, a bet he landed in six of seven matches at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (he only started once at this year’s edition). Meanwhile, Amad Diallo, who scored the winner against Ecuador, must have a strong chance of starting here after a livewire performance which saw him regularly making dribbling runs.
If he does start on the right wing, Germany left-back Nathaniel Brown would be in the firing line, while Alexander Pavlovic would also likely be tasked with dropping in to help out – he committed six fouls against Curacao. Brown is 5.8 for a card and Pavlovic 3.5. It might be worth a look once the team news is known. As for Diallo, he’s scored six goals in his last 12 appearance for Ivory Coast with the Manchester United star averaging a goal every 80 minutes. He’ll have his backers in the anytime scorer market at 4.2.
World Cup 2026: Ecuador v Curacao
Group E, Kansas City (BBC, 1am Sun)
The prices suggest Ecuador will win this comfortably but their goalscoring woes should be pointed out – they netted just 14 times in 18 qualifiers and were again shut out in their opener at this tournament. Curacao were outclassed by Germany but will their South American foes have the same cutting edge? If may well be easier for the minnows to keep the score down here, although I rather got my fingers burned when suggesting Qatar could do the same the other day!
Likewise, I’ve already tried to ‘steal’ some winnings in these supposed mis-matches by combining the short prices – I remember Germany letting me down by conceding against Curacao in this group. Here you can get 2.13 about Ecuador scoring over 2.5 goals and keeping a clean sheet but I’m reluctant to get involved. This is a game where the long-term stats aren’t reflected in the markets due to the low level of opposition and, frankly, it’s not a game I want to get involved with.
World Cup 2026: Tunisia v Japan
Group F, Monterrey (BBC, 5am Sun)
I mentioned Japan’s excellent disciplinary record last week – for those who missed it, they received only eight cards in 15 qualifiers. They duly had no cards against the Dutch, who picked up three themselves. It’s a long-term trend, too, with the nation’s respectful nature very much shining through on the pitch. This is the angle to pursue again here.
In qualifying, Tunisia collected the most cards of the African nations who have reached these finals (19 in 10) and after their 5-1 thrashing last time out – a result which has resulted in a managerial change mid-tournament – their players will surely be out to make an impression with a committed performance. Tunisia most cards may look fairly short to some at 1.72 but all things considered, it looks highly likely to come in.
World Cup 2026: Best Bets, June 20
Over 3.5 cards in NED v SWE @ 1.9 with kwiff
S Fofana over 1.5 shots @ 2.55 with kwiff
Tunisia most cards @ 1.72 with kwiff
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