The opening days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue with four intriguing contests, ranging from clear favourites looking to make a statement to finely balanced encounters that could shape entire groups.

Qatar vs Switzerland

Switzerland begin their World Cup campaign carrying greater expectations than Qatar. The Swiss have become one of international football’s most reliable tournament teams, consistently progressing from group stages and competing well against stronger nations.

Qatar will hope home-region familiarity and defensive organisation can frustrate their opponents, but Switzerland possess superior quality across the pitch. Their midfield control and set-piece threat should allow them to dictate much of the game.

The key for Qatar will be keeping the match level deep into the second half. If Switzerland score first, the tactical challenge becomes far more difficult for the Gulf nation.

Prediction: Qatar 0-2 Switzerland

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Brazil vs Morocco

This could be one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round. Brazil remain among the leading contenders for the trophy, but Morocco are no ordinary underdog.

Morocco’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat have troubled elite teams before, and they possess the discipline to make life uncomfortable for Brazil. However, Brazil’s attacking talent and squad depth should eventually create enough opportunities.

Expect Morocco to stay competitive throughout, but Brazil’s superior quality in the final third may ultimately prove decisive.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco

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Haiti vs Scotland

Scotland enter this match knowing that victory is essential if they are to challenge for qualification from a difficult group that also contains Brazil and Morocco.

Haiti will likely defend aggressively and look for opportunities on the break, while Scotland should enjoy more possession and territorial control. The Scots possess greater experience against high-level opposition and should have the edge in organisation and set-piece situations.

It may not be spectacular, but Scotland are well positioned to grind out an important opening victory.

Prediction: Haiti 0-1 Scotland

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Australia vs Türkiye

This may be the most evenly matched game of the four. Türkiye arrive with slightly stronger tournament projections, but Australia have built a reputation for resilience and competitive performances on the biggest stage.

Türkiye should enjoy more possession and create more chances, but Australia are difficult to break down and excel in physical contests and aerial battles.

A closely fought contest seems likely, with small margins determining the outcome. One moment of quality could be enough to separate the sides.

Prediction: Australia 1-1 Türkiye

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Final Verdict

If the predictions hold, Switzerland, Brazil and Scotland would begin their campaigns with valuable wins, while Australia and Türkiye would share the points in what looks a highly competitive Group D encounter.

Predicted Scores

– Qatar 0-2 Switzerland
– Brazil 2-1 Morocco
– Haiti 0-1 Scotland
– Australia 1-1 Türkiye