Welcome to The Athletic’s daily World Cup Predictions.This article gives you the lowdown on all today’s games but with the bonus of some friendly competition…Throughout the tournament, we will have two Athletic writers (Andy Jones or Elias Burke — with help from our experts from each of the 48 countries) pitting our soccer knowledge against a different Athletic subscriber each day and “Algo”, the shiny new algorithm from The Athletic, which is making its computerised debut during the World Cup.Oh, and a dog called Stanley and a six-year-old called Wilfred (who some of you may remember from last season’s Premier League predictions).Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic appOur guest subscriber today is Marcelo, from the United States, who supports Brazil and Gremio. Good luck!If you would like to apply to be our guest subscriber for a day during this tournament, please follow the instructions in the article here.What happened on Matchday 13?Portugal dropped off many people’s top-contender lists after their 1-1 opening draw with the DR Congo but an impressive 5-0 win over Uzbekistan yesterday will have the world talking about the cup-winning credentials of Roberto Martinez’s side again.Crucially, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has attracted a lot of criticism as the side’s 41-year-old elder statesman, responded to the doubters with two goals — and could have had more. While Stanley predicted Portugal would struggle again, it was a strong start to Tuesday for the rest of the group, who picked the favourites.Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the 5-0 rout (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.Harry Kane had a golden chance to win the game for Thomas Tuchel’s side at the end, but England must count themselves lucky as the VAR did not recommend a review of an Ezri Konsa foul on Prince Adu, which should have earned Ghana a penalty and the defender a red card. Even though the experts lost out here, huge respect to reader Joao for calling that one.Results from June 23, 2026 TA ExpertsThe AlgoReader PicksWilfred (age 6)Stanley the DogEnglandGhana ENG ENG draw ENG ENG PanamaCroatia CRO CRO CRO CRO draw PortugalUzbekistan POR POR POR POR draw ColombiaD.R. Congo COL COL COL COL COL Croatia kept their knockout dreams alive with a hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Panama, another side in Group L proving tough and canny opposition for favoured European sides. Supersub Ante Budimir, 34, became Croatia’s oldest-ever goalscorer at a World Cup when he turned in a Josip Stanisic cross at the far post in the 54th minute. Stanley’s policy of going against the grain did not pay off here, predicting a draw while the rest of the team at Predictions HQ went for a Croatia win.But it was a clean sweep of correct predictions to end the day as flying wing-back Daniel Munoz scored his second goal of the tournament to give Colombia a 1-0 victory against DR Congo. They’re now in control of Group K, only needing a point against Portugal on Saturday to qualify for the knockout phase as its winners.It’s going to take a big effort to unseat Algo from the top spot, with its (ultimately not very fun) favourites method proving unstoppable thus far. The experts are closest, with 29, while the readers and Wilfred are in the mix, too, with 28. Stanley is playing for the vibes, and he’s no doubt got a shockingly correct prediction in him yet.OverallaccuracyCorrectpicksBeststreakThe algorithm67%326TA experts60%294Wilfred (age 6)58%285Reader picks58%284Stanley the dog42%203How do the predictions work?It’s pretty simple: we will give you some background on each game, players to watch and facts on the two teams. Then we will predict the outcome: a WIN for one of the two teams, or a DRAW.We will maintain a leaderboard of how everyone gets on with their predictions (ranked by the percentage they get correct) and a record of “streaks” — the number of predictions everyone gets right in a row. These streaks form a crucial part of The Athletic’s interactive Soccer Pick’Ems feature, allowing you to make your own picks every round as well.So come along and get involved, and check back each day to see how we are getting on in the leaderboard — and probably more importantly, whether you, the subscribers, or Stanley or Wilfred are beating us.Or, worst of all, whether ‘Algo’ can prove data and statistics know all when it comes to predicting.Good luck, and enjoy!Why not try The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker, where you can find a forecast projecting the likelihood that each team will progress through each stage of the tournament, along with a bracket projecting the most likely round of 32 matchups, current standings and a bunch of other neat forecasts and scenarios.Predictions for Matchday 14Switzerland vs Canada, Group B, 3pm ET, 8pm BSTWhere to watch: FOX (U.S.), ITV (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 4/5. Canada and Switzerland have all but confirmed passage into the next stage, yet either side can advance as group winners.Watch Rating: 4/5. Both sides have shown plenty of attacking threat, even if their finishing has let them down at times.The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “Canada’s dominant victory over nine-man Qatar was the ideal way to build confidence ahead of this decider.“Cyle Larin scored again, and fellow forward Jonathan David scored a hat-trick. The big blow was the horrific broken leg suffered by the influential Ismael Kone. His absence will be felt. “Our Canada reporter Josh Kloke said: ‘The Canadian team have processed a lot lately: the horrific loss of Ismael Kone to injury, the historic 6-0 win over Qatar and the nerves that came with their opening match. Now? Buoyed by their home crowd, Canada look and sound ready for what’s ahead: the chance to again make history. They know only a draw is enough for them to top their group, but they’re likely going at this game to win it. Their best pre-World Cup result was holding Colombia to 0-0 in an October 2025 friendly in front of a pro-Colombian crowd. They can do that again. I’m predicting 1-1, the rare kind of 1-1 draw that leads to euphoria.’“Switzerland have yet to fully convince despite the 4-1 scoreline against Bosnia. They have dominated both matches, but the scores were still close with 10 minutes to go. Qatar levelled late in their opener, but Switzerland took advantage of their extra man in their second game. “Granit Xhaka remains key to their progress, but their result against Bosnia also highlighted their attacking depth, with three goals coming from substitutes. At the age of 20 years and 247 days, Johan Manzambi netted twice, becoming the youngest player in World Cup history to score two or more goals in a game as a substitute. He must be banging down the door for a start.”The Athletic Soccer Experts: DRAWGuest subscriber Marcelo: DRAWSix-year-old Wilfred: CANADA WINStanley the Dog: CANADA WINAlgo: CANADA WINOur picks for June 24, 2026 TA ExpertsThe AlgoReader PicksWilfred (age 6)Stanley the DogScotlandBrazil BRA BRA BRA BRA BRA MoroccoHaiti MAR MAR MAR MAR draw CanadaSwitzerland draw CAN draw CAN CAN Bosnia and Herz.Qatar BIH BIH BIH draw QAT MexicoCzech Rep. draw MEX draw MEX draw South AfricaSouth Korea KOR KOR KOR KOR draw Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar, Group B, 3pm ET, 8pm BSTWhere to watch: FS1 (U.S.), ITV (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 3/5. Qatar will be reeling after their 6-0 drubbing by Canada, while Bosnia have been competitive before conceding late goals.Watch Rating: 3/5. The teams can reach the knockout rounds with victory, so neither should play it safe. The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “Julen Lopetegui is tasked with picking his players back up and refocusing them after the Canada game. They still have a strong chance of reaching the last 32. “Bosnia are capable of withstanding pressure and staying in the game. They led until the 78th minute against Canada and were level until the 74th minute against Switzerland. “Edin Dzeko and Kerim Alajbegovic came into the starting XI against Switzerland. Head coach Sergej Barbarez will be hoping for more from that mix of experience and youth, and there is a case to bring Jovo Lukic — who scored in the opener — back into the side.” The Athletic Soccer Experts: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WINGuest subscriber Marcelo: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WINSix-year-old Wilfred: DRAWStanley the Dog: QATAR WINAlgo: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WINScotland vs Brazil, Group C, kick-off 6pm ET, 11pm BSTWhere to watch: FS1 (U.S.), BBC (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 2/5. Brazil looked more like Brazil against Haiti. Scotland haven’t looked convincing yet, but you can never rule them out for a shock result.Watch Rating: 3/5. Scotland should offer more defensive resistance than Haiti, but they will need to improve their own attacking play. Both sides can qualify and top the group if results go the right way. The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “On another day, Scotland were awarded one of two penalties they felt they should have had in the second half against Morocco and this game would have felt very different. There may only be a one-point difference, but it would have put them in a more comfortable position.“Brazil looked much better in their 3-0 victory over Haiti. Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to start Matheus Cunha paid off and they had the game won by half-time. The only concern was Raphinha, who was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury.“Our Brazil reporter Jack Lang said: ‘Brazil took confidence from their win over Haiti. They are not world-beaters but they should have enough to see off Scotland in what could, in the stands, be the party of the tournament.’Matheus Cunha impressed for Brazil (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)“They were much improved from the lacklustre performance against Morocco. Although playing against an inferior opponent, they had a clear structure, fluidity in possession and understanding between players.“With Morocco heavy favourites to beat Haiti, Brazil must match their result to top the group, which is far from ideal for Scotland.”The Athletic Soccer Experts: BRAZIL WINGuest subscriber Marcelo: BRAZIL WINSix-year-old Wilfred: BRAZIL WINStanley the Dog: BRAZIL WINAlgo: BRAZIL WINMorocco vs Haiti, Group C, kick-off 6pm ET, 11pm BSTWhere to watch: FS1 (U.S.), BBC (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 2/5. Morocco should have too much for Haiti, whose defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior and Co.Watch Rating: 2/5. Morocco have been fun to watch, particularly in the first half of matches when Brazil and Scotland have been unable to match their intensity.The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “Given the way Morocco have started games, then Haiti will need to be at their best to stop them — and even then it might not be enough. “Ismael Saibari’s goal, his second of the competition, after 70 seconds, was the second-quickest goal by an African side in World Cup history, two seconds slower than Asamoah Gyan’s in 2006. Brahim Diaz was once again the provider and Morocco will be hoping that link-up continues. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)“Haiti’s game against Brazil was over before half-time. They were the first side eliminated from the tournament.“But they can build on their improved second half. This game is a free hit for them and a chance to pick up at least their first World Cup point.” The Athletic Experts: MOROCCO WINGuest subscriber Marcelo: MOROCCO WINSix-year-old Wilfred: MOROCCO WINStanley the Dog: DRAWAlgo: MOROCCO WINCzech Republic vs Mexico, Group A, kick-off 9pm ET, 2am BSTWhere to watch: FOX (U.S.), BBC (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 4/5. Mexico are in the last 32 so could rest players. The Czech Republic will advance with a win.Watch Rating: 2/5. Mexico found a way past South Korea but it was efficient rather than entertaining. The Czechs have been a tough watch.The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “Mexico have made their dream start. They have won the group as they own the head-to-head advantage over South Korea, the only other team that can reach six points.“It leaves Javier Aguirre with a decision to make. Does he rest players? Does he want to keep the rhythm and momentum flowing? Brian Gutierrez is the only player in danger of a suspension as he was booked against South Africa. Mexican fans have had a dream start to the World Cup (Carl Recine/Getty Images)“The Czech Republic qualified for this tournament by winning two penalty shootouts so it would not be a surprise if their attempts to qualify for the last 32 end in dramatic circumstances. They will need to improve from their first two matches and they will also have to find a way past a Mexico defence that is yet to concede.”The Athletic Soccer Experts: DRAWGuest subscriber Marcelo: DRAWSix-year-old Wilfred: MEXICO WINStanley the Dog: DRAWAlgo: MEXICO WINSouth Africa vs South Korea, Group A, kick-off 9pm ET, 2am BSTWhere to watch: FS1 (U.S.), BBC (UK)Streak Risk Factor: 2/5. South Korea should have enough quality to overcome South Africa but their disappointing result against Mexico leaves the door open.Watch Rating: 3/5. South Korea played some really good football against the Czech Republic but not against Mexico. The two teams need a result, and it could be an interesting watch if South Africa play like they did in the second half against the Czech Republic.The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “You would have forgiven South Africa for packing up and going home after their nightmare opening game. They played so poorly, had two men sent off and lost convincingly.“Things didn’t look much better when they went behind against the Czech Republic but their response should offer encouragement. “South Korea were a ‘save of the tournament’ away from snatching a point against Mexico as Raul Rangel denied Cho Gue-sung from point-blank range but it would only have papered over a disappointing performance. “They did not have their first shot on target until the 88th minute and stars Son Heung-min, who was subbed off before the hour mark, and Lee Kang-in failed to fire. They need to be better in this one.”The Athletic Soccer Experts: SOUTH KOREA WINGuest subscriber Marcelo: SOUTH KOREA WINSix-year-old Wilfred: SOUTH KOREA WINStanley the Dog: DRAWAlgo: SOUTH KOREA WIN