World Cup 2026 Week Three: Predictions, best bets and odds

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters the final round of fixtures in the group stage. 

There's plenty to play for across the board, with the strongest sides aiming to cement pole position. We also have ambitious nations battling for second and third, while those heading home dream of signing off with a win. 

An exciting few days await lovers of the beautiful game, and Flashscore has everything you need to enjoy the show.

Trusted sports betting writer Frank Monkhouse has already delivered followers some fantastic wins this month, and now sets his sights on landing more profits. He has studied the fixtures, analysed the data, and uncovered the bookies offering the most generous odds.

Switzerland v Canada, Wednesday, 20:00 BST

Switzerland target a win and all three points that would cement their spot in the knockout rounds. They began their campaign with a disappointing draw, ending 1-1 with Qatar, despite kicking off as firm favourites with the bookies. 

Embolo scored in the 17th minute, and Switzerland were in control until Qatar levelled deep into extra time. The Red Crosses now appreciate the importance of concentrating until the end. They took that frustration out on Bosnia with a 4-1 win on matchday two.

Canada also opened with a 1-1 draw, sharing the points with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unlike their opponents, the Canadians battled back to score late and secure a share. Canada then thrashed Qatar 6-0 to top the pile.

Switzerland are ranked 19th in the world by FIFA, and Canada 30th. I'm confident this match will prove the Swiss to be the better team. Back Murat Yakin's men to win the match. 

Tip: Switzerland win @ 11/10 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If Switzerland beat Canada on Wednesday evening, you'll beat the bookies and make a profit.

Czech Republic v Mexico, Thursday, 02:00 BST

The Czech Republic are fighting for their future at the World Cup, but there's still hope. Miroslav Koubek's team suffered a slow start, losing 2-1 to South Korea on matchday one in Zapopan. 

The Representatives took the lead in that match, with Krejci scoring on the hour, but two late goals turned three points into none. Czech supporters know a win is essential on Thursday, although they were slightly better last time when ending 1-1 with South Africa.

The head-to-head stats at Flashscore show these nations have met only once, with the Czech Republic winning 2-1, though that was more than 26 years ago. Will we see Mexico take their revenge at a packed Estadio Azteca? The betting traders certainly believe so.

All the pressure is on the underdogs to win and make things interesting. Recent results showed that both teams scored when the Czechs played South Korea, South Africa, Denmark, and Ireland. Add both teams to score to your midweek World Cup accumulators.

Tip: Both teams to score @ 1/1 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need the Czech Republic and Mexico to score at least one goal each to win this bet.

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Scotland v Brazil, Wednesday, 23:00 BST

Scotland play Brazil on Wednesday evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. It's an historic night for Steve Clarke and the Tartan Army. 

They have a real chance of making history by securing a spot in the knockout rounds. That's great news for all concerned, but there's only one problem. Scotland need at least a point against the competition's most successful team.

The updated stats available on the Flashscore app show these two famous footballing nations have met 10 times previously. 

In those games, the Scots have failed to win a single match, with Brazil taking eight victories, and two games ending in a draw. Four of those were in the World Cup, with the Samba Boys winning 7-2 on aggregate. Back Brazil to win again in your World Cup 2026 accumulators.

Tip: Brazil to win @ 21/50 (bet365)

Bet explanation: Brazil have never lost to Scotland, and followers need that to continue. A 1-0 win for the competition's most successful team is as good as a 5-0.

Ecuador v Germany, Thursday, 21:00 BST

Moving to World Cup Group E, and I have a strong bet in East Rutherford, where Ecuador play Germany. Julian Nagelsmann's team caught the eye when hammering Curacao 7-1 in their opening match.

That win secured a perfect start and all three points, but it also served as a statement of intent. Germany are four-time world champions, and now fancy a fifth gong. After another positive result, they have already wrapped up top spot in the group with six points from two games.

While the Germans were putting up big numbers in Houston, Ecuador were losing 1-0 to the Ivory Coast, with the winning goal scored in the 90th minute. That leaves La Tri with just one point and needing a result in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.

I'm confident Germany will win again, but the pre-match betting odds are tight, forcing us into the specials.

Germany -1 goal on the handicap is more appealing, especially after scoring seven against Curacao, four versus Finland, and another four against Switzerland.

Tip: Germany -1 handicap @ 7/4 (bet365)

Bet explanation: Germany must defeat Ecuador by at least two clear goals on Thursday.

Japan v Sweden, Friday, 00:00 BST

Moving on to the eye-catcher from Group F, as Japan and Sweden face a shootout for a spot in the next round. Both nations were involved in high-scoring games on matchday one, with Japan drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands, and Sweden hammering Tunisia 5-1. 

Fans want to see more goals, and I'm confident they'll get their wish. A win and all three points would send either team through, but I'm happy to avoid picking sides and, instead, play the total goals market.

The Japanese scored two goals against the Netherlands and one each against Iceland, England, and Scotland. They'll register a few more goals in this match. 

Sweden hit Tunisia for five, scored two goals past Greece, and found the net when losing 3-1 to Norway on the opening day of the month. Tensions will be running high, but goals are needed. You can bet on over 2.5 goals and hope this match produces at least three goals.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10 (bet365)

Bet explanation: Japan vs Sweden must end with at least 3 goals scored by both teams combined. The match-winner and scorers aren't important.

Egypt v Iran, Saturday, 04:00 BST

Egypt began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a draw against Belgium. The Pharaohs scored first, with Ashour giving his team the advantage inside 20 minutes of play. 

That lead remained until a late own goal brought the teams level. It was a case of two points dropped for Egypt, but we saw many positive signs from the team. I'm backing them to beat Iran and march into the knockout stages of the tournament.

Iran secured a hard-fought and deserved draw with New Zealand in their opener, sharing four goals. In addition to the two goals conceded in that Group G opener, Iran leaked one against Gambia and two against Nigeria in recent appearances. 

Egypt has already scored against Belgium, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the Ivory Coast, and Benin this year. Their odds in the match-winner betting are much better than I expected to find.

Tip: Egypt win @ 21/20 (bet365)

Bet explanation: The odds on Egypt are much better than I expected, making them an easy team to follow. If Egypt outscores Iran, you'll boost your balance.

Uruguay v Spain, Saturday, 01:00 BST

Spain opened their Group H campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde, but responded in emphatic fashion by dominating Saudi Arabia in their second outing. That performance helped ease concerns after a slow start, and the objective now is clear: beat Uruguay in Zapopan and take a major step towards securing top spot in the group.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have struggled to build momentum. After opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, they followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde in the second round. Those results leave La Celeste needing a victory here if they want to finish as group winners.

I'm confident the winner of this match will bag the group, but which side will finish in pole position?

Traders working at the biggest online bookmakers have Spain as their 8/15 favourites, which seems fair. Spain have never lost to Uruguay in 10 meetings. The head-to-head at Flashscore shows Spain enter on five wins, with the other five ending in a draw. Spain also won their last three against Saturday's opponents, with scores of 2-0, 3-1, and 2-1.

Add another Spanish victory to your weekend World Cup accumulators.

Tip: Spain win @ 8/15 (bet365)

Bet explanation: If Spain scores more goals than Uruguay this weekend, you'll land a winner.

Colombia v Portugal, Sunday, 00:30 GMT

Check the updated head-to-head stats available on the Flashscore app, and you'll see that Colombia and Portugal have never met in competitive action. That means, as well as three points, these rivals have a great opportunity to etch their name into the history books.

The Portuguese hit the ground running in the US, scoring inside six minutes against DR Congo. Fans expected the floodgates to open, but the underdogs fought back to snatch a share of the spoils. That makes victory on matchday three even more important for Roberto Martinez and his dreamers.

Cristiano Ronaldo was disappointing against DR Congo, but I'm keeping faith with CR7. Ronaldo is his nation's leading scorer and will be trusted to fire them into the knockout rounds. Visit the bet365 app, and you'll see that Ronaldo is 10/11 to score or assist. That'll do nicely.

Follow this pick, and you'll secure a profit if Ronaldo finds the net or tees up an opponent to score. A screamer from 35 yards pays the same as Cristiano setting up a teammate for a late tap-in.

Tip: Ronaldo to score or assist @ 10/11 (bet365)

Bet explanation: You need Ronaldo to score or provide an assist for a Portuguese goal.