Welcome to The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions. This article provides a concise overview of today’s matches, alongside our friendly competition.
Throughout the tournament, two Athletic writers—Andy Jones or Elias Burke—will challenge a different Subscriber each day while “Algo,” The Athletic’s new predictive algorithm, makes its debut. We’ll also feature contributions from a dog named Stanley and a six‑year‑old called Wilfred, reminiscent of last season’s Premier League predictions.
To become a guest subscriber for a day during the tournament, follow the instructions in the article here. Our first guest subscriber is Vinay Das from India, a supporter of Portugal and Manchester United.
How the Predictions Work
We’ll provide background on each game, key players to watch, and team facts before presenting our forecast: a win for one side or a draw. A leaderboard tracks participants’ accuracy, and streaks—consecutive correct predictions—are highlighted in our interactive Soccer Pick’em feature, letting you submit your own picks each round.
Check back daily for leaderboard updates and to see whether you, our subscribers, Stanley, Wilfred, or “Algo” are outperforming us.
Good luck and enjoy the competition!
Explore The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker for stage‑by‑stage likelihoods, a projected bracket of round‑of‑32 matchups, current standings, and additional forecasts.
Predictions for Matchday 1
Mexico vs South Africa – Azteca Stadium, Mexico City | Group A | Kick‑off: 3 pm ET, 8 pm BST
Where to watch: FOX (U.S.), ITV (UK)
Streak Risk: 3 – First matches can surprise, even with Mexico’s home advantage.
Watch Rating: 4 – Opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy sets the stage for an intriguing contest, though high‑quality play may be limited.
The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “The match mirrors the 2010 opening game that saw South Africa’s 1‑1 draw with Mexico, highlighted by Siphiwe Tshabalala’s memorable strike. South Africa, having never progressed beyond the group stage in their four World Cup appearances, will strive to make a strong impact. Mexico, after a revival in warm‑up form—including a 5‑1 win over Serbia and Raul Jiménez’s goal‑scoring prowess—aims to correct last year’s group‑stage exit.
Jack Lang reported confidence that the hosts will secure a comfortable victory.
The Athletic Soccer Experts: Mexico WIN
Guest subscriber Vinay: Mexico WIN
Six‑year‑old Wilfred: Mexico WIN
Stanley the Dog: Mexico WIN
Something: Mexico WIN
The tournament’s opening game will take place at the Azteca in Mexico City (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
South Korea vs Czech Republic – Akron Stadium, Zapopan | Group A | Kick‑off: 10 pm ET, 3 am BST
Where to watch: FS1 (U.S.), ITV (UK)
Streak Rating: 4 – A classic opening match where any outcome is possible, potentially affecting early streaks.
Watch Rating: 3 – A wide‑open group; either side could seize control, but caution may temper excitement.
The Athletic Soccer Experts say: “South Korea seeks a smoother exit than 2014, when a last‑gasp goal against Portugal carried them through. Under Hong Myung‑bo, the squad features global stars such as Lee Kang‑in, Kim Min‑jae, and Son Heung‑min, though current form and minutes played raise questions about readiness. The Czech Republic, returning after a 20‑year absence, displayed resilience in qualification—winning two penalty shootouts and overturning a 2‑0 deficit against Ireland. New coach Miroslav Koubek’s influence and key players like Patrik Schick, Pavel Sulc, and Ladislav Krejci will be decisive.
The Athletic Soccer Experts: DRAW
Guest subscriber Vinay: South Korea WIN
Six‑year‑old Wilfred: South Korea WIN
Stanley the Dog: DRAW
Something: South Korea WIN
LAFC’s Son Heung‑min is a South Korea legend (Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)
Our picks for June 11, 2026.
