BETTING GUIDE: USA vs Australia, Scotland vs Morocco World Cup predictions
Reading Time: 5min | Fri. 19.06.26. | 08:39
USA and Morocco could secure next round qualification with wins
BETTING GUIDE: USA vs Australia
Two of Group D’s early pace-setters collide in Seattle as co-hosts USA take on Australia in a match that could determine who finishes top of the group. Both nations made emphatic statements on Matchday One, collecting impressive victories and putting themselves in strong positions to reach the knockout stages.
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The USA produced one of the standout performances of the opening round, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 with a dominant attacking display. Australia also exceeded expectations, upsetting Turkey 2-0 thanks to a disciplined defensive performance and clinical finishing.
With qualification potentially within touching distance, both teams will be eager to build on their strong starts.
Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Friday, 19 June 2026
Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
Group: Group D
Current standings: USA 1st (3 points, +3 GD), Australia 2nd (3 points, +2 GD)
Qualification implications: Victory for either side would move them to six points and put them on the verge of qualifying for the Round of 32. The winner would also take a significant step towards finishing top of Group D.
Form Guide
USA
✅ Win vs Paraguay (4-1)
❌ Loss vs Germany (1-2)
✅ Win vs Senegal (3-2)
❌ Loss vs Portugal (0-2)
❌ Loss vs Belgium (2-5)
Australia
✅ Win vs Turkey (2-0)
➖ Draw vs Switzerland (1-1)
❌ Loss vs Mexico (0-1)
✅ Win vs Curacao (5-1)
✅ Win vs Cameroon (1-0)
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Head-to-Head
USA have won the last two meetings between the sides.
✅ USA 2-1 Australia (2025 Friendly)
✅ USA 3-1 Australia (2010 Friendly)
➖ Australia 0-0 USA (2005 Friendly)
✅ Australia 1-3 USA (2001 Confederations Cup)
➖ USA 0-0 Australia (1998 Friendly)
Team News
USA
🟡 Christian Pulisic – Doubtful after suffering a calf knock against Paraguay.
🟢 Giovanni Reyna – Available and pushing for a starting role after scoring off the bench.
🟢 Folarin Balogun – Fully fit after scoring twice in the opener.
Australia
🟢 Patrick Beach – Available after an outstanding debut performance.
🟢 Connor Metcalfe – Fit and expected to start.
🟢 Tete Yengi – Pushing for a starting role after Mohamed Toure's quiet display.
Player to Watch: Folarin Balogun (USA)
Balogun heads into this clash full of confidence after scoring twice in the USA’s impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
The striker showcased his intelligent movement, clinical finishing and composure in front of goal, becoming just the second American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. With Australia expected to defend deep and look to counterattack, Balogun’s knack for finding space inside the box could be decisive, making him the USA’s biggest attacking threat heading into this crucial Group D encounter.
Player to Watch: Nestory Irankunda (Australia)
Nestory Irankunda impressed in Australia’s 2-0 win over Turkey, opening the scoring and repeatedly troubling defenders with his explosive pace and direct attacking runs. The young winger offers the Socceroos a vital outlet on the counterattack and has the ability to turn a match with a single moment of quality. Against a dominant USA side expected to control possession, Irankunda’s speed and aggression in transition could be Australia’s most dangerous weapon, and his influence may be key if they are to claim another positive result.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): USA to Win
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): USA to Win 2-1
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno-USA Win
• Meshack Kisenge- USA Win
• Kevin Teya- USA Win
• Sammy Gitahi- USA Win
• Brian Odhiambo- USA Win
• Victor Karuga- USA Win
• Josh Angatia-USA Win and Over 1.5
BETTING GUIDE: Scotland vs Morocco
Scotland and Morocco lock horns in a crucial Group C encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both nations eyeing a giant step towards qualification for the knockout stages.
The Tartan Army arrive full of confidence after edging Haiti 1-0 in their opening match, securing their first World Cup victory in 36 years and moving to the top of the group standings.
Morocco, meanwhile, produced one of the standout performances of the opening round by holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw.
The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, once again showed why they are regarded as one of the strongest teams outside the traditional football powerhouses. With both teams carrying attacking threats and qualification stakes extremely high, this promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of Matchday Two.
Kick-off: 1:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Friday, 19 June 2026
Venue: Gillette Stadium
Group: Group C
Current standings:
Scotland – 3 points
Morocco – 1 point
Scotland can secure qualification for the Round of 32 with a victory and could even seal top spot if Brazil fail to beat Haiti. Morocco cannot mathematically qualify with a win, but three points would place them in a commanding position heading into their final group match against Haiti.
Form Guide
Scotland
✅ Win vs Haiti (1-0)
✅ Win vs Bolivia (4-0)
✅ Win vs Curacao (4-1)
❌ Loss vs Côte d'Ivoire (0-1)
❌ Loss vs Japan (0-1)
Morocco
➖ Draw vs Brazil (1-1)
➖ Draw vs Norway (1-1)
✅ Win vs Madagascar (4-0)
✅ Win vs Burundi (5-0)
✅ Win vs Paraguay (2-1)
Head-to-Head
✅ Morocco 3-0 Scotland (1998 World Cup)
This is only the second-ever meeting between the two nations.
Team News
Scotland
❌ Billy Gilmour – Out for the tournament (injury)
🟡 Scott McKenna – Calf injury, doubtful
Morocco
✅ No major injury concerns reported
🟢 Ismael Saibari fit and available after scoring against Brazil
Player to Watch: Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
Ismael Saibari comes into this match full of confidence after scoring against Brazil in Morocco's opening game. The talented attacking midfielder has been one of Morocco's standout performers in 2026, and his creativity, movement and eye for goal could be crucial as the Atlas Lions look to break down Scotland's defence.
Bets
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Morocco Double Chance (Win or Draw)
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams To Score (BTTS) – Yes
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Morocco to Win 2-1
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno-MoroccoWin
• Meshack Kisenge-Morocco Win
• Kevin Teya- Over 2.5
• Sammy Gitahi- Morocco Win
• Brian Odhiambo-Morocco Win
• Victor Karuga- Morocco Win
• Josh Angatia- Morocco Win or draw
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling