World Cup 2026 Groups E–L — Predictions, Odds, and Matches to Watch

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Eight groups, thirty-two teams, and more storylines than any World Cup in history. While the opening four groups command attention through co-host matchups and established rivalries, Groups E through L contain the tournament’s most intriguing competitive balance — defending champions, Euro 2024 winners, and debutants all scrambling for knockout places.

I’ve broken down each group by its defining narrative, the odds that matter, and the matches Canadian fans should prioritise. Some of these fixtures land at perfect viewing times; others require late-night commitment. All of them offer betting angles that the casual observer might miss.

Group E — Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Germany plays in Toronto. That sentence alone justifies Canadian attention to Group E. On June 20, BMO Field hosts Germany versus Ivory Coast — a fixture that brings one of football’s giants to Canada’s largest city. For the Alphonso Davies narrative, this match matters personally: his Bayern Munich connections mean German football media will cover his home tournament extensively.

Die Mannschaft enters as overwhelming favourites, priced at 1.25 to top the group. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has rebuilt German football since taking charge in late 2023, implementing a high-pressing system that produced Euro 2024 semi-final heartbreak against Spain. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz provide the creative spark that makes this Germany side more entertaining than any since the 2014 World Cup winners.

Ivory Coast presents legitimate second-place credentials. The Elephants won AFCON 2024 on home soil, defeating Nigeria in the final after a tournament where they eliminated Senegal and Mali. Sébastien Haller, recovered from his testicular cancer battle, leads the line with the emotional weight of survival behind each goal. The odds have Ivory Coast at 2.50 for qualification — reasonable value given their continental triumph.

Curaçao makes their World Cup debut as the smallest nation (160,000 population) ever to qualify. Their CONCACAF Nations League success earned the spot, and while realistic expectations involve three losses, the occasion itself represents an extraordinary achievement. Ecuador rounds out the group — a side that reached the 2022 World Cup knockout rounds and possesses genuine quality through Moisés Caicedo’s midfield dominance.

My Group E prediction: Germany first (9 points), Ivory Coast second (4 points), Ecuador third (4 points, worse goal difference), Curaçao fourth (0 points). The value bet is Ecuador to qualify at 3.50 — their experience could prove decisive against Ivory Coast in the direct matchup.

Group F — Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group F might produce the tournament’s most entertaining football. Every team attacks. Every team presses. Every match could feature four or five goals. For neutral viewers, this group offers pure entertainment value that the more cautious groups can’t match.

The Netherlands arrive as perpetual dark horses — talented enough to win the whole thing, inconsistent enough to exit in the group stage. Manager Ronald Koeman has stabilised the Oranje since returning for his second stint, building around Frenkie de Jong’s midfield orchestration and Cody Gakpo’s direct wing play. Virgil van Dijk’s presence at the back provides the defensive anchor that previous Dutch generations lacked.

Japan represents Asian football’s strongest claim to genuine World Cup contention. The Samurai Blue stunned Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup, and this squad has improved since then. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has maintained the tactical flexibility that produces upsets — Japan can press high or sit deep depending on opposition, a versatility most Asian sides lack.

Sweden and Tunisia complete a group where any finishing order feels plausible. Sweden qualified through a playoff victory over Austria, relying on Alexander Isak’s Premier League form to provide attacking inspiration. Tunisia reached the AFCON 2024 semi-finals and has become Africa’s most consistent tournament performer. Neither should be dismissed as easy points.

The odds show Netherlands at 1.55 to top the group, Japan at 3.25, Sweden at 5.00, Tunisia at 8.00. For qualification, Japan at 1.60 offers genuine value — they’ve proven they can beat European giants. My prediction: Netherlands first (7 points), Japan second (6 points), Tunisia third (4 points), Sweden fourth (0 points). The Sweden elimination might seem harsh, but their aging squad faces opponents who press relentlessly.

Group G — Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group G carries geopolitical tension that extends beyond football. Iran’s participation remains uncertain as of early April 2026 — their sports minister has stated participation is “impossible” given ongoing conflicts, though FIFA maintains Iran will compete. The uncertainty creates betting market volatility that could produce arbitrage opportunities as the tournament approaches.

Belgium’s golden generation has aged past its peak. Kevin De Bruyne, now 35, remains brilliant but fatigues faster than during his prime. Romelu Lukaku has struggled to recapture consistent form since his Inter Milan departure. Manager Domenico Tedesco has tried to transition toward younger players — Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere — but the integration remains incomplete.

Egypt presents Mohamed Salah’s likely final World Cup opportunity. The Liverpool legend, approaching 34, has carried Egyptian football for a decade without major tournament success. Egypt’s AFCON 2025 final loss to Ivory Coast added another near-miss to Salah’s collection. Their betting odds — 3.00 for qualification — suggest bookmakers see genuine upset potential.

New Zealand returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they drew all three group matches (including a 1-1 against eventual champions Italy). The All Whites lack individual stars but possess the collective organisation that produces stubborn results. Chris Wood provides Premier League experience at striker, while goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic has developed into one of Oceania’s finest.

My Group G prediction: Belgium first (7 points), Egypt second (5 points), Iran third (4 points, if they participate), New Zealand fourth (1 point). The value angle is Egypt to win the group at 5.00 — if Belgium shows their age early, Salah could seize the moment.

Group H — Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Spain enters as Euro 2024 champions and deserving tournament favourites. Lamine Yamal — still a teenager — has already achieved more than most players manage in careers. His partnership with Pedri and Gavi creates a midfield triangle that opponents simply cannot handle. Manager Luis de la Fuente has achieved what previous Spanish coaches couldn’t: combining tiki-taka possession with genuine attacking directness.

Uruguay represents South America’s best chance for a deep run outside of Argentina and Brazil. Darwin Núñez has matured from chaotic finisher to clinical striker during his Liverpool tenure. Federico Valverde’s midfield energy disrupts opponents before they establish rhythm. Marcelo Bielsa’s influence — he managed Uruguay until late 2025 — remains visible in their pressing patterns.

Cabo Verde makes their World Cup debut as Group H’s feel-good story. This island nation of 600,000 qualified through Africa’s expanded pathway, defeating Nigeria over two legs in the playoff final. Their MLS contingent — several players compete for Vancouver and Toronto — gives them North American familiarity that could prove valuable.

Saudi Arabia disappointed as 2022 World Cup hosts after their famous opening match victory over Argentina, losing their remaining two group games. This squad has slightly less talent than that vintage, but the experience of playing in a major tournament should prevent the post-upset collapse that plagued them four years ago.

My prediction: Spain first (9 points), Uruguay second (6 points), Saudi Arabia third (3 points), Cabo Verde fourth (0 points). The value bet is Uruguay to top the group at 4.50 — Núñez’s form could produce a scoring run that overwhelms even Spain’s defence.

Group I — France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

France’s pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles begins in Group I. Kylian Mbappé, now wearing Real Madrid white, has become the undisputed best player on the planet following Messi’s semi-retirement. The supporting cast — Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani — provides the depth that tournament success requires.

Manager Didier Deschamps continues his remarkable run as French coach, having led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup and 2022 final. His pragmatic approach draws criticism from purists but delivers results that aesthetic football often doesn’t. France are priced at 1.20 to top Group I — near certainty.

Senegal arrives as Africa’s most consistent World Cup performer of the modern era. They reached the 2022 quarter-finals, losing narrowly to England, and won AFCON 2022 with many of the same players. Sadio Mané remains the attacking focal point despite his Saudi league move, while Édouard Mendy provides goalkeeping excellence.

Norway’s qualification ends a 26-year World Cup absence — their last appearance was 1998. Erling Haaland finally gets his major tournament moment, having missed both Euro 2020 and 2024 due to Norway’s failure to qualify. The Manchester City striker will be desperate to prove his club dominance translates to international success. Martin Ødegaard’s creativity from midfield gives Norway genuine playmaking quality.

Iraq’s return to the World Cup — their first since 1986 — represents Asian football’s expanded presence. Their Asian Cup 2023 semi-final run demonstrated defensive organisation that could frustrate opponents. Expect Iraq to compete for third place rather than qualification, but they won’t be embarrassed.

My prediction: France first (9 points), Norway second (5 points), Senegal third (4 points), Iraq fourth (1 point). The Haaland factor pushes Norway above Senegal — his ability to score from limited chances provides an edge that Mané’s current form can’t match.

Group J — Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

The defending champions face a group that should pose minimal threat. Argentina’s squad has barely changed since their 2022 triumph — Lionel Messi remains the captain, though his minutes will be carefully managed given his age (turning 39 during the tournament). Whether Messi plays all group matches or rests for knockout rounds will dominate pre-match coverage.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has maintained Argentina’s winning culture without becoming dependent on Messi’s brilliance. Julián Álvarez has emerged as a genuine star, his Manchester City success translating directly to international performances. Enzo Fernández provides midfield control that allows Argentina to dominate possession against all but the very best opponents.

Algeria represents North African football’s pride after Morocco’s 2022 success raised expectations across the region. The Desert Foxes qualified comfortably from their African group, relying on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Riyad Mahrez remains their talisman despite reduced playing time at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.

Austria brings Bundesliga quality and tactical discipline under manager Ralf Rangnick, whose pressing philosophy has transformed Austrian football since his 2022 appointment. Marcel Sabitzer and Christoph Baumgartner provide the goal threat, while David Alaba — if recovered from his knee injury — anchors the defence.

Jordan debuts as Asia’s fairytale story, having reached the 2024 Asian Cup final as massive underdogs before losing to Qatar. Their defensive organisation frustrated Japan, South Korea, and Iraq throughout that tournament. Yazan Al-Naimat leads the attacking line with a poacher’s instinct that produces goals from half-chances.

My prediction: Argentina first (9 points), Austria second (4 points), Algeria third (4 points, worse goal difference), Jordan fourth (0 points). The value bet is Austria to qualify at 2.20 — Rangnick’s system produces results that individual talent comparisons wouldn’t predict.

Group K — Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup. Whatever your opinion of the man, his sixth tournament appearance deserves acknowledgment. Whether Ronaldo starts — he’s now 41 — depends on form, fitness, and manager Roberto Martínez’s tolerance for managing his ego. Portugal’s younger generation (Rafael Leão, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos) has the talent to win without him.

Colombia enters Group K as the most dangerous unseeded team. Their Copa América 2024 final appearance against Argentina demonstrated genuine quality, with James Rodríguez producing vintage performances that suggested reports of his decline were premature. Luis Díaz provides the attacking thrust from Liverpool, while Jhon Durán’s emergence offers youthful dynamism.

DR Congo qualifies for just their second World Cup, the first since 1974 (when they competed as Zaire). Congolese football has produced Premier League stars — Yannick Bolasie, Chancel Mbemba — but never assembled a squad capable of tournament success. This generation might be different.

Uzbekistan makes their World Cup debut following an impressive Asian qualification campaign. Their domestic league has improved substantially, and several players now compete in top European divisions. Expect disciplined defending and set-piece danger.

My prediction: Portugal first (7 points), Colombia second (7 points, worse goal difference), DR Congo third (2 points), Uzbekistan fourth (1 point). The value angle is Colombia to win the group at 4.00 — if Ronaldo’s presence creates Portuguese dysfunction, Colombia could capitalise.

Group L — England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England fans will fill Toronto pubs on June 17 when Ghana faces Panama at BMO Field — a fixture that occurs in Canada despite involving no Canadian teams. The proximity to the US border means thousands of English supporters will cross from Buffalo and Detroit, creating atmospheres that might feel more European than North American.

The Three Lions remain perpetual nearly-men despite boasting one of the tournament’s strongest squads. Jude Bellingham’s emergence as a global superstar has added attacking midfield brilliance that previous England generations lacked. Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer provide depth that manager Gareth Southgate can rotate without losing quality.

Croatia’s golden generation makes what might be their final major tournament push. Luka Modrić, now 40, anchors a midfield that still contains Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić. Their 2018 final appearance and 2022 third-place finish demonstrate tournament pedigree that England has failed to match despite superior individual talent.

Ghana returns after their 2022 World Cup group exit, where they showed fight without securing results. Mohammed Kudus’ Premier League emergence gives them a genuine star around whom to build. Panama’s second World Cup appearance comes eight years after their debut — Roman Torres’ overtime goal against Costa Rica in 2017 qualifying remains Panamanian football’s defining moment.

My prediction: England first (7 points), Croatia second (5 points), Ghana third (4 points), Panama fourth (1 point). England finally breaks through at 1.60 to top the group — their depth advantage proves decisive across three matches.

Groups with Matches in Toronto and Vancouver

For Canadian fans who want to attend matches beyond Group B, several fixtures occur at BMO Field and BC Place. Group E brings Germany to Toronto on June 20. Group L places Ghana versus Panama in Toronto on June 17. Group G’s New Zealand versus Egypt match lands in Vancouver on June 21.

These fixtures offer opportunities to experience World Cup football without competing for Canada tickets. Germany versus Ivory Coast should be particularly accessible — despite Germany’s fanbase, the international travel required will limit their supporter numbers. Tickets for that fixture have remained available longer than comparable matches in US venues.

The knockout rounds bring additional Toronto and Vancouver fixtures. BC Place hosts Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches, while BMO Field stages Round of 32 games. The bracket structure determines which teams might arrive in Canadian venues for those fixtures.