Brad's Picks (2 Live)
This is an intriguing match-up between two clubs hoping to get off to a flying start to the 2026 World Cup. I like the under in this match. First and foremost, the under has hit in 10 of Uruguay's last 13 matches. They should be able to keep Saudi Arabia out of the back of the net. I also think it’s going to be very hot and humid in Miami when these two teams play. The weather could influence the pace of this match. Factor in really good defending from Uruguay, and this match could be terribly low scoring.
This is one that I am more than willing to be wrong about. I plan on actively fading this Dutch team a few times in the tournament. Due to the slew of injuries this Japanese side faces, I’m only taking a small position on Japan. Right now, I think the Netherlands are slightly overrated in the market. In the same vein, Japan is underrated. This is a Japan side that beat England, Scotland, and Brazil in the lead up to the World Cup. From a tactical standpoint, Japan should be able to exploit the Dutch high line, get behind it, and capitalize.
Typically, I wouldn’t love laying big numbers like this, but Germany should feast against a Curaçao team that has been outscored 11-2 over its last three matches. Giving up two goals to China while failing to score is embarrassing enough, but Curaçao also conceded five to Australia and four to Scotland. This feels like a team coming into the World Cup ready to celebrate a great qualification story, but not necessarily one built to slow down a high-octane Germany side. Defensively, Curaçao should struggle badly here, especially against a Germany team that will be eager to put the failures of the last World Cup behind them.
Brazil have so much attacking talent and such a storied history that people may be too quick to overlook Morocco. This is a Morocco team that made it to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and proved they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. They play a strong, physical brand of football. They don’t allow much space, and they don’t let individuals beat them with ease. Brazil may be the more talented side, but this match should be closer than the market suggests. There is value on Morocco double chance.
Don’t call me a homer with this bet, but I think the USA is a talented enough team to win their opening match. They are dangerous in front of net with Folarin Balogun. When he’s on, he’s a rocket ship. Weston McKinnie will be extra influential to this team as well. Let’s not forget about Christian Pulisic. Captain America had a rough domestic season but he always shines when donning the Stars and Stripes. USA wins.
I don’t rate Czechia all that high. I hate to say it but “who have they beaten!?” South Korea aren’t perfect, especially defensively. But, their attack is enough for me to believe they stay in this match. Son, Lee Kang-In, Hwang, three formidable members of the attack. I love how this South Korea team presses with aggression and never plays themselves out of matches. If their defense is on, they win in a big way.
We have the opening match of the tournament, and all eyes will be on Mexico. That also means South Africa should feel just about all of the pressure in this spot. For me, this is an easy under bet unless Mexico goes out and wins 3-0. South Africa simply do not create enough going forward, and now they have to play Mexico in Mexico, in front of what should be a wild crowd. The surprise is that South Africa are good enough defensively to keep Mexico from completely running wild. I don’t think they offer enough to threaten consistently, but I do think they can make Mexico work for everything. My projected scoreline is 2-0 Mexico, which keeps me firmly on the under.