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World Cup Group Stage Preview

The World Cup begins on Thursday, June 11, and will go until July 19. That’s five weeks of soccer, including 48 teams and 104 matches. Games in the United States will be broadcast on the Fox family of networks and live-streamed on Fox One. Here is the TV World Cup Schedule.

On Thursday, Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa from Group A at Mexico City Stadium. The Republic of Korea will face Czechia in the other Group A match at Estadio Guadalajara.

On Friday, June 12, the U.S. is in action against Paraguay in Group D at the Los Angeles Stadium. Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B at Toronto Stadium.

(odds from FanDuel and DraftKings)

Group A (Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia)

Mexico is the favorite to win at -140. They face South Africa, who should be outmatched. Czechia hasn’t been to the World Cup in 20 years. South Korea features Son Heung-Min, who could help carry his team out of this stage.

Group B (Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland)

Canada (+170) has the home-field advantage in Group B. They need to not only beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also run up the score because goal differential could be the difference if their Matchday 3 battle ends in a draw. Switzerland (-126) is the favorite to win this stage and they normally win the Group Stage and do nothing more.

Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland)

This is one of the strongest groups. Scotland is the dark horse here, but Brazil has the most talent and is a -310 favorite. They have star power led by Vincius Junior, with an attacking team in an aggressive 4-2-4 formation. Neymar is still great at 34, but has been hampered by injuries. Scotland’s star player is Scott McTominay.

Group D (U.S, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey) 

USA is at +140 and the slight favorite over Turkey (+175). The U.S. has the home-field advantage, but injuries to Chris Richards could make it tougher. He might miss the opener, but could play by the end of group play. Their star is Christian Pulisic. Turkey lacks a proven striker, but they have a solid history, finishing third in 2002.

Group E (Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao)

Germany (-230) is a heavy favorite here, followed by Ecuador (+350). This is a star-studded German team led by Florian Wirtz. They’ve been inconsistent at times, but do have Manuel Neuer back in goal. Ecuador has a strong defense that allowed just five goals in 18 qualifiers, but lacks consistent scoring.

Group F  (Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden)

On paper, this should be a very entertaining group. Netherlands (-125) is the favorite, but Japan (+250) is scrappy, and Sweden (+450) has talent. The Netherlands scored 27 goals to qualify unbeaten and the defense is strong. They are led by Virgil van Dijk. Japan is led by Takefusa Kubo, but lost Kaoru Mitoma due to injury. Sweden has two elite finishers led by Alexander Isak. But Isak struggled in his first season at Liverpool. Coach Graham Potter just took over last October

Group G (Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand)

Belgium (-220) has an aging core but a strong offense led by Kevin De Bruyne. Their defense is the problem. Egypt is a dark horse here (+400) led by star Mohamed Salah. But defenses will force the others to beat them and double Salah. Iran (+650) could also get an upset win or two.

Group H (Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde)  

Spain (-475) is the big favorite in this Group. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams lead a very talented team that dominates the ball. They will be tough to beat. Uruguay (+400) will need to win with defense, as they like to press their opponents high up the field and chase.

Group I (France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq)

France (-215) doesn’t have an easy draw here, with Norway (+275) being the mix. But they are one of the favorites to win the whole thing. They have one of the best players in the tournament in Kylian Mbappe, but he’s not a one-man team. They have the best bench, front four, and a very good back four. Norway has Erling Haaland and a lot of offensive talent, as they averaged nearly five goals a game in qualifying.

Group J (Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan)

Argentina (-265) is led by Lionel Messi, who helped them win the Cup in 2022. Most of those players are still around, but several had injury setbacks at the end of their seasons with their clubs. Austria (+370) is the dark horse here. A pre-tournament injury to Christoph Baumgartner might slow them down. 

Group K (Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia)

Portugal (-200) is the team to beat in this group. This will be it for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still a strong player at 41. They are also playing for the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in 2025. Colombia (+200) is the dark horse in this group. Luis Diaz leads a strong offense that could certainly make a strong charge here. 

Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama)

England (-280) is the favorite, led by Harry Kane, one of the world’s best players. Defense is a question mark, but this team could go far. Croatia (+320), is the dark horse, led by midfielder Luka Modric, and has loads of experience.

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Upcoming Events at ATS:

• The World Cup starts this Thursday, June 11, and runs through July 19. Consists of 48 teams mainly playing in the United States. It’s the biggest event in the world. 
• UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14. One of the biggest events of the year. This one is at the South Lawn of the White House with two big title fights. 

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