World Cup predictions: Expert picks for every game today

It's Monday, June 29 at the World Cup, where another three games are set to kick off across Round of 32 and USA TODAY's soccer experts have locked in their picks and analysis for all the action.

The 2026 World Cup is the largest ever, and USA TODAY is going all in with reporters on the ground in all 16 host cities across three countries to cover 48 teams vying for the trophy. Get our World Cup: Extra Time newsletter in your inbox every morning and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest updates right in your texts.

All games are being broadcast in the United States on Fox and FS1. Matches will also be broadcast in Spanish throughout the entirety of the World Cup on Telemundo and streaming on Peacock .

Let's get to the picks.

All times Eastern and accurate as of Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 11:37 p.m.

Brazil vs. Japan

Time/TV: 1:00 PM, Fox

Brazil and Japan meet in Houston on Monday in the 2026 World Cups round of 32, with the winner taking a giant step forward in the knockout stage.

Five-time champion Brazil hasn't won it all since 2002, getting dumped in the quarterfinals four times out of the last five World Cups. Meanwhile, Japan has become a regular in the knockout stage, now getting out of its group three tournaments in a row. Brazil won its group with two wins and a draw, while Japan finished runner-up to advance with two draws and a win.

The winner of this match will face Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16 at MetLife Stadium on July 5.

Seth Vertelney: Brazil 1-1 Japan (Brazil wins on pens)

This is not a good matchup for either side to start the knockouts, but Brazil may be able to just sneak through after a close match.

Jon Arnold: Brazil 2-1 Japan

What a brutal draw for both squads, as the tournament either will lose the flair and history of Brazil or the pattern play and discipline of Japan. Brazil has just enough to get two past Japan and move on.

Jesse Yomtov: Brazil 2-1 Japan

This matchup isn't ideal for either team, but the five-time champions will find some magic to break through against a disciplined Japan side looking to win a knockout game for the first time.

Victoria Hernandez: Brazil 2-1 Japan

It will be truly sad to lose either of these teams! But Vini Jr. is excelling and Neymar's return should give the Selecao a boost.

Germany vs. Paraguay

Time/TV: 4:30 PM, Fox

Germany, the winners of Group E, and Paraguay, the third-place team in Group D meet near Boston in a knockout match, both hoping to move on to what could be a daunting round of 16 match with France.

While Germany won its group with a 7-1 win over Curacao and a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast, the former world champions are bouncing back from a defeat. Manager Julian Nagelsmann put a strong lineup on the field for the final group match against Ecuador, but despite an early goal from Leroy Sane, Germany conceded twice and fell 2-1. Center back Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the rest of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury against the Ivory Coast, and while Jonathan Tah and Antonio Ruddier make for a good pairing, there are questions about Joshua Kimmich on the right side and Felix Nmecha in the middle after they disappointed in the match against Ecuador.

Now, Paraguay will try to trip up Germany just like their South American rivals did, likely leaning on manager Gustavo Alfaros conservative style. Things got out of hand in the opener against the United States, but since that 4-1 loss Paraguay havent conceded, beating Turkey 1-0 and qualifying for the round of 32 thanks to a scoreless draw with Australia.

Paraguay may try to get this game going as long as possible and even take it to the penalty spot, though with Miguel Almiron back from suspension, the attacker and forward Julio Enciso also will try to take their chances when opportunities present themselves.

Seth Vertelney: Germany 2-1 Paraguay

This German side has too much quality for a Paraguayan team which was gritty in the group phase, but lacked much attacking thrust.

Jon Arnold: Germany 1-0 Paraguay

I think this could be a pretty grimey game, with Paraguay looking to force extra time and kicks, but Germany lacking the crispness going forward needed to break down a Gustavo Alfaro side. They may just get a late one on a set piece.

Jesse Yomtov: Germany 4 - 0 Paraguay

Kai Havertz scores a pair and Germany kicks it into high gear to set up a round of 16 date with France.

Victoria Hernandez: Germany 3-0 Paraguay

Germany was one of the more dominant teams in the group stage. Manager Julian Nagelsmann is a young gun with something to prove and his journey won't slow here.

Netherlands vs. Morocco

Time/TV: 9:00 PM, Fox

Netherlands, the winner of Group F, and Morocco, the runner-up of Group C, will face off in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday, June 29 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Netherlands, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, grabbed the crown of their group starting with a 2-2 draw with Japan. They then made a statement by beating Sweden 5-1 and finishing strong with a 3-1 win over Tunisia. Brian Brobbey leads the Oranje with three goals. They have been runners-up in the tournament three times.

Morocco made noise in the same group as Brazil to advance to the knockout rounds yet again. They opened their competition with a 1-1 draw with Selecao. They then beat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2. Ismael Saibari is the leading scorer with three goals. The Atlas Lions made it to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup where they lost to France 0-2. It was their farthest run in the competition.

This year, there is a record 48 teams in the World Cup, which created the round of 32 for the first time.

Seth Vertelney: Netherlands 2-1 Morocco

The Netherlands has found its attacking rhythm through Brian Brobbey, giving it the focal point it needs to open up space for its other options to do damage.

Jon Arnold: Netherlands 2-0 Morocco

A Herculean showing from the Dutch defense will shut down Morocco, while new talismen Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville fire the Netherlands through.

Jesse Yomtov: Netherlands 2 - 1 Morocco (extra time)

This Dutch attack looks better than it has in years but it's the Virgil van Dijk and the defense that will deliver the side to the round of 16.

Victoria Hernandez: Netherlands 2-1 Morocco

Netherlands has a well-rounded offense that is feeling confident enough to launch into the round of 16.

World Cup match odds on June 29

World Cup standings

Explore live group standings, stats and the updated bracket with USA TODAY Sports here.

World Cup key dates

• Group Stage: June 11-June 27
• Round of 32 : June 28-July 3
• Round of 16 : July 4-7
• Quarterfinals : July 9-11
• Semifinals : July 14-15
• Third-place game : July 18 (Miami Gardens, Florida)
• Final : July 19 (East Rutherford, New Jersey)