The 2026 World Cup continues on Friday as the United States looks to ensure it’s heading to the knockout rounds. The winner of Groups C and D could be decided before the final group stage games take place. Or, in a more likely scenario, one or both groups will be up in the air on the final day of group play.
Here’s what you need to know for Day 9 of the World Cup.
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Friday, June 19 | 3 p.m. ET | Seattle | TV: Fox
Odds: USA (-170), Australia (+440), Tie (+330)
The dream scenario for both teams is straightforward. A win coupled with a draw in the Paraguay vs. Türkiye game later in the day means that whoever gets all three points is the Group D winner. The U.S. could still clinch the group in Matchday 3 on Thursday with a win and a win by Paraguay. Australia can do the same with a win and a win by Türkiye because this is the first World Cup employing head-to-head results as a tiebreaker.
A draw is an unsatisfying result for either team, but also probably ensures that both will move on to the Round of 32. Remember, eight of the 12 third-place teams will advance to the knockout rounds.
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After the way it demolished Paraguay, anything less than a win is a disappointment for the United States, too. Even without Christian Pulisic. He seems on track to play — or at least log some minutes — after managing a left calf issue all week. If Pulisic doesn’t start or play, could Gio Reyna take his spot on the wing?
Australia will be out to prove that its 2-0 win over the Turks was not a fluke. The Aussies have never made the knockout rounds in successive World Cup appearances.
Scotland vs. Morocco
Friday, June 19 | 6 p.m. ET | Foxborough, Ma. | TV: Fox
Odds: Scotland (+450), Morocco (-145), Tie (+260)
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Scotland got a massive three points against Haiti in its World Cup opener and will be desperate for a fourth point — or more — before its game with Brazil to end the group stage. The Scots are in their ninth World Cup and first since 1998. They’ve never made it past the group stage.
Four points is probably enough to push past that benchmark in this expanded tournament, assuming Brazil doesn’t run roughshod.
Morocco, meanwhile, is actually behind Scotland in the Group C table after its draw with Brazil to open the tournament. Morocco was not only well-organized in defense against Brazil, but it was dangerous down the flanks with fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. Can Scotland keep them at bay while also holding up in midfield without Billy Gilmour?
Brazil vs. Haiti
Friday, June 19 | 9 p.m. ET | Philadelphia | TV: Fox
Odds: Brazil (-1100), Haiti (+2200), Tie (+1000)
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Brazil is a massive favorite and will be looking for a better attacking effort than it put forth against Morocco. Will the starting lineup look different against Haiti? It didn’t seem a coincidence that Brazil was better in the second half in midfield after Fabinho replaced Casemiro at halftime.
34-year-old star Neymar is out for Brazil for a second straight game as he manages a calf injury. He was on the sidelines of the draw with Morocco but did not travel with the team.
Haiti had 15 shots against Scotland and had the majority of possession following John McGinn‘s 28th-minute winner. However, just two of Haiti’s 15 shots were on target. Seven of those attempts came from the middle of the field outside the penalty box. Can Haiti find some more attacking diversity against Brazil?
Türkiye vs. Paraguay
Friday, June 19 | 12 a.m. ET | Santa Clara, Ca. | TV: FS1
Odds: Türkiye (+100), Paraguay (+300), Tie (+230)
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Friday’s nightcap could feature some desperate soccer. The loser of this game could be eliminated from the knockout rounds if the U.S. and Australia tie earlier in the day. Even if the first game features a winner, the loser could be facing a lame-duck final group game.
Türkiye was a trendy pick as a dark horse ahead of the tournament but couldn’t find the back of the net against Australia as Socceroos goalie Patrick Beach had eight saves. It’s the first World Cup appearance for Türkiye since it made the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup.
Kenan Yıldız came on at halftime for Turkiye and could be in the starting lineup Friday night. He took six shots in his 49 minutes and also had 59 touches in the second half.
Paraguay’s loss to the United States was just the fourth time since World Cup qualifying began in the fall of 2023 that it had given up more than one goal in a game and the first time in those 22 games that it had allowed more than two goals. It was a shocking display from a side that’s accustomed to keeping opponents out of the back of the net despite ceding possession. Paraguay hardly has the ball more than its opponents. You can count on Türkiye controlling the tempo and Paraguay looking to strike on the counter.
