BETTING GUIDE: Australia vs Turkiye, Netherlands vs Japan, World Cup Predictions
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Reading Time: 6min | Sat. 13.06.26. | 12:12
Our World Cup predictions for Group D and Group F matches
BETTING GUIDE: Australia vs Turkiye
Australia and Turkiye begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a crucial Group D clash at BC Place in Vancouver. With USA and Paraguay also in the group, both nations know that a strong start could be the difference between qualification and an early exit.
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The Socceroos are appearing in their sixth consecutive World Cup and will be hoping to build on their Round of 16 finish in Qatar 2022. Turkiye, meanwhile, are back on football's biggest stage for the first time since their remarkable third-place finish in 2002 and arrive in excellent form after an impressive unbeaten run.
Kick-off: 7:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Sunday, 14 June 2026
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Group: Group D
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: A win would provide a major boost in the race for the top two places in Group D. With USA and Paraguay also expected to challenge for qualification, neither side can afford to drop valuable points in their opening fixture.
Form Guide
Australia
➖ Draw vs Switzerland (1-1)
❌ Loss vs Mexico (0-1)
✅ Win vs Curacao (5-1)
✅ Win vs Cameroon (1-0)
❌ Loss vs Colombia (0-3)
Turkiye
✅ Win vs Venezuela (2-1)
✅ Win vs North Macedonia (4-0)
✅ Win vs Kosovo (1-0)
✅ Win vs Romania (1-0)
➖ Draw vs Spain (2-2)
Head-to-Head
The two previous meetings between these nations were both won by Turkiye.
✅ Turkiye 3-1 Australia (2004 Friendly)
✅ Turkiye 1-0 Australia (2004 Friendly)
Team News
Australia
🟡 Harry Souttar – Recently recovered from Achilles injury (fitness concern)
Turkiye
🟡 Kenan Yildiz – Calf injury ( doubt)
🟢 Arda Guler – Recovered from injury and available
Player to Watch: Arda Guler (Turkiye)
Güler arrives at the World Cup as one of Türkiye’s brightest talents and among the most exciting young players in world football. Fully recovered from injury, the creative midfielder will be key to breaking down Australia’s defence with his vision, passing and technical quality.
With Türkiye carrying strong momentum into the tournament, Güler’s influence in the final third could be decisive, and the Real Madrid star has all the attributes to emerge as one of the World Cup’s breakout performers.
Player to Watch: Nestory Irankunda (Australia)
Irankunda is one of Australia’s most exciting young talents and could provide the attacking spark the Socceroos need.
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His pace, direct running and confidence in taking on defenders make him a constant threat on the counterattack. Against a disciplined Türkiye side, Australia may have few clear opportunities, making Irankunda’s explosiveness even more valuable. If the Socceroos are to create danger in the final third, the young winger is likely to be at the heart of it.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Under 2.5 Goals
Three of Australia's last four matches and three of Turkiye's last four competitive games have produced fewer than three goals. A tight and cautious opening group match is expected.
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Turkiye to Win
Turkiye are unbeaten in their last eight matches and have won seven of them, while Australia have lost four of their last seven games.
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Turkiye to Win 2-0
Both teams have been involved in several low-scoring matches recently, and Turkiye's solid defence could help them edge a narrow victory.
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score
• Meshack Kisenge- Turkey Win
• Kevin Teya- Over 2.5
• Sammy Gitahi- Turkey Win
• Brian Odhiambo- Australia 3- 2 Turkey
• Victor Karuga- Both Teams To Score
• Josh Angatia- Turkey Win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling
BETTING GUIDE: Netherlands vs Japan
Finally getting under way at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands and Japan begin their Group F campaign . Both nations arrive at the tournament carrying genuine ambitions of reaching the knockout stages, with Sweden and Tunisia completing what looks like a highly competitive group.
The Netherlands enter the tournament as one of football's traditional powerhouses, appearing at the World Cup for the 12th time. Despite reaching three finals in their history, the Dutch are still searching for their first world title. Ronald Koeman's side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and remain unbeaten in World Cup group-stage matches since 1994, but recent performances have been slightly unconvincing.
Japan, meanwhile, continue to establish themselves as Asia's leading force. The Samurai Blue qualified comfortably for the World Cup, scoring 54 goals during qualifying and conceding only three. Hajime Moriyasu's men arrive in excellent form after winning six consecutive matches, including victories over England and Brazil, and will believe they can challenge one of Europe's elite sides.
Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Sunday, 14 June 2026
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas, USA
Group: Group F
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: With Sweden and Tunisia also in Group F, both teams will view this as a crucial opening fixture. Victory would provide a major boost towards securing one of the top two qualification spots and progressing to the Round of 16.
Form Guide
Netherlands
✅ Win vs Uzbekistan (2-1)
❌ Loss vs Algeria (0-1)
➖ Draw vs Ecuador (1-1)
✅ Win vs Norway (2-1)
✅ Win vs Lithuania (4-0)
Japan
✅ Win vs Iceland (1-0)
✅ Win vs England (1-0)
✅ Win vs Scotland (1-0)
✅ Win vs Bolivia (3-0)
✅ Win vs Ghana (2-0)
Head-to-Head
In the last three meetings, the Netherlands have won two while one match ended in a draw. Japan are still searching for their first victory over the Dutch.
➖ Japan 2-2 Netherlands (2013 Friendly)
✅ Netherlands 1-0 Japan (2010 World Cup)
✅ Netherlands 3-0 Japan (2009 Friendly)
Team News
Netherlands
❌ Bart Verbruggen – Goalkeeper (hip injury, doubtful)
❌ Jurrien Timber – Defender (groin injury, withdrew from squad)
❌ Jerdy Schouten – Midfielder (ACL injury)
❌ Matthijs de Ligt – Defender (injury)
❌ Xavi Simons – Midfielder (injury)
🟢 Memphis Depay available after recovering from a thigh problem.
Japan
❌ Wataru Endo – Midfielder (foot injury, unavailable)
❌ Kaoru Mitoma – Winger (injury, omitted from squad)
🟡 Maya Yoshida – Defender (fitness concern after recent injury scare)
🟢 Yuto Nagatomo available and could make his fifth World Cup appearance.
Player to Watch: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Gakpo enters the World Cup as one of the Netherlands' biggest attacking threats after scoring both goals in their final warm-up match against Uzbekistan.
With Depay still regaining full fitness and several key creative players unavailable, Gakpo's pace, movement and finishing ability could be crucial in helping the Dutch break down Japan's well-organised defence.
Player to Watch: Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
Kubo will be central to Japan's attacking hopes against the Netherlands. The talented playmaker has impressed throughout qualifying and recent friendlies with his dribbling, creativity and vision. With Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo unavailable, Japan will look to Kubo to create chances and inspire a positive result in their World Cup opener.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Under 3.5 Goals
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score – Yes
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Draw 1-1
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score
• Meshack Kisenge- Netherlands Win
• Kevin Teya- Netherlands Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Over 2.5
• Brian Odhiambo- Netherlands 1-0 Japan
• Victor Karuga- Netherlands Win
• Josh Angatia- Netherlands Win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling