{"id":172162,"date":"2026-06-22T14:38:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T14:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/172162\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T14:38:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T14:38:15","slug":"world-cup-predictions-argentina-vs-austria-france-vs-iraq-and-the-rest-of-matchday-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/172162\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup predictions: Argentina vs Austria, France vs Iraq and the rest of matchday 12"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Athletic has live coverage of Argentina vs Austria<\/a> at the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Welcome to The Athletic\u2019s daily World Cup Predictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article gives you the lowdown on all today\u2019s games, but with the bonus of some friendly competition\u2026<\/p>\n

Throughout the tournament, we will have two Athletic writers (Andy Jones or Elias Burke \u2014 with help from our experts from each of the 48 countries) pitting our soccer knowledge against a different Athletic subscriber each day and \u201cAlgo\u201d, the shiny new algorithm from The Athletic, which is making its computerised debut during the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Oh, and a dog called Stanley and a six-year-old called Wilfred (who some of you may remember from last season\u2019s Premier League predictions).<\/p>\n

Our guest subscriber today is JT from the United States, who supports the USMNT and Manchester United. Good luck!<\/p>\n

If you would like to apply to be our guest subscriber for a day during this tournament, please follow the instructions in the article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What happened on Matchday 11?<\/p>\n

Not even Stanley, who has a penchant for backing the underdog, could foresee Spain dropping points against one of the tournament\u2019s minnows, and we all breathed a light sigh of relief when it was announced Lamine Yamal would start for the European champions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

From that point, it seemed there was only going to be one winner, a feeling that increased after he slid in at the far post to put Spain 1-0 ahead against Saudi Arabia. Spain went into the first drinks break 3-0 up, allowing Luis de la Fuente to rest the 18-year-old in the second half and help ensure he is properly conditioned for the knockouts. They eventually won 4-0 \u2014 a perfect start all round for the predictors.<\/p>\n

\"Lamine<\/p>\n

\n Yamal started and starred for Spain (Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

But Stanley\u2019s risk-taking nature paid dividends in the next game, as Belgium and Iran drew 0-0. After their opening day 1-1 draw with Egypt, the rest of us predicted Rudi Garcia\u2019s Belgium would record their first win of the tournament against Iran, whose build-up had been disrupted by the conflict with the United States.<\/a> However, Iran, who are 22nd in FIFA\u2019s world rankings, were formidable. They probably had the better chances to win the game and had a goal ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside. Chapeau, Stanley, this was a good call to get tails wagging.<\/p>\n

Results from June 21, 2026<\/p>\n

Unlike Spain, Uruguay were in no mood to repay the faith our sample had placed in them as they drew 2-2 with Cape Verde<\/a>. The debutants drew with Spain in their opener, too, and a win against Saudi Arabia would guarantee progression into the knockouts, which would be a remarkable accomplishment. The 63rd-ranked side took the lead against Uruguay before fighting back from 2-1 down, impressing once again with their ability to soak up pressure and use the ball intelligently in their sporadic spells of possession.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for everyone but Stanley, most of us got back to winning ways in the day\u2019s final fixture, as favourites Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver after going behind inside 15 minutes. Icon Mohamed Salah registered a goal and an assist as he continues to look dangerous in a relatively new role, playing off the striker as a No 10.<\/p>\n

With two correct predictions all round, it was an acceptable day for everyone at Predictions HQ. Not least Algo (25), who continues to lead the experts (23) by two, while Wilfred and the readers come in slightly behind on 21.<\/p>\n

\tOverall
accuracyCorrect
picksBest
streakThe algorithm63%256TA experts57%234Wilfred (age 6)53%215Reader picks53%214Stanley the dog40%163 <\/p>\n

\t\tHow do the predictions work?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s pretty simple: we will give you some background on each game, players to watch and facts on the two teams. Then we will predict the outcome: a WIN for one of the two teams, or a DRAW.<\/p>\n

We will maintain a leaderboard of how everyone gets on with their predictions (ranked by the percentage they get correct) and a record of \u201cstreaks\u201d \u2014 the number of predictions everyone gets right in a row. These streaks form a crucial part of The Athletic\u2019s interactive Soccer Pick\u2019Ems feature<\/a>, allowing you to make your own picks every round as well.<\/p>\n

So come along and get involved, and check back each day to see how we are getting on in the leaderboard, and probably more importantly, whether you, the subscribers, or Stanley or Wilfred are beating us.<\/p>\n

Or, worst of all, whether \u2018Algo\u2019\u00a0can prove data and statistics know all when it comes to predicting.<\/p>\n

Good luck, and enjoy!<\/p>\n

Why not try The Athletic\u2019s\u00a0World Cup Tracker<\/a>, where you can find a forecast projecting the likelihood that each team will progress through each stage of the tournament, along with a bracket<\/a>\u00a0projecting the most likely round of 32 matchups,\u00a0current standings<\/a> and a bunch of other neat forecasts and scenarios.<\/p>\n

Predictions for Matchday 12Argentina vs Austria, Group J, kick-off 1pm ET, 6pm BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: Fox (U.S.), BBC (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 3\/5. Austria are a strong team in good form, so Argentina would be wise to approach them as they would a round-of-16 or quarter-final opponent. Potential banana skin. <\/p>\n

Watch Rating: 4\/5. A side of Lionel Messi at dinner time is a privilege European fans have sorely missed after his transfer to Inter Miami in 2023, so every moment watching the GOAT in sociable hours (on both sides of the pond) should be cherished. <\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cAfter making light work of Algeria, this is a real test of Argentina\u2019s credentials. Austria, meanwhile, made light work of qualification and are on a four-game winning streak. <\/p>\n

\u201cSince former Manchester United head coach Ralf Rangnick took the reins in 2022, Austria have established themselves as one of Europe\u2019s most competitive teams, with a strong, clear identity with and without the ball, and were highly impressive at Euro 2024 before being eliminated prematurely by Turkey in the round of 16. They made tougher work of Jordan than many expected, eventually winning 3-1, but they are perhaps a side suited to playing against teams that look to dominate possession.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n Lionel Messi has equalled the World Cup scoring record (Roberto Schmidt\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cBut while Argentina are expected to try to do exactly that, they have Messi, the football cheat code. His wondrous hat-trick in the opening game was a reminder that he may still be the best player in the world, even on the eve of turning 39 and having played in MLS for three years. His football brain and technique are just that good. While he\u2019s fit and firing, Argentina are among the top tier of favourites to win it all, but he may need a bit more from his supporting cast in this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: ARGENTINA WIN<\/p>\n

Guest subscriber JT: ARGENTINA WIN<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred: ARGENTINA WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the Dog: ARGENTINA WIN<\/p>\n

Algo: ARGENTINA WIN<\/p>\n

France vs Iraq, Group I, kick-off 5pm ET, 10pm BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: Fox (U.S.), BBC (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 1\/5. If this World Cup has taught us anything, it\u2019s never to write off an underdog, but France have enough firepower to overwhelm even the best defences. <\/p>\n

Watch Rating: 3\/5. OK, so what if France head coach Didier Deschamps decides to rest Michael Olise and Desire Doue? He can replace them with Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki, who are just as joyous to watch. No downsides to this one\u2026 unless you\u2019re an Iraq fan. <\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cIn the lead-up to this game, France released a video on their social platforms of Deschamps addressing his players before a training session. In it, he advised his team to be wary of Iraq\u2019s threat, noting they had drawn against Spain in a pre-tournament friendly and had been competitive against Norway in their World Cup opener until the game\u2019s final moments. It felt earnest and genuine, and perhaps, having seen Spain draw 0-0 to Cape Verde, a useful reminder that nothing should be taken as a given at a World Cup. Truthfully, it reflects that they know as well as anyone that Iraq are not in the same football stratosphere. France may have one of the most talented attacking line-ups in World Cup history.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no slight on Iraq that we give them a near-zero chance of a result against France. In full flight, Deschamps\u2019 side do not have an equal in terms of talent at this tournament, and they have players and profiles to expose any defensive structure.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n France\u2019s head coach Didier Deschamps, here with Kylian Mbappe, has been very respectful of Iraq (Franck Fife\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cIraq may take some encouragement from France\u2019s lacklustre first-half display against Senegal, and they battled well until a 76th-minute set-piece goal put Norway out of sight in their first game. Still, keeping France relatively quiet for 45 minutes is one thing, but holding them at bay for 90 is something entirely different.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Guest subscriber JT: FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred: FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the Dog: FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Algo: FRANCE WIN<\/p>\n

Our picks for June 22, 2026<\/p>\n

\t\tNorway vs Senegal, Group I, kick-off 8pm ET, 1am BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: Fox (U.S.), ITV (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 5\/5. About as evenly matched as we\u2019ve seen at the tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch Rating: 5\/5. These dark-horse candidates have plenty of attacking firepower.<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cWe had this game circled as one of the most exciting and competitive games of the group stages, and results from the first round of fixtures have only heightened the tension.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scoreline did not tell the whole story for Norway against Iraq, who proved stubborn opposition for the likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Ultimately, their pressure and attacking quality paid dividends as Norway won 4-1. But with France to play in their final group outing, the onus is on Norway to get a result and book their place in the knockouts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n Erling Haaland and Norway won their first game 4-1 (Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cSenegal are still searching for their first win after their 3-1 defeat by France. The West Africans looked strong in the first half, and perhaps should have gone ahead with two good goalscoring opportunities. France\u2019s quality told in the second period, but Senegal should not be disheartened \u2014 keeping Mbappe, Olise and Ousmane Dembele quiet for over an hour is a good indication that they have the structure, quality and discipline to deal with Haaland\u2019s threat. And, of course, they have plenty of attacking talent of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: DRAW<\/p>\n

Guest subscriber JT: NORWAY WIN<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred: NORWAY WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the Dog: DRAW<\/p>\n

Algo: NORWAY WIN<\/p>\n

Jordan vs Algeria, Group J, kick-off 11pm ET, 4am BST<\/p>\n

Where to watch: Fox (U.S.), ITV (UK)<\/p>\n

Streak Risk Factor: 3\/5. Algeria are favourites, but Jordan are a committed bunch. Maybe a tougher challenge than it reads on paper?<\/p>\n

Watch Rating: 3\/5. The timings may put off people in Europe and on the East Coast of America, but these two sides need a win to boost chances of qualification and should therefore be pretty entertaining. <\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts say: \u201cSince reaching the final of the Arab Cup in December 2025 (eventually losing 3-2 against Morocco), Jordan have struggled. They are on a four-game winless streak, of which three, including their opening defeat by Austria, have been losses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich should mean a pretty comfortable win for Algeria, who, on paper, have too much top-level experience and skill for the World Cup debutants, but unexpected underdog results have happened far too often to rule out a Jordan upset. An impressive outing here, though, could propel Riyad Mahrez and company on their way to just the second World Cup knockout round appearance in their history.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Athletic Soccer Experts: ALGERIA WIN<\/p>\n

Guest subscriber JT: DRAW<\/p>\n

Six-year-old Wilfred: ALGERIA WIN<\/p>\n

Stanley the Dog: ALGERIA WIN<\/p>\n

Algo: ALGERIA WIN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Athletic has live coverage of Argentina vs Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Welcome to The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":172163,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[14],"tags":[2025,4194,1648,12477,1216,52245,4059,949,19544,19433,52619,11849,19547,36118,19548,655,3077,53062,6124,382,537,6299,10882,34,94,19545,389,654,11393,6414,7411,8816,971,6456,19431,7412,7884,271,50,19549,19280,2576,3497,106,1218,2248,1717,19432,1176,19546,8725,5861],"class_list":["post-172162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-iraq","tag-algeria","tag-argentina","tag-australia","tag-austria","tag-belgium","tag-bosnia-herzegovina","tag-brazil","tag-canada","tag-cape-verde","tag-colombia","tag-congo-dr","tag-croatia","tag-curacao","tag-czech-republic","tag-ecuador","tag-egypt","tag-england","tag-fantasy-premier-league","tag-fifa-mens-world-cup","tag-france","tag-germany","tag-ghana","tag-haiti","tag-iran","tag-iraq","tag-ivory-coast","tag-japan","tag-jordan","tag-mexico-mens-national-team","tag-morocco","tag-netherlands","tag-new-zealand","tag-norway","tag-panama","tag-paraguay","tag-portugal","tag-premier-league","tag-qatar","tag-saudi-arabia","tag-scotland","tag-senegal","tag-soccer","tag-south-africa","tag-south-korea","tag-spain","tag-sweden","tag-switzerland","tag-tunisia","tag-turkey","tag-uruguay","tag-us-mens-national-team","tag-uzbekistan"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=172162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172162\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=172162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=172162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=172162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}