Predicted Lineups: Sunday 14 June — Five Group Stage Openers, Every Starting XI Called

Haiti v Scotland

Scotland arrive at Gillette Stadium on a three-match winning run and Steve Clarke has every reason to stick with the 4-4-2 that has ground out results, while Haiti's recent form of two defeats in their last two games will force Jean-Jacques Pierre to demand more defensive structure.

Haiti (4-4-2)

Scotland (4-4-2)

The biggest doubt for Scotland is whether B. Doak can sustain his pressing intensity across 90 minutes at tournament level, or whether R. Christie comes in to add experience in midfield.

Australia v Türkiye

Australia's 5-4-1 setup will look to frustrate a Türkiye side that carries genuine quality through Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler, and Graham Arnold we expect to name an identical back five to the one that has provided the platform for their recent wins.

Australia (5-4-1)

Türkiye (4-2-3-1)

The x-factor here is K. Yildiz on the Türkiye bench, whose introduction could unlock a tight low-block if Australia protect their shape into the second half.

Germany v Curaçao

Germany are the most in-form side at the 2026 tournament with five consecutive wins, and Julian Nagelsmann has zero injury concerns, so we expect the same 4-2-3-1 that dismantled the USA last week to take the field at NRG Stadium.

Germany (4-2-3-1)

Curaçao are without Kenji Gorre and Tommy St Jago, two of their most dynamic outlets, and Damiano Tommasi will need to reorganise his midfield accordingly. We expect Leandro Bacuna to step into a more advanced role to compensate for Gorre's absence.

Curaçao (4-4-2)

The biggest selection doubt for Curaçao is whether J. Locadia gets the nod up front over J. Margaritha given his greater experience at club level against high-press opposition.

Netherlands v Japan

This is the standout tactical contest of the day: Ronald Koeman's 4-3-3 against Japan's compact and counter-pressing 3-4-2-1 that has delivered five straight wins, and neither coach has any reason to deviate from their established systems.

Netherlands (4-3-3)

Japan (3-4-2-1)

The key doubt for Japan is whether Hajime Moriyasu selects T. Watanabe or S. Taniguchi as the third centre-back to handle the aerial threat posed by D. Malen and W. Weghorst from the bench.

Ivory Coast v Ecuador

Ivory Coast have no previous starting XI on record for this tournament cycle, so we are building from their strongest available players and a 4-3-3 that suits the profiles in their squad, while Ecuador's Gustavo Alfaro we expect to keep faith with the 3-4-1-2 that beat Guatemala last week.

Ivory Coast (4-3-3)

Ecuador (3-4-1-2)

For Ivory Coast, the key selection debate is whether Franck Kessié's energy justifies his place ahead of J. Seri, whose range of passing could be more effective against Ecuador's disciplined mid-block.

This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team.