Germany arrive in Texas in excellent form having won each of their last nine matches, completing their preparations by beating co-hosts USA 2-1 in Chicago last week. Only Brazil have entered and won more World Cups than the Germans, yet they are not among the immediate favourites despite that impressive run of form and proven tournament pedigree. Manager Julian Nagelsmann (38) is the youngest manager at the competition and is younger than goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (40), who is reportedly on target to start despite missing their recent friendlies, and is therefore set to become only the second German after Lothar Matthäus to play in five World Cups.
In 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, Curaçao have the oldest manager ever to take charge of a World Cup game, while they are the smallest nation by area and population to qualify for the 2026 event. Getting here has already produced one of the stories of the tournament, especially as the Blue Wave did so by scoring more goals in CONCACAF qualifiers than any other side (28), but they’re expected to struggle with difficult games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast to come after this opener. A 4-0 thrashing of lowly Aruba last weekend will at least have boosted their confidence, a victory that was much needed given that they were winless across their previous four games (D1, L3). vip fixed matches
Canada: Alphonso Davies will miss the opening game due to a hamstring injury, but Marsch is hoping to have him back fit in time for the second game against Qatar. Moise Bombito is also unlikely to feature after a tibia injury.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Haris Tabakovic is unlikely to feature on Friday due to an ankle problem, and he could be joined on the sideline by Dzeko, who has been forced to miss training with a shoulder injury.
Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina head-to-head record
Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina have never met before. This will be the first competitive or friendly fixture between the two nations.
Free Soccer Predictions: Egypt vs Russia Preview, Team News & Betting Tips
Free Soccer Predictions Egypt vs Russia Egypt continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against Russia at the Misr Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night.
The two nations will meet for the first time since the 2018 World Cup group stage, where host nation Russia secured a convincing 3-1 victory. This time, however, Egypt arrive with renewed confidence and high expectations ahead of their return to football’s biggest tournament.
After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Pharaohs responded strongly by topping their CAF qualifying group with an impressive record of eight wins and two draws from 10 matches. Their dominant qualifying campaign secured only the third World Cup appearance in the nation’s history.
Egypt also entered the 2025-26 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the tournament favourites, although their journey ended in disappointment after a narrow semi-final defeat against Senegal and a penalty shootout loss to Nigeria in the third-place playoff.
Despite those setbacks, head coach Hossam Hassan has continued to build a disciplined and competitive squad since taking charge in 2024. Egypt have shown excellent defensive organization in recent months, something that has become a major strength ahead of the World Cup.
The Pharaohs produced an outstanding 4-0 away victory against Saudi Arabia before following it with an impressive goalless draw against reigning European champions Spain in Catalonia. Those performances extended Egypt’s clean-sheet streak to three consecutive matches heading into this friendly encounter.
Hassan will likely use Thursday’s clash as another important test before Egypt face Brazil in their final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup. Ranked 29th in the latest FIFA rankings, Egypt will begin their World Cup campaign with a difficult Group G fixture against Belgium before later facing New Zealand and Iran.
Meanwhile, Russia continue to operate outside competitive international football following FIFA and UEFA suspensions that began after the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Although unable to compete in official tournaments, Russia have remained active through friendly matches and still hold a respectable FIFA ranking of 36th in the world. Over the last five years, Valery Karpin’s side have produced a solid record in non-competitive fixtures, winning 15, drawing eight, and losing only two of their 25 matches.
Russia ended 2025 with a 2-0 defeat against Chile but responded during March’s international break with a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua before drawing 0-0 against Mali.
Interestingly, several of Russia’s recent friendlies have come against African opposition. They also faced Egypt’s Under-23 side twice in September 2023, recording a 1-1 draw before losing 2-1 in the second meeting.
Even though Russia remain difficult to beat in friendly games, the lack of competitive football could become a disadvantage against a well-organized Egyptian team preparing for the World Cup.
Team News
Egypt are expected to field a strong lineup as Hossam Hassan continues preparing his squad for the World Cup. Key attacking stars are likely to feature, while the defensive unit that kept three consecutive clean sheets could remain unchanged.
Russia may rotate parts of their squad as Valery Karpin continues experimenting ahead of future international fixtures, though experienced players are expected to lead the side in Cairo.
Egypt appear to be in stronger form heading into this international friendly and have shown impressive defensive discipline under Hossam Hassan.
Russia still possess quality and experience despite their lack of competitive matches, but Egypt’s organization, home advantage, and growing confidence could prove decisive.
Free Soccer Prediction:
Egypt 2-1 Russia
The hosts should create enough opportunities to edge a competitive encounter and continue their positive momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
