Fifa World Cup 2026: Can European Powerhouses Germany and Netherlands Follow Scotland's Lead?

The 2026 Fifa World Cup has kicked off, and European heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands are set to begin their campaigns. Germany will face off against Curacao, while the Netherlands will take on Japan.

Scotland has already made history by becoming the first European nation to win a game in the tournament, defeating Haiti 1-0. Steve Clarke's side will look to build on this momentum as they face Morocco and Brazil in their upcoming matches.

Elsewhere, Qatar has claimed its first point in the tournament after a draw against Switzerland, and Australia has secured a notable 2-0 win against Turkey.

The Netherlands, under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, are considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. Japan, on the other hand, has never progressed beyond the last 16 but has a talented squad and a experienced coach in Hajime Moriyasu.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has played down his team's chances, stating that it's too early to talk about success. However, with a strong squad and a good track record in the tournament, Germany is certainly a team to watch.

The weather could play a significant role in today's matches, with heat and humidity expected to be a major factor in all four host cities. Thunderstorms are also a possibility, which could lead to the activation of the thunderstorm protocol.

Chris Sutton has made his predictions for the upcoming matches, including a potential draw between Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Sweden, meanwhile, will look to build on their strong qualifying campaign when they face Tunisia.