PrepMonday, June 15

Spain's Big Reveal and Belgium's New Era Begin

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Four Group G and H openers kick off Monday with Spain (all 74 of you!) expected to cruise past Cape Verde, Belgium tested by Egypt, Uruguay heavily favored against Saudi Arabia, and Iran-New Zealand shaping up as the day's tightest call.

You backed Spain with perfect unanimity (74–0–0) and gave Uruguay nearly the same love (69 away picks), while Belgium–Egypt splits you 61–11–2 and Iran–New Zealand is the day's most divided match with 41 home, 27 draw, 6 away.

Spain–Cape Verde: Zero Doubt

Every single one of you called a Spain win, with 33 plumping for 3–0 and 13 going 4–0. La Roja open Group H as the tournament's joint-favorite (26 of you tipped them to lift the trophy) and face a Cape Verde side making their World Cup debut. Expect Spain to control possession and rack up chances; the only question is margin.

Belgium–Egypt: Golden Generation's Last Dance?

Belgium's aging core—De Bruyne now 35, this likely their final World Cup together—meet an Egypt team built around Mohamed Salah. Sixty-one of you backed the Red Devils, but 11 called a draw and two brave souls went full Pharaohs. Belgium remain talented but the clock is ticking; Egypt will look to Salah's pace on the counter to steal a result.

Saudi Arabia–Uruguay: Darwin's Debut

Sixty-nine of you picked Uruguay to dispatch Saudi Arabia (28 going 0–2, 17 calling 1–2), and the Celeste bring Darwin Núñez fresh off a strong club season. Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina in 2022 but Uruguay's attacking depth—Núñez, Valverde, and a rebuilt backline—should be too much. One brave poolmate took the Saudis; the rest of you expect three points for La Celeste.

Iran–New Zealand: The Toss-Up

This is your most split pick of the day: 41 for Iran, 27 for a draw, six for New Zealand. Team Melli have World Cup experience and home-region advantage; the All Whites bring Oceanic grit and a defensive shape that frustrates. Twenty-three of you called 1–0 Iran, 19 went 1–1. It's the kind of opener where a set piece or a defensive mistake decides everything—and your pool reflects that uncertainty.

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