World Cup Day 3: Brazil Arrives, and the Tournament Gets Real
The opening days of the World Cup have already delivered plenty of drama.
Yesterday, Canada earned its first-ever World Cup point, fighting for a 1–1 draw against Bosnia after second-half substitute Cyle Larin scored just two minutes after coming on. Hours later, the United States produced the tournament’s first statement performance, overwhelming Paraguay 4–1 in Los Angeles behind a first-half brace from Folarin Balogun and the goal of the tournament so far from Gio Reyna.
The Americans led 3–0 at halftime and looked less like hosts feeling pressure and more like contenders embracing the moment. They proved me wrong, and I hope they continue to do so throughout this tournament.
Now comes Day 3.
For the first time, the tournament gives us a full schedule of matches. There are underdogs making returns, former champions trying to prove they belong, and one of the sport’s greatest powers finally stepping onto the stage.
Most importantly, Brazil is here.
Qatar Looks for Redemption
The 2022 World Cup was supposed to be Qatar’s crowning moment. Instead, it became a nightmare.
As hosts, Qatar lost all three group matches and became the first host nation in tournament history to finish with zero points. Four years later, the reigning Asian champions have another chance, this time without the pressure of playing at home.
Standing in their way is Switzerland, one of international football’s most reliable teams. The Swiss rarely beat themselves. Granit Xhaka controls the midfield, Manuel Akanji leads the defense, and Breel Embolo fuels the attack. They have reached the knockout rounds in five consecutive major tournaments and enter this match as favorites.
Still, Qatar has spent years preparing for moments like this. Akram Afif remains one of Asia’s most creative players, and if he can recreate the form that led Qatar to the Asian Cup title, the opening match of Day 3 could be closer than many expect.
Player to Watch: Akram Afif
Qatar’s captain and creative force is capable of changing a match with a single moment. If Qatar is going to rewrite its World Cup story, it will likely start with him.
Prediction: Switzerland 2–1 Qatar
Switzerland is one of the most dependable tournament teams in the world, having reached the knockout rounds in five straight major tournaments. Qatar is capable of creating chances through Akram Afif, but the Swiss have more experience and more ways to win.
Brazil vs. Morocco Is the Match Everyone Circled
This is why people clear their schedules for the World Cup.
Brazil enters the tournament chasing a sixth World Cup title and beginning a new era under Carlo Ancelotti. The squad isn’t perfect; Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Éder Militão are unavailable, but the attacking talent remains among the best in the world. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha headline a team that still expects to compete for the trophy.
However, Morocco is no longer a Cinderella.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal in 2022, and with that, expectations have changed. Achraf Hakimi remains one of the world’s best fullbacks, Brahim Díaz provides creativity in attack, and the squad has enough talent to challenge anyone on its day.
There’s history here too; Brazil defeated Morocco at the 1998 World Cup, but Morocco won the most recent meeting between the two nations in 2023. Twenty-eight years after their last World Cup matchup, the gap between them has never been smaller.
This match will tell us whether Brazil is a true contender or simply another talented team trying to rediscover its identity.
Player to Watch: Vinícius Júnior
Neymar is no longer the unquestioned face of Brazilian futebol, and Vinícius enters this tournament carrying expectations that come with being the country’s biggest star. Brazil doesn’t just need him to be dangerous. It needs him to be decisive.
Prediction: Brazil 3–2 Morocco
This feels like the match of the day for a reason. Morocco has enough talent to trouble Brazil, especially with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, but Vinícius Júnior and Brazil’s attacking depth should prove just enough in what could be the tournament’s first classic.
Haiti Returns After More Than Half a Century
Haiti is back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
For a country with a passionate football culture and limited opportunities on the global stage, simply reaching the tournament felt like a victory.
Scotland has waited a long time too.
The Scots are appearing in their first World Cup since 1998 and arrive with belief. Midfielder Scott McTominay has become the face of the national team, while players like Andy Robertson, Billy Gilmour, and John McGinn give Scotland a squad capable of causing trouble in Group C.
It could be the most emotional match of the day: two nations ending decades-long World Cup absences and hoping their return is only the beginning.
Player to Watch: Scott McTominay
Scotland goes as McTominay goes. The 2024-25 Serie A MVP scored crucial goals during qualifying (see his iconic bicycle kick below), has become the emotional leader of the squad, and enters the tournament in excellent form. Haiti will make life difficult, but Scotland will look to its star midfielder when the pressure rises.
Prediction: Scotland 3–0 Haiti
Emotion will be high for both nations, but Scotland’s experience in Europe and the form of Scott McTominay give them the edge. Haiti’s return to the World Cup is a great story, but Scotland has more proven quality throughout the squad.
Australia and Türkiye Could Decide Group D
The United States opened Group D with a statement victory over Paraguay. Now, the other two contenders finally take the field.
Australia has become one of the World Cup’s most reliable underdogs. The Socceroos have qualified for seven tournaments and reached the knockout rounds in 2006 and again in 2022, building a reputation for being difficult to break down and even harder to underestimate.
Türkiye is back for the first time since 2002. Led by Real Madrid star Arda Güler, Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız, and veteran captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Crescent-Stars enter the tournament believing they have the talent to challenge anyone in the group.
Australian manager Tony Popovic has embraced the underdog role, while Turkish players have openly spoken about their belief that they possess more talent than their opponents. That only adds fuel to a match that could shape Group D from the very beginning. With the United States already on three points, neither side can afford an early setback.
Player to Watch: Arda Güler
At just 21 years old, Güler has already become the face of a new generation of Turkish football. If Türkiye is going to announce itself to the world again, expect the Real Madrid midfielder to be at the center of it all.
Prediction: Türkiye 2–1 Australia
Australia rarely gets blown out at the World Cup, and the Socceroos have built a reputation for exceeding expectations. But Türkiye enters with more individual talent, particularly in midfield and attack. If Arda Güler dictates the tempo, the Turks may have enough quality to take all three points.
We’ve already had surprises, statement wins, and moments that will live on long after this summer ends.
Now Brazil arrives. Scotland returns. Haiti gets another chance. Australia and Türkiye fight to keep pace in Group D.
And somewhere between East Rutherford, Philadelphia, Foxborough, and Vancouver, the next World Cup moment is waiting to happen.