Sutton's World Cup Predictions: Second Group Games

There have already been plenty of shocks at this World Cup, but one in particular caught almost everyone out. BBC Sport predictions expert Chris Sutton, AI, and 99.65% of users playing the BBC's new predictor game all expected European champions Spain to beat Cape Verde in their opening Group H match—and all were wrong. Out of more than 37,000 people who guessed the outcome, only 61 correctly predicted a draw, while another 67 went for a Cape Verde victory.

However, some predictions have been accurate. Chris correctly predicted the outcome of 12 of the 24 opening group games, AI managed 13, and users playing along were correct about 14. Now, attention turns to the second set of matches, including Scotland vs Morocco and England vs Ghana.

Chris is predicting the outcome of all 104 games at the World Cup and has also picked the order he thinks each of the 12 groups will finish in. AI's predictions are generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat, simply asked to 'predict the results of the second round of World Cup group games.' The BBC predictor game allows readers to pick a winner from every match or go for a draw.

Group A

Sutton's pre-tournament picks: South Korea (winners) and Mexico (runners-up). Czech Republic to finish third and South Africa fourth.

Czech Republic vs South Africa

Atlanta / Thursday, 18 June / 17:00 BST

Chris left it late to make his prediction for this game, making it just before kick-off. He was at South Africa's game against Mexico and was not impressed, citing a lack of quality and attacking threat. After 16 years away from the World Cup, he expected more 'oomph.' The Czech Republic sat back for long periods against South Korea but may throw more men forward this time. Both sides lost their opening games, so they need a result here. Chris predicts a narrow Czech win.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

AI's prediction: 2-1

Mexico vs South Korea

Guadalajara / Friday, 19 June / 02:00

Chris was impressed by Mexico's performance, noting they created many chances and were exciting to watch. He highlighted Raul Jimenez's first goal for the co-hosts at a World Cup and Julian Quinones, who has been prolific in the Saudi Pro League, as a real threat from the left. South Korea are well organized and have attacking strength, but Chris expects another Mexico win in a tight game.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

AI's prediction: 1-1

Group B

Sutton's pre-tournament picks: Switzerland (winners) and Canada (runners-up). Bosnia-Herzegovina to finish third and Qatar fourth.

Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Los Angeles / Thursday, 18 June / 20:00

Chris again left his prediction to the last minute. This group is wide open after both opening matches ended level. Switzerland will be disappointed to drop points late against Qatar, having had chances to seal the game. However, Chris does not see them winning this either. Bosnia-Herzegovina are draw specialists, having drawn their past six games, so Chris predicts another draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

AI's prediction: 2-1

Canada vs Qatar

Vancouver / Thursday, 18 June / 23:00

Canada, under coach Jesse Marsch, play with high intensity and attack. Qatar surprised many with their performance against Switzerland, and coach Julen Lopetegui may again sit back and look to counter. Canada created plenty of chances against Bosnia-Herzegovina and deserved something from that game. This clash of styles promises to be fascinating.