Belgium open up their campaign against Panama and are big favourites to start off with a win. Manager Roberto Martinez has said Thomas Vermaelen will sit this one out due to injury, but he is expected to return for their next game against Tunisia.
Thursday June 21: France vs. Peru, Argentina vs; Croatia
Argentina against Croatia is the big one on Thursday after Jorge Sampaoli’s side could only draw against Iceland. The result means they really need a win on Thursday and they will have to play a heck of a lot better too. Of course all the pressure will be on Messi once again, but the GOAT can’t do it all by himself. Elsewhere on Thursday we also get the chance to see Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umtiti in action again as France take on Peru. Les Bleus opened up with a win over Australia but they were hardly at their best. Peru went down 1-0 to Denmark but they created plenty of chances and were a little unfortunate to lose which should make for an interesting game.
Friday June 22: Brazil vs. Costa Rica
Brazil are back on Friday and take on Costa Rica as they search for their first win. They looked set for all three points against Switzerland after Philippe Coutinho stuck one in the top corner. However, the Swiss hit back and Brazil couldn’t find a winner and will want to put that right against Costa Rice.