The world’s biggest football tournament starts very soon, and Matchday 1 will treat fans to several fantastic battles. The best sports betting site 1xBet talks about the most interesting matches and what to expect from them.

Brazil vs Morocco

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.66, X – 3.88, W2 – 5.95

Brazil are one of the tournament favorites, but ahead of their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti has faced a problem on the right flank of defense. Wesley, the team’s only natural right-back, got injured in a friendly against Egypt. The Roma player was forced to leave the squad, and now the Seleção will have to look for alternatives in his position.

Morocco are a side capable of causing problems for any opponent. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the previous global competition and are now heading into the tournament as one of Africa’s strongest national teams. However, the Moroccans also have personnel problems: Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli were injured in their last friendly match against Norway and are at risk of missing the game against Brazil.

Related News

Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador

1xBet odds: W1 – 3.52, X – 2.91, W2 – 2.50

For Côte d’Ivoire, the upcoming World Football Forum is their first since 2014. Back then, the Elephants featured representatives of their Golden Generation: Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré and Gervinho. Emerse Faé’s current squad may not boast such big names, but it has enough speed, physical strength and players capable of turning a game around through individual skill.

Ecuador are one of the most disciplined teams in South America. Sebastián Beccacece’s side not only boast players of the calibre of Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié and Enner Valencia, but also shows great teamwork combined with confidence in their abilities. Breaking down Ecuador’s defense is no easy task, which is why La Tri are considered slight favorites for the opening game.

France vs Senegal

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.47, X – 4.55, W2 – 7.80

For France, this competition will be more than just another bid for the title. It will be Didier Deschamps’s last tournament at the helm of the national team, which means Les Bleus have extra motivation to give a fitting send-off to the coach who has kept the team at the highest level for so many years. There are plenty of reasons for optimism: a star-studded squad, extensive experience from previous tournaments and decent form ahead of the start of the global forum.

In 2002, Senegal caused a sensation by defeating France in their opening match, and the team will now be looking to replicate that success from 24 years ago. The current Lions of Teranga also know how to perform in major tournaments, and their squad features many players who are used to high-level pressure. Senegal are the underdogs in their game against France, but they are certainly not the sort of opponents who will give up without a fight.

Portugal vs DR Congo

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.32, X – 5.60, W2 – 11.00

Few expect Portugal to slip up in their opening game. Roberto Martínez has one of the strongest squads in the tournament, and for Cristiano Ronaldo, this world forum is likely to be his last chance to win the main football trophy.

For the DR Congo, simply taking part is already a significant achievement. The Leopards are back at the tournament for the first time since 1974 and have nothing to lose. The African team possess not only physical strength and spirit, but also talented players, including Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cédric Bakambu.

The DR Congo will have to work a lot without the ball in their match against Portugal, but the underdogs also have players capable of capitalizing on the few scoring opportunities they create.

England vs Croatia

1xBet odds: W1 – 1.77, X – 3.88, W2 – 4.865

One of the key Matchday 1 fixtures will be a remake of the 2018 semi-final. Competition for a starting spot in the England national team is so fierce that even Jude Bellingham cannot feel safe of his place. Croatia have long been difficult opponents for the Three Lions and know how to get results through their experience, fighting spirit, and discipline.

England look the favorites, but this match will certainly not be an easy start for Thomas Tuchel’s men. In the two previous tournaments, Luka Modrić and his teammates proved their ability to beat the strongest opponents, winning silver and bronze medals.

Ghana vs Panama

1xBet odds: W1 – 2.05, X – 3.68, W2 – 3.725

Ghana kick off the tournament with a match in which the Black Stars are expected to secure a win. In a group featuring England and Croatia, the clash with Panama could prove crucial in the battle for a spot in the knockout stage, so there’s no room for making mistakes. At the same time, Ghana are in a difficult situation: Carlos Queiroz took charge of the team shortly before the start of the tournament, and the loss of Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku limits the manager’s options.

Panama have qualified for the main football tournament for the second time in their history, but the team hasn’t won a match at this level yet.  Thomas Christiansen’s side will undoubtedly play cautiously, relying on a solid defense and counterattacks. Panama need not just to stay in the game, but to try and win. Given that they will face Croatia and England in their next games, this may be their only chance to earn points.

The Global Forum starts soon

Matchday 1 rarely provides definitive answers, but it often reveals who is really ready to fight for the title. We’re in for some exciting clashes, fierce competition, potential upsets and results that will immediately shape the situation in the groups.

Support your favorites and keep up to date with the latest news from the global tournament with the best sports betting site 1xBet!