World Cup Day 3: Brazil vs Morocco and more matches
On the third day of the World Cup, Brazil faces Morocco in the headline match, while other group games feature Qatar vs Switzerland, Haiti vs Scotland, and Australia vs Turkiye. Off-pitch stories include Trump skipping the US opener, Trudeau attending the US game, and a Peruvian drug bust in mascot costumes.
Match Schedule for June 13
The World Cup continues on Saturday with four more group-stage matches across North America. At 12pm local time (19:00 GMT), Qatar takes on Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver. The day's biggest game kicks off at 6pm (22:00 GMT) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Brazil meets Morocco. Later, at 8pm (01:00 GMT on June 14), Haiti faces Scotland at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The day concludes at 9pm (04:00 GMT) at Lumen Field in Seattle, with Australia playing Turkiye.
Predictions: Brazil vs Morocco
Brazil and Morocco have met only once before at a World Cup—a Brazil win in 1998. Morocco got revenge in a 2-1 friendly win in 2023. Brazil has won seven of eight World Cup matches against African opponents, losing only to Cameroon in 2022. According to Opta's 25,000 simulations, Brazil has a 57.7% chance of winning, a draw 23.5%, and Morocco 18.8%.
Predictions: Qatar vs Switzerland
These teams have met only once, with Qatar winning 1-0 in a 2018 friendly. Opta simulations give Switzerland a 76.0% chance of victory, Qatar 9.1%, and a draw 14.9%.
Predictions: Australia vs Turkiye
They have met twice, both friendlies in 2004 won by Turkiye. Turkiye has won all four World Cup matches against Asian opponents. Opta gives Turkiye 55.3%, Australia 20.5%, and a draw 24.1%.
Predictions: Haiti vs Scotland
This is a first-time meeting. Scotland is the clear favorite with 59.0% chance of victory, Haiti 19.2%, and a draw 21.8%.
Off-Pitch Stories
US President Donald Trump did not attend the US team's opener against Paraguay; he plans to attend the final on July 19. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the US game instead of Canada's. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team's opener after Canada denied his visa. Peruvian police conducted a drug raid in Lima dressed as World Cup mascots.
Local Cuisine
Host cities offer distinct dishes: Mexico City's tacos, Philadelphia's Philly cheesesteak (order with "wit" or "wit-out" onions), Toronto's poutine, Kansas City's barbecue, and Miami's Cuban sandwich. Fans may find choosing the best food as hard as picking the tournament winner.
