Győr approached the first match with a clear strategy to 'lock down' the game on Reykjavík’s artificial turf, and that plan almost paid off. The team defended in an organized manner, deliberately ceding possession to the Icelanders, but a lapse in concentration in the 92nd minute cost them a goal from Nikolaj Hansen. Back on home soil, Győr will be forced to completely change their philosophy—sitting back is no longer an option. The coaching staff will bet on an early goal, utilizing the creativity of Szabolcs Schön and the physical presence of their forwards on wing crosses. The energy from the home crowd should push Győr to apply high pressing right from the first whistle.

Víkingur Reykjavík arrives in Hungary with a strategic edge, thanks to their last-gasp victory at home. The Icelandic side is in peak competitive shape, as their domestic league is in full swing—unlike the Hungarian championship. The hero of the first leg, Nikolaj Hansen, who came off the bench to score, may well earn a spot in the starting lineup this time. Víkingur’s main task in Győr will be to withstand the hosts’ early onslaught, organize a solid defensive structure, and catch the attack-minded opposition on their trademark lightning-fast counterattacks.

The script for the return leg promises maximum emotion and intensity. From the opening minutes, Győr will unleash relentless attacks on the Icelandic goal, aiming to erase their one-goal deficit as quickly as possible. Víkingur will intentionally concede territory, relying on midfield compactness and the composure of defenders led by Oliver Ekroth. The Icelandic club, benefiting from superior match fitness and rhythm, should be able to absorb the early pressure. As the Hungarians push forward more aggressively, gaps will open up, leading to costly mistakes and, likely, goals.

I expect the hosts to produce a more attacking display and secure passage to the next round. My prediction: total over 2.5 goals at 1.55 odds

• Read also: Champions League second leg: Győr vs. Víkingur, match preview and prediction for July 14

The first leg of this tie took place last week in Lithuania, where the home side were considered favourites but failed to make their advantage count. They conceded an equaliser in the 82nd minute, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Drita were crowned champions of the Kosovo Superleague last season, successfully defending their title for the second consecutive year. They collected 66 points from 36 matches. The domestic campaign has not yet begun for them, and before entering the Champions League qualifiers they played three friendly matches, losing all of them. Their full focus is now on UEFA Champions League qualifying.

Žalgiris Kaunas, meanwhile, are already well into their domestic campaign. Following the first leg of this qualifying tie, they returned to league action and recorded a convincing 3-0 victory. They currently sit top of the league table with 31 points from 19 matches, holding a one-point advantage over the second-placed side.

• The first meeting between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
• Drita are winless in their last seven matches.
• Žalgiris Kaunas are unbeaten in their last five matches.
• Before this tie, these two teams had never faced each other.

• Drita: Maloku – Ovuka, Pelumbi, Bytyqi, Besnik Krasniqi – Sheyi, Limaj, Dabiqaj – Abazaj – Jashari, Blerim Krasniqi
• Žalgiris Kaunas: Švedkauskas – Konatar, Lekiatas, Tolordava, Mutashi – Karashima – Urega, Baldassarra, Bensheb, Leonardo – Renan

I expect a very closely contested and intriguing encounter between these two sides. I also don't see it turning into a high-scoring game, so my recommended bet is under 3 total goals.

• See also: Gyori ETO vs Vikingur Reykjavik prediction and betting tips 14 July 2026

France, steered by the ever-present Didier Deschamps, is powering through the bracket with the confidence and might of a true favorite. In the quarterfinals, Les Bleus dispatched a sturdy Morocco side (2-0) with minimal fuss and maximum class. The driving force behind the French triumphs in the US remains captain Kylian Mbappé, who has already netted eight goals and is speeding toward the Golden Boot at World Cup 2026. The French defense, anchored by William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, looks unbreakable—having not conceded a single goal in the knockout rounds. Expect Deschamps to deploy a pragmatic, balanced setup, always ready to punish opponents for even the slightest lapse in concentration.

Spain, under Luis de la Fuente, once again proves their reputation as the global masters of ball possession. In the quarterfinals, La Roja delivered high drama against Belgium, stealing a 2-1 win in the 88th minute thanks to another clutch goal from Mikel Merino after a fortunate rebound. The Spanish squad boasts unique chemistry and a psychological edge—they’ve beaten France in both recent semifinals (2-1 at victorious Euro 2024 and a breathtaking 5-4 in the Nations League). Luis de la Fuente is a true nemesis for France, having bested them in five different semifinal clashes at both youth and senior levels. However, in Texas, the Spaniards will face the ferocious physicality of the French midfield.

This semifinal promises to be a tactical masterpiece, with France deliberately conceding possession (Spain averages 73% ball control) and initiative. Spain will methodically weave their intricate attacks around Mike Maignan’s penalty area through the creativity of Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, seeking to destabilize the French backline. But unlike previous tournaments, this French side looks fresher and more dangerous on the counter, thanks to the red-hot form of Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola supporting Mbappé. Deschamps' big-game experience and France’s burning desire for revenge after recent heartbreaks could prove decisive.

France: Maignan – Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Kone, Rabiot – Dembele, Olise, Doue – MbappeSpain: Simon – Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella – Rodri, Fabian – Yamal, Olmo, Baena – Oyarzabal

I believe we’ll see attacking football from both sides: expect a spectacular, open match. My prediction: both teams to score—YES at 1.7

• See also: Class gap promises goals: prediction for Örgryte vs Häcken

After 15 MLS matches, Columbus Crew have picked up four wins, four draws, and suffered seven defeats, tallying 16 points. Before the break, the Crew notched back-to-back victories - 1-0 over New York City in the US Open Cup and 2-0 against Atlanta United in the league.

The team is currently under the interim guidance of Laurent Courtois, who is tasked with preparing the squad for the official season’s resumption on July 22. Up front, the hosts will rely on Diego Rossi, who has found the net six times in 16 appearances. However, Malte Amundsen, Vessam Abu Ali, and Jamal Thiare will miss out due to injuries.

Burnley are bracing for life back in the Championship after a disappointing Premier League campaign, where they managed only 22 points from 38 matches. Mike Jackson is serving as caretaker manager for now, though Nicky Hayden is rumored to be taking over soon.

Before facing Columbus, the Clarets will play a warm-up game against Cincinnati, so the lineup and minutes distribution will depend on the workload in that first match. Hannibal Mejbri, Zeki Amdouni, Lyle Foster, and Hjalmar Ekdal are unavailable due to World Cup commitments, but Kyle Walker is expected to feature at right-back.

• Columbus Crew have won their last two official matches with a combined score of 3-0.
• Diego Rossi has scored six goals in 16 appearances this season.
• This will be Burnley’s second friendly in a short span.

Columbus should look more cohesive, having played a significant portion of their season and riding a two-game winning streak. However, a long break from official matches and inevitable squad rotation could affect the hosts’ focus.

Burnley are just starting their preparations and will also rotate heavily throughout the match. Both sides have quality up front, but with defensive experiments likely, the prospects of a high-scoring affair are strong.

• See also: Attack promises a vibrant show in California: prediction for Los Angeles Galaxy vs América

Fluminense holds third place in the Brazilian Championship, but has conceded 23 goals in 18 matches. These stats suggest that, despite strong results, the team consistently commits defensive errors.

The hosts still feature 45-year-old Fábio and 41-year-old Thiago Silva, while the attacking line was recently boosted by the arrival of 39-year-old Hulk. Key roles are also played by Martinelli, Hércules, and Uruguayan midfielder Agustín Canobbio.

Bahia currently sits sixth in the league - a fantastic achievement for the club. Rogério Ceni has managed to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging more illustrious opponents on equal terms.

Among the most notable players for the visitors are Willian José, Everton Ribeiro, and Alejo Véliz. However, Bahia will be without the injured Luciano Juba, who has already netted seven goals this season.

• Fluminense is third in the Brazilian Championship.
• The hosts have conceded 23 goals in 18 matches this season.
• Bahia sits sixth and will play without the injured Luciano Juba.

Fluminense boasts a more star-studded and experienced lineup, and the Maracanã factor is another major advantage. Still, the hosts’ defensive frailties give Bahia a solid chance of finding the net.

Rogério Ceni’s side can put up a real fight, but the absence of Juba limits their attacking options. Thanks to superior individual quality, Fluminense should be able to grind out a hard-fought victory.

• Read also: Sevilla begins preseason: prediction for Sevilla vs Juventud Torremolinos

Rosenborg remain one of Norway's most decorated clubs, but they have not enjoyed any major success for quite some time. Their last league title came in 2018, and they finished seventh in the standings last season. However, things have gone even worse this campaign. They currently sit second from bottom with nine points from 11 matches. Rosenborg are only two points adrift of 13th place, so I believe they still have enough time to turn things around, although the season can hardly be considered a successful one.

Kristiansund finished 13th in the table last season, collecting 34 points from 30 matches and finishing just one point clear of the relegation zone. This season, they are performing at a very similar level. Kristiansund have picked up 11 points from 11 matches and currently occupy 14th place in the standings. They trail Rosenborg by two points and are also behind the team in 13th place on tiebreakers. As a result, Kristiansund are firmly involved in the battle for survival in the top flight. They have lost three and won two of their last five matches.

• Rosenborg have won just one of their last four matches.
• Kristiansund have lost three of their last four matches.
• Kristiansund have conceded in each of their last nine matches, while Rosenborg have conceded in each of their last four.
• Rosenborg have the worst attack in the Eliteserien with just nine goals scored.
• Kristiansund thrashed Rosenborg 4-1 in their most recent meeting.

• Rosenborg: Wahlstedt – Mortensen, Nemčík, Wolden, Reitan – Bomholt, Dyrisch, Väyrynen, Saeter – Sjaaha, Islamović
• Kristiansund: Sæter – Flex, Williamsen, Juliusson, Munksgård – Igor, Ødegaard – Rønning, Alvheim, Kilen – Isah

I expect Rosenborg to go all out for the win on home soil, and they have every chance of getting the job done. After all, they are two points behind Kristiansund and will be highly motivated to claim all three points. My recommended bet is a home victory.

• See also: Experience of the hosts versus the ambitions of Senni's team: prediction for Fluminense vs Bahia

After a tough 2025 season in which the team avoided relegation by just four points, KFUM Oslo once again finds itself in the lower part of the table. Jørgen Isnes' squad has collected 12 points, just one ahead of Kristiansund, currently occupying the relegation playoff spot.

In recent rounds, the hosts have managed to stabilize their results somewhat. KFUM beat direct relegation rival Rosenborg and then held league leaders Tromsø to a draw. However, discipline remains a serious issue: the team has already received three red cards, all of them in the first half of matches they went on to lose. The main attacking threat for the hosts is expected to be Theodor Haltvik, who has netted four goals and provided one assist in seven league matches this season.

Bodø/Glimt claimed the Norwegian championship in 2023 and 2024, but last season they surrendered the gold to Viking by a single point. The team scored the most and conceded the fewest goals in the league, finishing with a goal difference of +57, yet even that wasn't enough to defend their title. This season started less than ideally for Kjetil Knutsen's men: they picked up only four points from their first three matches.

Heading into the summer break, Bodø/Glimt found their rhythm, winning eight of their last ten matches across all competitions and lifting the Norwegian Cup after defeating Brann on penalties. The visitors trail the Eliteserien leader by four points, though they've played one game more. Bodø/Glimt will be without Patrick Berg, Fredrik Bjørkan, and Jens Hauge, who are away with the Norway national team at the World Cup. Magnus Riisnes remains doubtful, while August Mikkelsen has missed the past two months due to injury.

• KFUM Oslo have not won any of their last five matches against Bodø/Glimt.
• Bodø/Glimt have beaten KFUM Oslo in each of their last three meetings.
• In April, the teams faced off in the Norwegian Cup semi-final, where Bodø/Glimt triumphed in extra time.

KFUM Oslo grabbed crucial points before the break and proved they can challenge higher-ranked opponents. Isnes' men will aim to stay compact at home, but disciplinary issues and limited attacking options could make it tough to keep the contest even for the full 90 minutes.

Bodø/Glimt may be missing several Norwegian internationals, but their squad depth keeps them clear favorites. Knutsen's side outmatches the opposition in quality, attacking firepower, and championship experience, and they should seize the chance to close the gap at the top.

• See also: The visitors charge into the title race: prediction for KFUM Oslo vs Bodø/Glimt

The disappointing tenure of Miguel Ángel Ramírez ended after four straight defeats in May, and following interim coach Guillermo Molins, the team was handed to Gaute Helstrup. The former Bodø/Glimt assistant began his Malmö reign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Degerfors, snapping a long winless streak.

However, one solid performance does not erase the team’s structural issues. Malmö have lost five of their last eight league matches, conceding at least twice in six of those games. The hosts will also have to do without captain Anders Christiansen and Pontus Jansson, who is out for the season.

Before the summer break, Göteborg played out a wild shootout with Västerås, winning 5-4, but upon resumption of the league, they fell to AIK 1-2. Sebastian Clemensen scored a spectacular goal and Tobias Heintz rattled the crossbar, but more defensive blunders once again cost the team vital points.

IFK remain one of the most vulnerable sides in the Allsvenskan: only Örgryte have conceded more goals, and Stefan Billborn’s squad has yet to keep a single clean sheet this season. Jonas Bager and Kolbein Thordarson return from suspension, but Thiago Coimbra, Alexander Jallow, and Arbnor Mucolli remain sidelined.

• Malmö have lost five of their last eight Swedish league matches.
• IFK Göteborg have yet to keep a clean sheet in this Allsvenskan campaign.
• Last season, Göteborg took four points from two matches against Malmö and didn’t concede a single goal.

The coaching change has already sparked Malmö’s first positive momentum. The team looked more organized at the back against Degerfors, and Erik Botheim continued his scoring streak - he’s been involved in goals in each of his last five league appearances.

Göteborg can create problems through the energy of Clemensen, Heintz, and Max Fenger, but their lack of defensive reliability remains a critical issue. On home soil, Malmö should dominate possession and generate enough chances to score at least twice.