Our predictions for the biggest match-ups of the World Cup group stages – and the best beers, wines and spirits to celebrate with.

Get your game day drinks ready, soccer fans – sorry: football fans – the World Cup is upon us. No matter what you call it, this month-long extravaganza stops the globe in its tracks. Body clocks are recalibrated, priorities shift to accommodate bleary-eyed spectators, and all other topics are shunned to their backburners. Good thing it only comes along once every four years.

Now, because you’ve got more important things to think about, we’ve taken the liberty of picking out the best drinks for the biggest match-ups of the group stages. From the ever-present Heineken to some choice left-of-field stars from this year’s competitors, these drinks should be on your teamsheet ahead of the first whistle.

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GROUP A, 25 Nov: Netherlands V Senegal – Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Beer

The Flying Dutchmen meet the Lions of Teranga… Former World Cup Winners against the reigning Champions of Africa. Of course, we’re talking about the Netherlands versus Senegal (but you already knew that). Without their captain (and Ballon d’Or runner-up!) Sadio Mane to lead them Senegal will be up against it. Then again, they know a thing or two about winning the big trophies. This one’s set to be a big ’un. Heineken is an obvious choice here. Pick up a case of the 0.0 Non-Alcoholic variety, so everyone can raise their glass.

GROUP B, 29 Nov: England V Wales – Penderyn Myth Single Malt Welsh Whisky

“It’s coming home” has fallen on deaf ears of the football gods in recent times, but England will be looking to finally make good on their promise with a squad big on talent. First, they’ll have to get past Wales, who will be playing hard for the upset. For this classic David and Goliath game, our bets are on a bottle of dragon-slaying Penderyn Myth Single Malt Welsh Whisky. Taking out gold at the 2015 Master of Whisky, this world-class spirit knows something about usurping the favourite.

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GROUP C, 30 Nov: Poland V Argentina – El Esteco Malbec

Lionel Messi is one player looking to put the GOAT argument to bed once and for all with the one trophy that eludes him. Hoping to replicate the heroics that led Argentina to Cope America glory in 2020, a World Cup win will put the conversation beyond doubt. But Poland, with a perennially in-form Robert Lewandowksi up top, is primed to spoil the party. We’ll need a Malbec for this one. El Esteco’s is complex and deeply intense. Perfect.

GROUP D, 22 Nov: Australia V France – Croser Vintage

It’ll be Champagne Football versus Sparkling Soccer when our Socceroos take on defending champions, France’s Les Bleus. Underdog status is nothing new for us, but like an ice-cold bottle of Croser Vintage, Aussie should go into this one confident we can mix it with the best of them. With everything to play for, a win here could secure the Socceroos a spot in the final 16. Oi! Oi! Oi!

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GROUP E, 23 Nov: Japan V Germany – Kuro Kabuto Turtle Red Junmai Daiginjo

Like the tortoise against the hare, Japan will be looking to surprise an always formidable German side in this matchup. And with a tidy crop of players making headlines across Europe, they’re well-placed to stage an early upset here. Get behind this burgeoning underdog fairytale with a glass of Kuro Kabuto Turtle Red Junmai Daiginjo sake. Turtle, tortoise… you get the gist.

GROUP F, 1 Dec: Croatia V Belgium – Leffe Blonde Ale

Belgium sits atop the world rankings (De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois, Hazard… must we go on?), but will be tested early by a top Croatian side that came oh so close to glory in 2018 and will be looking to go one further this time around. Whether you’re rooting for the favourites or crossing your fingers for a Luka Modric masterclass, make like the Bruxellois and settle in with a cold can of Leffe Blonde ale for this one.

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GROUP G, 1 Dec: Serbia V Brazil – Flores Zuta Osa

Some have Serbia pegged as the dark horse of the tournament, and with players like Aleksander Mitrovic scoring goals for fun at club level, we wouldn’t be shocked to see them go far. They’ll be tested early when they take on competition favourites and undisputed kings of the World Cup, Brazil. The rakija will be flowing in Belgrade for this one, so grab a bottle of Flores Zuta Osa and raise a glass to what could be the upset of the group stages.

GROUP H, 2 Dec: South Korea V Portugal – Good Day Watermelon Soju

Like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is another player hoping to put the GOAT debate to bed with a World Cup trophy. He’ll have plenty of neutral support, but we’d challenge anyone to find a player more universally beloved than Korea’s Son Heung-min. Taking on a Portuguese side that looked a little shaky in qualifying, he could spoil the Ronaldo party. Will it be a good day for Korea’s favourite son? That’s anyone’s guess. Hedge your bets with a bottle of Good Day Watermelon Soju (and a plate of Korean fried chicken) and enjoy this spectacle.

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Whether you’re hosting pre-match entertainment for the midnight fixtures or catching highlights at a more reasonable hour (like, after work), you’re already a winner with these picks.