Top 10 Games From World Cup 2026

Afternoon after the night before and in reflection its been a fantastic tournament that didn't get the final it deserved. My unexpected highlight was Cape Verde who brought an attitude to the World Cup I wish everyone would bring. Panto villains of the tournament included Darwin Nunez who threatened to take the cup by storm and catapult himself back into the Champions League who did nothing, Leandro Paredes who started the tournament as a prick and morphed into a **** and the top villain Tronald Dump who got a US red card rescinded.

Players of the tournament included Cape Verde keeper Vozinha who went on to have his Instagram follower amount blow up and had the honour of having a sea slug named after him, Messi who lifted a bunch of thugs* to get to the final and Martin Odegaard for a team lifting performance.

My top 10 matches were (I didn't see all the matches)

10. Uruguay 2 - 2 Cape Verde.
9. Netherlands 2 - 2 Japan.
8. Germany 2 - 1 Ivory Coast.
7. Netherlands 5 - 1 Sweden.
6. Ecuador 2 - 1 Germany.
5. Brazil 1 - 2 Norway.
4. Spain 0 - 0 Cape Verde.
3. Argentina 3 - 2 Cape Verde (AET).
2. Belgium 3 - 2 Senegal (AET).
1. Egypt 2 - 3 Argentina.

World Cup Preview: Group H

Columbia

Columbia squeaked through the South America qualifying by a point. Their more well known players are looking long in the tooth and theres not much of interest about them.


Japan

Japan topped their group however only one point ahead of the next two teams. Of interest the team has a number of familiar players due to a number of the squad having done the rounds in Europe over the last decade. The weakest team in the group - just.


Poland

Robert Lewandowski is the star attraction in a decent team that qualified with little trouble. Its a straight fight between them and Senegal to win this group.


Senegal

They dominated their qualifying group and have a deceptively strong team with a number of players spread over England and France. A lot of people have predicted that Poland will walk this group, I however think Senegal will put up a strong fight. Do not count them out, you know more players than you think you do and I'm not just talking about Sadio Mane.


Summing Up

Its an interesting group with a lot of familiar faces to give the neutrals some interest. Poland and Senegal should go through.
Tips: Senegal to qualify, I fancy the chance of a lot of goals in this group so overs on Poland and Senegal's matches..
One to watch: Robert Lewandowski, brilliant player but underrated because he plays in Germany.
Dark horse to watch: Keisuke Honda, a personal favourite and in what may be his last world cup - I'm going to miss him when he's gone.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group F

Germany

What can I say about Germany that hasn't been said before? They are in such fine form and in qualification have a 100% winning record. A squad so strong they left out Leroy Sane which left most pundits shrugging instead of declaring it madness. The only slight worry is Marco Reus hasn't played as much football the last two seasons. Be warned they are contenders and will go deep.


Mexico

There are three certainties in life; death, taxes and Mexico will qualify from their group and go out in the second round - its what they've done for the last umpteen times. In fact in Mexico making the quarter finals and reaching the mythic "5th game" has become something of an obsession. A good qualifying campaign and a squad of decent players playing in Europe, America and Mexico. They're in with a shout of second but that second round spot is not to be taken for granted.


South Korea

Memories of that special summer in 2002 where they made it to the semifinal knocking out Italy and Spain. They may never top that moment again but wheres the fun in not trying for it again? They aren't going to do much sadly, they narrowly qualified and were three points from finishing 5th. Mostly made up of players from Korea they also have the two British based players whose names are currently screwing up my spell check. They will finish bottom.


Sweden

Sweden pipped Holland to second place in the group stage and knocked Italy out in the playoffs who are two of my favourite teams and two of the leagues in Serie A and Eredivisie that I watch the most. Needless to say I will remain objective but in all honesty Its between them and Mexico for that second spot as I don't see the Germans standing for a continuation of this giant killing malarkey. The thing about Sweden is despite not having many household names they actually play like a club side and theres a sense of camaraderie when watching them - also they had some bloody good matches including a brilliant 3-2 . Mind you if they get that second place spot they're seeded to face Brazil in the next round, Holland, Italy and Brazil would make for an impressive hit list...


Summing Up

I have this group down as Germany winning the group and Sweden second, but Mexico in with a shout.
Tips: Germany to win, South Korea to finish bottom and a lay unders on the booking in the Sweden/Mexico match.
One to watch: Marcus Berg, it could be his last time in a World Cup but rest assured if Sweden create a moment he'll be on the end of it.
Dark horse to watch: Timo Werner, has had a fantastic last two seasons and could be Germanys next big thing.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group E

Brazil

Theres something special about Brazil coming into a world cup, the glow of the golden and the obscene high level of natural talent can't help but win over the cynics amongst us. But by eck do they look strong this time, utterly dominating the South American qualifying group. Their squad reads like a whose who of European league football and even their keeper is in good form. Neymar is coming back from an injury but they still have good cover in Jesus and Firmino.


Costa Rica

A strong qualifying campaign saw them coming in second in the Central American group. Some decent players who have done the rounds over the years as well as Real Madrids Keylor Navas. However they are mixed in with a number of fairly weak players and when compared to Switzerland and Serbia not as strong a squad.


Serbia

Topping the group that included Wales and Republic of Ireland, they are the team I've seen the most of this qualifying campaign. Milivojevic, Tadic, Matic and Mitrovic have been on good form in the English leagues. Kolarov the captain is a wise old head in defence and they need to do something against Switzerland to get through this group and be a dangerous floater later on in the tournament but I'd rank them as third in the group.


Switzerland

Very unlucky in qualifying as they were pipped by Portugal despite finishing level on points and scraped through the playoff against Northern Ireland. They have a few good players - case in point in Lichtsteiner whose been a good player forever. They have a habit of getting though to the second round and could be a threat to Brazil in this group.


Summing Up

I have this group down as finishing Brazil - Switzerland - Serbia - Costa Rica. However I feel each team has it in them to upset the next team up.
Tips: Brazil to win, Costa Rica to finish bottom and to lay unders on the booking in the Serbia/Switzerland match.
One to watch: Gabriel Jesus, has been in good form this season and I expect big things from him this World Cup.
Dark horse to watch: Milinkovic-Savic, has been a revelation the last few years at Lazio and could well be a player who attracts transfer attention.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group D

Argentina

Lets get the Messi shaped elephant out of the way, what ever you Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers in the world. Since 2010 his goal tally has been mind boggling and at times with his play being out of this world - we'll miss him when he's gone and he's already passed the big three oh. Due to Argentina's remarkably consistency and Messi running out of chances the pressure could be on them to perform.

They had an interesting qualifying campaign where they nearly screwed things up and were two points away from not qualifying. You might expect that stat of other South American teams but Argentina are not a team on top form. Higuain and Aguero are also in good form and Argentina wont have to much trouble up front - its everywhere else they have problems. The goal keepers lack international experience and elsewhere the squad is made up of players who not only I don't like but if I was rating them would be noting down the phrase must try harder with Di Maria being the only exception.

I'd back them to get out of the group but there could be a few sticky moments in this group.


Croatia

A team to keep an eye on, a decent keeper, a shockingly decent midfield and upfront the likes of Mandzukic and Perisic up front. The defence has a soft underbelly but by and large its good stuff. If they can put it together they have a chance to get first place in this group.


Iceland

The story of Euro 2016, qualifying for the first time, getting out of their group, making it past round two and unleashing the clap on Europe. In theory they have no chance of progressing however, we have what us gamblers call an intriguing situation. Not only did Iceland qualify top of their group but that group involved Croatia - they have one win apiece in qualifying.

Do not write this team off, they did something special last time and had a very good qualifying campaign. They have a few decent players including Gunnarsson and Sigurdsson. One to watch and against vulnerable group favourites they're a dangerous floater.


Nigeria

A strange record in recent times out of the last four African cups they've won one and not qualified for the other three. They made the second round four years ago and had a match of the tournament contender against Argentina. A number of strong decent and pacey pros. Again a dangerous team but one I can't help but have doubts about.


Summing Up

Surely Argentina to go through although possibly not as winners.
In a group where at least one of Nigeria, Croatia or Iceland will qualify the footballing world must be rooting for Iceland.
Tips: This looks like a scrappy group, a risky lay of Argentina to win the group could be in order and overs in bookings could be the value.
One to watch: Messi, this could be his last chance for greatness on this stage and what ever happens I'm expecting his international retirement the moment Argentina are finished - in lose or draw.
Dark horse to watch: Mateo Kovacic - yes he plays for Real Madrid but in my book he's underrated and has the potential to do something.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group C

Australia

The socceroos are becoming quite a fixture at the World Cup, indeed after decades of no qualifying this is their fourth World Cup in a row. Australia had one of the more exciting qualification campaigns losing out on automatic qualification on goal difference, going into a two legged playoff with Syria and after two 1-1 matches going through in extra time thanks to a 109 minute goal from Tim Cahill.

Yes you read that right Tim Cahill, he's still going however despite the 38 year old being included in the initial 32 man squad Australia have quite a decent team. With Brad Jones at Feyenoord  and Mathew Ryan at Brighton they have a better goal keeper situation that some of the traditional bigger nations. Up front and in defence they will struggle however they do have a decent midfield including a core of Championship players as well as Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield and Tom Rogic who whilst being a tad injury prone has been one of Celtics players to watch for the last few seasons.


Denmark

Oooh  I do have a soft spot for the Danes, a rag tag group of viking footballing warriors who are often good value for a shock and only went and won Euro 92. Things however are not rosy for the Danish Dynamite, before this tournament they've found it tricky progressing through the qualifying competition.

The squad is again made up of a rag tag bunch with some potential up-and-comers as well as journeymen and Nicklas Bendtner. They do however have a good keeper in Kasper the friendly Schmeichel and a good record of punching above their weight.


France

On first look an absolute beast of a squad, an absolute beast my friends - you could make a first 11 to be in contention from the players they left out! However dig a little deeper and things are not what they appear, a number of this squad haven't had the best of seasons; Pogba has been virtually invisible at times this season, Lloris has been very ill disciplined and Giroud has continued to look like a player 30 years out of his time. Also a lot of this squad has been in and out of their club sides with a few of the bigger name frequently appearing on the bench.

Against that Griezmann continues to be in the form of his life, Kante is still one of the best midfielders in world football and Tolisso has had a fantastic season. The slightly lesser known players like Fekir and Lemar could have bigger than expected roles and I look forward to seeing it. In France we have something of a vulnerable favourite, this is a good group for them and they have screwed up the group stage in the past.

Of note is Paul Pogba, two years ago he was arguably the best player in the world, he underperformed in the Euros and hasn't struck the Premiership alight to the extent that he should have. He needs a big tournament.


Peru

Ah the Incas, or as most people refer to them the marmalade sandwiches. At interesting qualifying campaign saw them finish 5th in the South American group and go into a playoff with New Zealand which saw Paddington beat Frodo 2-0 on aggregate. Most of the players are based in South America those that aren't are journeymen. Sadly theres nothing to see here and they could be fighting with Australia for the last place in this group.


Summing Up

This could be a dull group, France stand head and shoulders above the rest. I'd like to see the Danes squeak  through and put some pressure on France but wouldn't like to predict anything.
Tips: France to win the group, Peru not to qualify and me to be doing my hair when one of these games is going on.
One to watch: Paul Pogba, I want him to set the world alight and stop making me look bad.
Dark horse to watch: Kasper Dolberg.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group B

Iran

Another for want of a better word minnow and unlike Saudi Arabia yesterday they've been drawn in a group with two of the big boys and a very decent African team. Made up of journeymen from around the world - including a few in Europe they actually had a strong qualifying campaign but I can't see them doing to well and certainly not progressing.


Morocco

A very impressive qualifying campaign saw them pip the Ivory Coast (how weird is it that the Ivory Coast aren't here). They are an exceedingly decent team with a mixture of youth and experienced players who mostly play over Europe. Readers will mostly be familiar with Romain Saiss who one the Championship this season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Certainly a dangerous floater and unlucky to be drawn in a group with two of the big boys. The advantage they have is they play Iran first which sets them up nicely for the two tougher games. Morocco certainly has a chance to progress but its weather they can take advantage of it.


Portugal

The perennial underachievers go into this World Cup after winning Euro 2016 under pressure to do well. This is by far the strongest squad we've looked at yet but despite that it their chances hang on one person the boy Ronaldo. To often in the past he has underperformed on this stage and as he approaches his mid thirties this looks to be his last chance for a defining world cup moment. The rest of the squad is up to a high standard - in fact even without Ronaldo its a strong squad. A host of up and coming forwards, a midfield including Bernardo Silva, a strong reliable keeper and an underrated defence including Mario Rui and Ricardo Pereira. I expect them to go far and if the lad Ronaldo is in the mood they could do something special.


Spain

Without doubt one of the favourites and a whose who of world football. With de Gea possibly the best keeper in world football today, a midfield and defence made up of Atletico, Real and Barcelona any other country would at least maim for these players. Spain has an embarrassment of riches in defence and midfield just look at this squad; Ramos, Pique, Alba, Nacho, Carvajal in defence and in midfield; Iniesta, Isco, Koke, Thiago, Saul, Asensio, Busquets and Silva. If that doesn't hit Ruud Gullit in his sexy football G spot nothing will. Critics may say they are weak up front but Iaspas and Rodrigo are in form and could well be starting by the time the tournament reaches the final stages.

Of note we could be seeing the end of some big players for Spain with Pepe Reina, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Ramos well into their thirties. Despite this the cardinal sin of letting a football team get old together hasn't happened and age wise the squad looks balanced.  Big things expected from Spain and they are without doubt among the favourites.


Summing Up

Its all about the match between Spain and Portugal, whoever wins that wins the group - personally without taking into account potential shenanigans about the knock out route finishing first or second brings I'd opt for Spain. Morocco have a decent outsiders chance and are not to be ignored.
Tips: Over 2.5 goals on all Iran matches and lay unders on cards in most of the matches not involving Iran could be a good call here.
One to watch: Has to be the boy Ronaldo.
Dark horse to watch: Andre Silva, I expected big things from his this season but like most players at AC Milan he had a sticky season, will improve and possibly a late bloomer.

World Cup 2018 Preview: Group A

Here we go, the time is quarter to June nearly midway through 2018, its been a long four years - two elections, brexit and the near worldwide domination of fidget spinners but we're nearly here, we've nearly made it to the World Cup. I come to you today readers armed with my traditional deadly weapons of facts, stats, odds and opinions. Ladies and gentlemen lets analyse the beejesus out of it!


Egypt

Going into this tournament one of the questions on most peoples minds is what can Mo Salah do on the world stage? A more pertinent question is who have Egypt got in their squad apart from Salah. The answer is not a lot. By and large the squad is made up of league players from Egypt and Asia. Apart from that there are familiar names such as Ahmed Elmohamady currently of Aston Villa and Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal. But that's it the only other squad item of note is the captain Essam El-Hadary who is a 45 year old goal keeper!

Usually a good bet in the African Cup - a competition which they've done well at the traditionally struggle when it comes to the World Cup to the extent this is the first time they've qualified since 1990. I don't fancy their chances to progress further and to be frank I'd quite like to have seen the Egyptian team of a decade ago qualify for the current team they need something special from Salah and the squad to go beyond themselves.


Russia

The home nation, its hard to be objective here as we have possibly the first hosts since the USA in 1994 who most people wouldn't mind seeing going out in the first round. However lets get passed the inhospitable front and see what we have. No stand out names however the squad is made up of veterans of the Russian league, add to the fact they are familiar with the conditions. Going through the squad there is a good mix of young and experienced with quite a few players having over fifty matches at Champions League and Europa level. One to watch and the definition of a dangerous floater.


Saudi Arabia

Made up of players from the Saudi league and the odd squad player in Spain even I've never heard of these players. I can't see them doing anything and only hope they embrace the tournament instead of putting eleven men behind the ball and hoping to go through on 0 goal difference.


Uruguay

The first team in this preview with more than one tasty player. Suarez and Cavani up front is a mouth watering prospect, Diego Godin and Maxi Pereira in defence. This squad has experience from all over the world from Galatasarays keeper to up and comers in Italy & Spain.

Its hard to look beyond Uruguay winning this group, they have the squad depth which other countries in this group don't have, the most impressive qualifying campaign of this group and that dynamic pairing up front.


Summing Up

Uruguay to win, with Russia runners up.
Egypt Vs Russia to be the match of this group.
Tips: A back of Uruguay to win the group, lay of Russia to win the group and Saudi Arabia to finish bottom.
One to watch: Luis Suarez, expect some out of this world play from him and the chance that he may try to eat someone to set up a future transfer to Brazil.
One to watch for the future: Rodrigo Bentancur - he has cropped up a number of times in my notebook this season after a number of good performances for Juventus.

England World Cup Squad

Thoughts on Gareth Southgates England squad;


Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Three decent keepers in their mid twenties, somewhat lacking in European football experience but given the choice Southgate had some solid picks.


Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose (all Tottenham), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Phil Jones (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Has to be said a surprisingly decent selection of defenders. The right back position looks high quality, centrally the question is who does Southgate pick to play along Phil Jones. Left back looks a tad sticky but decent picks.


Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Eric Dier, Dele Alli (both Tottenham), Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young (both Man Utd), Fabian Delph (Man City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea),

Ashley Young is 32, how the hell did that happen?!?!?!?! Apart from Dele Alli its a bit dull to be honest. Lets not beat around the bush its all about Alli and can he link up with Kane the way he does with Spurs - something he has yet to do for England. As for the rest, its a collection of uninspired bodies.


Forwards: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

There are some good aspects of this attacking lineup that may be lost amongst the English. Kane and Sterling are on form and exciting. Vardy and Rashford are good cover although Welbeck is an inclusion who could be a contender to not actually get onto the pitch at any stage.


Summing Up

Its hard to see England doing much during this world cup, there is a potentially exciting front three in Sterling, Alli and Kane. Central defence next to Jones looks to be a problem, Stones would be my pick but he hasn't been an ever present this season. The full back position is very good and other countries would love to have these riches. Questions remain over the goal keeper, both contenders are rather limited at this level and European club football.

I can see England scoring goals which they have struggled to do in recent tournaments. In theory it should be all about the Belgian game, the group looks easier than four years ago when in Brazil when they had Italy and a dangerous Uruguay. Theres a common sense approach from Gareth Southgate that wasn't there in previous eras and I back England not to screw up against the so called minows they have in the past. Being in group G they will be playing a team from group H in the second round in what looks like a winable tie. If England can manage themselves, not recreate the mistakes of previous tournaments, or not underestimate the opposition I can see them going deep. It has to be said England do have a good draw but the question remains can they take advantage of it...