Post-Group Stage Review - World Cup 2026

Post-Group Stage Review - World Cup 2026

How do the favourites look?

Starting with my pre-tournament pick, France, and it must be said Les Bleues look ominous. Scary. The attacking talent all seem to be producing, whether it’s goals, assists or general cohesion. They’ve seen off tough tests in Senegal and Norway and look strong, exciting and like champions.

The other team with a 100% record so far are the holders, Argentina, having won three from three. The little man is showing us just exactly how much he has to offer, which, from scoring six goals in three games, is clearly quite a lot. Argentina look very solid and are relying on moments from Messi and their other attackers. They’ve grown into tournaments before, as they did at the 2022 World Cup, but have, this time, clicked into gear much earlier. Can they stay the course? Time will tell.

The three others, England, Spain and Brazil, all won two and drew one of their group matches. Brazil, yesterday, left it very late to squeeze past the impressive Japan and, in true Ancelotti fashion, look rather ordinary but know how to get the job done. Spain have not pulled up many trees either, apart from a blistering half of football in their second group game. They’ve not yet conceded a goal and should improve their attacking output. You have to feel Spain will improve as the tournament goes on.

England have been stodgy. Impressive against Croatia, abject against Ghana and so-so against Panama. England will look better against better opposition; however, defensively, there are question marks, with Reece James suffering a fresh injury setback. Kane and Bellingham hold the keys to England’s success and will be hoping some combination of the wide forwards can contribute in the latter stages.

Ones that have caught the eye?

Diomande: Yan Diomande was on the radar before, with a move to Liverpool or PSG mooted. His lightning pace gave Hincapié all kinds of problems in Ivory Coast’s first game, and he’s been a huge success in helping Ivory Coast qualify for the last 32.

Monzambi: The Swiss Army knife midfielder, who can play right across midfield and also up top, has led the charge and looked mightily impressive with three goals in the group stages. Powerful yet full of guile, the youngster is linked with a move to Newcastle United and other top European clubs.

Bouaddi: Football hipsters out there will dispute the Moroccan being a “breakout” pick, given his performances for Lille this season have already garnered interest from Europe’s elite. However, the elegant midfielder has shone on the world stage for Morocco with his calmness on the ball and ability to dictate the tempo. A big move awaits the teenager this summer.

The disappointments?

Germany

Given the first few results of the last-32 round, the only place to start is with Germany. A last-32 exit to Paraguay warrants the “failure” tag. Germany have flattered to deceive with a real lack of cutting edge in the final third and haven’t convinced throughout. Lots of possession, lots of passes, but not a lot of penetration. An inquest will take place in Germany when they return home, and coach Julian Nagelsmann will be under extreme scrutiny.

Turkey

The perennial dark horses of every tournament, Turkey faltered under the lights once again. Given the talent in their squad, not getting through the group stage is embarrassing. On a wider point, there’s an argument to say they’re the most underwhelming nation in world football, given the size of their country and their absolute love and passion for football. Perhaps a topic for another article, another day.

Portugal

Given the size of this World Cup, it’s very difficult for a top footballing nation not to qualify for the last 32. And so, Portugal have qualified. They’re still in the hat and they could go on to win the whole thing and make me look very stupid.

However, Portugal look predictable, pedestrian and passive. Their star-studded, PSG-coded midfield is used to playing with world-class, dynamic attackers, of which this Portugal squad has none. Him up front (Cristiano Ronaldo) is simply not half the player he once was, and that’s shown not only in his performances but in the team’s, as they lack any fluidity and invention going forwards. Away from him, there aren’t a lot of other options up top either, and this could prove to be their downfall.

Updated Predictions:

Nothing to change here. France look dominant and their flair players have come to play. The argument against is that they might have peaked early, but they look pretty complete as a unit.

Semi-Final predictions:

France vs Spain

Argentina vs England