SoccerWise - World Cup Draw Group By Group Analysis x Kickback '26

Episode Date: December 8, 2025

Kickback 26 is your front-row seat to the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by David Gass, Claudia Pagan, Heath Pearce, and Eric Krakauer, this podcast breaks down every World Cup group with a mix of tactical insight, big-picture context, and a healthy dose of banter. From host-nation pressure on Mexico, Canada and USA to dark horses, “groups of chaos,” and which third-place teams might sneak through, the Committee walks you through the tournament one group at a time—making sense of the draw, matchups, and storylines that will define 2026.In this section, the team reacts to the World Cup draw and goes group by group, giving their analysis, predictions, and must-watch fixtures. Expect debates over Mexico’s ceiling as a co-host, South Africa’s resurgence, how dangerous Korea can be, what Switzerland and Italy really are at this stage, and which UEFA playoff nations could flip a group on its head. If you want smart, funny, and deeply informed World Cup talk that actually helps you understand what’s coming in 2026, this is where you start.Listen to our World Cup Capsule Podcasts and follow us on First Touch: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm01:35 - Group A12:01 - Group B18:59 - Group C27:12 - Group D35:07 - Group E39:35 - Group F43:00 - Group G46:37 - Group H48:58 - Group I52:02 - Group J56:01 - Group K59:22 - Group L

Hey, everybody. David Goss here for a very exciting episode. Friday, we got the World Cup draw. We now know what every single group will look like going into the World Cup, especially for the host countries, but for everyone where you know where the games are going to be, what stadiums are going to be hosting, what the matchups look like. It is one of the most exciting days in the four-year cycle to any World Cup. This show is a special one. We have Eric Krakauer. Claudio Pagan and Heath Pearson for us to break down every single group, group by group. We're going to give you our predictions, our big first thoughts, and what are some of the big storylines to know. This is part of our kickback 26 rollout. We are going to be doing what we believe is going to be the best coverage of the 2026 World Cup alongside all the other soccer that you have known us to come and talk about. We already have out over 16 episodes about individual countries,

quick capsules 10 to 15 minutes long talking about each team we have 42 of them that are going to be launched by December 19th so please go to kickback 26 our new podcast feed to go listen to those shows we've got some big interviews with starting goalkeeper of curis out eloy room in there we've got some great history some great stories some of the biggest young and up-and-coming stars that we were telling you about so you can go listen to that there and you're going to get every single group-by-group analysis coming up in just the moment. And we are led in this episode by the one and only Claudia Paghan. Let's do it.

All right. Should we start at the very top? I think there's no other way. Run through everything, Group A. All right. Let's start off Group A, Mexico, South Africa, Korea, and what is it? One of the spots for the UEFA playoff matches. So we'll kick it off to you.

What are you thinking right now with Group A? How is this one shaped out for you? I think this is really great for Mexico, all things considered. If you look at just the way the draws have played out, I think Eric had a great point earlier in that there's not really a group of death. So I think everybody that's going into this, even some of the smaller nations, have to like their chances of a little bit of gamification

within the group of knowing that it's the top two and then you have your third place teams in terms of their results. But in overall, I think South Africa just snuck in. to this tournament. So I think they're going to be motivated in a lot of ways. Korea come prepared for every World Cup that they're in. But Mexico has to be happy again with that opener against South Africa and the way that they're going to be able to manage that. So overall, I think this is a really fun group A, not knowing who that fourth team is going to be. But I think it's a really exciting way for Mexico to kick off the tournament against South Africa, especially.

Yeah, builds a little bit of anticipation. How confident are you in this Mexico side? Because I think you guys talked about it. They haven't won in six matches. They won two big trophies this year and then just what happened? I don't really think they know who they are fully. I think Javier or Gary wants them to be a little more possession. I don't know that they can. And it's the nature of a national team, which is the two most important players, Santi Jimenez and Raul Jimenez, shouldn't play together. So they're trying to figure out how it all fits together going into a World Cup where they don't have enough talent to leave talent out the gate.

And obviously, Raul Jimenez made the comments out of the last window when they got booed at home. They were chanting Javi out. They were chanting against the goalkeeper. Well, this is why we don't play at home. Well, congratulations. You got a home World Cup. You have three games at home and you're complaining about your home fans.

It's not exactly an ideal setting for Mexico. Can I ask this? Mexico playing at home, obviously it's great to play in front of your fans. But if you are Mexico and you are losing, that might be the world. situation that you want to be in is actually playing at home if you're down. Yeah, but I don't know if they'll find themselves in that situation, to be completely honest.

You're confident in them. I think there are a couple of things here. I think that when, and Heath would speak to this a lot better than me. Playing in friendlies and playing in a tournament are very different things. And I think that you, in Aguirre, you've got a coach with a lot of experience. And a guy who has been known tactically as a very, as a very defensive coach. And ultimately, if he can get the defense of cohesiveness

side of things done properly, I don't think any of these teams, maybe Korea to a certain degree, but I don't think they're going to be as threatening as you would think. And then the factor that you get to play your first game or you're playing at home, I think that's really, really important.

And the fans, as much criticism as there's been in Mexico about this team, of course, this could all change if South Africa scored two goals in the first seven minutes. But I think the fans are going to be behind Eltree from the from the get-go. Yeah, I think they're going to give them a chance to start. But we talked about the rematch of the 2010 World Cup, which I think is going to be the big storyline here,

especially for South Africa, of like they got in as hosts. They were the first host to not qualify out of the group stage. They've spent the last 15 years sort of trying to reestablish themselves internationally and prove that they belong to be here. What a better way to do it than against a host. Mexico, I think this is the most interesting. interesting stat I found out over the course of this week.

Mexico have played the most World Cup games without ever winning a World Cup. Which is crazy? Do you think that they think about that? Or that stat kind of just doesn't matter and it's just a fun stat for us as commentators to riff off? I think it goes to the oddity of them, which is they're a constant, but they're not a power.

Constantly average? Yes. I think one of the phrases I use is like Blue Bloods or Blue Chip for favorites. And when you go into a World Cup, Basically what the proof is is that all the big teams are always going to get to the final. Like people, new teams don't break through. It took France, 65 years.

It took Spain, 75 years. Portugal might never do it. Like, you just never get there. And Mexico, I think, sees themselves as part of the club. And the club doesn't see Mexico as part of them. And I think that's where that oddity comes, which is I'd never really put it to name of like, oh, that's why we think they're big,

but we don't really have proof of it. Right. But it's also, you know, how big the sport is in the country, right? When we think about some of the best soccer cultures. Right, one of the best fan groups in the world, we think Mexico are certainly among them, never passed the quarterfinal stage at a World Cup, you know, and so they're always looking to break that duck. But I think this is a very favorable group, and, you know, you think that Korea right now

with Mexico, the two favorites, but Korea get into the World Cup, even though they top their group, they weren't necessarily at their playing big teams. I think we should make everyone make picks for every group. Does that feel right? Four or who we think is going to finish first and second? Yeah. Or for a second, third, because we don't know what's going to happen. Heath, you want to get us started?

Ooh, yeah. Okay. I'm going to go with Mexico to win this group. It's a little bit early, obviously, not knowing who the fourth team is in the group because it could be a little bit of disruption in there. But I think they have the best opportunity to navigate. So I'm going to go with Mexico to get out of the group in first, and then I'm going to say,

Maria second at this point. I know it's a little premature with some of these groups not knowing exactly who's in, but I really do like Mexico. I know they're under a ton of pressure, but guess what? Playing for Mexico has never not had pressure, right? We see all the external stuff. We see all the chaos, the crazy. We know the comments about playing in Mexico, but you're talking about a core fan base that are in the stadium versus a nation that's behind a team. I think they're going to come to life because it feels like they're hosting this World Cup. So them top, and then I'm going to say Korea going second out of this group. second out of this group. I was going to pick South Africa. By the way, I'm going to sit and wait on a third for a little bit more specifics because I don't want to, I don't want to shoot all my shots really early on and then run out of my third place teams going through. I'm going to say this, because I'm going to do this.

We can say third place teams. We don't have to say we think they're going through, which just what you think the group ends. I'm putting that out there. Just go one through four. I'm just going to keep saying it, and I'm saying that you can't hold me accountable for anything that I say at any point in this show. And Heath, if you try to, I will come over there and I will break that record behind you.

Look the smart pretty's got already. Can I just say that the UEFA team will go third in this group? I don't want to just rule out North Macedonia, but I'd like to think that Denmark or Ireland are going to be finished. Which, by the way, our guy Enda here, who we interviewed who owns legends, which we're really grateful to be here and we're having such a great time. I think there was some excitement that Ireland fans were going to roll through. New York or one of these cities. Ireland fans in Mexico City, I don't hate it. I think that's going to be the best blending of fans ever.

Corona just, their stock just went through the roof. Corona and, you know, they'll bring some goodness with them for sure. I think for some reason, lots of people make connections between Irish people and Latinos or maybe specifically Irish people and Mexican. There's something there. Irish people are the Latinos of Europe. 100%. I don't know if that's what the connection.

There's something there. Just in terms of Joie de Vivre. Right. There are you. So the way we think it could set up, Ireland could play in Guadalajara. They could play in Mexico City, and then they could also potentially play in Atlanta. I would love this. Yeah.

So it will be a party for the Irish. It will be a Mexican party for the Irish. If they get there, as I said, I think Denmark has a real shot. So I'm going to go next. Okay. I'm going to say, I'm going to go bold. I'm going to say Denmark first. You're already saying it's going to be Denmark?

Yeah. I'm going to say Mexico second. South Africa, third, and Korea, fourth. Yeah, that's my prediction for the group. Wait, who's second? I have Mexico second. Okay, and then third? South Africa.

South Africa, yeah. Yeah, listen, Kian's here. He's intimidated me a lot. But this is the South African team. That's one of the best defensive teams in Africa. We saw it at the last Afcon. And I have a list of teams that I say, I like them at the World Cup because they will play the style they already play

even against teams that are better than them, where a South Africa at Tunisia, if they play a team maybe considered smaller in Africa, they still play deep encounter. So they're not going to be uncomfortable in that when they get to a moment, like a World Cup, and we've all heard the jeers if Mexico can't score after 35, 45 minutes.

I think South Africa can maintain that. I think they can get some results, and I think they can sneak into a third place group, and I don't love the way South Korea has progressed over the last year with their losses in friendlies and trying to find themselves on the fly. So I'm going bold here, and as I said, Heath cannot hold me to a single thing I say.

I think I go the same way. Whoever the UE team is, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea. Yes. That's what I'm going to go. Guys, you're just picking a team that's not, that's three matches. How bold it back. Exactly.

That's exactly my point. Which I love. I think they're going to be fairly low-scoring games, and I feel like there's going to be a good amount of draws. Yeah, there's not a lot between these teams. I don't think there's much. What are you going with? Yeah, I just, you know, I think Heath makes the most important point.

We don't know which UEF team is going to come out in this group. And so that being the case, you're confident that Denmark can get through. I don't know. They've stumbled in qualifiers. So I'm going to agree with Heath. I think Mexico, number one, Korea second, and whoever the UAEFIT team is in third. Could be North Macedonia for all we know. You know, they did beat Italy in a qualifier.

All right. We are back. You're catching me. That's on me. That's my fault. I'm trying to, come on. You're supposed to let me know. I will take the Mia Copa.

I will take the Miakopa. Come on. Listen, it's an honor of your daughter, Eric. Don't. Of course. Disrespectful. His daughter's name is Stella. Really?

Oh, all right. Well, we were just trying to figure out where we're going with this. Okay, so we are looking now at Group B, which is Canada. The other UEFA nation. Which we have is Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia, Herzegovina. Okay, and then Qatar and Switzerland. So initial thoughts, just understand that Canada,

this is their third time making the World Cup, they have yet to win a game in the World Cup. They have yet to win. I feel like Switzerland have been overlooked in a lot of tournaments recently. Getting to the round of 16, getting to a quarterfinal by beating France, who were at the time World Cup champions, I think that potentially Switzerland could top this group,

I think they could really impress. You know, Canada, Canada has a great opportunity to finish second, so I'm going to say they finish second. Italy, so who do we say? We got Italy. It could be Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. So the potential for an Italy, Canada in Toronto opening game is still on the board. You know, even if Italy is in this group, I think Italy, let's say Italy go through,

finish third in this group. They're just not very good. And then Qatar finished last. So there is no, my only line that I stick to in international soccer. Switzerland are my least favorite team in the world. Why? Because they are, I've been to two Swiss World Cup games

and the most boring fans, most boring team. And the only truism for them is they play up to their opponents and down to their opponents. Because they don't have a, they don't have a style. Yeah. So you're right, Eric, which is they're underrated because when they've gone into big games against the France or Spain,

they've stayed toe to toe. But then they dropped down, and this is a group where it's a drop-down. And they got demolished by Norway. Let's not forget about that. I mean, at the San Ciro. Yeah, I think that's perception stuff for them. So I look at Switzerland playing at Canada,

and if you want to say Canada is not of the same quality, I think they play down to what Canada is. I think they play down to a guitar, down to whoever the other UAFa team is. So if I'm Canada, I like having them in this group because they're not going to dictate the game to me. I'm going to get to dictate the game to them and that's what Canada wants. So I like this

group for the hosts and I think outside of Qatar anyone will have a shot of getting out of it. Yeah. Heath what do you think and how do you feel about this group be with Canada? Again I think when the first two names came out with Switzerland and Qatar

you have to like your odds. I do think that there is a variable in Italy and just the representation of the Missouri they're going to show up in a different way that I think whether or not it's Canada's group to lose. I'm not really sure. I think if this was Canada

2022, very, very different than now they're battle-hardened, there's a belief, you know, that confidence has grown over the years under Jesse Marsh as well as what they think they can do in the World Cup. So I like Canada's chances. I think that they like what they're looking at. I think Italy will take points. I think Italy will be

if it is Italy. Ooh, now he's the one who's deciding. will be a variable where they will take some points and cause a little bit of chaos and disruption within this group that I still think it's probably Canada, Switzerland that get out of this group, but there is that sort of curveball

in the fact of whoever this UEFA team is, I think can disrupt some things that could push either Switzerland or Canada into that third spot. But as of now, just to give my kind of group predictions, I've got Switzerland finishing second behind Canada, especially Canada being home. That Italy Canada thing could be something special.

but that's what I'm going to go with in that one. Your thoughts on this Canadian team? Who could be getting Alfonso Davies as soon as this weekend going for Byrne? He hasn't played since March with an ACL injury, so they could have him for next year. It's going to be awesome. That game is going to be electric. They're expanding BMO field. The way it was when they qualified for 2022 against Jamaica at home was one of the best

atmospheres we've ever seen, the Ice Teca in Edmonton, all of that. All that stuff's going to be on the highest level. As you said, if you're Canadian, you're watching Alfonso Davies and Jonathan and Dave and all of them every single week. I think Canada will have confidence in this group. To the point we keep making for anyone who doesn't know, the Italian population in Toronto is one of the biggest in the world. I didn't know that.

Yeah, that's why Sebastian Javinko and Bernadeschi and Sydney went there. That's why they spent the money. So it is a huge little Italy there. So they'll be support on both sides in a way. But I just think this Canada team is ready for this moment and ready to take the time. And I think having a Qatar in your group, which, let's just be real, that's three points. They were the worst defensive team in Asian qualifying,

and they are not good enough offensively to overcome that at a World Cup. Just because you said that, things are really going to be chaotic here. Can I just add a little ingredient to this? I don't think Qatar or wherever the UEFA nation is or Switzerland have played a team that will have the approach that Canada does. Canada is going to scare teams because of their pressing, how combative they are under Jesse Marsh.

And I think that's why I think they'll do well in this group. But also very quickly, we're talking about Italy, and it seems like this is a fairy tale setting for Italy. But I don't rate Bosnia because every time they get to a playoff, they lose. Northern Ireland and Wales could surprise. They really could. And Wales is a pretty good team that underperforms.

So let me throw out one thing about Switzerland, which is they're obviously Granichaca. and Froiler, their strength in central midfield, to what he said about Canada. Canada doesn't want to play through. Canada's going to play over you, and then they're going to press you. So I think all of Canada's strengths,

I think Eric said it well, fit against these teams. So I'll go first on predictions here. I'm going to say Canada first. Or did someone already predict? Yeah. He gave his thoughts and the permission. He answered all my questions.

Are you still with us? Yeah. The last thing I would say on Canada, by the way, is the way that they play is usually, where they are in the game and what I worry about the way that they play is if they go down a goal early and the nerves and the hosting

and all that stuff can really shift the dynamic of how they have to play and open up a little bit that as long as they're controlling matches I like their odds at the top of this group. I guess I'm the last one. I haven't given it. I think Canada, I want to go before you.

Canada, I'm going to go the UAE for team switcherling Qatar. I'm going to switch the middle two, but I'm the same. I think Canada in first. Yep. And I'm very excited for my Canadian friends who have tickets, especially I have a few who, like, worked in our TFC season ticket holder, who have been trying to get the Italians to come to their games

and now don't want them to show up. I think Canada first, I think Switzerland second, I think the UA 15 third, and then I'm going to put Qatar in fourth. Yeah, I think those are solid predictions. Those are our thoughts for the Group B pot. Well, let's stick into our Group C pot next here. We have Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Scotland. Any pot with Morocco? I think Morocco is the one that I would fear most over Brazil

considering how qualifying has gone went with Brazil. So Morocco is the one that scares me the most here. But Heath, what are your thoughts first of all for this group C? I think Morocco are incredible. They've proven themselves not just at the World Cup level, but the way that they qualified only conceding a couple goals, like plus 20 goal difference. They cruise through that. And again, yes, there wasn't the strongest of opponents in the way that it was set up for this campaign, but they've consistently done it. You see it now through the youth infrastructure, the U-20s winning the World Cup, just so many things about them.

I think just ooze confidence in their ability to compete with the rest of the world, their style of play, add that to the fight and the grit that the team's capable of, that pride of wearing the crest. I think you have to put them even above Brazil, who I think have struggled overall. Brazil is always Brazil, but they just don't have that level. of fear that I think they used to have in the past. And then honestly, for me, the more of the focus is on Scotland having a belief that this actually gives them an opportunity if they can maybe grind something out somewhere

along the way or play really pragmatic and smart and discipline that they could get enough points to sneak out of this in a third place position. And so when I'm looking at this group overall, I think Brazil and Morocco are going to handle themselves in a way that they'll cruise through where they finish first or second. Could be either one. I like Morocco, probably at that first place position. But if you're Scotland, knowing that you've got Haiti, knowing that you could maybe get some points off the others,

there could be an opportunity to get out of this group in that third position. Yeah, it's interesting how when we look at this, I mean, Brazil is still a team that they're Brazil. They're always going to be a tough team, but it's Morocco who's kind of replaced them in my mind for that fear factor. They did so well in 2022. They won the U-20 World Cup just now. They win everything.

They're investing a lot, and it's incredible the growth that we've been able to see from them and how much momentum that could carry into next year's World Cup. And they're going to be hosting the next World Cup. So they know what's on stage and what they did in the last one. I think to your point, there are 12 teams in Pot One and Morocco are 11th ranked in the world. So they should have been a Pot One team. So you've got two teams that should have been there at the top of this group. And I think it's fair to choose their form, although Eric has mentioned,

Afcon could be great for them or it could be a wrench that gets. thrown in if it doesn't go the way they'd like at home, as you said, over the next month or so. So that's out there. But I think I'm higher on this Brazil team than most people. I think it's because I, you know, like cheese bread and whatever else. And so cheese bread is great. I'm easily sucked in by things. And I think, uh, he's point, exactly. I wasn't going to say it on a stage with you because I was like, uh-oh, it's a Portuguese name that I pronounce. No, no, but with a Brazilian accent, Pondi-Cajia. Yeah. Eric knows that we say the Brazilians gosses.

I follow Portuguese for Dagi, you know? He's spent a month there for the World Cup and what'd you come away with? Just that? It's just that. Yeah, just that. No, no. No, no.

It'll follow Portuguese. And so I think the Scotland point you made, though, Heath is interesting, which is it's an opening for them. As we said, three points could be enough to get through as a third place team. And there's an opening here for a Scotland team that, reminder, lost 5'1 to Germany at the Euro opener. Like, they have not performed well against big teams, but they are the oldest team out of Europe as an average age for.

the starting lineup. They've been here a little bit now, and it really just comes down to. The biggest matchup of this group is Haiti against Scotland. Yeah. What are you thinking? I'm just jumping off that last point you made,

I completely agree. That's going to be the big game. And of course, Haiti are the enigma, right? If you're talking about the names for Haiti, Johnny Placid and goal is the big name. Then you have Peru, who plays in Greece and the Super League with... And went to Northeastern University.

Go dogs. Oh, there you go. There you go. He knows everything, this guy, encyclopedia. So I feel like they're an enigma. stigma, but a few years ago, I asked Patrick Fiera, what was the... Name dropping again. It's always going to stick with me.

Take a shot every time he drops the name. It's always going to stick with me because I asked him, what's the one quality in a player that you think is the most important in knowing that a player is going to go far? He said adversity. No team has faced more adversity than this Asian national team. So they're going to go into this World Cup with their tails up and feeling like they can do something. They could surprise somebody.

So watch out for them. But that being said, I also... Can I throw into that? Where we think these games will happen is in Boston, in New Jersey, in Philadelphia, and then potentially in Atlanta or Miami. Those are some pretty big Haitian populations that are going to be ready to party. By the way, I am in no way saying that they're going to finish in the top two, but don't be surprised if they're third, and it's Scotland who fizzle out.

You know, maybe they've reached their height by beating out Denmark in their group with that huge game at Hamden Park. with a bicycle kick, a goal for midfield. I feel like they shot all their shots in that game, and they're happy to be at the party. And they tend to fizzle out on tournaments. They got destroyed in the Euro against Germany. Morocco, and this is going back to the point that you made,

is in a group of Brazil, and yet you said, Claudia, and I think you're right, that they're the team to fear here. And there are a couple of factors. They haven't lost since 2024 in the Afcon. Look at it. In Reggie, who came in just before the 22 World Cup, He turned this team from a team of individuals, which it's been historically. I'm thinking over the days of Nolandi, Naibet, and Mustafa Haji, two players that I absolutely loved,

who were stars in a team that didn't seem to have any cohesiveness. Now this is a team of stars and with cohesiveness. So I think the Morocco tops this group with Brazil in second place. And I'm going to say, Haiti, I think are going to finish third. They're going to surprise the world by beating Scotland and tripping up one of the big boys. So you're going Morocco, Brazil, Haiti, Scotland? All right, that's what I'm going with. Did you give your prediction?

I'm going to go exactly the same. I will say this. I think Brazil will make it to the semi-final of the World Cup. This is not a, I think they're going to struggle. But I do understand that I think they might drop points here or there. Also, let me throw out, and I'm not going to give credit. But the reason FIFA did what they did with the schedule is that opening game is Brazil, Morocco. It could be in Boston or New York.

Let's be real. It's going to be in New York, even though there's a huge Brazilian population. up there. And that's why FIFA wanted to say, well, we'll get back to you in 24 hours. Just call us back. By the way, we are in danger of ignoring a second act to hangover from Morocco, by the way. Yes. That's what I was going to say with, as you talked about the energy that happened in 2022, late appointment of manager. Everyone's on the same page. Huge fan base. And I think the Morocco fans will travel again and they'll be big. If it doesn't, there felt like there was something magical there, similar to Ivory Coast

at the last Afcon, if that goes away. And one more point, and this one is tactical. Morocco in the World Cup in 2022 were a very transitional team, right? They sat deep, that's how they beat Spain, that's how they beat Portugal, and then hidden transition, had a couple of opportunities and capitalized

on them. When it comes to this team right now, this is a much more possession-based team. How does that factor into things? So, something to keep an eye on. Hey, last point I wanted to make Claudia, real quick. Yeah, go ahead.

Was there was, I think there's been a couple now, but there's a match for peace that took place where the Brazilian national team went to Haiti some time ago for a fundraiser for the country. And if you look, if you were to ask most Haitians before they qualified for the World Cup, who their favorite national team was, they'd likely not say Haiti.

They would say the Brazilian national team. So there's some added dynamics there that for the large bulk of the Haitian population, their favorite national team is Brazil because of what Brazil done for that country historically on a footballing level. That's just going to add some really fun dynamics when they play each other. Thanks for adding that in Heath.

All right, well, we were speaking about Morocco being, to me, the scariest one here, but still so much credit to give to this Brazilian side. All right, let's move on to Group D, a huge one here, because it does include the USA, also Paraguay, Australia, and another one of those countries that will qualify through the playoffs in UEFA. Who will that be? Which will be Turkey, Romania, Kosovo, or Slovakia. That's pretty favorable.

Yeah. Would we say? Yeah. All right. Heath, what do you think? Let's come to you first. Again, I think the U.S., just seeing the first two names come out for the U.S., I think it's just a favorable draw.

And I feel like we're saying that for Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., just because we've experienced Ghana in our groups or having to face a Ghana. We've experienced difficult draws in the past with, with Germany or 2006 in Germany as well. And so I like the U.S. in this one. I think it's great that the U.S. just faced off against Paraguay to have a little bit of a measuring test as to how they can get a result. I think the main thing that the U.S. is looking at

is just hoping to avoid Turkey in this one, or Turkey, as it's called now. I think that's the main, I think, risk for them everywhere else. I think they can manage the match. but you have to love the Australia matchup. They're not going to come and be a walkover by any means, but based on the personnel of the U.S., the confidence, that fact that we're hosting, all of those types of things,

I really like the U.S.'s odds of not just doing well in this group, but winning it. And there could still be a UAFA team that finish decent in this group, but Paraguay have to like their chances as well at this point. Heath, would you have, I've heard different reviews on people, maybe would have wanted an easier group for the U.S., maybe people would have wanted them to be a bit more tested and get harder nations.

What did you want? What did you want coming into this? I think it's tough to say. There is a World Cup that's about to take place that nobody knows what it's going to be, right? We're only used to foreign World Cups, World Cup qualifying these matches where we complain about having to play Conca Calf because it doesn't prep us for this.

We played against some big nations. We have some coming up. That would be a good measuring stick, but they're still friendly. in a lot of way. And so I think the World Cup, regardless of who you play against, no one's going to be a big gap between the two teams that I think it will, one, test the U.S. I think it'll show a few naivities in the first couple of games of areas that we have to clean up if we actually do want to go on a deep run. And then it'll also be a good measuring

stick as to how prepared are we for group play. I think group play is very, very different than how you handle any other type of knockout type of competition or, the way in which we've navigated gold cups or nations leagues in the past how we get in how we get out of that first result I think is going to dictate how and where we put out the right type of team more defensive more offensive but I really like this as a test there's going to be some real challenges within all of this and it's going to poke some holes in maybe the game plans that that uh that we have right now and I think the game plan is interesting because what I talked about with you before the draw happened was I don't know that the U.S. is a dominant with the ball team and I think what Maurice

Joe Pachitino's done that's worked so well is the pressing, the intensity, the aggression of all of that. But we saw the fight against Paraguay. Like we saw the literal brawl, but also And a fight against Australia too. Yeah. But both those teams, while the U.S. won, were

hard because they don't care. They're not going to come out and play. Paraguay is not going to get pulled out of their game. They're not going to come out and approach you. So the responsibility, which I thought had gone off the U.S. the shoulders, has shifted back now to you're going to have to dictate the style of games. you're going to have to go and create chances.

But the confidence of literally just having beat the two teams is as good as it gets. And so for the U.S., as I've said, I think it's as good. I mean, I guess technically I thought Capeford was in here, and I thought it was a better job. We were celebrating too early. I don't want to say it's as good a draw as you could have gotten, but this is an ideal scenario. None of these teams are giants. Eric? No, you know what?

I think if the U.S. goes into this group overconfident, they're in big trouble. And one of the points that you've just brought up, I think, is really crucial. The United States doesn't seem to be the best team in possession. And they're playing against teams that are going to sit back. In fact, one of the criticisms that's been leveled at Australia under Tony Popovich is that the team is too rugged and defensive. And they had been evolving over the past, what, 10 years into a more attack-minded team. I mean, at one point, Ange Pasta Coglu was their head coach, okay?

Now they've got five centerbacks. Right, so there's this prevailing belief that Australia is actually regressing in the way that they play. I think it's important because they don't really have superstars, right? Jackson Irvine, who plays for St. Pauly, is probably their most notable player right now. And then the centerbacks. Yeah, and so they basically, you know, Degeneck, who played for Columbus. And so this is a team that is going to defend deep. Paraguay was one of the best defensive teams in the qualifying group.

Gustavo Alfaro is a coach with a lot of experience. He was in fact in charge of Ecuador for a while. He was with Boca Juniors. I actually think that Paraguay is going to top this group. Because they can hit you in transition and make it hard. One of the guys that we haven't talked about is Gomez, who's now with Brighton, who is with Inter Miami, Superplayer. And CISO, another super player, but everything is about their defensive line.

So for me, Paraguay tops this group. I think there are going to be some wobbles with this U.S. team that they're going to make everybody nervous. I think they'll edge past Australia. And luckily for them, when you look at the European teams in this group, remind me off the top of your head? Turkey,

Romania. And Slovakia. So, Slovakia, Kosovo's tough. Slovakia is tough. Slovakia was just edged out against Germany in the group stage. Very defensive team again. So I'm looking at this and I'm thinking the U.S.

even though it's a favorable group, the U.S. going to have more trouble than they anticipate. I'm still having them finish second. And I think whoever comes out of Europe is finishing third because Australia is not that great. Can I just go for only this one group? I'm not going to do this for every group. Just third dimension chess here for a second.

The winner of this group will play a third place team. So we have no idea what that team looks like. The runner-up of this group will play the runner-up of group G. That's Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand. That is a secondary piece of this for all these countries. That's a good draw. And both those games are in Texas So you're going to know if you advance

You know where you're going somewhat And whatever the third place is it is And if not, that's like not a bad matchup to have So that's, we're not going to do that all the time Because this whole thing's chaos But like that's that extra element in here Which is this went this was a pretty good day for USA I know we want to move quickly

I'll just say this You know I'm going to say this I'm going to go a 20 minute rant Can you imagine living with me With my kids Enough dad I was just going to say one of the dangers of

calling a group of life like I did is going into it overconfident and underestimating your opponents and I think every one of these teams might underestimate their opponent. Yeah. All right quick predictions. I'm going just the way it's written out. USA, Paraguay, Australia

and whoever comes in from UEFA. Quick prediction. Yeah, Paraguay, USA, European team, Australia. I'm going to go the same as Eric. So I'll swap those bottom two, but I agree that Paraguay gets out as a runner-up. Keith? I'm just swapping Australia for the Euro team coming in at that third position. Okay.

All right. Well, that's our Group D, Chit-Chah there. Let's move on to Group E now. Group E has Germany. It has... Kurosau. Kurosau, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador. So this is a good one.

What are your thoughts? Initial thoughts here. To me, when it first came out, I thought it was going to be the group of death when Ivory Coast got pulled because I have Ivory Coast as one of my main dark horses. I think they have the formula that we talked about earlier on that a Croatian of Morocco has shown, which is star power attackers, but the platform for them to play off of. And then I look at a group where I think Germany is one of the weaker pot one teams that you could possibly get. And I just think it's open for everyone.

Curisout comes in. They're a huge unknown. But this is a Curisout group that will probably get better because there's a chance they recruit more. players on the way to the World Cup and the group they have is really cohesive and has a ton of belief and they all play in the Netherlands. So playing in Germany is less uncomfortable for them because most players have played in European competition against a side like that. So this is one of those groups that I think could go a lot of different ways. I think Curisal will struggle to get results out of it, but I still think they'll be really excited for what this looks like.

Definitely very excited for them just to be in the World Cup. Heath, what's your prediction for this one? How do you think it's going to stand after the group stage? Well, again, with Giants, Germany coming in in the pot one, I agree with Goss that they're one of the weaker of the pot one teams. But they're still Germany, and they're still looking at a huge opportunity to cruise pretty comfortably, I think, through this group. Ecuador, I think, is the wild card. If you look at their qualifying, very tough to break down, very defensive team.

What that means is they generally can play not to lose. when you get into a group, everything changes, right? You win your first game, what do you do in your second? And if all you have is the defensive side, because they don't score a ton of goals, it starts to change the dynamic a little bit. And so I'm worried for them in a World Cup type of setting and group type setting where it's about qualifying for the next round and how they handle those first couple of matches.

And then Ivory Coast, I think, are a little bit of the wild card for me in this one, where they have a lot of strength, they have a lot of quality players. And then Curacao, I just saw an odds thing, plus 200,000 to win the World Cup guys so get your uh get your bets in now uh i think that there'll be a fun one and entertaining and surprise a few people but not really um competing in the way that i think is going to disrupt this group all that much i think all three other teams will look at that as a three point must your financial planning from heath pierce you know one of the things that i said at the top of the show about at germany or at least when the when the groups are getting put together was that

julian nagelsman is more of a club coach than he is a national team coach but one of the great benefits of playing in the tournament is you've got a week or two weeks of camp and that makes a huge difference and ultimately this german side have a lot of quality they've also figured out something that had been hampering them they have in nick volumada they have found a goal score he's so good you know he there was he hadn't scored many headers in his career before going to newcastle he's found that side of his game he's good with the hold-up play so i think all that is going to come together germany's going to top this group i think rather easily i agree with heath at ecuador for all there's solidity defensively, you know, with guys like Moses Casedo and Incapie, they still lack a little

bit in the attacking side of things. They're still very reliant on Enervalencia, and if he doesn't score, they'll be in trouble. I still think they'll finish second, though. Ivory Coast just managed to edge out Gabon in their group. They've got good players. Not enough difference makers for me, but they finished third and Corosal last. Yeah. Germany, I'm going to take them first Since winning in 2014, they haven't made it out of the group stage. But I am confident for them to finish first in this one. I'm going to go Ecuador, then Ivory Coast, then Kourasel. I'm going to go safe here.

I think for me, Germany are super reliant on Jamal Musiala, who we don't know what he'll look like coming back from injury and Florian Verz, whose form has been poor, and all of the issues that you talked about over the last 10 years. So in my mind, I think that this is Ivory Coast and Ecuador's group to win. In saying that, I think Germany having Kierrasen in the first matchup, helps. But also, they got to come out strong because that's three points you absolutely need. I think this Ecuador team is a dark horse because they don't concede goals. They know who they are.

They're super cohesive. They all grew up playing in the same club, basically. They're a South American in Portugal at this point. So I'm going to go Ecuador and first, Ivory Coast and second, Germany and third in Kurosahua. All right. Let's continue on with our groups. We're going to move on to Group F, which is the Netherlands, Japan, Tunis. And then it will also be a UEFA playoff team, which could be Sweden, no. Yeah, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, Albania. So, Goss, I'll kick it off with you here, initial thoughts. I love this Japan team right now.

I love the form they're in. They just beat Brazil 3-2. They came to the U.S. and played toe-to-to-to with a number of World Cup teams. They have belief in what they're building. They're cohesive, they're confident, and they came out of a World Cup where they knocked off Germany in the opening. game. So in my mind, I think that this Japanese team is favorites in this group. Netherlands are interesting, similar to a Switzerland. I think they play up and down a little bit without

Chavi Simons really taking over. They don't have a true player who dominates the game. And so they'll still be wondering, but they're a tournament favorite every time they get in it. And then you've got a team in Tunisia who will never beat themselves. So you have to go and get the game from them. And that's what we saw at the last World Cup. I think we're about to see it at the Afcon again. So while I don't think there's a star power, I think we're looking at some really tight games in this group, but I think Japan will be happy with the draw they got.

How do you think this will end at the end of the group stage? The Netherlands cruise through their group stage, but I think there are some questions about what they do up front and whether they're created enough, which is crazy to say because they scored a ton of boatload of goals in the group stage. Japan have a ton of talent.

Their high tempo team, I think they can disturb everybody, but they've never really put together in the World Cup in a way that is meaningful. So Netherlands first, Japan, Tunisia defensively solid. Most players play in Tunisian clubs. But I think they could finish third, and the UEFA club that comes out of here could finish fourth, depending on who that is. All right, Heath, what are you thinking?

How do you think they'll finish those four? Yeah, I think it's difficult to say. Netherlands, I think, are good. Defensively, they're super sound right now. Japan are my favorite in this group again, as the things Goss mentioned. I like the tempo of this team. I like their belief. I like the cohesiveness in the way that they play.

For me, where it all comes together is who that team from Path B is. Poland is a team that the Netherlands barely inched out in that group play, even though both of the teams had really strong campaigns. Poland find themselves having to qualify through. We saw that Sweden really, really struggled in World Cup qualifying, but obviously got their pathway in a different. fashion. And so I think Ukraine, Poland, Albania, Sweden can all be teams that can compete within this group or have to like if they get in this group that there could be some ability to

mix things up and cause a little bit of chaos. But for now, I would say Japan finishing first and Netherlands finishing second with that UEFA team finishing third depending on, depending on maybe one or two of those teams in that group. Opening game in this group, by the way, is Netherlands versus Japan. So it seems like what we're all saying is that's the big game. That's going to be a huge one. All right. So I agree with Heath. That's how I think this one will finish out. Did you give your prediction? Yes, I did. I think I did Japan first, Netherlands, and then the UAFa team, and then Tunisia. I'm the only one to put Tunisia third. Oh, you know what? No, I put Tunisia third. Yeah. I don't Eric to be the only one. I think Ukraine or Poland come out of this group. I'm giving

credit to Tunisia. The Carthage Eagles, come on. The Carthage Eagles, yes. This could definitely be one where the third team gets out of this one. On three points for sure. All right, moving on to group G, we have Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in this one. Heath, how do you like the way that this group G shaped out? Well, Belgium, I'm not super familiar with over the last sort of 12 months of where they're at. Obviously, we know Belgium as a strong national team and what they're capable of at a World Cup level. We know that it's been a golden generation for 16 years now. Eventually, those generations are over. And so I wonder how far that they can go when I look at them or the Netherlands, they come in as favorites, but I don't see them as an actual

World Cup favorite. Egypt, again, they're a team that's going to be well organized, they're going to be well prepared, they're going to come into this with a belief that they can compete with anybody in this competition. New Zealand, I think, is a click below anybody else within this group. Iran has struggled at the World Cup level when they do qualify. So this could be a huge moment for them to step up, but I'm not sure that they have the quality and depth to really compete.

So I see really two tiers within this group. It's Belgium and Egypt that are light years ahead of Iran and New Zealand in terms of their ability to not just do well in this group, but to go on later into this tournament. So I'd probably keep this structure the way that it's laid out now and how we're looking at it. Yeah, Belgium, one of the bigger storylines here is that they also kind of like have this aging golden generation, Romila Lukaku, Kevin Dubroina, who people are wondering with his hamstring injury, how fit will he be for the World Cup?

Timor Cotois here, but he's obviously, he's doing very well in the net. What are you thinking? What's your prediction? So I will say this. I think this is probably the worst group overall, I think, in the draw. And I think for Egypt, it's a dream situation because they are a team that thought that they had a shot to get out. And this really sets the stage for you. So I like Jeremy Doku and what he can be for that group of that injection of a little bit more creativity and quality on top of the base that's already been built. I think this Egypt team has found a way with younger players to platform Sala.

So I have Belgium going first, Egypt second. And as he said, this is an Iran team that struggled at the World Cup. And, you know, we're not going to have enough time to go into boycotting the draw, being, you know, having a friendly in Canada canceled, like all these things. So now you look at all of that going on around Iran. They were supposed to play in Vancouver four years ago in a World Cup warmup that they canceled the week of the game because Canadian citizens were so upset about the idea of Iran. and they might play their opener in Vancouver.

So I think it's going to be a tough World Cup for them and New Zealand are out of their depths at this level. I'm going the same way. I think Belgium are by far the favorites. Rudy Garcia is a good attacking coach, not necessarily a national team coach, but he's done well so far in the group stages. For the first time ever, Egypt has had an easy qualification period

to get to this point. They've never won a game in the World Cup. You've got to take that into consideration. Mo Salah, very dependent on Mosala, and guys like Trezegé, midfield. Ask for Iran. So I think Egypt finishes second. Ask for Iran, excuse me.

I'm trying to get through these quickly. A lot of complaints about Iran under Cardoos-Keroz being too defensive, especially in tournaments. The complaints now are even more defensive. So I don't expect much from them. So Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and then New Zealand. For Egypt, I'm curious to see how Mossala does in the up. coming Afcon because with him Liverpool being benched twice interesting to see

might have something to prove in this tournament by the end of the year I think he definitely will end of the season all right let's move on to group H here we have Spain Cabo Verde is in this one Saudi Arabia and Uruguay so let's start with you Eric what do you think of Spain licking their chops yeah they're licking their chops because they get you know they started off they start off against Cab Verde they think that Cab Verde is a mino and they are I think they'll wipe floor with them and slowly get momentum into this tournament. Saudi Arabia next and then they finish the group against Uruguay,

the only team that I believe will give them some trouble. And I know there's been some concerns about Uruguay under Bielsa and just the fractious approach that he has and not being the kind of coach that puts his arm around a player's shoulders. But I think Uruguay are forced to contend with. So Spain, first, second Uruguay. Between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, I'm sorry, Kabirte, Saudi Arabia, a third, more experience, and then Kabirdin, fourth place.

I'm going to go that way as well. You teed it up perfectly for me. Heath, what are you thinking in this one, Group H? Yeah, I agree with that. I think the only difference is, you know, we've heard Eric a few times talk about national team versus club managers. They've got Err-Vernard at Saudi Arabia, who's coached every national team ever on the men's end one side,

and is just a pure national team manager. So I think he has a good idea and a clue on how to navigate these moments, maybe not the most successful, but a unique manager in that sense. But I would go with Spain finishing first. Saudi Arabia may be challenging for that third spot to actually get out of that group and into the knockout rounds with Uruguay finishing second and then Cabo Verde in that fourth and final spot. What are you thinking? Yeah, it's an interesting one to Heath's point.

You know, Saudi Arabia, the reason they beat Argentina was because Herr-Vernard had all this time to work with them and create this plan. But they beat Argentina to open a World Cup and then they end up not getting out of the group because there is a lack of quality, especially in the finishing final third for them. So I could see them manage this very well, and it is manageable. But I also think there's something special with this Cape Verde team, and I'm excited to see them play, and I'm excited to see what they can do. So for me, Spain, number one, I think their World Cup favorites, no question.

I understand the issues with Bielsa, but I still think there's a Uruguay team with Valverde. That's going to be one of the best at the tournament, and then I'm going to go Cape Verde and then Saudi Arabia to close things out. Moving on to group I here we have France, Senegal, Norway, and in that playoff team, it'll either be Bolivia, Suriname, or Iraq. So those are the three that we could potentially have, or that we could have in that. Heath, how about you kick it off for us here? What are you thinking about this group I? I would say this is probably the closest thing to a group of death based on the three teams.

I think when you add the fourth team, there could be just some weak. of this group, but when you think about the way Senegal came in undefeated in their World Cup qualifying campaign, again, the groups within Afcon not the strongest in terms of the way that they were split up, so you expected all those teams to nearly go perfect throughout. But Norway are a team that I'm not sure. They've been able to figure out

how to play, as earlier as Goss mentioned, around Erling Holland. He has become a star within this team. And we've seen historically with the Zlatans of the Swedens of the past have never being able to really build a squad that could service a star player at the world level. I think they're a team that's going to continue to drive around making sure that he's effective when he's in and around the box and the way that they score goals. So I think this one's a little bit of a toss-up.

I think Norway could get out of this group in first or second. I'm going to place them behind France at two with Senegal third, and then really tough to say who that fourth place team is. But I can confidently say that they'll probably finish fourth in this group. Very difficult group for whoever's qualifying you to know. So one of the things I said when we came in is I always believe you should play the best team first because I think teams take a little while to settle in and France has been that in the past. So I like the way this set up for Senegal and that they start with France.

The history 2002, all of that, the rivalry, the intensity. And I think that's a nice opening game for them. And most likely it'll be in either New York or Boston. So it should be a pretty pro-Senegal crowd as much as you can get for a small country in the U.S. So I think that France has a good chance, of course, of going out, and they're one of the favorites at the World Cup. But the way this fell for Norway, I think, is unfortunate. They're one of the darlings coming in,

and I don't know that this is a great draw for them. So I'm going to go with France, Senegal, and Norway, as the top three, with whoever the playoff winner is, as the fourth team. I'm going that way as well. You know, it's funny. I was thinking that. I was thinking there's so much hype around Norway that I'm going to bet against them. But I'm not.

Even though I'm looking forward to a Kulibali-Haland battle, You know, Colobali, who used to be at Chelsea now at Hali Lal. I think France possibly run away with this. They just have too much quality. And I do think that Norway ultimately, the difference makers like an Odegaard, like Holland, are just going to be too much for Senegal defensively. So Senegal third, and then I feel bad for whoever comes out of that intercontinental path too. Yeah.

Yeah. To fight for a World Cup spot and end up in that group. All right. So, Franz, obviously, trying to make it to the third straight World Cup final, and they lost last year to Argentina. And Argentina side, who let's move to Group J, because Argentina is the pot A team in this one, along with Algeria and Jordan.

And who else do we have in this? We have Austria in this group J. So Argentina, reigning champions, you know how hard it is to win World, One World Cup now to try to do it back to back with or without Messi. We still don't know because he's still been very iffy, yeah, coy about whether he'll be there. He's playing and starting. What are you thinking for this group, Jay? I'm really looking for it.

As a neutral, this group is one that I'm really paying attention to. I'm very hot on Algeria. I just think they're tremendously talented and very often fall short of expectations. In 2010 or is it 2014, 2014? 2014, one of those two, 2014. They almost beat Germany in the round of 16 and went to extra time. It ended to one. Islam Slimani missed a couple of chances.

So I think Argentina topped this, understandably. I think Algeria are going to be this dark course for me for some reason. Austria 3rd and Jordan, I'm sorry, Jordan. You know, a team that got to the final of the Asian Cup a couple years ago, but they just don't have anything, including your friend. I'm sorry, Juan, Jaime. Jaime, hopefully you have a great tournament, but I just don't think they have any weapons to fight against these teams.

What are you thinking? It was a dream for Argentina. Every one of the simulators I did, they came out in this group of death, and somehow they were able to manage through it and manage through whatever happened, and that didn't end up happening. The fascinating part about this group to me is Algeria and Austria are both teams that are direct, and they are transitional.

And Algeria, they were one of the best second half teams in World Cup qualifying, so they struggled at the start, and then they'd come out of the gates in the second half flying, and we know what Austria want to do. But you take a look at this group and most likely the way it nets out, there's a chance Austria ends up with two inside games, which we haven't talked a ton about,

but they're going to be a high-pressing team playing inside at AT&T Stadium would be a really good bonus for them because they need to play at high-intensity and high-speed the whole game. Unquestioned Argentina wins this group, whatever Messi wants to pretend he's going to do or not do, he will be there and he will lead this team through it.

But these are a couple teams that are trying to make history, and I think Algeria gets second place and Austria gets third place and I've got Jordan in fourth, but I actually think this is a bad draw for Austria. I think they wanted to play giants and play against them, and now they have to kind of be the favorite.

Just I'm going to shout out three names at you. One is that Luca Zidan is most likely going to be, so the youngest son for Zinidi Zedan is going to be probably the starting goalkeeper for Algeria. But the two names that I want you to focus on, Amin Guiris and Ilan Kabal. two extremely talented, skillful players who can really light the field on fire. Keep an eye out for those two guys.

Heath, your thoughts, who do you think is going to go one through four in this one? Yeah, the only thing I would add to this is that I think Austria do have a chance. They're one of the teams that we've talked about as a great European side that have suffered in the fact of how few teams get into the World Cup, right? At the Euro level, the way that they compete with the other teams within UEFA, They get the benefit now of the expanded World Cup. They're a team that I think have made the most of it, Arnautovic, eight goals and eight games.

I think they do have the ability to score goals. They're going to be solid defensively. So they could compete with Algeria, if Algeria, who I think is historically underperformed on the biggest stage to win that second spot. And if not, I do think that there's some points for them of being one of the teams that gets into that round of 32. So that's the only other sort of team that I would focus on,

that I think the way in which they've gotten here and falling short and kind of the expanded World Cup, I think, tease them up well in a group like this to be able to compete and get out of the group. All right. Well, I'm going along with you guys. I say Argentina. Well, I think someone said this.

Argentina. I'm going to do Austria. I think those will be the top two here. Algeria, third, Jordan, fourth. So that's what I'm going with. All right, let's move on to Group K. Eric, you're going to take this one first. Group K.

We have Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia. and in that FIFA playoff spot, it'll be Jamaica, D.R. Congo, or New Caledonia. Now, you tell me, what's harder? That group, we're trying to read, Goss's. I thought we're remuting Eric on this one. You know, you guys ate up all the air on my U.S. men's national team.

You know, I sit on his thoughts. Yeah, let's start with Heath, actually. I think it would better start with Heath. No, I don't want to. No, I need you to lead up. I need you to lead up. It's making me nervous now. I'll say this.

I think the way that the matches line up for Portugal are beneficial for them because they can get two wins out of the way early on unless it's the R Congo watch out for them very strong team

but it also works against them because if you're starting Portugal starting against the Path 1 team they're starting with Christiano Ronaldo and if that doesn't work out

he's still going to start against Uzbekistan and by the time they play Colombia Heath it's going to be too late for Portugal by that time they're in third place

they're in deep trouble so I think Portugal first D.R. Congo sorry Columbia first D.R. Congo second, Portugal, third. Wow. You heard it here.

D.R. Congo, you said second? If D.R. Congo gets into this group, it's going to be between Portugal and D.R. Congo for second place. What are you thinking? I get his point of view, which is, I think Columbia are the best team in this group. They found themselves. Whoa, I never said that. That's not what I said.

I said with English. His favorite team is Columbia. I actually have a Columbia jersey. I can give you one away. Eric, do you want to throw that all? I've just been denaturalized. I think, and also the way this sets up for Colombia as well. To play Uzbekistan in the first game, it'll be tough.

They'll be defensive, but I think that's the good start for you. So I think this is a Columbia group that can go really far. What they did at 2024 Copa America here in the U.S., it's going to be repeatable for them. And Luis Diaz is performing as well as ever. Hamas Rodriguez might be a free agent playing for a contract. And they just have a real idea of how they're set up and how they should play. So I have Colombia in first. I've got Portugal and second.

My guess is it is DR Congo because they got a buy into the next round of that playoff. So they will be third. And then who is Beckistan, who, let's be real, are kind of happy to be there under Fabio, El Canavirot. They'll be fourth, yeah. Yeah, all right. Well, that's exactly how mine is. Heath is just the same way or do you have Portugal first?

I don't have Portugal first. Mine's the same way. It's just the commonable teams, you know, two through, what was it, six all finished within a point of each other, five of them on 28 points. There's just so much quality there and the ability to compete that. I think Connoble of all places in the world preps the teams most for the World Cup just because of the quality of competition, the travel, all of those pieces. And so I like Columbia doing really well in this World Cup.

So I have them top of the group as well. And then I have to give Portugal the second. I may be a little naive with that, but they're a team that can compete. And they have a lot of experienced players. Did we create a narrative where Portugal is bad at soccer? No, no, no, no, no. They're going to finish third and then win the World Cup. Well, that part, I agree.

Yeah, yeah. No, they're going to draw six times, win in penalties, and then win the World Cup. Hey, there's a trophy in the Cabinet, and he after that tournament. A win is a win. All right, let's move on to the last group, Group L, who, to me, feels like the group of death. It is England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. I think Panama is still overload. looked by a lot of people who maybe don't watch Panama on a competition to competition basis

and aren't really keeping up to date with them. But Heath, let's come to you first. What are you thinking about this group, Elle? I think Panama finished bottom of this group. I don't think they have the power to compete in this. This is a very tough group. I mean, depending on the Croatia that we get, Ghana are strong enough. But Panama, for me, I love their story of qualifying for the World Cup.

I love the nation, obviously, played against them a couple of times, and I like what they stand for within Konka-Kaff. But at that next stage, there's just a lot of, I think the bar is really, like, the standard in this group is really, really high that Panama is going to have to meet on, their ability to score goals, their ability to break down defenses, their ability to play in transition, or even have to make the game in possession,

I think could be a struggle. So I have probably this group finishing in the way that it's lined up now with maybe a flip-flop of Ghana and Croatia, but I'm pretty confident in going England, Croatia, Ghana, and then Panama at the end. Damn, I teed it up so nicely you went. Yeah, forget what you said. They're last. I want to be with them, but I can't.

I just don't believe in them in this group. Another group maybe. This group, no. I agree. It's that the other teams in this group are so hard. Yeah, it's a tough group. The opening day is going to be unbelievable with this one, because you've got England, Croatia, and Ghana, Panama,

which I think for both, all four of those teams really sets the tone for who they are and what the tournament ends up looking like. I agree with you about Panama, which is I think they're cohesive. I think they play well against teams that are better than them and they know who they are. And so I think they'll throw a wrench in this whole thing,

but I really like this Ghana team. I like what they have on the wings. I like their ability to create the game. Jordan I.U. continuing somehow to score goals after all of these years. So I'm going to end up here with England, Ghana, Croatia, and Panama. I am taking the risk in saying

after 10 straight years of Croatia, somehow overperforming in every tournament, and Lucca Madrick having a 15th lung that it finally falls after in 2026. And if they lose that opening game, now they're trying to chase a little bit in game two. And now it sort of gets difficult for them. What do you think? I can't believe that I'm saying this, but I think that England might win this World Cup. On American Territ.

We'll never hear the end of this. I think that Toohol, even though he rubs people the wrong way, has a very specific way he wants to play. England have traditionally had this issue where they have a lot of good players trying to fit them into a system has always been complicated. Think of Lampart and Stephen Gerard as like the epitome of that. He knows how he wants to play. He's not going to pick stars.

He's going to pick the players that fit those roles. And I think that's what's going to be successful for them, especially how good they'll be defensively. I'm really high on this Ghana team. There's a tremendous amount of talent. There's also a lot of experience. You look at guys like Mohabit Kubu's. You got Semenio who's playing, having a great season.

And the name for me, Kamaldin Soleimana, didn't do so well at Southampton, now at Atlanta, a great star. Croatia, I think, is an old team. I don't know if the new players have really asserted themselves yet. They finish third and are disappointing. And I'm sorry, Panama. Not enough firepower. It's going to be a war of attrition with them. They're just going to try to out-battle you, but they don't have the quality in the attacking third.

I keep switching through because for all the good stuff that I said about Panama, I had them fourth, and then I put them third, and I have Ghana forth. I'm not giving my prediction because I can't predict it. And you know what? As the one who's hosting it right now, I could do that. All right, let's wrap this up. Just everybody give me your winner. So I'm assuming you're going England. Portugal.

To take it all. Win everything. To win everything. It's going to be Portugal. This is the year that they win. We're going to have to pay someone to go back through this transcript so that we can figure out what Eric said. I have no idea. Look, look, I got to go with my heart.

England, I think for me, are the favorites just in terms of quality. in depth and everything, but my heart says Portugal. They'll finish third in their group. They'll move on, just like in the Euro, and they'll scrape through until the very end and beat the favorite England in the final. All right. Goss, who's your favorite? Put your money on that. I came in saying Spain. I thought

they got a really easy draw. I think it sets up everything with the way FIFA did it. If you win your group, you know that you can avoid some of the biggest teams going forward. So in my mind, this is a Spanish team that's ready to roll, and I still have them as favorites. I'm going Spain as well. Heath.

Yeah, Goss cried on camera for Brazil and then shut them down with winning a World Cup but I'm going to go with Spain I like the way they are I like the momentum that they have even though we broke up that momentum in the Confederations Cup back in 2009 before they took the Euros

and then the World Cup but we had a little stop cap in between but I will say Claudia Panama are going to get their first ever World Cup winning this World Cup so that's a big win for everyone as well Let's do that Who beat Spain in the Nations League? Who beat Spain in the Nations League? Remind me of that.

Portugal? Portugal. Well, don't worry. Heath got the confed cup in, so we're good. We're contractually allowed to close now. All right, Heath, thank you so much for joining us this whole time. Thank you everybody who has been watching along for all these hours. Can I give a big shout out to Ben Pagel and Kian, who crushed it to Brandon as well,

who put together all our videos. And a huge thank you to Eric Dan and the entire crew. And a huge thank you to you, too, for being here this whole time. Thanks, thanks, guys. So happy to be here. Swapping on Portugal 15 times to keep it entertaining. Yeah, thank you, everyone. Goss, you take it out.

Yeah, we have a million more pieces of content coming out about the World Cup. We've already got 16 podcasts, about 16 different countries that have qualified. We've got 42 coming, social videos, newsletter, everything. So follow Kickback, first touch on social media, anywhere on Blue Sky. And once again, thank you from all of us. And we've got it. We've got a World Cup. We are set for the 2026 World Cup here in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Bye, everyone. Go Spain. Bye, big soccer heads. Thank you.