World Cup 2026 World Cup Guide: Team by Team

[Rex Caudillo]

Group F - New Zealand

Players in Top 5 Leagues:

One

Chris Wood - Nottingham Forest

Whilst there are a few of the All Whites who play in the lower leagues of England and France it is still not surprisingly only Chris Wood who plays at a high level.

Form Guide:

Not completely awful

So considering the very limited expectations for the Kiwis their run in wasn't actually that bad.

They performed ok in a narrow friendly loss to England and even managed a resounding win over an admittedly poor Chile side in March's FIFA Series.

Also they continued their fine tradition of getting at least a point in every tournament managing a thrilling draw with Iran in the opening game and giving as good as they got in a spirited defeat to Egypt.

Who’s the Boss?:

Some of you may recognise Darren Bazeley who was a Reliable Championship Right Back for Watford and Wolves among others for over a decade.

After retirement he moved to New Zealand and from 2011 starting with the U-17s New Zealand side has worked his way up age group by age group until in 2023 he was appointed manager of the men's team.

Became a naturalised citizen in 2015.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

I've seen a little bit of Tyler Bindon at Sheffield United where he started out terribly, looking completely out of his depth.

By all accounts though he is probably one of their best defenders now having got back into the team after an injury crisis and playing really well. Doubtful whether he follows Chris Wood up to the PL as he seems a bit slow but time his on his side.

Been limited to two cameos off the bench so far.



The main man:

Considering the Kiwis have bagged three goals and not had any involvement from Chris Wood it's fair to say he's struggled so far in the tournament and failed to convert some good chances against Iran.

If the Kiwis are to pull off the greatest upset in their history he'll have to be firing in their final game.



Why is bro here?:

Tommy Smith is one of only two players in this squad who participated in the 2010 World Cup and we have yet another solid Championship defender on our hands racking up almost 250 appearances for Ipswich over 10 years.

These days though he's playing in the sixth tier of English football with Braintree Town so maybe the lowest level of English football represented at this World Cup?



World Cup GOAT:

One of the best players in his country's history and responsible for the incredible late equaliser to steal a point against Slovakia in their opening game of the 2010 tournament, Winston Reid was far more than just a permanent Arsenal transfer link.



Best Tournament Finish:

Group Stage (1982 & 2010)

Rextradamus prediction:

They're technically alive but need a win against the strongest team in this group to go through and surely even Belgium can't mess this up. Group Stage Exit.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Probably hard working and well-meaning but the definition of making up the numbers. Charlie.

 

[A_G]

Can’t lie, the “why is bro here” section is my favourite part(s)

 

[UpTheChampionz]

Jackson Irvine of Australia seems an absolute phenomenal bloke. Visiting Hamburg in July, hope I run into him

(And hope I’m not running into @jones )

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group H - Cape Verde


Players in Top 5 Leagues:

One

Logan Costa - Villarreal

This is minorly deceiving as the Cape Verde squad is mostly comprised of players in strong leagues such as Portugal, Turkey, Russia, Romania, Holland and the US.

Form Guide:

Bom

Whilst not many expected them to actually get points against Uruguay and Spain, Cape Verde were definitely not the giant underdogs they were made out to be.

Despite not qualifying for AFCON this year, in previous tournaments they have made it out of the group more often than not.

Pair that with good results in recent friendlies against Serbia and Iran it shows they were not here to just make up the numbers.

Who’s the Boss?:

Former international Bubista was hired in 2020 and since then has pulled off some incredible results, reaching the last 16 of AFCON 2021 before going one round further in the 2023 tournament.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Probably the standout here is Sidny Lopes Cabral who was signed in January by Jose Mourinho for Benfica and actually played in their elimination to Real Madrid. Won't be staying long as he's already agreed a move to Trabzonspor for next season.

Has stood out left back so far this tournament at left back but will miss the final group game due to accumulated yellow cards.



The main man:

It probably should have been Villarreal's Logan Costa but is struggling for fitness and may not feature in the tournament.

Also feel it's lazy to go Vozinha or breakout start Pico Lopez so considering the burden on Cape Verde to create chances if they are to go far it will be down to Jamiro Monteiro to deliver as one of the few technicians in the side.

Plays for PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands but was given his breakthrough at Cambuur by none other than Arne Slot.



Why is bro here?:

A 35 year old former postman who plays in Cyprus? Garry Rodrigues is perfect for this category.

One of only 29 players to represent both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Has also represented the likes of Elche, Olympiakos, PAOK and Levski Sofia in his long career.


World Cup GOAT:

All 26 are writing history in their first ever World Cup tournament.

Best Tournament Finish:

Finals Debut

Rextradamus prediction:

The first game coming up for the Blue Sharks where they're favourites against Saudi Arabia so a different set of expectations.

I predict they will deliver by either getting a draw or win to come second in the group. Unfortunately it pains me to say that is where the story ends as they face Argentina next for a Round of 32 exit.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Battle tested man of the sea who's always up for the fight? The Sea Captain.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Can’t lie, the “why is bro here” section is my favourite part(s)

There are honestly so many random Uncs at this tournament it's hilarious. Was kind of gutted Cape Verde didn't include 36 year old Bebe (yes the United one) in their final squad lmao

Jackson Irvine of Australia seems an absolute phenomenal bloke. Visiting Hamburg in July, hope I run into him

(And hope I’m not running into @jones )

Solid pro who almost made it into main man but Irankunda is a slightly better player.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group H - Saudi Arabia

Players in Top 5 Leagues:

One

Saud Abdulhamid - Lens

Considering the money pouring into Saudi football at present it probably isn't too much of a surprise that all but one of this squad play in their home league.

Form Guide:

مخجل

A poor 2025 Arab Cup where they lost to Jordan in the Semi-Finals was followed up with a truly shambolic run of friendly games losing to Serbia, Ecuador and Egypt with their only win in almost 12 months coming against Puerto Rico.

They managed to steal a draw from Uruguay in their opening game before getting dismantled by Spain in 4-0 rout.

Who’s the Boss?:

After a calamitous end to the reign of the man just appointed Tunisia boss (Herve Renard) in April, the Saudis panicked and went to the first ever Greek to play in the Premier League, Georgios Donis.

He spent the last five years managing in the Saudi league before being drafted in to National Team duties. Let's just say he's not exactly expected to achieve much here.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Musab Al-Juwayr joined Al Qadsiah from Al Hilal last year, and is seen as one of the few Saudi players with sufficient technical ability to play in midfield at a high level and has been linked to a move to England.

He is one of the only success stories in the Saudi League of a youngster getting opportunities to shine and taking them.



The main man:

Far and away the standout is right back Saud Abdulhamid of Lens.

On an initial loan from Roma last season he was a regular part of the noble effort by Les Sang et Or as they pushed PSG all the way for the Ligue 1 title.

Has dropped two serious stinkers at this tournament though which doesn't bode well for the final group game.



Why is bro here?:

Back-up goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar is the oldest player that KSA have ever taken to the World Cup.

An absolute journeyman of the highest order, this guy has only played four league games in the last three years which doesn't speak highly of the Saudi goalkeeping pool.



World Cup GOAT:

Could have gone with Saeed Al-Owarian and his magical goal against Belgium at USA 1994 but for sheer longevity and his part of that famous Last 16 run it probably has to be Sami Al-Jaber.

The greatest striker in his nation's history, he managed to score at World Cups twelve years apart. He also had a brief stint playing for Wolves where he managed zero goals in four games.



Best Tournament Finish:

Last 16 (1994)

Rextradamus prediction:

Dangerous team in this last game against Cape Verde where they'll be happy to sit back and try and sneak a win against a team that must be exhausted after their heroics in the first two games.

They only qualify with a win though so I feel relatively safe in calling it a bridge to far and a Group Stage Exit.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Fabulously wealthy, unlikable and not afraid to flaunt it despite achieving very little? Freddie Quimby

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group H - Spain

Players in Top 5 Leagues:

Twenty Six

A squad fully split between La Liga and the Premier League with the exceptions of Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) and Fabian Ruiz (PSG).

Form Guide:

Firme

Absolutely dominated a qualifying group with Turkey and Georgia, taking apart the Turks 6-0 away and conceding just two goals while scoring 21 in 6 games.

In the 2025 Nations League after vanquishing France in a thrilling 5-4 semi-final shootout they lost to Portugal on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final.

Friendlies beforehand this World Cup were pretty poor, drawing against Egypt and Iran while beating Serbia and Peru.

Who’s the Boss?:

A pretty average managerial career for Luis de la Fuente was turbo charged when he took over the Spain U-19s in 2013.

He led younger versions of Rodri, Mikel Merino and Unai Simon to winning the 2015 U-19 Euros. He then moved up an age group to U-21 and won the 2019 U-21 Euros also managing Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Are you starting to see the pattern? He has continuously managed most of this Spanish generation from the beginning of their careers through to the present day culminating in a glorious 2024 Euros win.

Now the downside... he is incredibly loyal to some of these players. In particular Unai Simon when he has arguably the two best keepers in World Football sat behind him on the bench.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Seems trite to call him a wonderkid considering he was starting in a CL quarter final two years ago as a 17 year old but as Pau Cubarsi is a teenager he just about fits.

Hasn’t been plain sailing, in particular a tie altering red card against Atletico Madrid this year in the CL but the fact he’s starting here is an incredible achievement.



The main man:

If there is a weakness in this Spain squad it’s up front.

That means if they are to win here then it’ll fall on Lamine Yamal the greatest teenager since Pele to fire them to the trophy.



Why is bro here?:

No one can ever convince me that Eric Garcia is a good defender.

He’s not better than Le Normand or Huijsen who were left at home.

Cubarsi deserves double respect for playing with this absolute clown at club level. Washed at 25.



World Cup GOAT:

Some great names who failed to deliver in tournaments past such as Di Stefano, Raul, Zarra, Butragueno and Luis Suarez.

It had to be someone from 2010 and as great as Xavi was completing the most passes of anyone in the tournament it has to be Andres Iniesta who got the winner in the final after an equally dominant tournament.



Best Tournament Finish:

Winners (2010)

Rextradamus prediction:

Reallly putting my neck out on the line here to call them as winners.

They’re potentially in a nightmare side of the draw but I predict them to be last team standing winning their second World Cup.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Young, talented with a serious passion for solving any problem they’re faced with? Martin Prince.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group H - Uruguay

Players in Top 5 Leagues:

Eight

Jose Maria Gimenez - Atletico Madrid
Ronald Araujo - Barcelona
Manuel Ugarte - Manchester Utd
Rodrigo Bentancur - Tottenham Hotspur
Fede Valverde - Real Madrid
Mathias Olivera - Napoli
Federico Vinas - Oviedo
Santiago Bueno - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arguably one of the weakest squads that Uruguay has sent to a World Cup with several high profile wash outs dotted around.

Form Guide:

Aspestoso

So Bielsa in classic wildcard fashion refused to sanction any friendlies during June meaning unlike every other nation at this tournament Uruguay hadn’t played since March.

Those March friendlies were hardly inspiring and included a 5-1 dismantling by the USA.

On a positive note they had a good Copa America campaign after the appointment of El loco where they finished third in 2024 including a win over Brazil.

Who’s the Boss?:

It is nice that in 2026 the great Marcelo Bielsa is at the biggest tournament in football for the third time.

Seen as this may be the last time many of us see him manage I think it best to focus on the effect he has had around the world.

Whilst he may not have the biggest trophy cabinet in the world he has inspired so many managers from Guardiola to De La Fuente.

You can see so many of his fingerprints in the modern game with his prioritisation of high pressing and attacking fundamentals he probably doesn’t deserve to go out sad with this awful Uruguay team.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Literally no-one.

The youngest player in this squad is 24 meaning Uruguay are in the nightmare scenario of having not only a bang average squad but an old one too.

The Main Man:

Now I should go with Fede Valverde but **** that guy honestly. Yes he’s quality but such a knobhead too.

Instead there’s an absolute dog on the left wing Maxi Araujo who impressed me when we faced them in the Champions League quarters.

He’s been their main goal threat down the left but he’s not just popping up in the box he’s winning headers, dribbling past three or four defenders and putting in crunchers as well.

My MOTM in both games and surely moving to a top club soon, proper throwback to the s ease old school Uruguayan warriors like Cavani and Suarez.



Why is Bro Here?:

You might remember Facundo Pellestri as a COVID era buy for Manchester United where he amounted to nothing.

Fast forward six years and he’s now struggling in the Greek league with Panathinaikos.

Shows how far Uruguay have fallen as a nation when this bum is getting a call-up.



World Cup GOAT:

So yes modern viewers may remember golden tournaments from Cavani, Suarez and Forlan but we can do better…

Uruguay are often forgotten as a double champion seen as their most recent win came in 1950.

In the final they beat the massively favoured hosts Brazil in front of a distraught home crowd at the Maracana (2014 flashbacks intensify @El Duderino ).

It remains probably the biggest upset in a World Cup final to this day. The architect of not only that win but their run to the 1954 semi-finals was Juan Alberto Schiffiano.

The AC Milan legend played as an inside forward which is a defunct position that was simultaneously an attacking and midfield role.

He dominated both aspects scoring eight goals across two tournaments and writing his name into Uruguayan folklore.



Tournament Best:

Winners (1930 & 1950)

Rextradamus Prediction:

Cooked.

Players are openly feuding with Bielsa and they probably need to beat Spain to qualify.

Group Stage Exit.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Once upon a time they were on top of the world. These days they’re old, dysfunctional and washed up. Troy McClure.

 

[albakos]

Must say, this was a fantastic read brother Rex. Well done.

Looking forward to your writing on England and why they are not winning it you don't want them winning it

They chose to replace him with the housewife favourite Herve Renard

Swear this guy shows up with random countries for the past 4-5 World Cups.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Must say, this was a fantastic reas beother Rex. Well done.

Looking forward to your writing on England and why they are not winning it you don't want them winning it



Swear this guy shows up with random countries for the past 4-5 World Cups.

Bro it’s mad with my boy Herve.

He was manager of Saudi Arabia until April then got dramatically sacked.

Next thing Tunisia are sacking Lamouchi for him after one game so he gets a World Cup after all.

Just spawns everywhere lmao.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group I - France

Players in top 5 leagues:

Twenty-four

N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce) and Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal) are the only exceptions in this strong squad.

Form Guide:

Fascinant

A qualifying group of Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Iceland was never going to stretch France and they unsurprisingly blew them all away.

Aside from a friendly loss to Côte d’Ivoire they’re arriving in pretty imperious time. Last time they’ve lost a competitive game was the Nations League semi final to Spain last summer.

Who’s the Boss?:

Didier Deschamps is the longest serving French manager of all time.

With an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal he’s come in for consistent criticism for his “handbrake on” approach but he can point to a World Cup and a final appearance.

As the tournament progresses will have to see if he opens up a little bit or is content to grind out results.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

May be others you could pick here but I’m a huge fan of Warren Zaire-Emery.

An absolute Rolls-Royce midfielder in the making who glides across the pitch like few others.

Has proved his worth this season to PSG filling in at RB when Hakimi was injured as well as some impressive midfield displays.



The Main Man:

Silly not to pick Kylian Mbappe here even if Dembele is the Ballon d’Or holder.

The Real Madrid man is absolutely unplayable and despite criticism in the Spanish capital he has never failed to deliver, constantly banging in goals at an incredible rate.

Big tournament here and he’s favourite for his first Ballon d’Or you’d have to say.


Why is Bro here?:

AM draft legend Lucas Digne might just be an embodiment of a top heavy France squad.

Due to Theo Hernandez playing himself out of form against plumbers in Saudi Arabia he was thrust into action against Iraq delivering a predictably middling performance.



World Cup GOAT:

To me it comes down to Mbappe or Zidane.

They’ve both carried their teams to a World Cup and a final but the difference with Mbappe is unlike Zizou he hasn’t hurt his team through two avoidable red cards and playing the whole tournaments.

So Kylian Mbappe it is and he must be looking to end this tournament as top scorer.



Rextradamus Prediction:

Now this might sound like blasphemy but I don’t think this is a vintage French squad.

In key positions across midfield and the back line they are clearly weaker than their last two campaigns.

Yes they’re spoilt for choice up front but they can only play four on the pitch at any one time.

Also they are entering a gauntlet in their side of the draw where I (maybe crazily) foresee a quarter final exit to Germany.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Absolute heavyweight who with some unreal firepower who can blow opponents away in a milisecond? Dederick Tatum

 

[albakos]

@Rex Caudillo you should have included Giroud in the World Cup discussion too

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group I - Iraq

Players in top 5 leagues:

Zero

Although Marko Farji and Ali Al-Hamadi do play for Venezia and Luton Town respectively though.

Form Guide:

غير مهم

The Lions of Mesopotamia were always facing an uphill battle with this group and weren’t expected to bring home a point.

They had a pretty good last 12 months thanks to qualifying from their Arab Cup group and a friendly draw against Spain.

The real story though was their labyrinthine 21 game qualifying run. After two earlier qualifying groups they finish second in a 3 team group of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia they went on to face UAE in a two legged tie which they also won.

This set up a winner takes all one off game to decide qualification against Bolivia in neutral Mexico.

Captain Aymen Hussein’s second half goal meant that Iraq had made history and qualified for their first ever World Cup.

Who’s the Boss?:

Graham Arnold stood down after guiding Australia to the 2022 World Cup last 16 as he believed he couldn’t realistically manage anymore.

He sought a new challenge with Iraq and became the first Australian to lead two different countries to a World Cup.

One of the best A-League managers in history winning championships with Sydney and Central Coast Mariners.




Motherf*cking Starboy:

Ali Jasim impressed Cesc Fabregas enough for a transfer to Como in 2024.

With the youngster admittedly struggled without an Olympic affected pre-season, he has since gone on loan to Holland and Saudi Arabia.

He might not make it as a star but a career in a top 5 league might well be possible.



The Main Man:

Probably the best performer across Iraq’s three games Amir Al-Ammari was the beating heart of the midfield for them and held up well against some seriously quality opposition.

Got an assist for their only goal against Norway. Scored a crucial penalty against UAE on their journey to the tournament and also is a key player for midtable Polish side Cracovia.



Why is Bro here?:

Coming into the tournament 35 year old Jalal Hassan was his country’s greatest ever keeper and undisputed first choice.

Ninety calamitous minutes later he had torpedoed his team’s optimism gifting goals to Haaland and co for fun, turning a game they could have drawn into an undeserved rout.

He was promptly banished to the bench making it a truly miserable tournament .



World Cup GOAT:

Considering I’ve said he was their best performer this tournament I have to put Amir Al-Ammari again here really.



Rextradamus Prediction:

So as expected three plucky performances that @Yousif Arsenal can be proud of but still three heavy defeats.

Doesn’t tell the whole story as they competed well in all three games and it was some awful goalkeeping that really sunk them in a worthy Group Stage Exit.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Bags of personality and betrayed by someone trusted in a too brief cameo appearance? Larry Burns

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group I - Norway

Players in top 5 leagues:

Seventeen

Strong squad from the Norwegians with the only exceptions being:

Fredrik Aursnes & Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica)
Sondre Langas (Derby County)
Henrik Falchener (Viking)
Thelo Aasgard (Rangers)
Egil Selvik (Watford)
Patrik Berg, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan & Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo Glimt)

Form Guide:

Fristende

Absolutely obliterated qualifying, hitting Israel for 5 and poor Moldova for 11 whilst putting seven past the Italians over two games

In the warm-ups they drew with Morocco and scored three against neighbours Sweden before racking up seven in two games against Iraq and Senegal.

Who’s the Boss?:

Stale Solbakken has led Norway to their first major tournament since Euro 2000 and escapes a pretty warm seat after a dismal Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Has also overcome a heart attack as a player which ended his career as well as a dismal spell managing Wolves in 2012.

Picked his own son once for the team but has left him out of the World Cup squad.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Wanted to go with Andreas Schjelderup who looked really lively in limited minutes including against the French yesterday despite the scoreline.

Unfortunately though he’s got some incredibly weird stuff about sharing videos so less than impressive Antonio Nusa it is.



The Main Man:

Pretty obviously Erling Haaland who’s bagged four goals in only two games.

Wonder how he’ll manage against better defenders in the knockouts?

Is looking at a potential rematch with old foe Gabriel on the last 16…



Why is Bro here?:

I am impressed by the sheer numbers of Dependable Championship Defenders at this tournament.

Derby’s captain Sondre Langas is one of them and here he is on the Norwegian bench.

So far away from starting he was a back up to the fourth centre back last night.



World Cup GOAT:

So it probably is Haaland already considering he’s their record World Cup scorer but that’s a boring answer.

Forgotten right back Henning Berg is the first player to win Premier Leagues with two clubs (Man Utd and Blackburn) and even was part of the 1999 treble winning United team.

He was first name on the teamsheet for Norway in their 1994 and 1998 bus parking efforts which included a last 16 run in the latter by virtue of a famous win over the Brazilians.



Rextradamus Prediction:

I think they’ll beat Côte d’Ivoire who have a young and inexperienced team.

Now I think Japan are going to shock the world and triumph over Brazil which sets up a Last 16 Exit at the hands of the Japanese.

I think the Norwegian backline is a major disadvantage that a good team will punish.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Blonde, muscly and all action with little substance? Rainier Wolfcastle.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group I - Senegal

Players in top 5 leagues:

Twenty

Strong case to be made that this is the Senegalese golden generation honestly.

The development from their first World Cup in 2002 is staggering. The six players outside of the big 5 are:

Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal)
Sadio Mane (Al Nassr)
Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa)
Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)
Ismail Jakobs (Senegal)
Eduoard Mendy (Al Ahli)

Form Guide:

Yaakaar

So a great AFCON where they only conceded two goals in the tournament on their way to winning it (for two months).

Absolutely stormed qualifying and despite some poor warm up games against the USA and Saudi Arabia they were in the game against France and Norway before clobbering poor Iraq.

Who’s the Boss?:

Pape Thiaw was a squad member of the famous 2002 squad and was almost convicted as a player for breaking his wife’s nose.

As Senegal manager he promised to move to a more possession based approach after accusations of negativity and so far at least their games have been goal fests.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

If there were any doubts about Ibrahim Mbaye’s potential that goal against France should have put those to bed for good.

Now youngest African to score at a World Cup and a Champions League winner already this kid is seriously one to watch for the future.



The Main Man:

With Sadio Mane in pretty clear decline it’s fallen on Ismaila Sarr in the front line to pick up the baton and how he has.

With three goals and an assist already he’s absolutely on fire at this tournament and will need to continue the good times if they’re to go far.



Why is Bro here?:

Thrown in the deep end after Mendy’s tournament ending injury against Norway, Mory Diaw is an experienced pair of hands to come in.

As a PSG youth academy player he apparently leaked teammate Zlatan’s phone number online although he’s denied it.



World Cup GOAT:

Papa Bouba Diop scored the winner against then World Champions France in their famous 2002 upset.

He went onto have a very solid PL career with Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham City. He even managed to bag other goals in the 2002 tournament to end up with 3 from midfield.

Sadly passed away after a battle with motor neurone disease in 2020. RIP.



Rextradamus Prediction:

I think they will play Belgium next and giant upset on the cards I know but I think they win that.

They’ll then dispatch the hosts USA before a Quarter-Final exit to eventual champions Spain.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Who wants to follow the rules anyway? Capable of brilliance when they lock in we finally have our Bart Simpson.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group J - Algeria

Players in top 5 leagues:

Ten

Aissa Mandi - Lille
Amine Gouri - Marseille
Fares Chaibi - Eintracht Frankfurt
Hicham Bouadoui - OGC Nice
Rayan Ait-Nouri - Manchester City
Mohamed Amoura - VFL Wolfsburg
Nabil Bentaleb - Lille
Ramy Bensebaini - Borussia Dortmund
Ibrahim Maza - Bayer Leverkusen
Samir Chergui - Paris FC

Form Guide:

غير متسق

Algeria were one of the standout teams at AFCON as a neutral. Rarely for tournament football they pressed from the front, played through the lines and slowly build attacks.

They bossed their group scoring 7 goals in three games and bagged a 119th minute winner against fellow World Cup participants DR Congo in the last 16.

A tantalising matchup with Nigeria awaited in the quarters but the Super Eagles completely dominated. Victor Osimhen bullied the centre backs all game long and Nigeria won comfortably.

Since then yes they’ve bested the Dutch in a friendly but the real test to forget January comes now…

Who’s the Boss?:

As @albakos will tell you, one of the iconic modern World Cup moments is the Swiss win over Serbia in 2018 when Xhaka and Shaqiri each gestured the Albanian eagle after scoring.

An emotionally charged game, one forgotten aspect is that the then Swiss manager Vladimir Petkovic was born in Sarajevo. He emigrated to Switzerland before the war from his homeland so a doubly resonant moment for him.

After a successful 7 years in that role, Petkovic is now back managing at a World Cup. Incredibly, his calm approach has guided Algeria to face his old side in the knockouts, looking to do what he couldn’t do for the Swiss in 2018 and win a knockout game.

A real grudge match awaits.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

Ibrahim Maza is a talent that slipped through Germany’s fingers making the brave decision to represent Les Fennecs after playing for Germany at youth level.

The attacking midfielder was a huge part of the turnaround against Jordan and has been running the midfield for Algeria. Unsurprisingly a host of top European clubs are after the 20 year old.



The Main Man:

Wanted to go with Rayan Ait-Nouri here but his perception amongst Algerian fans is that he only turns up for his club side.

Backed up by the fact someone who should be integral was dropped for the Austria decider.

Instead let’s go Riyadh Mahrez. Balling out and racked up three assists already. He’s finally starring at a World Cup even if he’s 35.



Why is Bro here?:

I was sure that we were signing Houssem Aouar on deadline day 2020 only for it never to materialise. Was supposedly the pick of the 2021 Lyon midfield trio which also comprised Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta.

Didn’t really turn out that way as after a short stint at Roma once he eventually got his move he bounced on to Saudi and transferred his nationality from French to Algerian.



World Cup GOAT:

Really wanted to go with Lakhdar Belloumi or Rabeh Madjer from the 1982 team who upset West Germany for their most iconic World Cup moment.

Still though Algeria’s best World Cup was 2014 when they advanced to the knockouts and took eventual champions Germany to extra time.

The man who captained them that day and for 6 other World Cup games was Rafik Halliche. The centre back even scored a crucial goal against the South Koreans.



Rextradamus Prediction:

I think they will upset the Swiss in the Petkovic derby as they look sluggish for a team that topped their group.

Algeria aren’t perfect but I think they’re pacy enough to hurt the Swiss.

Next round unfortunately it’ll come to an end for a Last 16 exit against the Colombians.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Prone to wild mood swings and self sabotage but always entertaining it’s Krusty the Clown.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group J - Argentina

Players in top 5 leagues:

Twenty

With the six exceptions being:

Lionel Messi - Inter Miami
Rodrigo De Paul - Inter Miami
Gonzalo Montiel - River Plate
Leandro Paredes - Boca Juniors
Jose Manuel Lopez - Palmeiras
Nicolas Otamendi - Benfica

Almost a complete rerun of the 2022 side meaning it is one of the older squads at this World Cup.

Interesting to see how it fares over potentially five further knockout games.

Form Guide:

Imparable ️

Since that crazy final win in 2022 the current World Champions have just kept on winning.

They won the 2024 Copa America with relative conceding only one goal in their repeat victory. Also stormed WC qualifying finishing 9 points clear of second and scoring 31 goals in 18 games.

Currently sit on a ten game winning streak they’re in great form.

Who’s the Boss?:

After serving as Jorge Sampaoli’s assistant in 2018 the previously unheralded Lionel Scaloni has done what his previous boss could not and brought Argentina into a true golden age.

Winning two Copa Americas, a World Cup and the best team in CONMEBOL by a clear distance, if he goes back to back he’ll have to be the greatest manager in his country’s history.

As a player he somehow sneaked his way into the 2006 World Cup squad at the legendary Javier Zanetti’s expense.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

With it a tournament too soon for 18 year old Franco Mastantuono and Valentin Barca seeing very limited minutes there’s no real contender for Nico Paz here.

It looks like Real Madrid and Como have arranged for him to return to the Italians permanently but you have to think it’s a temporary stopover before he hits the true big time.

A top 10 of the future although he looks to probably end up being a score first playmaker rather than a pure creator.

Could have represented Spain as he was born in Tenerife and came through the Real Madrid academy. His his father Pablo Paz who was in the 1998 Argentina squad probably had a strong say in which country he chose though.



The Main Man:

Easiest choice of the 48 teams here with Lionel Messi.

Six goals in three games for the GOAT as he tries to put distance between himself and Mbappe in the all time scorers list.




Why is Bro here?:

Much has been said about the legendary 38 year old in the Argentina squad but there is another in Nicolas Otamendi.

It might be hard to find a player who has such a different perception in England than Argentina except for maybe Juan Sebastian Veron.

His often calamitous time in England with Man City was pretty rough but with Argentina he’s seen as a legendary leader who galvanises the squad alongside Messi.

Still think he had a stinker in the 2022 final personally…



World Cup GOAT:

It seemed that Maradona and his legend would be insurmountable to Lionel Messi.

However at this point you would have to say he’s moved ahead. Both lost a final and won a final but with Messi in his sixth tournament and still looking as great as ever you have to say he’s surpassed El Pibe de Oro.



Rextradamus Prediction:

With Portugal choking their group away this has truly opened up for a deep run once again.

They are looking at a likely run of Cape Verde, Egypt and familiar foes Colombia on their way to the semi finals.

The question will be how much effort will this ageing squad have to put in because I think it might a game too much against an energetic England side meaning but beating Germany in the playoff for a Third Place Finish.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Seemingly an invincible superhero but also extremely toxic and ever ready to get down and fight it’s Radioactive Man.

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group J - Austria

Players in top 5 leagues:

Sixteen

A team that predominantly plays in the Bundesliga makes it a tough proposition for most opposition.

A wide range of leagues are represented in the squad though with Serbia, Denmark, Czech Republic and Portugal among others.

Sasa Kalajdzic (Wolves) and Kevin Danso (Tottenham) are the sole PL representatives.

Form Guide:

Stabil

Gifted a pretty straightforward qualifying group they almost chocked first place to Bosnia in their final gameday decider but a late equaliser from Michael Gregoritsch ensured they finished first.

They played out a crazy draw with Algeria as we know to ensure their World Cup journey continues.

They looked incapable of threatening Argentina for large stretches of their game and goals could continue to be a problem.

Who’s the Boss?:

An Austria side that is incredibly light on attacking quality. Heavily reliant on the likes of Arnautovic and Sabitzer in the year 2026 tells it all. The injury of Christoph Baumgartner before the tournament was brutal as well.

Familiar face Ralf Rangnick has bravely tried to cover for this with a high pressing approach which is usually reserved for club sides.

Whether an international team playing in the baking American temperatures will be able to sustain this remains to be seen.



Mother*cking Starboy:

This is an experienced but workmanlike squad with little excitement up front.

The sole youngster worth mentioning is surprise surprise another versatile midfielder in 20 year old Paul Wanner.

Looking to rebuild his career as a 6 after moving on from Bayern to PSV, he is one of the few technical players in the squad.



The Main Man:

Don’t really see much of a spark here at all in the team.

A lot of steadily efficient Bundesliga types who can play multiple positions and their best player typifies that.

Konrad Laimer can play all across the midfield and the backline as a true jack of all trades. With the emergence of Pavlovic at Bayern he has found a home at right back.

Has played there, on the wing and also in the 10 so far in the tournament with an incredible assist against Algeria in their 3-3 draw.



Why is Bro here?:

Before that famous goal to keep Austria in the World Cup last week some of you may remember the name Sasa Kalajdzic as an expensive flop for Wolves a few years ago.

What you might not remember is that this guy is up there for the unluckiest player around.

Starting in 2018 he broke his foot, then a year later he tore his ACL. Then right after his move to Wolves in 2022 he did it again and finally one more time for good measure in 2024.

Still on the books at Wolves but the 6’7 giant is probably moving to Austria or Germany after the tournament.



World Cup GOAT:

Going all the way back to the Wunderteam of 1934 seen by many as the greatest team never to win the World Cup finishing third.

Their conductor and arguably Austria’s greatest ever sportsman was Mathias Sindelar who was later awarded the silver ball for the tournament.

When Germany annexed Austria right before the 1938 World Cup they absorbed the Austrian team into their tournament squad.

Sindelar refused to join preferring to retire instead. He did however play against the Germans for Austria in the Anschlussspiel. This was a friendly that was prearranged by the Nazis to end in a German victory.

And to that end the far superior Austrian team suspiciously spurned constant glorious chances until in a perceived act of defiance, Sindelar and teammate Karl Sesta both scored late on and celebrated passionately in front of the Nazi dignitaries watching on.

He and his partner were found dead in his apartment a year later, now commonly believed to have been murdered by the Nazis.



Rextradamus Prediction:

I respect Rangnick trying to play around the gigantic lack of creativity and skill in this team.

Even so their high counter pressing will probably come unstuck against a team that can wheel out Rodri and Pedri in midfield so a Round of 32 exit for the Austrians.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

The forgotten brother who was far more prominent in the early days. Herb Simpson

 

[Rex Caudillo]

Group J - Jordan

Players in top 5 leagues:

One

Musa Al-Taamari - (Rennes)

Most of the Jordanian squad played in their homeland but also based in countries as diverse as Iraq, Malaysia, Morocco and South Korea.

Form Guide:

مُتوقع

Considering they lost every game you might say it was a tournament to forget for Jordan but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

They ran Algeria, Austria and yes even Argentina close and if not for some particularly poor goalkeeping they may have gone home with some points.

Proved that their run to the Arab Cup final where they came within three minutes of beating an admittedly weakened Morocco was no fluke after all.

Who’s the Boss?:

After making it to the intercontinental playoff in 2014, Moroccan Jamal Sellami was the man who finally guided Jordan to its first World Cup.

Winning 38 caps for his country as a player before also winning 2018 AFCON as a manager, he showed real bravery in sticking with the 3-4-2-1 formation throughout the group.



Motherf*cking Starboy:

So cheating a little bit but Mohannad Abu Taha definitely didn’t disgrace himself and in fact was the standout Jordanian against Algeria.

Playing the crucial role of left wing back in Sellami’s system he showed on the whole why he may eventually make the jump to Europe.



The Main Man:

Only man you can go with here is the “Jordanian Messi” himself Mousa Al-Taamari.

Established himself in Ligue 1 first with Montpellier before joining Rennes where he had a good year managing 12 G/A in the league.

Considering the far higher level he played at than his teammates was no surprise he was central to their campaign.



Why is Bro here?:

Considering centre back Mo Abualnadi was born and raised in the USA you’d assume he’d be perfect in providing a safe presence at the back for Jordan.

Unfortunately he was tormented by Austria’s Romano Schmid in the first game, subbed off in disgrace and never seen again for the tournament.

Plays his club football for Selangor in Malaysia.



World Cup GOAT:

Not a whole lot to choose from here so will go with Mousa Al-Taamari again as the main man bagged a goal and assist.



Rextradamus Prediction:

One of three teams left in this guide who’ve been sent packing in a group stage exit, the Jordanians can still leave the tournament with heads held high.

Which Simpsons character would they be?:

Gone but definitely not forgotten. Snowball I

 

[Rex Caudillo]

So I missed out Best Tournament Finishes for a bunch of teams. Those are:

France - Winners (1998 & 2018)

Iraq - Group Stage (2026)

Norway - Round of 16 (1998)

Senegal - Quarter Finals (2002)

Algeria - Round of 16 (2014)

Argentina - Winners (1978, 1986 & 2022)

Austria - Third Place (1954)

Jordan - Group Stage (2026)