Our feature columnist, John Newsome, after a short break from this season’s EPL coverage, returns to preview the historic Football World Championship 2026- Round 1 with his unique and insightful commentary.
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Be sure to check out John’s book, entitled “Three Days At Anfield“, a riotous and heartfelt tribute to Barnsley FC that blends football nostalgia, fan memoir, and a love letter to the beautiful game. Available on Amazon now.
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Football World Cup 2026
The 2025/26 Premier League season is over, with Arsenal being crowned as worthy winners.
Now it’s the Summer of Football from the 2026 World Cup, which is being played in, or hosted by, the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
A bit of advice for those venturing over the pond to the Tournament, one won’t need a coat, it will be scorching.
That leads on to the possible Winners, which, if one checks the Odds from the numerous Betting Companies, the favourites are as follows-
Spain- 9/2
France- 5/1
England- 6/1
Brazil- 8/1
Argentina- 8/1
Portugal- 11/1
Germany- 12/1
Netherlands- 20/1
Norway- 25/1
Belgium- 33/1
Scotland- 250/1
A good friend of John Newsome’s asked what would happen if one were to put £10 on Scotland at 250/1.
The simple answer was that one would lose £10.
The likely winners will come from those Top 10 and the more than likely winners will come from countries accustomed to playing in hot conditions.
So one will not go far wrong in predicting the likes of Spain, France, Argentina or Brazil to win the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico won’t be too far off and could easily make the Quarter-Finals, bearing in mind that all of Javier Aguirre’s teams’ initial Group fixtures are taking place in Mexico.
The home advantage for the USA and Canada will take them so far but it would be a surprise if Mauricio Pochettino’s US Team or Jesse Marsch’s Canada go further than the last-16.
No doubt the West Yorkshire Puddings who are partial to singing their famous ditty-
‘Marching On Together’
Will be keeping an eye on the ex-Leeds United Gaffer Jesse Marsch.
Even possibly singing-
‘Marsching On Together’
World Cup Draw-
Group A-
Czech Republic
Mexico
South Africa
South Korea
Stadium Locations
Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico City (Mexico), Atlanta (USA)
Group B-
Qatar
Switzerland
Canada
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Stadium Locations
Toronto, Vancouver (Canada), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
(USA)
Group C-
Scotland
Brazil
Haiti
Morocco
Stadium Locations
Atlanta, Boston, Miami, New York/ New Jersey, Philadelphia (USA)
Group D-
Turkey
Paraguay
USA
Australia
Stadium Locations
Vancouver (Canada), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle (USA)
Group E-
Germany
Ecuador
Ivory Coast
Curacao
Stadium Locations
Toronto (Canada), Houston, Kansas, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia (USA)
Group F-
Sweden
Netherlands
Tunisia
Japan
Stadium Locations
Monterrey (Mexico), Dallas, Houston, Kansas (USA)
Group G-
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Stadium Locations
Vancouver (Canada), Los Angeles,
Seattle (USA)
Group H-
Spain
Uruguay
Cape Verdi
Saudi Arabia
Stadium Locations
Guadalajara (Mexico), Atlanta,
Houston, Miami (USA)
Group I-
France
Norway
Senegal
Iraq
Stadium Locations
Toronto (Canada), Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia (USA)
Group J-
Austria
Argentina
Algeria
Jordan
Stadium Locations
Dallas, Kansas, San Francisco (USA)
Group K-
Portugal
Columbia
DR Congo
Uzbekistan
Stadium Locations
Guadalajara, Mexico City (Mexico), Atlanta, Houston, Miami (USA)
Group L-
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
Stadium Locations
Toronto (Canada), Dallas, New York/ New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia
Example-
Ranking of Third Placed Team-
1- USA
2- Canada
3- Haiti
4- Algeria
5- Senegal
6- Ghana
7- South Africa
8- Cape Verdi
9- Tunisia
10- Ivory Coast
11- DR Congo
12- Iran
The format is as follows-
There are now 12 Groups of 4, which is 48 teams.
This has changed from previous tournaments where 8 Groups of 4 (32 teams) would see the Top Two go into the last-16 knockout stage.
The Top Two in each of the 12 Groups automatically qualify for the last-32.
Those good at Math will know that means only 24 teams/countries will make up the 32, meaning there needs to be another 8.
Those 8 teams will come from the highest-ranked country in 3rd place.
Above is an example of who could finish in 3rd place.
Obviously, those 8 teams will be decided after Round-3 of the Group Stage is over.
England Squad-
Goalkeepers-
Jordan Pickford
Dean Henderson
James Trafford
Defenders-
Dan Burn
Marc Guehi
Reece James
Ezri Konza
Tino Livramento
Nicko O’Reilly
Jarrell Quansah
Djed Spence
John Stones
Midfielders-
Elliot Anderson
Jude Bellingham
Eberechi Eze
Jordan Henderson
Kobbie Mainoo
Declan Rice
Bukayo Saka
Forwards-
Harry Kane
Ollie Watkins
Marcus Rashford
Anthony Gordon
Ivan Toney
Morgan Rogers
Noni Madueke
There was a lot of conjecture regarding the 26 England players chosen by Thomas Tuchel to head over to the USA, with the players that didn’t make the squad being afforded more coverage than those who are actually on the plane, such as Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Adam Wharton, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Harry Maguire (and his Mum) weren’t happy that Big Harry wasn’t included in the Three Lions Squad, going public on their various Social Media platforms to vent their displeasure at missing out.
What was strange about that, is Harry put out his rant 4 days before the final Premier League games of the season.
The Centre-Halves who are in the squad, such as Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn and Jarrell Quansah all played on that final day and anyone could easily have been injured, meaning Thomas would have had to bring in someone else.
Would TT have brought Harry Maguire back after his (and his Mum’s) rant?
Every time an England World Cup Squad is announced, there’s always going to be controversy,
‘He should be in or they shouldn’t be!’
One only has to go back to France’98 when a former legend, in John Newsome’s eye and the Three Lions Manager, Glenn Hoddle, decided, in his infinite wisdom, to omit Paul Gascoigne from the squad.
There’s a lot that will say Paul was injured (he wasn’t), he was unstable (that’s just Gazza) or there were better options (there wasn’t)!
Glenn left Gazza out to try (one says try, because the decision ultimately failed) and prove that Glenn Hoddle’s ego was bigger than Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne.
Gazza should have been included!
The hope (and it’s the hope that kills a football fan) immediately left the room once it was known that England were heading to France to face the host nation and the likes of Brazil and Argentina, without the Three Lions’ most influential player of a generation.
If one were to ask a question, how old was Gazza in June 1998?
One would probably say 34,35,36, taking into account that Glenn refused to take the legend.
Paul had just turned 31, in May 1998, a month before the tournament started.
Dan Burn is 34.
John Stones is 32.
Harry Kane is 32.
Ollie Watkins is 30.
Ivan Toney is 30.
Jordan Henderson is 35.
That’s not necessarily to prove a point, it’s just giving folk out there the information.
Those who remember France’98, can anyone say that Gazza wouldn’t have made a difference in the last-16 game against Argentina?
At worst, Paul would have converted a penalty in the shootout, then who can say what would happen in the Quarters, Semi or Final if England got there.
Glenn Hoddle, as a player, was always a legend in John Newsome’s eyes, however, that decision to leave Paul at home, still rankles after 28 years.
Added to that and the aftermath, which is in no way Glenn Hoddle’s fault, Gazza has struggled with his own demons over the past 28 years.
Glenn has had his health problems, similar to John Newsome’s and Paul is constantly fighting against his own Mental Health issues.
All the best Glenn and Paul, look after yourselves and hopefully enjoy the upcoming 103 games.
(There’s actually 104 but who really cares about the Third/Fourth Place Playoff!)
That game has to be the most pointless fixture in the history of football.
The aforementioned Jordan Henderson is probably one player who is lucky to be going and the obvious reason is Jordan’s experience, which is fair enough, however, how much game time is JH going to get and if one wanted the lad’s experience and knowledge, why not just take him as a member of the England Backroom Staff instead of a player?
Ivan Toney is probably the other surprise but IT’s inclusion is basically for the inevitable penalty shootout which will happen.
Watch the game where it’s going to penalties and see Thomas Tuchel send Ivan Toney on, 2 minutes before the final whistle.
England will be there or thereabouts come the business end of the tournament and can probably make the Quarter-Final or at best with a bit of luck, the Semi-Final.
As for winning the tournament, as everyone knows who reads this EveryTip column, John Newsome is a patriotic England fan, however, this time, England don’t have a good enough squad.
A good enough starting eleven?
Definitely but there aren’t many others that are good enough to come in and push England on to winning the World Cup.
Added to that, the weather will be simply too warm for the Three Lions.
John will be following all the games over the next month, especially the England and Scotland fixtures and will give a round-by-round preview and report, with a few betting tips thrown in along the way.
England Fixtures-
June 17th-
England v Croatia
21.00 in England
ITV
June 23rd-
England v Ghana
21.00 in England
BBC
June 27th-
England v Panama
22.00 in England
BBC
Last-32
If England come through as Winners of the Group, their last-32 fixture will be against one of the teams that finish 3rd in Group E/H/I/J/K on
Wednesday, July 1st, (17.00) in
Atlanta, Georgia.
If England are Runners-Up they will face Group K’s Runners-Up on Friday, July 3rd, (00.00) in Toronto, Canada.
If the unthinkable happens and the Three Lions are one of the best third-placed teams, England will play on Saturday, July 4th, (02.30) against the Group K winners in Kansas, Missouri.
That then leads on to the last-16, which again has 2 pathways.
Pathway 1-
England win Group L and are successful in their last-32 game –
Last-16- Monday, July 6th, 01-00
Quarter-Final- Saturday, July 11th, 22.00.
Semi-Final- Wednesday, July 15th, 20.00.
Final- Sunday, July 19th, 20.00.
Pathway 2-
England finish as Runners-Up in Group L and are successful in their last-32 game –
Last-16- Monday, July 6th, 20.00
Quarter-Final- Friday July 10th, 20.00
Semi-Final- Tuesday, July 14th, 20.00.
Final- Sunday, July 19th, 20.00.
Scotland Squad-
The Scotland Manager Steve Clarke has chosen the following 26 players.
Goalkeepers-
Craig Gordon
Angus Gunn
Liam Kelly
Defenders-
Grant Hanley
Jack Hendry
Aaron Hickey
Dom Hyam
Scott McKenna
Nathan Patterson
Anthony Ralston
Andy Robertson
John Souttar
Kieran Tierney
Midfielders
Ryan Christie
Findlay Curtis
Lewis Ferguson
Ben Gannon-Doak
Tyler Fletcher
John McGinn
Kenny Maclean
Scott McTominay
Forwards
Che Adams
Lyndon Dykes
George Hirst
Lawrence Shankland
Ross Stewart
If one looks at the 26-Man Scotland Squad, those who have no affiliation with Scotland, probably will acquiesce about the situation, just knowing that the team, will more than likely, be home before the Postcards.
However, those Jocks out there who are excited about heading to the USA, will have plenty to say about the upcoming Trump-a-thon and will probably have some thoughts about the Forwards that Steve Clarke is taking.
Over the past few years, John Newsome has often mentioned the Loveable OzScot, one of John’s oldest mates who now resides in Melbourne.
Kylie and Son are off to the United States to follow Scotland at their initial 3 Group Games and then maybe a fixture from the following round.
However, as John has pointed out to his mate, probably the plane fixtures for the long journey back to Australia will be the only ones worth
looking at.
John Newsome doesn’t profess to have extensive knowledge of the Scotland Squad or events in the SPL (Scottish Pub League) but has noticed a glaring omission from the 26-Man Squad.
These are the Forwards that Steve Clarke has chosen-
CHE ADAMS- Torino, 6 goals.
LYNDON DYKES- Birmingham/Charlton 5 goals (2 for Birmingham and 3 for Charlton).
GEORGE HIRST- Ipswich, 11 goals.
LAWRENCE SHANKLAND- Hearts, 16 goals.
ROSS STEWART- Southampton, 9 goals.
One player who can consider himself unlucky not to make the plane is the Hull Striker, Ollie McBurnie, who has scored 17 goals in the Championship, with the 17th of those 17, being the winner in the Play-Off Final against Middlesbrough, which resulted in Hull being promoted to the Premier League.
One would assume that a Scottish International Striker who has scored more goals than any other Scottish Striker, in any league, not least in the Championship, would be the first name on Steve Clarke’s team sheet.
It’s hoped, by all the ‘Flower of Scotland’ brigade, that the decision to leave Ollie at home, watching the brilliant Only Fools and Horses episode ‘To Hull and Back’ isn’t regretted by Mr Happy, Steve Clarke.
Scotland fixtures-
June 14th-
Scotland v Haiti
02.00 in Scotland
BBC
June 19th-
Scotland v Morocco
23.00 in Scotland
BBC
June 24th-
Scotland v Brazil
23.00 in Scotland
BBC
June 25th-
British Airways Flight To Glasgow-
07.00 in Scotland
Only a bit of fun Scotland, let’s hope on behalf of the United Kingdom, that both England and Scotland stay in the tournament for as long as possible, as a decent World Cup run is good for both countries’ economy.
Last-32-
If Scotland surprise everyone (even themselves) and somehow win their Group, the Jocks’ last-32 fixture will be against the Runners-Up of Group F that will take place on Monday, June 29th, (18.00) in Houston, USA.
If Scotland are Runners-Up, which should be the initial objective (considering Brazil are in the Group), the Jocks will play against Group F Winners on Tuesday, June 30th, (02.00 )in Guadalupe, Mexico.
If Scotland are one of the best third-placed teams, depending on other results, they could play any one of a number of teams which at the moment is difficult to know.
A quick word from the loveable OzScot who is currently packing his Tartan Kilt for the trip over to the USA.
‘I should have also said it’s all very Scottish to have drawn Brazil and Morocco in the group both ranked in the top 10 in the World.
So look forward to a Scottish loss against Haiti, a draw against Morocco and then beating Brazil in the final game to qualify!’
‘We’ll be coming, we’ll be coming, we’ll be coming down the road, when you hear the famous Tartan Army roar, we’ll be coming down the road!’
‘Another rendition of Flower of Scotland anyone!’
Then for some unknown reason, the phone went dead.
More from Kylie in the next Preview with updates from the games.
Round One Fixtures-
The current FIFA ranking of each team is in brackets at the side.
June 11th
MEXICO (15) v SOUTH AFRICA (60)
20.00 in England
These two met exactly 16 years ago to the day, in the opening fixture of South Africa 2010, where both teams shared the points from a draw by a 1-1 score.
Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the opening goal for the host nation which was equalised by Mexico’s Rafael Marquez to give both a point apiece.
Now it’s one of the three host countries, Mexico, who return the favour, kicking off the 2026 World Cup.
Javier Aguirre has chosen Fulham’s Raul Jimenez as the only English-based player in his 26-man squad.
The ex-West Ham Defender Edson Alvarez is in the 26 but that’s basically it for any connection to the English football pyramid.
The South Africa Manager Hugo Broos has included the Burnley Striker Lyle Foster plus the ex-Newcastle young Defender Bradley Cross in his 26-man squad.
Betfred offer Mexico at Odds On 1/2, the Draw at 3/1 and 13/2 for South Africa to come away with all 3-points.
Mexico To Win 2-0- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 12th
SOUTH KOREA (25) v CZECH REPUBLIC (41)
03.00 in England
This will be the first competitive match between the two countries.
The two have met 3 times before but all 3 were International Friendlies, with all 3 results coming from those games, a win for South Korea (2-1), a win for the Czech Republic (5-0) and a draw (2-2).
Wolves’ Striker Hwang-Hee Chan makes the 26-man squad, along with the Celtic Striker Hyun-Jun Yang, the Birmingham Midfielder Seung-Ho Paik, the Swansea Midfielder Ji-Sung Eom and the Stoke Midfielder Jun-Ho Bae
South Korea’s ex-Tottenham Superstar Son Heung-Min makes the plane, well in truth doesn’t need to catch a plane as Nice-One Son is already in the United States playing for LA Galaxy.
The ex-Celtic Striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh is also in the 26.
The Czech Republic Manager Miroslav Koubek has included the ex-Manchester United, Swindon and Burton Goalkeeper Matej Kovar as one of three ‘Keepers in the squad.
The Wolves Defender Ladislav Krejci makes the 26, along with the ex-West Ham Defender Vladimir Coufal who joins up with his old mate Tomas Soucek.
Betfred offer South Korea at 7/4, the Draw at 11/5 and 13/8 for the Czech Republic to come away with all 3-points.
Draw 1-1- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
CANADA (30) v BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA (65)
20.00 in England
This will be the first time that the two countries have faced each other.
Canada have the ex-Leeds United Manager Jesse Marsch as the Head Coach and are one of the host countries which allowed them the privilege of not having to qualify and will play all of their Group Games in Canada.
Jesse’s 26-man squad includes, Goalkeeper Owen Goodman, who was on loan at Oakwell from Crystal Palace, playing 22 times this season for Barnsley.
Celtic’s Alistair Johnston who has just won the Double with the Green and White Hoops is included along with Middlesbrough’s Alfie Jones, who hasn’t played this year due to injury but makes the squad.
The Norwich Midfielder Ali Ahmed, the Hull Midfielder Liam Millar and the Southampton Striker Cyle Larin are all included.
Defender Derek Cornelius, who turned out for Rangers this season on loan from Marseille, along with the ex-Fulham Defender Luc De Fougerolles and the ex-Watford Midfielder Ismael Kone, also make Jesse’s squad along with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
The legend and ex-Man City Striker Edin Dzeko is the main Striker for Bosnia and Herzegovina and at the ripe old age of 40, will be putting on his boots for one last hurrah at this Summer’s World Cup.
If one remembers, Bosnia and Herzegovina finished 2nd behind Austria in the Group Stage, which set up a playoff against Wales, subsequently resulting in B and H knocking out the Welsh following a penalty shootout.
Edin Dzeko scored in the 86th minute to make it 1-1, following Dan James’ goal in the 1st-half.
It was then a final eliminator against Italy, which again, following a 1-1 draw, Bosnia and Herzegovina won a 2nd penalty shootout in succession and not only progressed to this Summer’s Tournament but knocked out Italy, who have failed to make the last 3 World Cup Finals.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Manager Sergej Barbarez has chosen the following in his 26-man squad-
Hull Midfielder Amir
Hadziahmetovic, who has just gained promotion to the Premier League with the Tigers along with the ex-Arsenal Defender Sead Kolasinac, the ex-Rangers and Plymouth Defender Nikola Katic and the ex-Birmingham Midfielder Ivan Sunjic,
Betfred offer Canada at slight Odds On 4/5, the Draw at 5/2 and 7/2 for Bosnia & Herzegovina to come away with all 3-points.
Draw 1-1- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 13th
USA (16) v PARAGUAY (40)
02.00 in England
The third of the host nations start their campaign against Paraguay in California.
The ex-Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino is the Head Coach of the United States of America and will not only have the whole country (well those who are interested in Soccer) behind the Stars and Stripes but no doubt Old Donald will be sticking his oar in and telling everyone ‘how wonderful the USA team are!’
Right up until the point that the Yanks are knocked out of the tournament.
One hopes the ex-Southampton Gaffer hasn’t been in touch with the CIA to get some ‘spies out in the field’.
Paraguay are back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010, having failed to qualify for the last 3 tournaments in Brazil, Russia and Qatar.
Back in 2006, when the World Cup was held in Germany, John Newsome had the pleasure of going to England’s opening game which was against Paraguay.
The fixture took place on the 10th of June, 2006 at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.
England got a narrow victory in that opener from a 1-0 scoreline, with the goal coming courtesy of a Paraguayan player called Carlos Gamarra.
Cheers Charles!
Sven Goran Eriksson’s England starting eleven-
1- Paul Robinson (Tottenham)
2- Gary Neville (Manchester United)
3- Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
4- Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)
5- John Terry (Chelsea)
6- Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
7- David Beckham (Real Madrid)
8- Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
9- Peter Crouch (Liverpool)
10- Joe Cole (Chelsea)
11- Michael Owen (Newcastle)
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) replaced Michael Owen- 56th.
Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich) replaced Joe Cole- 83rd.
It was a fantastic day and altogether a fantastic weekend with John (Ilkleys finest), John (CSI Sydney), Andrew (the loveable OzScot) Max (the legend) and Mike (the undercover Police Officer who was tasked to infiltrate a bunch of well-known football hooligans but actually infiltrated a bunch of alcoholic numpties who couldn’t fight cold).
All partaking in plenty of German lager and a few Carafes of Rose Wine.
John Newsome can’t believe that the trip was 20 years ago and wonders where the time has gone.
Rest In Peace, Mike!
Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad includes-
Crystal Palace Defender Chris Richards, Fulham Defender Antonee Robinson and the Celtic Defender Auston Trusty.
The Leeds United Striker Brenden Aaronson makes the squad along with the Bournemouth Midfielder Tyler Adams.
Coventry’s Haji Wright, who has just been promoted to the Premier League is in the squad.
The ex-Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest Goalkeeper Matt Turner is in as one of the three Stoppers.
The ex-Leeds United Midfielder Weston McKennie is in the squad along with the ex-Nottingham Forest Midfielder Giovanni Reyna.
Giovanni is the Son of the ex-Man City, Sunderland and Rangers Striker Claudio Reyna and was actually born in Sunderland when Claudio was a Black Cat.
The ex-Chelsea Striker Christian Pulisic is in the 26-man squad along with the ex-Fulham Defender Tim Ream and the ex-Rangers Midfielder Malik Tillman.
Timothy Weah, the Son of the legend that is George Weah who had a successful spell at Celtic back in 2018 makes Mauricio’s squad.
The ex-Arsenal and Middlesbrough youngster Folarin Balogun is also included.
Paraguay’s Head Coach Gustavo Alfaro has included the following in his 26-man squad-
The Sunderland Defender Omar Alderete, the Brighton Midfielder Diego Gomez along with the ex-West Ham Defender Fabian Balbuena, the ex-Nottingham Forest Midfielder Ramon Sosa, the ex-Brighton and Ipswich Midfielder Julio Enciso, the ex-Portsmouth Striker Gustavo Caballero and the ex-Newcastle Striker Miguel Almiron.
Betfred offer the USA at Evens 1/1, the Draw at 23/10 and 3/1 for Paraguay to come away with all 3-points.
USA To Win 2-1- Get 8/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
SWITZERLAND (19) v QATAR (55)
20.00 in England
Despite being a very small country, Switzerland have qualified for 12 of the previous World Cup Tournaments, making USA/Mexico and Canada’26 the 13th.
A few notable players who are in the Swiss Squad-
Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni.
Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye.
Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka.
Leeds United’s Noah Okafor.
Plus the ex-Man City Defender Manuel Akanji, the ex-Chelsea Midfielder Denis Zakaria, the ex-Nottingham Forest Midfielder Remo Freuler, the ex-Norwich Striker Christian Fassnacht and the ex-Rangers Striker Cedric Itten.
Qatar are at their 2nd successive World Cup, albeit the first one was as hosts (cheers Mr Blatter)!
This time, Qatar went through a very complicated qualifying campaign eventually prevailing meaning its back to back tournaments for the Qataris who have a familiar face as Manager, him being Julen Lopetegui.
Betfred offer Switzerland at Odds On 1/4, the Draw at 9/2 and 11/1 for Qatar to come away with all 3-points.
Switzerland To Win 2-0- Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BRAZIL (6) v MOROCCO (8)
23.00 in England
Brazil make their 23rd successive World Cup Finals having not missed any tournament since the inception back in 1930.
The Samba Boys are the most successful team in the history of the FIFA World Cup, making 7 finals, winning 5 of those 7 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002) with 2002 being the last time that the Yellow and Greens won the coveted trophy.
Meaning Brazil haven’t won the World Cup in 24 years.
Interestingly, the 1970 and 1994 titles also had a 24-year gap with the drought ending in 1994.
If one remembers, the 1994 World Cup was held in the USA, the country that will host the 2026 Final.
Is that an omen?
Germany are second on the list appearing in 21 of the 23 World Cups (including the upcoming one in the USA), not entering the initial tournament in 1930 and then subsequently missing the one in Brazil in 1950 (being banned from the tournament due to the events that occurred between 1939-1945).
Germany have actually made more Finals than Brazil, with 8 in total, however, the Germans have lost 4 of those.
The legend that is Carlo Ancelotti is the Head Coach of Brazil and has made an interesting inclusion in his 26-Man Squad.
It wasn’t certain as to whether Mr Ancelotti would include Neymar Jr, in the squad, considering the former Barcelona star and current Santos player, wasn’t included for Brazil’s friendlies back in March.
The 34-year-old Striker has not been called up by Brazil since 2023 but has consistently expressed his desperation to go to the tournament, despite struggling with hamstring and knee injuries over the last year.
That desperation appears to have paid off and although it’s highly unlikely that Neymar will start many games, it will be interesting to see the reaction when Carlo says to the youth,
‘Young un, get warmed up kid, tha going on for the last 10 minutes!’
‘Oh and any chance of you scoring a goal?’
Carlo has included the Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson and the ex-Man City Goalkeeper Ederson as two of his three Stoppers.
The Arsenal Defender Gabriel makes the squad, along with his Arsenal teammate Gabriel Martinelli, the Bournemouth Striker Rayan, the Brentford Striker Igor Thiago, the Newcastle Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and the Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha.
The ex-Man City Defender Danilo is in the 26-man squad along with the ex-Liverpool Midfielder Fabinho, the ex-West Ham Midfielder Lucas Paqueta, the ex-Nottingham Forest Midfielder Danilo Dos Santos and the ex-Leeds United Striker Raphinha.
Probably the surprise in the number at the side of Morocco (above) is 8.
That certainly surprised John Newsome to find out that Morocco are ranked 8th by FIFA.
That might be due to the Moroccans currently on a 27-game unbeaten run.
Now before everyone dives in (especially the Senegalese) and as a go at that statistic, one of those 27 ‘unbeaten games’ was against Senegal in the Final of the African Cup of Nations, which Morocco actually lost by a 1-0 scoreline.
The result was subsequently overturned with CAF (Confederation of African Football) stripping Senegal of the Title and giving it to Morocco, classed as a walkover win by a 3-0 score.
That decision is still being appealed by Senegal but at the moment, the record books show Morocco on a 27-game unbeaten run.
Morocco have included the Fulham Defender Issa Diop, the Manchester United Defender Noussair Mazraoui, the Crystal Palace Defender Chadi Riad and the Sunderland Striker Chemsdine Talbi.
Also included in Mohamed Ouahbi’s 26-man squad is the ex-West Ham Defender Nayef Aguerd, the ex-Manchester United Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, the ex-Man City Midfielder Brahim Diaz, the ex-Leicester Midfielder Bilal El Khannouss,
Betfred offer Brazil at slight Odds On 4/7, the Draw at 3/1 and 9/2 for Morocco to come away with all 3-points.
Brazil To Win 3-0- Get 10/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 14th
SCOTLAND (43) v HAITI (83)
02.00 in England
Scotland are back at a World Cup for the first time since France’98, where Craig Brown’s team were in a Group that included Brazil, Norway and Morocco.
Now it’s, Brazil, Haiti and Morocco, so not much has changed.
The opening game of that particular tournament in 1998 was Brazil v Scotland, where the Samba Boys gained a narrow victory over the Jocks from a 2-1 scoreline.
It was then a draw against Norway from a 1-1 score.
The final game against Morocco saw Scotland suffer another defeat, this time by a 3-0 scoreline and also saw a mass exodus of the Tartan Army on the Coaches, Ferries and Trains back to Scotland and as always, home before the Postcards.
Some of them had only said to the wife,
‘I’m just nipping out for a pint of milk!’
Off they went to France and were away for that short of time, the wife didn’t even notice he’d been gone, just asking,
‘Where’s the milk?’
Scotland do have a history of playing against Brazil at World Cups, with the Jocks and the Samba Boys meeting up at Germany’74, Spain’82, Italy’90, France’98 and now the upcoming tournament at USA/Mexico and Canada’26.
The record shows Brazil-3, Draws-1, with Scotland yet to get a win.
As mentioned earlier, Scotland will more than likely suffer a defeat against Brazil this time also, however, Steve Clarke’s boys should be too strong against Haiti today and then it’s whether the Scots can beat Morocco to finish 2nd in the Group and progress to the knockout phase for the first time in 5 attempts.
A win and a draw (4 points) might be good enough to finish as one of the best third-placed teams, which would also see progression.
Haiti are the 2nd lowest ranked team at this year’s World Cup, ranked 82nd, which the surprise in that is New Zealand are lower ranked at 85.
Sunderland’s main man, Wilson Isidor will be on show over the Summer along with the Wolves Midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
A few other Haitians who have played in England, Wales and Scotland are the ex-Burnley and Swansea Defender Hannes Delcrois.
The ex-Arsenal Youngster Yassin Fortuna.
The ex-Wolves, Coventry, Oldham and St Mirren Striker Duckens Nazon, along with Frantzdy Pierrot, who started as a youngster at Reading back in 2016.
One thing Haiti do have is experience, Martin Experience.
The Head Coach of Haiti is Sebastien Migne, who back in the late 1990s played for several non-league clubs in London.
If Scotland can’t beat Haiti, the loveable OzScot, who will be at the game, can get ready!
Betfred offer Scotland at Odds On 2/5, the Draw at 7/2 and 13/2 for Haiti to come away with all 3-points.
Scotland To Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
AUSTRALIA (27) v TURKEY (22)
05.00 in England
Australia are back at the World Cup for the 6th consecutive tournament, after playing at Germany’2006, South Africa’2010, Brazil’2014, Russia’2018 and Qatar’2022.
The main protagonists on show for the Socceroos over in the USA/Mexico and Canada will be Watford’s Nestory Irankunda and Swansea’s Cameron Burgess.
As well as Cardiff’s Alex Robertson, Hibernian’s Martin Boyle and Andre Suto along with the ex-Brighton and Arsenal Goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, the ex-Dundee United Defender Aziz Behich, the ex-Hearts Defender Kye Rowles and the ex-Burnley and Oldham Midfielder Aiden O’Neill,
Unfortunately, Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree has missed out due to picking up an injury against Hull in the Championship Play-Off Final.
The strange thing about that is, Middlesbrough weren’t initially in the Final having been knocked out by Southampton, however, the Saints were banned from the competition after it emerged one of their staff members was caught spying on Middlesbrough.
That meant that ‘Boro replaced the Saints in the Final, with Riley McGree
playing the first hour before picking up the injury.
Middlesbrough went on to lose the game.
So, not only did the Southampton Spy cost his club and their fans the chance to play in the Championship Play-Off Final and possible promotion to the Premier League, the Spy-man has inadvertently prevented Riley McGree from playing at a World Cup for his beloved Country.
The ex-Crystal Palace Defender Tony Popovic is the Manager hoping to get the Socceroos to at least the last-32 knockout stage.
It’s hoped for the Australian followers that the Goalkeeper Patrick Beach isn’t actually on it.
The loveable OzScot will also be on show following his first team Scotland and now his adopted country Australia.
It is a toss-up as to which of the two countries will last the longest over the pond.
Italy haven’t made this year’s tournament, however, the former Italy U/21 international Cristian Volpato has switched allegiance to Australia and makes the squad.
Turkey have included the Manchester United Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu and are overseen by the Italian Vincenzo Montella.
Vincenzo had a very brief spell on loan at Craven Cottage, playing a handful of games for Fulham back in 2007.
If one remembers, Turkey got to the Semi-Final of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, eventually suffering a loss against Brazil but subsequently winning the 3rd/4th place playoff against South Korea, to ultimately, show on the record that the Turks were 3rd behind Brazil and Germany.
Betfred offer Australia at 7/2, the Draw at 5/2 and slight Odds On 4/5 for Turkey to come away with all 3-points.
Draw 1-1- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
GERMANY (10) v CURACAO (82)
18.00 in England
At first glance, this game could just be the biggest gap between two teams at a World Cup with Germany’s FIFA ranking at 10 and Curacao currently ranked 82nd, meaning a gap of 72 places.
However, surprisingly, New Zealand are ranked 85th and face Belgium who are ranked 9th, meaning 76 places between those two.
Brazil, who are currently ranked 6th by FIFA, will face Haiti, who are 83rd, making that particular gap the biggest at 77.
Curacao are in their first World Cup tournament after finishing top of their qualifying group which contained Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.
Jamaica were managed by the Wally with the Brolly, Steve McClaren who subsequently resigned once Jamaica failed to make the World Cup.
Funnily enough. Steve didn’t need an umbrella in Jamaica.
Some notable players that will be on show over in America, Mexico and Canada-
Arjany Martha, who has just finished the season playing for Rotherham along with his mate Tahith Chong who has also just finished the season in South Yorkshire, playing for Sheffield United.
Middlesbrough’s Sontje Hansen, who got 15 minutes of game time in the Championship Play-Off Final against Hull.
Leandro Bacuna, who had spells at Aston Villa, Reading, Cardiff and Watford.
Leandro’s brother Juninho, who played for Huddersfield, Rangers and Birmingham.
The ex-Coventry and Hearts Striker Gervane Kastaneer
The ex-Livingston Defender Joshua Brenet, plus the ex-Swansea and Northampton Striker Kenji Gorre.
Kenji’s father Dean, is remembered fondly by the faithful of Barnsley, where Dean was superb for the Super Reds back in 2001-2004.
All the best Kenji and Dean.
Curacao have the legendary ex-Rangers, Sunderland, Netherlands (and plenty of others) Manager Dick Advocaat overseeing things in the USA.
Betfred offer Germany at 1/33, the Draw at 14/1 and 40/1 for Curacao to come away with all 3-points.
Germany To Win 5-0- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
NETHERLANDS (7) v JAPAN (18)
21.00 in England
There are 15 of the 26 Netherlands players who currently play in the Premier League.
Starting with 2 of the Netherlands Goalkeepers, these being Sunderland’s Robin Roefs and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, with the third being the ex-Brentford Stopper Mark Flekken.
Bart’s Brighton teammates Mats Wieffer and Jan Paul Van Hecke will also travel, along with Tottenham’s Micky Van De Ven.
Man City’s Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders make Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad.
Along with Bournemouth’s Julian Kluivert, Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato, Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey and West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.
Surprisingly, Ronald Koeman has chosen the much-maligned Wout Weghorst who is affectionately known as Cart Carthorse, following the lad’s spell in the Premier League for Burnley and Manchester United, where WW scored a total of 2 goals in 22 games for Burnley and zero goals in 17 games for Manchester United.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber makes the 26, even though the Gunner has been injured since March, with the only appearance for the New Premier League Champions being in the Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain last Saturday.
If one is not aware, Jurrien has a Twin Brother called Quinten who currently plays for Marseille and joins his brother in the Netherlands squad.
The Liverpool trio of Virgil Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch make up the Premier League’s quota of Dutch players that are off to the USA.
These two countries have met 3 times before, with 2 of those fixtures being International Friendlies.
The one meaningful game came at the South African World Cup in 2010, where a single Wesley Sneijder goal gave the Netherlands the victory over Japan from a 1-0 score.
Japan come into this tournament off the back of some impressive performances, most notably gaining victories over England and Scotland in March, where Hajime Moriyasu’s Japanese team won both games by the same 1-0 scoreline.
Japan have only lost 2 games out of the last 25, with 19 wins and 4 draws coming from the others.
One of those that has ‘W’ in the results column was against North Korea where the game didn’t actually take place with the Japanese being awarded the victory.
The fixture was supposed to take place in March 2024 in Pyongyang, North Korea.
North Korea, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Tokyo, decided not to stage the match in Pyongyang over worries about infectious diseases in Japan and had asked for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but the request was denied.
Japan had gained a victory over North Korea 5 days earlier, in the reverse fixture which took place in Tokyo.
Some notable players that are in the 26-man Japanese Squad-
The Southampton Defender Yukinara Sugawara, Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada (good player and won’t be at Selhurst Park much longer after showcasing his skills in the USA) and Celtic’s Daizen Maeda,
Also heading to the USA is the ex-Arsenal Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu,
Betfred offer the Netherlands at Evens1/1, the Draw at 5/2 and 13/5 for Japan to come away with all 3-points.
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June 15th
IVORY COAST (34) v ECUADOR (23)
00.00 in England
These two countries have never played each other and match up for the first time in Philadelphia, the hometown of Rocky Balboa.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo makes Emerse Fae’s 26-man Côte d’Ivoire squad, along with Crystal Palace’s Evann Guessand, Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare, Sunderland’s Simon Adingra, plus the ex-Arsenal Striker Nicolas Pepe and the ex-Fulham and Hull Midfielder Jean Seri.
Another ex-Fulham player Seko Fofana is also in the squad along with the ex-Wolves Defender
Emmanuel Agbadou.
The Reading faithful will no doubt remember Emerse Fae pulling on the Blue and White Jersey back in 2007.
Ecuador have some familiar Premier League faces in their 26-man squad, picked by the Argentinian Manager
Sebastián Beccacece.
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Piero Hincapié (Arsenal) and Nilson Angulo (Sunderland),
The ex-Brighton Defender Pervis Estupinan is in the squad along with the ex-Everton and West Ham Striker Enner Valencia.
Betfred offer Ivory Coast at 5/2, the Draw at 2/1 and 5/4 for Ecuador to come away with all 3-points.
Ivory Coast To Win 2-1- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
SWEDEN (38) v TUNISIA (44)
03.00 in England
Sweden have the ex-Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham Manager Graham Potter leading them over the pond for this Summer’s World Cup.
The current Derby County Goalkeeper Jacob Widell
Zetterstrom makes the 26-man squad as one of the three
Stoppers.
Stoke’s Viktor Johansson is another Goalkeeper on the plane.
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, Aston Villa’s Viktor Lindelof, Brighton’s Yasin Ayari, Leeds United’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga, Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal and Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren all make Graham ‘Harry’ Potter’s squad, who will be hoping for some American Wizardry.
These two countries haven’t met before in a competitive game but have played 2 friendlies against each other, with both teams getting a victory by the same 1-0 score.
Tunisia’s Manager is the ex-Nottingham Forest and Cardiff Gaffer Sabri Lamouchi, who it’s fair to say, didn’t have a great time at the City Ground or for that matter, at the Cardiff City Stadium.
As the Forest Manager, Sabri oversaw 55 games, winning 20, drawing 16 and losing 19 over a 15-month period.
At Cardiff, Sabri only lasted from January 2023 to May 2023, overseeing 18 games, winning 6, drawing 2 and losing 10.
Having not made a World Cup Finals since Japan and South Korea 2002, missing out on Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, Tunisia make their 3rd Finals in succession, following appearances at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Tunisia’s main players include the Celtic Striker Sebastian Tounekti, Burnley’s Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Sheffield Wednesday Defender Yan Valery, Norwich’s Anis Slimane and the ex-Arsenal and Wigan Defender Omar Remik,
Betfred offer Sweden at slight Odds On 19/20, the Draw at 23/10 and 3/1 for Tunisia to come away with all 3-points.
Sweden To Win 2-0- Get 8/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
SPAIN (2) v CAPE VERDE (69)
17.00 in England
Another stark disparity separates the two teams, with Spain ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings and Cape Verde currently sitting 69th.
Spain, under the guidance of Luis De La Fuente, head over the pond having suffered just 1 defeat in the last 28 games and that was following a penalty shootout against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League Final last June.
The usual suspects are in the 26-man squad, such as Arsenal’s David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Man City’s Rodri and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino.
The non-Premier League-based players include the Young Superstar Yamine Lamal, who will no doubt shine on the Big Stage.
Cape Verde head to America for this first adventure at a World Cup, as the winners of Group D from the African Qualifiers, with a final Group victory over the mighty Eswatini.
Who, John Newsome will openly admit, has never heard of.
Eswatini?
Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana and DR Congo, are the others who qualify from that particular section, all finishing at the Top of their respective Groups, apart from DR Congo who finished 2nd behind Senegal but qualified as one of the best 2nd placed team via a playoff, beating Jamaica.
Pedro Leito Brito, or Bubista as the lad is affectionately known, is a Cape Verde native and will lead the minnows in their World Cup campaign, which starts with this epic fixture against Spain.
Most of the squad are players that play in Europe and are not that well known in England, however, they will want that to change after 3 games in America.
The Big Defender Roberto Lopes is currently plying his trade for Shamrock Rovers in the Ireland Premier Division, after initially starting his career as an 18-year-old for another Irish club Bohemians.
Roberto did play in the 2024/25 Europa Conference League Group Stage where Shamrock finished 10th in the table, which resulted in a playoff against Molde.
Unfortunately, for the Irish team, Molde won the tie, knocking out Roberto and his Shamrock teammates.
Betfred offer Spain at Odds On 1/11 the Draw at 17/2 and 25/1 for Cape Verde to come away with all 3-points.
Spain To Win 7-0- Get 25/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
BELGIUM (9) v EGYPT (29)
20.00 in England
Belgium head to the United States with a few legends in tow who will be making one last hurrah on the Big Stage.
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois should be between the sticks, with Manchester United’s Senne Lemmens and Nottingham Forest’s Mats Sels as the backup Goalkeepers.
The Belgian Manager has chosen 8 who are current Premier League players, including Jeremy Doku, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana, Timothy Castagne, and Maxim De Cuyper, plus the 2 aforementioned Gk’s.
Added to those 8 is the Rangers’ Midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
One positive selection for every football fan who is not necessarily Belgian, is the fact that Kevin De Bruyne will be on show for one last tournament on the World Stage.
Kevin’s old mate Romelu Lukaku is also included in the 26-man squad.
‘Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing!’
The Egyptian King who has just left Liverpool in an emotional exit, will be showcasing his Left Foot in Seattle and Vancouver where Egypt play their initial 3 games (2 in Seattle and 1 in Vancouver).
It would be interesting to know Mo’s thoughts on Arne Slot, with the decision to leave Liverpool being because of a clash with the Manager.
It’s now been confirmed that Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool so would Mr Salah have stayed at Anfield, if he had that information?
That said, did Liverpool play their cards right by allowing Mo Salah (and his £300,000 a week’s wages) to leave first before announcing that Arne Slot was down the concrete.
Man City’s Omar Marmoush and the ex-Aston Villa Midfielder Trezeguet are amongst the 26 that will be travelling over to the USA/Mexico and Canada.
Betfred offer Belgium at slight Odds On 4/6, the Draw at 11/4 and 4/1 for Egypt to come away with all 3-points.
Belgium To Win 3-1- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 16th
URUGUAY (17) v SAUDI ARABIA (61)
23.00 in England
Uruguay will always be known for being the first country to win the World Cup.
La Celeste won the coveted inaugural tournament back in 1930, taking advantage of FIFA asking Uruguay to host the World Cup.
Italy hosted the competition in 1934 and subsequently won that one, meaning early on that it was beneficial to be the host country.
Italy also won the 1938 tournament which was held in France and although the winners weren’t the hosts on this occasion, Italy is joined onto the coattails of France.
There wasn’t a tournament in 1942 and 1948 due to World War Two, however, 1950 saw the tournament return with Brazil as the hosts.
Uruguay won the World Cup in 1950 meaning the first 4 competitions were shared between Uruguay and Italy.
The surprise then is that 1950 was the last time Uruguay won the World Cup.
The closest that Uruguay have come to winning the tournament since 1950 is finishing 4th in 1954, 1970 and 2010 (losing all 3 of the 3rd/4th place Play-Offs).
Leeds United fans will probably have one eye on Canada’s games with the ex-Boss Jesse Marsch being the Manager, however, the other eye will definitely be watching Uruguay with the legend that is Marcelo Bielsa being the Manager.
Marcelo has included Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte, along with fellow Premier League players Santiago Bueno (Wolves) and Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham).
The ex-Liverpool Forward Darwin Nunez, who hasn’t played a competitive game for Al-Hilal since February due to ‘foreign player’ issues after Al-Hilal signed Karim Benzema, makes the 26-man squad.
One player that Mr Bielsa isn’t taking is the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona Striker Luis Suarez.
‘The Teeth’ had offered up his services after retiring a couple of years ago but isn’t required by the Leeds Legend Marcelo Bielsa.
Saudi Arabia come into this 2026 World Cup after being successful in the 4th Stage of the Asia Qualifiers.
Coincidentally, Saudi Arabia’s first venture into a World Cup Finals was also in the United States back in 1994, where the Saudi’s were pitched in a Group along with the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium.
Surprisingly, although Saudi Arabia suffered a defeat against the Netherlands in the opener, the Saudi’s gained a victory over Morocco and Belgium to finish 2nd in the Group and qualify for the last-16.
That last-16 game threw up Sweden as the opponents who got the win and sent Saudi Arabia home.
Saudi Arabia qualified for France’98 but didn’t have a successful tournament, getting a draw against South Africa and suffering 2 defeats against Denmark and France, subsequently being back in the Desert before the Postcards.
It was even worse in 2002 for ghe Saudi’s, suffering 3 straight losses in the Group Stage against Germany (8-0), Cameroon and the Republic of Ireland.
2006 saw a draw against Tunisia and then defeats against Ukraine and Spain and once again back in the Desert before the Postcards.
Saudi Arabia didn’t qualify in 2010 and 2014 but were back for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
In Russia, there were 2 defeats, against the hosts and Uruguay plus a victory over Egypt, however, that wasn’t good enough to progress and the Saudi’s were once again on their way home.
At Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia got a victory over Argentina in their opening game.
One has not read that incorrectly, the Saudi’s beat the eventual World Cup Winners.
Unfortunately, for the Arabians, it was back to losing ways, suffering defeats against Poland and Mexico and being knocked out of the tournament with the Argentinian’s scratching their heads thinking,
‘What happened there?’
The Saudi’s have been named as hosts for the 2034 competition so will want to put on a few good performances to keep their profile up.
The ex-Blackburn, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town player Georgios Donis is the Manager of Saudi Arabia.
It’s more than likely, that once again the Postcards will come second in the race back home to the Desert.
Betfred offer Uruguay at slight Odds On 1/2, the Draw at 16/5 and 11/2 for Saudi Arabia to come away with all 3-points.
Uruguay To Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
IRAN (21) v NEW ZEALAND (85)
02.00 in England
If one looks at the FIFA rankings for both countries, it comes as a surprise to John Newsome that Iran are 21st and New Zealand are 85th.
Iran are ranked higher by FIFA than countries such as Turkey, Austria, Egypt, Norway and all of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Iranians are still in the tournament despite the USA going to war with Iran.
The Manager Amir Ghalenoei, is in his 2nd spell as the Iran Boss having overseen the team back in 2006/07.
The ex-Brighton Striker Alireza
Jahanbakhsh makes the squad along with the ex-Brentford Midfielder Saman Ghoddos.
Dennis Eckert Ayensa, who is a German Native has Iranian citizenship and is included in the 26-man squad.
As mentioned, it is a surprise that there are 64 places between Iran and New Zealand in the FIFA rankings, especially considering New Zealand have players such as Sheffield United’s Tyler Bindon and Wrexham’s Liberato Cacace.
The ex-Sligo Rangers Defender Nando Pijnaker makes the squad along with the ex-Ipswich and current Braintree Defender Tommy Smith.
Peterborough’s Matthew Garbett is on his way to the USA along with Swansea’s Marko Stamenic.
The Motherwell Striker Elijah Henry Just, makes the 26 (that’s not ‘just makes the 26’ it’s the lad’s surname Elijah Henry Just.)
Port Vale’s Ben Waine is on the plane along with the main man, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood.
The New Zealand Rugby Union team are known as the ‘All Blacks’ so it’s only fair to call the football team the ‘All Whites.’
The Manager is the ex-Watford, Walsall and Wolves Defender Darren Bazeley, who is given the task to keep New Zealand in the United States for as long as possible.
Betfred offer Iran at slight Odds On 9/10, the Draw at 12/5 and 16/5 for New Zealand to come away with all 3-points.
Draw 1-1- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
FRANCE (1) v SENEGAL (14)
20.00 in England
This fixture evokes memories of the opening game of the 2002 World Cup that took place in Japan and South Korea.
The French team headed to Seoul, South Korea to face a Senegalese team for the first time in their history, as the current World Cup Champions, following their victory over Brazil in France 4 years earlier.
Senegal stunned France in that opener, by gaining a victory from a 1-0 scoreline.
Papa Bouba Diop with the solitary winning goal.
Papa, at the time of the 2002 World Cup, was playing for the French team Lens and subsequently went on to play in the Premier League for Fulham and Portsmouth, gaining an FA Cup Winners’ Medal with Portsmouth in 2008.
Papa Bouba also played in the Championship with West Ham, helping the Hammers gain promotion to the Promised Land at the end of the 2011/2012 season.
France finished bottom of their Group at the 2002 Japan/South Korea World Cup, which saw the French home before the Postcards.
Senegal went on to the Quarter-Finals and faced Turkey in that last 8 clash.
Unfortunately, for everyone connected with the Senegalese team, Turkey got the victory from a narrow 1-0 scoreline and knocked out Senegal.
It was still an amazing experience for a Country that were making their debut at a World Cup.
Sadly, the hero against France, Papa Bouba Diop died after a long illness in November 2020.
Rest In Peace, Papa Bouba!
Didier Deschamps is overseeing France at the 4th successive World Cup after taking charge for Brazil’14, Russia’18 (which France won) and Qatar’22.
Didier is one of just three people to have won the World Cup as a Player (1998) and a Manager (2018).
The other two being-
Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer as a Player (1974) and as a Manager (1990).
Brazil’s Mario Zagallo as a Player (1958 and 1962) and as a Manager (1970).
Added to that, Mario was an Assistant Manager to Carlos Alberto Parreira when Brazil won the World Cup in 1994.
Double D’s 26-man French Squad includes-
Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and the ex-Crystal Palace Striker Michael Olise plus Man City’s Rayan Cherki.
Those are added to what the French population is calling ‘the Superstars’ that are-
Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marcus Thuram and of course, the ultimate Superstar Kylian Mbappe.
One player that John Newsome is looking forward to seeing and who in John’s opinion is a true legend, is N’Golo Kante who, aged 35, makes the squad.
Paris Saint-Germain have just won the Champions League for the 2nd year in succession, joining Real Madrid, AC Milan, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Ajax as the only teams to win back-to-back trophies since 1970.
Inter Milan (1964 and 1965) and Benfica (1961 and 1962) could be added to that list but then so could Real Madrid (again) who won the European Cup in 1956, 57, 58, 59 and 1960.
Basically, France will be there or thereabouts come the business end of the competition.
Senegal, who have Papa Bouna Thiaw as the Manager, have included the ex-Chelsea Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as one of three Stoppers.
Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr, Crystal Palace’s Ismaela Sarr, Everton’s (team mate slapper) Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham’s Papa Matar Sarr and West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf all make the squad.
There are three ‘Ndiaye’s’ in the Senegal Squad, Bara Ndiaye and Cherif N’diaye along with Illiman, however, none are related.
‘Ndiaye’ must be the Senegalese equivalent of ‘Smith’ in England.
Another couple of ex-Chelsea boys Kalidou Koulibaly and Nicolas Jackson make the 26.
Plus the ex-Tricky Tree Moussa Niakhate is also on the plane.
The legend that is Sadio Mane will once again be showcasing his skills over the pond and whether Senegal progress in the competition is unknown but it will be good to watch their games over the next few weeks.
Betfred offer France at Odds On 4/9, the Draw at 10/3 and 13/2 for Senegal to come away with all 3-points.
France To Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 17th
IRAQ (57) v NORWAY (31)
23.00 in England
The current Luton Striker and ex-Ipswich, Stoke, Wimbledon, Wycombe, Bromley and Swansea player Ali Al Hamed makes the 26-man squad chosen by the ex-Australian Manager Graham Arnold.
Iraq have included Zidane Iqbal who may not be known to many people but started his career at Manchester United for the Under/18s and played up to the U/21 level before moving on to Utrecht.
This is only the second appearance at a World Cup for Iraq following their initial outing back in Mexico’86.
The main man Erling Haaland gets to kickstart his debut appearance at a World Cup by hoping to score a few against Iraq.
Norway did participate in the 1938 tournament held in France and then both the 1994 (USA) and 1998 (France) but surprisingly have not qualified for the major tournament since.
As well as Erling, the Norwegian Manager Ståle Solbakken has included the following English-based players,
Watford Goalkeeper Egil Selvik, Brentford Defender Kristoffer Ajer, Derby County Defender Sondre Langas, Wolves Defender David Moller Wolfe, Rangers Midfielder Theo Aasgaard, Fulham Midfielders Sander Berg and Oscar Bobb, Arsenal Midfielder Martin Odegaard, and Crystal Palace Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The ex-Reading, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich Goalkeeper Orlan Nyland makes the plane, along with the ex-West Brom Defender Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem.
The ex-Stoke, Brighton and Coventry Defender Leo Ostigard plus Alexander Sorloth who had a couple of seasons at Selhurst Park are included in the Norwegian Squad.
All eyes will no doubt be on Erling Haaland who will want to get off to a good start and fill his boots against the Iraqis.
Betfred offer Norway at Odds On 2/9, the Draw at 5/1 and 12/1 for Iraq to come away with all 3-points.
Norway To Win 4-0- Get 9/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
ARGENTINA (3) v ALGERIA (28)
02.00 in England
The current World Cup Champions start the defence of the Trophy against Algeria in Kansas.
Lionel Messi makes the 26-man squad chosen by the ex-West Ham Defender Lionel Scaloni, who has been the Argentine manager since 2018.
The Mercurial Mr Messi turns 39 in the middle of the tournament (June 26th) but like his mate Cristiano Ronaldo, wants one last hurrah on the World Stage and the watching Millions are happy the boys are on show.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is the Number One Goalkeeper and travels to the USA along with his Manchester United namesake Lisandro Martinez.
Tottenham’s enigmatic Captain Cristian Romero is included in the squad, as well as the Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernandez and the Liverpool Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The ex-Forest Defender Gonzalo Montiel is included along with the ex-Man City Defender Nicolas Otamendi and the ex-Man City Striker Julian Alvarez, as well as the ex-Tottenham Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.
The question now is, can Argentina retain the World Cup?
The simple answer is possibly, as the Argentinian’s will be there or thereabouts come the business end of the tournament and then it’s not just down to footballing ability, luck plays a big part also.
Algeria have played at 4 World Cups, 1982 (Spain), 1986 (Mexico), 2010 (South Africa) and 2014 (Brazil).
The Algerian Manager Vladimir Petković, has included a certain Luca Zidane who is the Son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
However, unlike Zizou, who was a superb Forward, Luca is a Goalkeeper and heads to the USA/Mexico and Canada as one of three Stoppers.
Man City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri is on the plane along with the ex-Tottenham Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb and the ex-Man City Midfielder Riyad Mahrez
Betfred offer Argentina at Odds On 2/5, the Draw at 7/2 and 7/1 for Algeria to come away with all 3-points.
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AUSTRIA (24) v JORDAN (63)
05.00 in England
This is the first meeting between these two countries.
Austria are managed by the ex-Manchester United Head Coach Ralf Rangnick with Ralph including the following in his 26-man squad.
The Tottenham Defender Kevin Danso, the ex-Chelsea Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, the ex-Manchester United Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, the ex-Wolves Striker Sasa Kalajdzic and the brilliant ex-Stoke and West Ham Striker Marko Arnautovic.
Austria won’t win the World Cup but with Marko Arnautovic on show, will be good to watch, especially against Argentina.
Jordan’s Head Coach Jamal Sellami oversees the country’s first adventure at a World Cup Final.
The 26-man squad are made up of players who mostly ply their trade in the Middle East with none really known in the UK.
Although everyone connected with Jordan will enjoy the tournament, it’s more than likely that Jamal Sellami’s men will be back home soon after the 3rd Group Game.
Betfred offer Austria at Odds On 1/3, the Draw at 4/1 and 8/1 for Jordan to come away with all 3-points.
Austria To Win 2-0- Get 6/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
PORTUGAL (5) v DR CONGO (46)
18.00 in England
Cristiano Ronaldo, now aged 41, will be the oldest outfield player at this year’s World Cup.
However, Cristiano won’t be the oldest overall as the Scotland Goalkeeper Craig Gordon is older, with Craig being 43 years old.
This will be CR7’s 6th successive World Cup appearance after being at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Who is to say Mr Ronaldo won’t be at the 2030 World Cup, especially considering that Portugal are one of the joint host nations along with Morocco and Spain.
The Manager, Roberto Martinez has chosen the Wolves Goalkeeper Jose Sa as one of his four Stoppers.
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes are on the plane, along with Man City’s Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, plus Chelsea’s Pedro Neto.
The ex-Man City Defender Joao Cancelo makes the squad along with the ex-Wolves players Nelson Semedo, Vitinha and Goncalo Guedes.
The ex-Chelsea (and many others) Stiker Joao Felix is in the squad.
As always, Portugal will be there or thereabouts come the business end of the tournament as the weather will suit a country used to playing in hot conditions.
DR Congo have the Frenchman Sebastian Desabre to oversee things at this World Cup.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s only other appearance at a World Cup was back in 1974 when DR Congo qualified for the tournament in Germany.
At the time the country was known as Zaire.
That wasn’t a particularly successful
3 games for Zaire, who suffered defeats against Scotland (2-0), Yugoslavia (9-0) and Brazil (3-0).
There was a memorable moment that is still shown in World Cup and football programmes now, where Brazil were awarded a free kick and whilst the Zaire players in the wall were waiting, one of the players, Mwepu Ilunga, broke ranks and booted the ball upfield, thinking he was allowed to do so.
Football fans who got to watch the 1974 World Cup on the Telly will remember that scene fondly.
Sebastian Desabre has included the Burnley Defender Axel Tuanzebe, the West Ham Defender Aaron Wan Bissaka, the Watford Midfielder Edo Kayembe, the Sunderland Midfielder Noah Sadiki, the Kilmarnock Midfielder Aaron Tshibola and the Newcastle Striker Yoane Wissa.
Along with the ex-West Ham and Sunderland Defender Arthur Masuaku, the ex-Newcastle Defender Chancel Mbemba and the ex-Chelsea, Fulham and Bolton Midfielder Gael Kakuta,
It would be funny if at one point in a match, when a free kick is awarded, one of the players breaks ranks and kicks the ball upfield.
Betfred offer Portugal at Odds On 2/7, the Draw at 9/2 and 10/1 for DR Congo to come away with all 3-points.
Portugal To Win 3-0- Get 13/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
ENGLAND (4) v CROATIA (11)
21.00 in England
England face Croatia once again at a World Cup following the match-up at the 2018 tournament in Russia where the two met in the Semi-Final.
It was heartbreaking for the Three Lions and the faithful on that occasion, when Gareth Southgate’s men suffered an extra-time defeat against the Croatians.
Kieran Trippier had scored first to give England a lead at the break.
Ivan Perisic scored an equaliser for Croatia in the 2nd-half and with no further goals in the initial 90 minutes, the game went into 30 minutes of extra time.
Unfortunately, for every English fan out there, Mario Mandzukic scored the winner for Croatia to see them progress and send England home, once again so close but yet so far away from making a World Cup Final.
England got the victory over Croatia in the Group Stage of Euro 2020, which took place in 2021 due to the Coronavirus situation.
That was the last time the two met.
England’s 26-man squad is detailed above.
Croatia are still under the guidance of Zlatko Dalić, who has been the Manager since 2017, overseeing the team reach the Final in 2018 and the Semi-Final in 2022, which did include knocking Brazil out at the Quarter-Final stage.
Man City’s Josko Gvardiol, who has been injured for most of the season makes the squad, along with his City teammate Mateo Kovacic.
The Old Boys Luca Modric, who turns 41 in September and Ivan Perisic (37) make the 26-man squad, along with the ex-Southampton Defender Duje Caleta-Car, the ex-West Ham Midfielder Nikola Vlasic and the ex-Leicester Striker Andrej Kramaric.
This should be a great game to kick-start both countries’ World Cup adventure.
Betfred offer England at slight Odds On 8/11, the Draw at 13/5 and 4/1 for Croatia to come away with all 3-points.
England To Win 3-0- Get 12/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
June 18th
GHANA (74) v PANAMA (33)
00.00 in England
It’s probably not a surprise to learn that Ghana havent faced Panama before.
Ghana first came to the World Cup party in 2006 and made the last-16 following wins against the Czech Republic and the USA, after suffering an opening game defeat against Italy.
The knockout game unfortunately saw Ghana up against Brazil and ultimately, it was goodnight from Dortmund for the Ghanaians.
In 2010, the Ghanaians reached the Quarter-Finals but lost a penalty shootout against Uruguay.
That probably doesn’t tell the story of that particular game.
If one remembers, the ex-Portsmouth and Sunderland Midfielder Sully Muntari scored in the 1st-half to give Ghana a lead.
Diego Forlan scored an equaliser for Uruguay just before the hour mark that made the game level going into the final embers of the game.
The game went into 30 minutes of extra time, and when penalties looked on the cards, a speculative shot saw Luis Suarez punch the ball over the bar.
As everyone knows, Luis ‘The Teeth’ Suarez isn’t a Goalkeeper so a penalty was rightly awarded and Luis was rightly sent off in the 120th minute.
All Ghana have to do is score the penalty and they are in the Semi-Final.
Unfortunately, the ex-Sunderland Striker Asamoah Gyan kicked the ball too hard, which hit the bar and sailed off into the Johannesburg night sky.
Devastating!
It was then a penalty shootout which Uruguay cruelly won to knock the Ghanaians out.
Asamoah was then signed by Sunderland but only lasted a season in the North East before leaving for the Sun of Al Ain, commenting that if his then team mate Darren Bent had a goal credited to him from hitting a beach ball, it’s time to move on.
There is a familiar face who leads the Ghanaians into this World Cup, him being Carlos Queiros.
Carlos has chosen the following in his 26-man squad-
Coventry’s Brandon Thomas Asante, Leicester Strikers’ Issahaku Fatawu and Jordan Ayew, plus Man City’s Antoine Semenyo
Included also are the ex-West Ham and Derby County Goalkeeper Joseph Anang who is currently playing in Ireland for St Patricks.
The ex-Southampton Striker Kamaldeen Sulemana, the ex-Reading Defender Baba Abdul Rahman and the ex-Fulham, Accrington and Plymouth Defender Jerome Opoku,
Along with the ex-Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey.
Panama are at a World Cup for just the second time in their history, following competing at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
In 2018, Panama were in a Group consisting of Belgium, England and Tunisia but unfortunately suffered defeats against all 3 countries and ultimately exited the World Cup at the earliest stage.
England inflicted a devastating defeat on Panama by a 6-1 scoreline, so it will be interesting to see how the Panamanian’s perform this time, once again in the same Group as the Three Lions.
The Head Coach Thomas Christiansen, is the third Manager at this year’s World Cup who has previously been in charge of Leeds United, having had a less than successful spell at Elland Rd back in June 2017, which lasted until February 2018.
Thomas has chosen a 26-man squad that includes the Norwich Defender Jose Cordoba, being the only player with English connections.
No doubt the West Yorkshire Puddings will be singing,
‘Marchando Juntos!’
Betfred offer Ghana at Evens 1/1, the Draw at 12/5 and 11/4 for Panama to come away with all 3-points.
Draw 2-2- Get 16/1 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
COLOMBIA (13) v UZBEKISTAN (50)
03.00 in England
One won’t be surprised to learn that these two haven’t met each other before.
Colombia head to Mexico where their opening 2 fixture’s against Uzbekistan and DR Congo take place before heading North into the USA to face Portugal in Miami.
This will no doubt be a poignant World Cup for the Colombian’s who have the nightmare memories of the last World Cup in the USA when after a disastrous opening 2 games against Romania (lost 3-1) and USA (lost 2-1) it was down to the finale where Colombia had to beat Switzerland and hope USA got a victory over Romania to progress in the tournament.
Despite Colombia doing their bit by gaining a victory over Switzerland, Romania beat the USA so the Colombian’s were out.
That didn’t go down well in Bogotá or for that matter, Medellin.
The Colombian Captain Andres Escobar, who had scored an Own Goal in the loss against the USA was shot dead outside a bar in Medellin just days after the team were eliminated.
Whatever problems the World throws up, whatever a person’s individual journey involves whether that’s money, relationships or life itself, no one, repeat, no one deserves to lose their life over a game of football.
Rest In Peace, Andres Escobar!
The Argentinian Nestor Lorenzo takes charge of the Colombian’s for this trip North,
The 60-year-old may not be known to many but no doubt the Swindon Town faithful will have one eye on Lorenzo, with the Big Guy playing a few games for the Robins back in 1990-92, after being signed by the legend that is Ossie Ardiles.
Included in the Colombian 26-man squad are-
The ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper David Ospina, the ex-Everton Defender Yerry Mina, the ex-Hull Midfielder Gustavo Puerta, the ex-Tottenham Defender Davinson Sanchez, the ex-Wolves Striker Jhon Arias and the ex-Watford Striker Cucho Hernandez,
Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Munoz make the bus ride as well as the ex-Liverpool Superstar Luis Diaz.
It was mentioned earlier that Uruguay’s Luis Suarez wasn’t included in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, however, Columbia have their own Luis Suarez who will be on show this Summer.
Let’s hope Columbia Luis Suarez doesn’t bite anyone.
The legend that is James Rodriguez, now 34 years old and currently playing for Minnesota makes the 26-man squad.
Everyone calls James ‘Ham-Es’ however, not John Newsome and the Toffee Scousers, the lad will always be known as Jimmy Rodriguez.
Uzbekistan make their debut at the World Cup.
The players may not be familiar to everyone, however, the Manager of Uzbekistan will certainly be.
There are very few Ballon d’Or Winners over the past 20 years, most of them were either Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) or Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), however, back in 2006, a certain Italian Centre-Half named Fabio Cannavaro, won the coveted award.
Fabio is now the Manager of Uzbekistan and leads the former USSR Nation into this Summer’s tournament.
Whilst not many will know the players on show, the one that will be known is the Man City Defender Abdukodir Khusanov who is only 22 but looks 45.
However, AK is still a class player who will showcase his skills in this tournament.
Surely Abdukodir has to have Number 47 on his shirt.
Granted, Phil Foden is City’s 47 but surely a few bob transferred into Phil’s bank account would see Abdukodir Khusanov have 47 on the back of his shirt.
If one is a Centre-Back, then to have a Balon d’Or winner (Fabio Cannavaro) as the Manager, can only enhance one’s performance.
Fabio’s other notable picks are-
Well, to be fair, are all unknown, so there may be some gems like Abdukodir that shine over in the USA and the Uzbekistan players become talents in the Top European Leagues.
Betfred offer Colombia at slight Odds On 2/5, the Draw at 7/2 and 15/2 for Uzbekistan to come away with all 3-points.
Colombia Win 2-0 Get 11/2 on Betfred & Claim your new account welcome offer!
Round-2 starts just after the Colombia v Uzbekistan game, so please keep coming back to see EveryTip’s preview for those particular fixtures.
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