World Cup 2026 - USA/Canada/Mexico

Swindon_Addick

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Callumcafc said:

Well done South Africa, unexpected result gets them the last 32 match against Canada.

And a terrible result for Scotland. A South Korea win or draw would've meant that group was one third placed side Scotland would finish above. But Korea end up third with 3 points and a -1 GD so are above Scotland in the rankings.

There are still 4 or 5 groups where it's plausible that third place will get 1 or 2 points and finish below Scotland, but they're running out of options. South Africa finishing third and below them was a banker and that's gone thanks to SA's superb result. Clearly Brazil didn't want to be known as the team that allowed Scotland into the knockout stages.

Chris_from_Sidcup

Swindon_Addick said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Callumcafc said:

Well done South Africa, unexpected result gets them the last 32 match against Canada.

And a terrible result for Scotland. A South Korea win or draw would've meant that group was one third placed side Scotland would finish above. But Korea end up third with 3 points and a -1 GD so are above Scotland in the rankings.

There are still 4 or 5 groups where it's plausible that third place will get 1 or 2 points and finish below Scotland, but they're running out of options. South Africa finishing third and below them was a banker and that's gone thanks to SA's superb result. Clearly Brazil didn't want to be known as the team that allowed Scotland into the knockout stages.

Yes it's still possible but they need a lot of results to go their way.

There's also going to be a few games like Australia v Paraguay, Austria v Algeria, Egypt v Iran where a draw puts both sides through, so i wonder if we might end up seeing some 'tactical' draws in games. 

ken_shabby

To be honest, there have been a few games in this World Cup where its hard to see if one team is excellent or simply the loser is bad. That was a wretched performance by Scotland. Brazil looked great (they are certainly not going to be easy to stop) but whether the Scottish defence made them look better than they are is a good question. The night before Ghana showed them how-to set up against a team like Brazil. 

Karim_myBagheri

That is a result for Canada as a host nation. I know they will be playing in L.A but what I saw of South Africa against Czech Republic Canada can feel confident they can get to the next round. 

North Lower Neil

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

CAFCsayer

DamoNorthStand said:

Would love to see this Brazil team take on France or Spain. Think they have more to offer than I initially thought 

Ive backed them before the tournament and then lumped on them when they drifted to 13s... Don't care who is in the side, a Brazil team, under arguably a top 3 manager of this generation, should never be that big of a price 

Karim_myBagheri

North Lower Neil said:

.head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

Someone said we had this in the euros is that true? 

Karim_myBagheri

golfaddick said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

golfaddick said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Games coming thick and fast now with 3 groups per night settled over the next 4 nights.

I wonder if the Beeb or ITV will start doing a "route to the final" table now that the group stage is coming to an end. 

A nice graphic showing the different permutations would be much better than ex-players mumbling & bumbling post match. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule#GroupStage

Thanks. I found it earlier. 

Well I'm glad I wasn't of any use.. 

Laddick01

CAFCsayer said:

DamoNorthStand said:

Would love to see this Brazil team take on France or Spain. Think they have more to offer than I initially thought 

Ive backed them before the tournament and then lumped on them when they drifted to 13s... Don't care who is in the side, a Brazil team, under arguably a top 3 manager of this generation, should never be that big of a price 

It could happen, but I think they are in real trouble as soon as they face and side with wingers.

Danilo could’ve been sent off last night as he struggled to contain Robertson/Tierney.

I think if they play France/Portugal/Spain then it’s over.

lordromford

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

CharltonKerry

Had to stay up to 1am to book some excursions for our cruise in January, now in serious trouble with the wife for waking her up with laughing to loudly whilst watching the Scotland game.

Stu_of_Kunming

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

100% this.

Elthamaddick

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

yeah it's clearly the plan going forward

conker

MrLargo said:

This is a handy tool on the BBC website, running updates on the knockout fixtures as things stand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/schedule#KnockoutStage

Scotland play Mexico in the last 32 and then England in the last 16. Realistically, that's as likely as Charlton playing PSG in the 2029 Champions League Final.

It is a good tool, but is an as it stands scenario.

So does not take into account that Belgium who are 3rd are playing New Zealand and will more than likely beat them and move up to 1st or 2nd.

I prefer Calumcafc and his 1st round predictions.

North Lower Neil

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

Italy might even qualify in a 64 team one.

Swindon_Addick

North Lower Neil said:

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

Italy might even qualify in a 64 team one.

Italy must surely be looking at Bosnia having qualified from their group and wondering how on earth things worked out this way.

The reason, of course, being that it happened because Italy were unable to beat Bosnia in a playoff.

letthegoodtimesroll

Swindon_Addick said:

North Lower Neil said:

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

Italy might even qualify in a 64 team one.

Italy must surely be looking at Bosnia having qualified from their group and wondering how on earth things worked out this way.

The reason, of course, being that it happened because Italy were unable to beat Bosnia in a playoff.

Italy shouldn’t be relying upon the play offs in the first place. To those of us of a certain generation it’s unbelievable how they can repeatedly be so shit. Funny, but unbelievable.
.

ForeverAddickted

Did not expect South Africa to be the side to advance in second place from Group A after those first two games

killerandflash

Karim_myBagheri said:

That is a result for Canada as a host nation. I know they will be playing in L.A but what I saw of South Africa against Czech Republic Canada can feel confident they can get to the next round. 

Everyone was saying a few hours ago that Canada would be up against a really well supported South Korea in LA, but instead they'll also dominate the support as well you'd imagine.

North Lower Neil

ForeverAddickted said:

Did not expect South Africa to be the side to advance in second place from Group A after those first two games

Yeah very surprised that they beat South Korea.

Chunes

I'd like to know where this famous Scottish fighting spirit is... 

fenaddick

Chunes said:

I'd like to know where this famous Scottish fighting spirit is... 

Been reserved for Steve Clarke to use against the media 

Briston_Addick

In the coverage last night I'm sure they shew a shot of Gerard Butler sitting in the stands (probably the posh seats) wearing his team's shirt. Thirty seconds later Brazil scored their third.

An idea for the next film in GB's ongoing series:

Scotland Has Fallen.

arny23394

letthegoodtimesroll said:

Swindon_Addick said:

North Lower Neil said:

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:

Head to head records being ahead of goal difference is so crap.  There's less jeopardy and drama in the group stage anyway with 3 teams going through in 8 groups, but H2H means even more has already been decided before the last games.

I have a theory that they made the group stage of this World Cup as stupid as they possibly could so that they can expand it to 64 teams next time, safe in the knowledge that everyone will just be happy it’s not this shitshow again.
They would’ve got a lot of backlash if they’d expanded from 32 to 64 in one step, so this was their next best option.
64 is far too big in my opinion, but at least it would work properly and would make sense.

Italy might even qualify in a 64 team one.

Italy must surely be looking at Bosnia having qualified from their group and wondering how on earth things worked out this way.

The reason, of course, being that it happened because Italy were unable to beat Bosnia in a playoff.

Italy shouldn’t be relying upon the play offs in the first place. To those of us of a certain generation it’s unbelievable how they can repeatedly be so shit. Funny, but unbelievable.
.

As shit as they are, they’ve won a World Cup, A Euros & made another Euro final in the last 20 years. I’d probably take missing tournaments if it meant we actually won something.

Swisdom

my takeaways from yesterday are that Canada are absolute tosh but Scotland absolutely stunk the place out!  truly woeful
They scraped past footballing superpower Haiti, didn't even compete against Morocco until the last 5 minutes and just rolled over for Brazil.  They were lucky to be there in the first place but this should be the end of the line.

Mexico will be hard to stop on home turf.  excellent team with not many standout players but a superb togetherness
Morocco look very solid again but a bit leaky at the back however in Hakimi they have one hell of a player.

Tournament is just warming up for me

Chris_from_Sidcup

Swisdom said:

my takeaways from yesterday are that Canada are absolute tosh but Scotland absolutely stunk the place out!  truly woeful
They scraped past footballing superpower Haiti, didn't even compete against Morocco until the last 5 minutes and just rolled over for Brazil.  They were lucky to be there in the first place but this should be the end of the line.

Mexico will be hard to stop on home turf.  excellent team with not many standout players but a superb togetherness
Morocco look very solid again but a bit leaky at the back however in Hakimi they have one hell of a player.

Tournament is just warming up for me

Been pretty impressed with them. Not the most difficult of groups but have done their job well, 3 wins, 3 clean sheets.

England will have to be on top of their game if we're going to beat them in the last 16. The Azteca will be absolutely bouncing.

ForeverAddickted

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Swisdom said:

my takeaways from yesterday are that Canada are absolute tosh but Scotland absolutely stunk the place out!  truly woeful
They scraped past footballing superpower Haiti, didn't even compete against Morocco until the last 5 minutes and just rolled over for Brazil.  They were lucky to be there in the first place but this should be the end of the line.

Mexico will be hard to stop on home turf.  excellent team with not many standout players but a superb togetherness
Morocco look very solid again but a bit leaky at the back however in Hakimi they have one hell of a player.

Tournament is just warming up for me

Been pretty impressed with them. Not the most difficult of groups but have done their job well, 3 wins, 3 clean sheets.

England will have to be on top of their game if we're going to beat them in the last 16. The Azteca will be absolutely bouncing.

Mexico have only ever lost two competitive games at the Azteca, was really hoping they wouldn't win their Group

guinnessaddick

Chunes said:

I'd like to know where this famous Scottish fighting spirit is... 



Bannockburn

Chris_from_Sidcup

ForeverAddickted said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Swisdom said:

my takeaways from yesterday are that Canada are absolute tosh but Scotland absolutely stunk the place out!  truly woeful
They scraped past footballing superpower Haiti, didn't even compete against Morocco until the last 5 minutes and just rolled over for Brazil.  They were lucky to be there in the first place but this should be the end of the line.

Mexico will be hard to stop on home turf.  excellent team with not many standout players but a superb togetherness
Morocco look very solid again but a bit leaky at the back however in Hakimi they have one hell of a player.

Tournament is just warming up for me

Been pretty impressed with them. Not the most difficult of groups but have done their job well, 3 wins, 3 clean sheets.

England will have to be on top of their game if we're going to beat them in the last 16. The Azteca will be absolutely bouncing.

Mexico have only ever lost two competitive games at the Azteca, was really hoping they wouldn't win their Group

This stat is a bit misleading though. Yes they have a great record there, but most of the time they are playing at home to other CONCACAF teams, most of whom are considerably weaker than them. 

Make no mistake though, Mexico in front of 85k fans at altitude will be tough.

Swisdom

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

ForeverAddickted said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Swisdom said:

my takeaways from yesterday are that Canada are absolute tosh but Scotland absolutely stunk the place out!  truly woeful
They scraped past footballing superpower Haiti, didn't even compete against Morocco until the last 5 minutes and just rolled over for Brazil.  They were lucky to be there in the first place but this should be the end of the line.

Mexico will be hard to stop on home turf.  excellent team with not many standout players but a superb togetherness
Morocco look very solid again but a bit leaky at the back however in Hakimi they have one hell of a player.

Tournament is just warming up for me

Been pretty impressed with them. Not the most difficult of groups but have done their job well, 3 wins, 3 clean sheets.

England will have to be on top of their game if we're going to beat them in the last 16. The Azteca will be absolutely bouncing.

Mexico have only ever lost two competitive games at the Azteca, was really hoping they wouldn't win their Group

This stat is a bit misleading though. Yes they have a great record there, but most of the time they are playing at home to other CONCACAF teams, most of whom are considerably weaker than them. 

Make no mistake though, Mexico in front of 85k fans at altitude will be tough.

yeah but we've got Madueke and Gordon ripping it up on the flanks.....

Its not coming home is it