WC Group WINNERS/expectations

I expect there will be a few of those that don’t top the table. Swiss, USA, England and Portugal possibly for me.

Hi Kenbo, I agree with you with the doubts on Swiss and USA, but the latter 2 I had down as BANKER material! With England it's not so much on their strength as it is the weakness of the opps. Croatia, the only realistic danger, are a mere shadow of what they were a few years back. Even if England don't cruise by scorelines, I fully expect them to bore their way to 3 comfortable enough wins. And while I like Colombia, they're not a side packed with creativity&goals. By the time they face off in the final game, I expect Portugal to have the draw on their side. If more is needed, they're strong enough to outclass.

Jurrien Timber has withdrawn from Holland squad due to a groin injury. Will not feature at the WC

I’d imagine Portugal fans are often disappointed with their team. Always look good on paper but under achieve a lot. England will probably top their group. Certainly not the best squad they’ve ever had, throw in hot weather plus their liking for putting us through hell, then I wouldn’t fancy parting with my money.

Will be interesting to see how many minnows make it through.

On the expected points, Group A looks open.

The 3 hosts do seem to be overrated i think , no real mugs in USA group

Hi Lurka, a real shame that Still, If you believe in prophet types - "German mathematician Joaquim Klement who has got his last three WC forecasts right, picked The Netherlands as winners in 2026. Klement's model goes beyond form, and looks at GDP, population size, football culture, FIFA rankings and other random data points with statistical inputs. He predicts a Holland vs Portugal final" I'm really looking forward to seeing how they get on against those pesky little Japs in their opener.

I agree Kenbo, since the expansion is being widely criticised, I'm actually hoping a lot of the dogs do well. Less or more, cream is always going to rise to the top anyway. 

Hi MrStrawMan, of the 3, I mostly believe in Mexico to have the best run. I'd love to see them clash with England in the last 16..where I'd give them a fair shout of advancing. I'd certainly be backing them anyway given I know how lopsided the odds would be.

No surprises as far as the group winners go. 11/12 met expectations. Portugal being the only fools to mess up for the clean sweep!

3 notable group underperformers: South Korea, Turkey, Uruguay.