World Cup 2026

[Durhamfootman]

Morocco v Netherlands looks like an interesting R32 tie.... full of jeopardy

as is Brazil v Japan

[GarlicJam]

With Australia getting through to the next round, interest was on who they will play (in Dallas).

It seems that ALL teams in Group G could theoretically could be playing Australia - but it will most likely to be Iran or Belgium.

I think a 1-0 win for Iran and a 4-0 win for New Zealand will see the Kiwis top the pool, and Egypt face Aus. If Belgium win, and Iran do not, it will be Belgium.

[Gingerfinch]

Scotland now need every result to go their way, so they might as well start packing their bags. When Ecuador beat Germany (however disinterested) then Scotland are screwed. I'd fancy 0-0 for Austria/Algeria too.

Belgium only need a draw plus Senegal should beat Iraq

[sussexpob]

The third place thing is just so unfair to the teams who play first. Last night by all accounts Paraguay ad Australia played out the most boring of 0-0 draws knowing they could and go through.... Austria v West Germany 1982 style

[Gingerfinch]

The third place thing is just so unfair to the teams who play first. Last night by all accounts Paraguay ad Australia played out the most boring of 0-0 draws knowing they could and go through.... Austria v West Germany 1982 style

Yep, it was almost predicted that this could be a 0-0

[sussexpob]

Was very happy last night to see Kevin "Captain of Chaos" Rodriguez get the decisive assist that send Ecuador through. Making Brussels proud boy!! Well played

[bigfluffylemon]

The third place thing is just so unfair to the teams who play first. Last night by all accounts Paraguay ad Australia played out the most boring of 0-0 draws knowing they could and go through.... Austria v West Germany 1982 style

Yep, it was almost predicted that this could be a 0-0

It was a very poor game. The Australian media are playing it up as a well executed plan, but the fact that they were clearly going for a draw says it all.

[alfie]

The third place thing is just so unfair to the teams who play first. Last night by all accounts Paraguay ad Australia played out the most boring of 0-0 draws knowing they could and go through.... Austria v West Germany 1982 style

Yep, it was almost predicted that this could be a 0-0

Yes no surprise that this one finished scoreless as that more or less suited both teams : though I didn't think it was totally awful ...in fact Australia probably made more attacking moves than in their previous two games but just couldn't finish. Paraguay pretty cautious though they did have a bit of a go in the second half. For all the possibilities this 48 team business puts up , pretty clear that 4 points is going to get anyone through in third place so the incentive to take big risks just isn't there.

Not sure there is a perfect arrangement for a 48 team competition but this one has definitely got some flaws...

[Gingerfinch]

The third place thing is just so unfair to the teams who play first. Last night by all accounts Paraguay ad Australia played out the most boring of 0-0 draws knowing they could and go through.... Austria v West Germany 1982 style

Yep, it was almost predicted that this could be a 0-0

Yes no surprise that this one finished scoreless as that more or less suited both teams : though I didn't think it was totally awful ...in fact Australia probably made more attacking moves than in their previous two games but just couldn't finish. Paraguay pretty cautious though they did have a bit of a go in the second half. For all the possibilities this 48 team business puts up , pretty clear that 4 points is going to get anyone through in third place so the incentive to take big risks just isn't there.

Not sure there is a perfect arrangement for a 48 team competition but this one has definitely got some flaws...

You would need all last round matches to be played at once! This would be virtually impossible though!

[Durhamfootman]

Not sure there is a perfect arrangement for a 48 team competition but this one has definitely got some flaws...

Doubtless Infantino will use this as an excuse to expand the next WC to 64 teams

[Durhamfootman]

I think Uruguay are toast. Spain will certainly want to finish top, but if they were to lose, they could easily find themselves in 3rd place, with the prospect of a much tougher route through the KO stages and that means they'll have to put their strongest side out and it will surely be too much for Uruguay

Maybe not. If Cape Verde don't win and Uruguay do, Spain would end up as runners up and face Argentina in the R32. Spain might also just play out a draw to ensure that no matter what happens they top the group

Looks as though Japan v Sweden was a match with few touches in each others boxes, so I think it's very possible that they weren't up for a full bloodied match (although I haven't seen it, so maybe I'm way off the mark and it was a thriller)