Goose is making a World Cup preview? My circle would laugh at this, as I am not a footy head. I don’t watch club soccer, but I do have goal notifications on for New York Red Bull, and I’m nice as heck in FC26. I also have a 1 week old son and have done a lot of research on this tournament hosted in America. I plan on giving a few lines on each group, highlighting projected knock out games, and giving my World Cup winner. 2014 and 2018 I got it right with Germany and France, but I stuck with France 2022 who took second. Again, no expert, but who doesn’t love international ball?!? I’m on leave till mid July and like many of you reading this, I can’t wait for the games to begin!
Think I don’t know ball? Join my free bracket predictor and let’s see who winds up on top?
Join My FIFA Bracket Challenge
Group A
Mexico are at home for their groups, and if favorites prevail, they’ll have a r16 matchup v England at Azteca. South Korea is solid they’ll get out of groups but this is all about Mexico here who could have a group stage differential of 8 goals for 1 against.
Group B
Canada v Bosnia will kickoff this group, and I like Bosnia’s chances. If Canada loses this game they are staring at a 3rd place position which they should still advance. Switzerland has a veteran squad should take care of business but I see nobody in this group as a threat.
Group C
Morocco came in 4th in 2022, but I think they are overrated this go around. This is a different team, and 4 years is a long time. I’m a long time Brazil hater but they might go on a run right here the vibes are trending up after a rough qualifying. Haiti is live I got them over 1.5 points.
Group D
All these World Cup groups are watered down but Group D has no scrubs. Paraguay is ranked 40th and although they are missing their leader they will compete. My USA expectations are I need 6 points minimum and a r32 win. If Türkiye wins the group so be it but I need 6 from USA vs Paraguay and Australia. If you asked me a few years ago I would’ve dreamed a Semi Final run, but for host nations, that’s Mexico’s ceiling now.
Group E
France and Spain are the two favorites this World Cup. I bring this up because if Germany can take second in their group, Germany would go on the opposite side of these two. I really like what I’m seeing with Germany lately and I put them third in a power rankings and a semi final appearance if they can avoid France and Spain. Ecuador killed it in their qualifying, but I think top Euro teams with the skill they have can break their parked bus. World Cup advancement is heavily dependent on the draw, but I like Ivory Coast’s chances to advance the furthest for an African nation, over the likes of Senegal and Morocco. Their 3 warmup friendlies are wins v South Korea, Scotland, and France.
Group F
Netherlands v Japan will be a fun match. Japan is hard to read, they can SCORE, but in qualifying and in warm ups they haven’t played top nations like Netherlands. It’ll also be a contrast of styles as Netherlands will defend its ass off. I think you have to expect Netherlands in the Quarters at least with the amount of talent they accumulated, it’s just when they are underdogs can they score enough.
Group G
Group G feels like a 3 team group, with all beating up on New Zealand so the third place should be fine. I’m not ready to call Belgium a lock to win their group, but the rightful favorites. Every team and every player will be motivated, but Iran feel like they have more to play for. Their park the bus style will give them a chance vs Belgium. Iran will look to defend for 90 minutes but Doku and co should break through once there. Egypt have a nice squad too as they went unbeaten in their qualification led by Mo Salah. Look for Belgium to win a two knockouts and look for Iran / Egypt to give their knockout opponent hell.
Group H
The underdog nation of Uruguay will look to make another run. This is a classic 2 scrub 2 elite team group. They should have no issue with Saudi and Cape Verde, but good luck with Spain. Yamal is the next soccer great but a hammy injury could have him have a slow group stage. Spain disappointed in the last three World Cups but I have a hard time seeing them disappoint this go around. Their top 3 attackers are lethal and their midfield 3 aren’t the most athletic but they will control a game. A potential Semi Final battle with France is in the cards.
Group I
France’s starting 11 is just a tier above all the rest. They are light on midfield depth which might have them relax in the group stage. I don’t see it with Senegal. USA went up 2-0 on them early, and they went 0-0 v Saudi. They are coming in weak albeit just friendlies. Norway is going to put up goals but not sure if they can defend v a France. From my limited soccer knowledge though I’ll say Senegal needs a big result vs Iraq because they will lose to France and Norway.
Group J
If Messi was a few years younger he’d be my pick for Golden Boot with this group. I don’t see Argentina having an issue with Jordan Algeria and Austria. Short and sweet here, take Messi to score any game in Miami and please soccer gods let us get Portugal Argentina in the quarters.
Group K
Speaking of Portugal, and players being a few years younger, I’d be all over them winning the World Cup if Ronaldo was just a little younger. This tiny nation has a SQUAD. And remember what I said, this tournament has a lot to do with your draw. If Spain France and Portugal win their groups, Portugal would not see the two favorites till a potential championship game. For that reason I think they will put out their ALineup in game 3 of the groups v Colombia.
Group L
Man heck England. They got so much talent but heck them. I’ll keep this group short. Shoutout Croatia for their 2018 run but I don’t have high expectations. And please give me England Mexico in Mexico City for the r16. It ain’t coming home, they will go home early.
Champions
This will be my third World Cup in a row picking France. If favorites prevail they will have to go through Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and a potential championship matchup against either Portugal, Argentina, or England. That is a PATH! Their starting lineup is toughhhhh they have no flaws but are light off the bench. That can be their downfall. But Mbappe Dembele and co are experienced and ready to go. Thank you France for the Statue of Liberty, now go win a World Cup at MetLife in the Statue’s backyard.
Thank you,
Goose
Kowal's Korner 
Leave a comment