# FIFA World Cup 2026 - discussion etc **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-soccer-fifa\ **Created:** [October 14, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962 "2025-10-14T15:43:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 105
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2081 "2026-06-28T04:08:20Z")
7 3rd-place finishers ended up with 4 points and advanced. The 8th 3rd-place finisher to advance was Senegal, who had 3 points and a +2 GD. 3 3rd-place finishers had 3 points but failed to advance. Interestingly, Cape Verde finished with 3 points with 3 draws, which is obviously 0 GD, and placed second in Group H, advancing to R32, where they will play (gulp) Argentina. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2082 "2026-06-28T04:28:11Z")
With the expanded format, my biggest takeaway is that 9 African teams made the final 32. Let’s see how many make the RO16. Also, only 3 European teams did not: Turkey, Czechia and Scotland ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2083 "2026-06-28T04:56:47Z")
Glad to hear Canadian coach Jesse Marsch saying Alponso Davies’ hamstring issues might be in the rear-view mirror for now, and will play tomorrow (Sun.) against South Africa, ranked 60th in the world but playing formidably so far. No confirmation from the coach whether AD will start, come off the bench, or how many minutes he might play. This will be a tremendous boost for Canada if he can stay healthy and contribute. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2084 "2026-06-28T05:37:41Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > What are the chances England are the only ones to let me down?😆 I also need Portugal to beat Colombia, which isn’t looking easy, to get the clean sweep. Well, I gave up on the England game at half time; couldn’t take any more of that crap so I went to bed. Looks like they got the job done in the end but same old story, stumble through the group stage and bore the pants off anyone daft enough to watch them. Wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if DRC ‘embarass’ (I.E. thoroughly merit a victory against) us in the second round. Either that or a heroic backs to wall defeat on penalties to Mexico at an energy-sapping, raucous Azteca in R3. Can you tell I’m grumpy? And Portugal… you let me down guys. 11/12 in the group winners predictions, but also into the same side of the draw as Spain (potential tasty last 16 clash!) So my predicted SF lineup of Spain, France, Portugal, England (hahaha!) won’t come to pass. Ronaldo reverting to type, unsurprisingly (‘I’m back’? Apparently not). ---
**Author:** ![duality72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duality72/32/3910_2.png) [@duality72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duality72)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2085 "2026-06-28T06:08:29Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > I’m not sure if anyone asked or if it was mentioned but what is up with the Austria #5, is that a chin helmet or a beard? Jaw protection. He’s playing with a broken jaw. > **[Austria's Stefan Posch will play vs. Argentina despite broken jaw](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49138508/austria-stefan-posch-play-argentina-broken-jaw)** > > Austria defender Stefan Posch will be available to play Monday against defending champion Argentina after sustaining a broken jaw in his team's win to open this World Cup. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2086 "2026-06-28T07:55:41Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > Well, I gave up on the England game at half time; couldn’t take any more of that crap so I went to bed. Looks like they got the job done in the end but same old story, stumble through the group stage and bore the pants off anyone daft enough to watch them. I genuinely don’t know how much razzle-dazzle you can expect when you’re playing against a team that is performing well in a low block. You simply have to pick at them until you create a mistake and then are able to capitalize on it. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2087 "2026-06-28T08:12:59Z")
Yeh on reflection I think I was being a little bit harsh, and tiredness didn’t help. But it was boring and I fear DRC will just do the same thing again. If we get through that then a likely opponent in Mexico will surely be far more attacking, playing at home, but I think we might have run out of defenders by then! One right back injured pre-tournament and two more RBs injured during… not sure who will fill in next time, we may have to resort to Jordan Henderson. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2088 "2026-06-28T08:44:07Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > But it was boring 100% agree. When you’re rooting for an underdog and they hunker down, it can be kind of exciting to see them stymie a strong team. When you’re rooting for the strong team, though, god it’s boring. ---
**Author:** ![colinfred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colinfred/32/21338_2.png) [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2089 "2026-06-28T09:38:34Z")
Now all the friendlies are over the World Cup is about to start! ---
**Author:** ![colinfred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colinfred/32/21338_2.png) [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2090 "2026-06-28T09:44:25Z")
Round of 32 South Africa vs Canada Brazil vs Japan Germany vs Paraguay Netherlands vs Morocco Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway France vs Sweden Mexico vs Ecuador England vs Congo DR Belgium vs Senegal USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina Spain vs Austria Portugal vs Croatia Switzerland vs Algeria Australia vs Egypt Argentina vs Cabo Verde Colombia vs Ghana Brazil v Japan and Netherlands v Morocco looking to be the standouts. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2091 "2026-06-28T12:31:09Z")
According to DraftKings, France is the favorite to win it all, at +300. Argentina is at +430, while Spain and England are both listed at +700. USA is +3000. Cape Verde is the longest shot in the field, at +150000. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2092 "2026-06-28T13:13:10Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Cape Verde is the longest shot in the field, at +150000. Is that approximately 1500-1 in English? ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2093 "2026-06-28T14:05:44Z")
Yes. American convention is assuming a $100 bet. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2094 "2026-06-28T14:06:58Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Is that approximately 1500-1 in English? A $1 bet would return $1501 if Cape Verde wins the Cup. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2095 "2026-06-28T14:20:08Z")
Including the $1 I staked, right? That is I would win $1500 or lose $1, net. That would make it identical to 1500-1 in English odds. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2096 "2026-06-28T14:35:38Z")
France with a very hard bracket too. Still, I can’t say I really disagree, they’re the only team that consistently looked great. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2097 "2026-06-28T14:44:49Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Including the $1 I staked, right? That is I would win $1500 or lose $1, net. Absolutely correct on all counts. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2098 "2026-06-28T15:03:08Z")
Canada is the betting favourite to win today against South Africa. Never thought I’d see Canada a favourite in a World Cup knockout game. It’s not an overwhelming bet though. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2099 "2026-06-28T16:00:01Z")
Hopefully Posch won’t see any high elbows from, say, Otamendi or…Romero? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/2100 "2026-06-28T19:13:36Z")
It looks like the South Africa team had their Wheaties this morning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962.md?page=104) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962.md?page=106)