Yankee's FM14 International Competitions

[Yankee151]

Day 5

Nigeria-Croatia
USA-New Zealand

Both games going on simultaneously. Croatia are unchanged from the USA game, while Spartak's Imoh Ezekiel is in for Isaac Success.

0' Haluzan brought down early.
5' Palic just heads wide on a corner.
11' Ciglar does well to hold up play, and it falls to Duspara who hits the post on his shot!
16' Ezekiel is found by Eze, but he is waved off before the ball can go in.
20' Petar Ciglar hits a volley way wide.
24' Lovre Kalinic saves a shot from Bright Charles on another dangerous counter
27' Balogun ruled off for Nigeria.
30' Radosevic hits a screamer from 31 yards out, but it deflects wide off of Ciglar in a HMMMM YANKEEE style play.
32' Martinez off injured in the USA game. No score in that one so far.
37' Bright Charles called off
41' The ball rolls in the back of the net following a free kick, but Tomecak is called for a foul on Oliseh in the box.
46' Duspara hits a free kick from 25 out, but it bounces off the post.
HALF. 0-0 in both games. Croatia and Nigeria going through right now.
49' Imoh Ezekiel ruled off.
51' Nwachukwu is found by Garba, but he shoots wide.
53' Ninic's shot goes off the post.
58' Haruna booked, would miss Nigeria's next match if there is one.
59' Halilovic hits the post for Croatia. 3rd time this game.
72' Jair de Jesus Rodriguez scores for USA! GOAL 1-0 USA
75' Cross adds another! GOAL GOAL GOAL 2-0 USA! Certainly through!
77' Haluzan's shot is parried by Oliseh.
83' Duspara ruled off. As results stand, USA will advance in 1st, Croatia in 2nd. Nigeria know a score puts them through though.
89' Garba's cross cleared out by Zigante
90' Duspara shoots wide
94' FINAL! Croatia and Nigeria play a lackluster 0-0 draw, and thus the USA, who beat New Zealand 2-0, advance in 1st!

Group A Final:
USA 2-0-1 +2 6pts
Croatia 1-2-0 +1 5pts
Nigeria 1-1-1 +1 4pts
New Zealand 0-1-2 -4 0pts

 

[Yankee151]

Day 6 to come later, but the FIFA U-20 World Cup is running simultaneously, and the USA team beat Iran 3-0 in the final in Copenhagen. It's the US' first win in the competition, they came in 2nd in 2015. Good signs for the future.

 

[Yankee151]

Day 6

Canada and Argentina face off in the coliseum, while Spain and Japan play in Cowboys stadium.

Japan get off to a flying start, with two goals in two minutes, as Rennes forward Suguru Iwami and Nancy man Ryo Miyachi scored in the 11th and 12th. Renato Sandoval booked for Canada in the 29th. Canada-Argentina still at a virtual standstill. Oliver Torres and Gio Simeone had two goals back-to-back on their own, getting goals in the 38th and 39th, tying up the game 2-2. As it stood, Canada was still in the driver's seat, though their safety cushion disappeared. Argentina's Armando Suarez went off injured in the 44th.

In the 66th, Nikki Sutton was booked. Robert Magana nearly put Canada up in the 68th, while Iker Munian actually did put Spain up, now 3-2, in the 68th of their game. So as it stood, Canada would go out, even drawing with Argentina. Esteban Arruabuena for the Argentines was booked in the 73rd, but Sutton missed a close free kick. Tsubasa Kowashi of SKC was booked in the 78th, while Bayern's Yushi Kashamura was off on injury in the 74th. In the 82nd, Canada captain Peter Zeeman received the ball from West Brom's Labros Vafiadis, the Canadian-Greek, and the Basel man hit a long strike from distance that went in the back of the net! If the results hold, Canada would be going through in second ahead of Spain! Damian Ortiz nearly hit one in in the 88th, but Bardi was there to save, and Team Canada are through to the next round!

Group B
Argentina 2-0-1 +3 6
Canada 1-2-0 +1 5
Spain 1-1-1 0 4
Japan 0-1-2 1

A disappointing show from the current World #1, though you could argue that going out on 4 points is just unlucky. Still, that is what a loss to Argentina will do for you. Canada will be happy with their performance, and now face the game of their history as a soccer nation.

Semifinals:
USA vs. Canada
Argentina vs. Croatia

Two enticing affairs as North American rivals face off in the biggest final since the 2018 winter olympics. Meanwhile, Argentina and Croatia both have something to prove as the World Champions crave another title, and Argentina wants the respect they have so long lost on the world stage.

 

[goblue96]

O CANADA!

 

[Yankee151]

I've been happy to see them progress, but I hope I haven't woken up a sleeping giant. Argentina didn't even really throw out a B team since they had already clinched 1st.

 

[Yankee151]

USA vs. Canada

Here are the lineups for today's game in East Rutherford.

USA(GK First):
------------Clark-------------
Johnson-Lalas-Maurer-Corrales
-----------Aguirre------------
Quintana---------------Burklo
-----------Powers------------
----------JDJ-Cross----------

CSKA Moscow man Jeremy Burklo gets the start down the left. Kyle Cross of SKC makes his return to the lineup. Coach Petke has not found a consistent forward duo to use yet.

Canada(Forward first):
-------Vafiadis-Marques-------
------------------------------
Petrasso-Magana-Plagini-DiPlac
------------------------------
Sandoval-Terpez-Bernard-Lark
--------------Bardi-----------

Terpezidis and DiPlacido both with the crazy long names. Roberto Magana is still the star man (And turncoat in US eyes). Canada cult hero Peter Zeeman does not get a start today so Hamburg CB Jacky Bernard takes the captain's band.


LIVEBLOG IN THIS B:
2' Petrasso is found by Magana, and he in turn finds Vafiadis, but Sean Clark saves strongly.
5' Quintana is found in the box by Mickey Johnson after some good combo play down the US right. But his shot goes a bit too wide and Bardi saves it with ease.
8' Powers finds Burklo, but he passes out to Corrales, whose cross is cut out by Jacky Bernard. JDJ is found on the ensuing corner but the Seattle man heads wide.
16' Quintana shoots wide but had space to score there.
23' Aguirre's corner is cut out by Bardi easily.
32' Ditto
36' Powers finds Cross in the box, but Cross' shot goes straight into Bardi's legs.
37' Quintana hit a low driven shot to near-post, but Bardi somehow magnificently gets to the post to save.
40' JDJ booked for a foul in the box
42' Cross booked on a similar foul, both on yellows now.
HALF! No score here. USA dominating possesion and shots, but Canada holding firm in defense. Could be another thriller here.
49' Quintana hit a beautiful dipping FK, but Bardi tips over just barely.
56' Matt Corrales in the book now. The young Galaxy LB will have to be careful.
59' 3 US subs. Seattle's Zemanski for JDJ, taking off a forward, Jose de Jesus Martinez of Houston, for Burklo, and Alfonso Aguirrie off for Jason Rowland of NY Cosmos to play Left Wing. Canada's Nikki Sutton on for Petrasso.
60' ELECTRIC! Bruno DiPlacido of Seattle finds his Greek-Canadian compatriot, Labros Vafiadis of West Brom, from a free kick near the by line. USA set piece defending fails again! GOAL CANADA 1-0
66' Marques' shot goes off of Lalas and out for a corner.
70' Sutton plays in a cross that just misses the feet of Vafiadis
75' Cross has his back to the goal and plays in Mickey Johnson, but the shot goes wide
79' Jose de Jesus Martinez, the sub, off injured. Fans booing Mike Petke over wasting all 3 subs before 60 minutes of play.
85' Powers' long ball cut out again by Canada's captain, Jacky Bernard.
87' INCREDIBLE! Di Placido finds an unmarked Vafiadis AGAIN! Sean Lalas calls for offside but it's very very clear that he kept him on by a mile. Chants of "Lalas sucks" and "Petke Out" going throughout the stadium. GOAL GOAL GOAL CANADA 2-0
90' Albert Maurer caught off even though the ball went in. Ryan Zemanski gets a yellow for arguing.
92' Rowland takes a bizarre shot in the box with Powers wide open, and hits the netting.
94' FINAL! Canada run out onto the field to celebrate en masse, while the Americans look absolutely dejected, failing to reach the Confederations Cup on home soil. Boos come from around the stadium, other than the fairly sizable contingent from Canada, who made the short trip here to New Jersey. Canada will contest their first ever international final on Sunday.

 

[goblue96]

 

[Yankee151]

Petke really screwed the pooch this tournament. I think his Gold Cup B team has more talent than his Confed Cup squad, and then he makes 3 subs before 60 minutes. Absolutely bizarre. Good for Canada though, they really only have one or two 'stars' (Magana and DiPlacido), rest are good but not world beaters. They were even missing their starting CDM, Joel McGunn, while the US had a full squad to choose from. They already beat the Argentines once, they have a good chance of taking home the whole thing. The crazy thing is that Montreal/Toronto/Vancouver haven't been pumping out that much talent, Montreal have won a good number of titles but they have the bare minimum of Canadian players and none of them are on the national team.

 

[Yankee151]

Argentina - Croatia

The other semifinal, where the winner will take on Canada. Argentina have a full strength lineup, while Mateo Kovacic is out injured for Croatia, and Petar Ciglar is only fit for the bench. Here are the lineups.

----------------Rulli-------------
Bangert-Monteneg-Ledesma-Silva
---------------------------------
Allione-Romero(c)-Suarez-Bagatti
---------------------------------
-----------Ortiz-Maguna---------

vs.

--------------Tomecak-----------
----------------------------------
Duspara-Pilip-Radosev-Haluzan-Jokic
-----------------------------------
----Dujmovic-Palic-Siklic-Vrsaljko---
---------------Bujlat---------------

Pseudo Liveblog coming!

4' Romero finds Maguna, who sets up his partner Damian Ortiz, and a hard shot is fired at Bujlat but he saves well.
15' Ortiz hits a very long effort but it was also a poor one from the Galaxy man
27' A bizarre occurence and Allione crosses in to Maguna, and it bounces off of his chest, and just hits the goal line before Bujlat keeps it out. May want to check the replay there.
45' Maguna off for Esteben Arruabuena of Fluminense.
61' Damian Ortiz ruled offsides.
72' Walter Bangert booked
74' No Ciglar sighting tonight as Croatia use their last sub on Alen Halilovic.
75' Vrsaljko booked
76' Radosevic booked
79' Arruabuena just off, but had the ball in the back of the net. Argentina dominating the game but are yet to grab a goal.
82' GOAL GOAL GOAL ARGENTINA! Jonthan Traverso, subbed on for Damian Ortiz, provides the drama yet again, as he lays it off to Everton's Jonatan Bagatti, who hits a laser near post. 1-0 Argentina!
86' Arruabuena is found by Romero in the box, but Palic gets his body in the way to prevent it from going in.
86' Sklic offsides
87' Tomecak offsides
88' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL CROATIA! Tomislav Zigante, the Malaga RB, who was subbed on, finds Rennes man Alen Halilovic in the box after a 1-2, and he slots it home with a simple near post tap in! 1-1!
EXTRA TIME
91' Allione finds Traverso in the box but it's a no-go.
97' Yellow for Bagatti
102' Yellow for Bustos
107' Jonathan Silva booked
109' Tomecak offsides
[BCOLOR=#ff0000]113' AND HE'S OFF! Damir Haluzan sees his second yellow for a cynical foul on Bagatti, and the 22yo Stuttgart midfielder hits the showers early.[/BCOLOR]
115' Allione booked
116' Arrubuena offsides
117' Nearly a nightmare for Argentina as Ledesma clears the ball straight into his fellow center back, allowing Tomecak to take the ball and hit a power shot, but somehow someway Jeronimo Rulli saves.
NO BREAK TO THE DEADLOCK! We will head to Penalties!

1. Radosevic up for Croatia. He slots it to the left and it goes in, NYC Cosmos man Rulli guessed the correct way, though. GOAL CROATIA 1-0
2. Philadephia's Montengro steps up, and hits a power to the right, and Marseille's Bujlat guesses wrong. GOAL Argentina 1-1
3. Udinese man Prskalo slots one home to the right. GOAL CROATIA 2-1
4. Joel Bustos of PSG hits an unsavable penalty to the top right. Buljat came close, though. GOAL Argentina 2-2
5. Easy stuff for the Dortmund man as Domagoj Tomecak hits one to the right, Rulli had no chance. GOAL Croatia 3-2
6. Arruabuena hits one to the left, and it's 3-3.
7. Halilovic hits one strongly to his left, Rulli guesses wrong. We could be here a while. 4-3
8. Agustin Allione slots one bottom right. 4-4
9. Palic hits one down the middle, and Rulli gets a fingertip to it but it still goes in! 5-4.
10. It's the captain, of the Cosmos and Argentina, Lucas Romero up to take the 5th, shot comes to the lower left and THIS TIME BUJLAT HAS SAVED! CROATIA WIN! The Croatians run over to the corner to celebrate, while Argentina look to be in utter shock as they will be resigned to the 3rd place match.

Final 1-1p

 

[Yankee151]

Third Place Match and Finals Preview

In a bizarre turn of events, the game actually scheduled the 3rd place and final match on the same day. This means I can only get the short version of the 3rd place match, which was actually shaping up to be an enticing match between Argentina and the US. Humorously enough the games were both played in LA as well, one at the Coliseum and one at the Rose Bowl.

USA 0-2 Argentina

The US played a rotation lineup after their disappointing loss to the boys in red. Argentina did not, however, and the game was over quick. Damian Ortiz put one in in the 5th minute, finally hearing boos from his own LA Galaxy fans here in LA. Traverso put in another in the 34th, and the game was otherwise uneventful with Argentina dominating possession and content to sit back. Julian Green got a yellow, and looked more focus on his brand new contract with Man City, just signed after the game.

Canada vs. Croatia Preview

Croatia are the defending world champs, and already defended their title against claimaints USA earlier this tournament. Now they have a chance to add another cup to their coffers. Canada, meanwhile, are newcomers to this, but they have a chance to win their first international title, ahead of any other CONCACAF Team in history to boot.

Croatia have multiple players missing for this game, mostly due to suspensions. Damir Haluzan and Josip Radosevic are out on cards, Mateo Kovacic is out on injury, and Vlad Duspara is ruled only fit for the bench. All that may be unimportant, though, because Petar Ciglar is back in partnership with Domagoj Tomecak. Canada will have an unchanged lineup.

Canada:
------------Bardi--------------
Larkin-Gervais-Bernard-Sandoval
-------------------------------
DiPlacdo-McGann-Magana-Sutton
-------------------------------
--------Zeeman-Vafiadis--------

Croatia:
--------Ciglar-Tomecak------
-----------------------------
Prskalo-Pilipovic-Palic-Halilovic
-----------------------------
---Ninic-Milic-Siklic-Vrsaljko---
----------Kalinic-------------

Live Blog Coming!

 

[Yankee151]

2025 CONFEDERATIONS CUP FINAL

And we're off.

1' Zeeman gets to the wing and crosses in to Vafiadis, but the header is wide. Quick start.
3' Bardi claims a corner from Palic before it can do any danger.
4' McGann hits a through for Zeeman, but the captain shoots over.
6' Zeeman finds Vafiadis, but the shot goes wide.
10' Tomecak makes a play out of nothing, finding Ciglar, but the shot is just tipped over by Bardi.
12' Palic's free kick is saved by Bardi.
14' Kalinic claims a corner kick from DiPlacido
16' Nikki Sutton finds the captain, who hits a lobbed through ball to Vafiadis, and the Greek-Canadian finds Zeeman in the box for a header! GOAL GOAL GOAL EH CANADA 1-0
It was the Montreal CB, Vinko Siklic, who kept Vafiadis on originally.
20' Vafiadis offsides
23' Domagoj Tomecak's shot is blocked by Gervais and out for a corner.
25' McGann performs a wonderful tackle in the midfield and starts a Zeeman counter, but the ball eventually finds Vafiadis who hits it way wide again.
29' Palic finds Tomecak on a long ball, and he drags the centerback wide just enough to facilitate Ciglar's run. It's a no brainer for these two, and beautifully hit throughball finds Ciglar in and Bardi has no chance! GOAL CROATIA! 1-1
Both Larkin and Gervais called for offsides but a further replay shows that they were both wrong.
32' Sutton find Vafiadis in the box, but the shot is blocked by Siklic. Vafiadis has the yips in the box right now.
33' Sandoval finds Vafiadis but he heads into the side netting.
36' Vrsjalko finds Ciglar, but now he heads into the side.
43' Tomecak had a chance in the box but the Hamburg man Bernard brings him down just in time.
44' Tomecak and Sandoval go up for a header and the Canadian gets the worst of it. But it looks like both will be okay.
45' Vrsalkjo gets away with one as DiPlacido is brought down in the box, it's ruled a corner for Canada.
HALF
It's a deadlock scoring wise, but Croatia's talent seems limited to three players. Canada are playing well but cannot finish to save their lives.
50' Halilovic's free kick is way wide.
53' Canadian hearts nearly dropped but Ciglar ends up being ruled off.
56' Ciglar brought down by Larkin. Dujmovic on for Miletic. Pilipovic's free kick stopped well by Bardi.
59' Zeeman's shot way wide
60' Danger for Cnada as Vrsaklo's cross is a subject of miscomunnication. Both Gervais and Bardi go up, and neither get to it. The ball bounces to Halilovic, but his shot is just wide on an open net.
67' Kevin Marques on for Nikki Sutton, and he shoots and just goes over the bar.
68' Zeeman finds Marques again, this time on a 1v1, but Marques just shoots wide. More finishing troubles for Canada.
69' DiPlacido offsides
72' Ciglar gets it to Tomecak, who is tackled well by America's Sandoval, but the ball bounces back to Ciglar, and he forces Bardi into a save from distance.
75' Zeeman finds Marques in, but he dawdles on the ball. Ninic bails him out by tacling him on the 18 yard line, drawing a yellow and FK. The FK is saved easily
78' Bernard nearly scores for Canada off a corner, but the save from Kalinic just bounces off the bar.
81' Zeeman is played in by DiPlacido, and the captain nearly produced a magic moment, but his shot was blocked in a last ditch effort by Siklic
84' Ciglar's shot blocked. Ball falls to Tomecak, who finds Jokic in, but Sandoval puts in a last man tackle to stop him from scoring.
86' Ciglar just offsides
90' 4th official shows 3 minutes to play. Larkin find Terpzedis on the right. He finds DiPlacido, who out dribbles Duspara, and plays a cross in to the far post. KEVIN MARQUES RUNS IN AND HE'S WIDE OPEN GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL GOAL GOAL GOAL EH KEVIN MARQUES GOAL CANADA 2-1!!!
Kalinic had no chance of claiming that cross, it was weighted beautifully, and there was no chance that the Portland man was going to miss that one. Canada on the brink of immortality!
91' Vrsalko crosses into the side netting
92' Palic finds Duspara in behind, but he's ruled off!
94' Palic brings down Marques in frustration and that should be the final play of the game..
FINAL! CANADA ARE CHAMPIONS! NOT JUST HOCKEY ANYMORE! CONCACAF REIGNS SUPREME! AMERICA'S HAT HAS BECOME THE TROPHY HOLDERS! MARQUES IS THE HERO WHOSE NAME WILL ALWAYS BE ON CANADIAN LIPS!

 

[goblue96]

 

[Yankee151]

2025 CONFEDERATIONS CUP REVIEW

What a tournament, one of the better Confed Cups I could think of. So many big names and then bam, Canada comes out of the blue to win it all. I knew Croatia were weak after beating them with Portugal, I just didn't know who could beat them. The US brought a terrible roster, there were legitimately better players on the upcoming US Gold Cup B Team that could've helped them here. Argentina were pretty much a two guy team, only it was Ortiz rather than Messi. I think New Zealand and Nigeria proved a lot this tournament. Finally, Spain must be disappointed with their result despite being European Champions.

Some stats:

Top Scorer:
1. Petar Ciglar, Croatia/Man City, 3 (Less minutes played)
1b. Damian Ortiz, Argentina/Galaxy 3
2. Multiple others, including Bright Charles, Peter Zeeman, and Agustin Allione

Top Assister:
1. Bruno DiPlacido, Canada/Seattle, 3
2. Multiple others, including Oliver, Tomislav Zignate, Gio Simeone, and Matuzaski.

Top Rating:
1. Damian Ortiz, Argentina/Galaxy 7.86 (Won Golden Ball)
2. Agustion Allione, Argentina/Union 7.80
3. Ezequiel Carraso, Argentina/Stuttgart 7.77
4. Oliver, Spain/Man City 7.60
5. Petar Ciglar, Croatia/Man City 7.47

Clean Sheets:
1. Francesco Bardi, Canada/Vancouver 3
2. Alexander Oliseh, Nigeria/Gijon 2
3. Multiple others

Team Goals Scored:
1. Argentina 9
2. USA 7
2. Croatia 7
3. Canada 6
5. Nigeria 4

Team Goals Allowed
1. Canada 2
2. Nigeria 3
3. Spain 4
3. Nigeria 4
4. New Zealand 6

Fair Play Award:
1. Who else but Canada?

Up next I'll probably do some knockout round of the Gold Cup, or maybe just the final. It's an off year so I don't want to go too indepth. In 2027 I'll probably do both of the American cups.

 

[goblue96]

Games played by Canada: 5
Goals scored: 6
Goals per game: 1.2

You're corching them like Greece.

@Travis7401

 

[Yankee151]

Well I coach Portugal, I make sure to get my goals per game. I had that 10 goal game (6-4) against Croatia in the Euros, a 7 goal game (3-4e) against Spain. I have all offense and no defense whatsoever, keeps me on the edge of my seat Canada played well, they held possesion and genuinely were in all of their games I think. I(Portugal) drew with them in a friendly last year so I knew they were pretty solid. Hopefully they don't screw up their qualifying group so they can come back next year.

 

[Yankee151]

2025 Gold Cup Group Stage Review and World Rankings Update

I went ahead and simmed through the Group Stage. Probably just going to livecast the final.

Group A:
Costa Rica 2-1-0 +4 7
Honduras 2-0-1 0 6
Antigua 0-2-1 -1 2
Trinidad 0-1-2 -3 1

Group B:
Mexico 2-1-0 +5 7
El Salvador 1-1-1 -2 4
Canada B 0-3-0 0 3
Guatemala 0-1-2 -3 1

Group C:
Puerto Rico 2-1-0 +3 7
USA B 2-1-0 +2 7
Jamaica 1-0-2 0 3
Panama 0-0-3 -5 0

This is the second Group Win for PR ever, the first coming in 2005.

Knockout Draw:
USA B vs. Honduras
Puerto Rico vs. El Salvador
-
Canada B vs. Costa Rica
Mexico vs. Jamaica

Also, the new FIFA Rankings came out. Here is the top 15. The top 7 + the US will be seeded in the 2026 WC when the November rankings come out.

1. Spain 0
2. Portugal +2
3. England -1
4. Argentina +4
5. France -2
6. Brazil +1
7. Belgium -2
8. Russia +2
9. Chile -5
10. Croatia +2
11. Italy 0
12. Germany -3
13. Ivory Coast +5
14. Nigeria +1
15. Australia +6

Canada jumped 10 places, from 27 to 17, with their confed cup win. The US fell 5 places from 19 to 24. New Zealand up to 73 from 77. Japan fell 11 spots to 55, and will probably lose more after not qualifying for the WC. Spain, Portugal, England, Belgium, Russia, and Italy all lead their WC qualifying groups, while Germany (3rd behind Turkey and Czech), France (2nd behind Portugal) and Croatia (Italy) are in danger of missing out on the tournament.

Brazil and Chile are in good shape, though Argentina are just 2 points above the playoff slot currently occupied by Paraguay. Nigeria and Ivory Coast both advanced easily from their groups with a game to spare, and will most likely not play each other in the playoff draw.

 

[Yankee151]

2025 Gold Cup Final

It's Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. PR defeated the US B team, marking the second poor performance by the Americans this summer, while Canada's lack of depth was exposed by Mexico.

Lineups:
Puerto Rico
--------------Vidal-------------
Quinones-Alvarez-Vargas-Padilla-
--------------------------------
-Collazo-Candal-Ortiz-Fernandez-
--------------------------------
--------Clemente-Sastre--------

Ortiz is the captain, former Benfica current NYCFC man. The rest of the team plays around the world, largely in Mexico, the US, and Spain.

Mexico
--------Gonzalez-Jimenez-------
-------------Tristan------------
--------Espericueta-Flores------
-------------Sanchez-----------
Hernand-Rodriguez-Macias-Morales
---------------Gudino-----------

Oribe Macias of Arsenal is the star man, while Omar Tristan from America is the captain. Mexico have been hit or miss despite a much improved domestic league.

Liveblog:
22' Abelardo Sastre, the tournament's current top scorer, crosses in to Collazo, but the shot goes off the bar and misses.
35' Teodoro Candal takes a shot on a corner, and Gudino saves well, but the Islanders' Sastre finds the rebound and puts it in for his 6th of this Gold Cup! GOAL PUERTO RICO 1-0
43' Jose Maria Flores lets in an own goal off a corner. GOAL 2-0 Puerto Rico
45' NYCFC's Braulio Clemente shoots off the bar.
46' Jesus de Jair Ramirez of Vancouver grabs one off a corner for Mexico GOAL 2-1
85' Morales brings down Fernandez in the box. Sastre converts the PK to grab his 7th of the tournament. GOAL 3-1 Puerto Rico
FINAL! Puerto Rico win their first international tournament, albeit one a bit watered down, in a dominant performance against Mexico where they held 60% possesion. Congratulations to them. The two meet again in a month's time for WC qualification.

Tournament Awards/Stats

Top Rating:
1. Abelardo Sastre, Puerto Rico/Islanders 8.30
2. Michael Morris, Trinidad/Bielefeld(Bundesliga) 7.95
3. Tito Vargas, Puerto Rico/Oviedo 7.77
4. Jamiel Humphrey, Atletic/Jamaica 7.65
4. Orlando Gonzalez, Mexico/Betis 7.65

Top Scorer:
1. Abelardo Sastre, Puerto Rico/Islanders 7
2. Orlando Gonzalez, Mexico/Betis 5
3. Omar Tristan, Mexico/America 4

Top Assister:
1. Jorge Espericueta, Mexico/Vancouver 4
2. Joel Pascale, USA B/Colombus 3
2. Tremaine Brown, Jamaica/Houston 3

Clean Sheets:
1. Esteban, Costa Rica/Sion 3
2. Rob Minor, Raul Gudino, and Oscar Romero, USA/NYCFC, Mexico/America, and Honduras/Toronto

Team of the Tournament:
GK Esteban Costa Rica/Sion
LB Luis Padilla Puerto Rico/Montreal
CB Ramiro Alvarez Puerto Rico/Tigres
CB Oribe Macias Mexico/Arsenal
RB Erick Aguirre Mexico/Bahia
LM Tremaine Brown Jamaica/Dynamo
CM Jorge Espericueta Mexico/Vancouver
CM Omar Tristan Mexico/America
RM Joel Pascale USA B/Colombus
ST Abelardo Sastre Puerto Rico/Islanders
ST Omar Gonzalez Mexico/Betis

Coming up Next: WC Qualifying Finals

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Qualifying

WC qualifying is reaching it's tipping point, with just 3 international match breaks left before the draw in December. Here is a look at how things are going.

Asia:

4th Fase is finished.

Group A
Australia 6-1-1 19
Iran 5-1-2 16
Indonesia 5-0-3 15
India 3-0-5 9
North Korea 0-0-8 0

Group B
UAE 4-2-2 14
Uzbek 3-4-1 13
Bahrein 3-2-3 11
Qatar 3-1-4 10
South Korea 2-1-5 7

Australia, Iran, UAE, and Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup. Australia make their 6th trip after losing in the Round of 16 to Tunisia in 2018. Iran make their 3rd trip after finishing 4th in Group D twice in 2014 and 18. UAE qualify for the second time, after 1990. Uzbekistan make their first ever World Cup appearance.

Indonesia play Bahrain in a two-legged playoff on 9/5 and 9/9.

Africa:
Algeria, Nigeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa have already qualified for the playoff round.

Cameroon and Togo are tied on points but Cameroon has GD, Cameroon plays Libya while Togo plays Maurtuitus in the final fixture.

Egypt and Mali are tied on points but Mali has GD, Egypty play Zimbabwe and Mali play Burundi.

Ghana has a one-point lead over Zambia, but must travel to face them on the last match day.

North America:

Here is the hex (No US because they are hosts)

Puerto Rico 4-2-0 14
Mexico 3-3-0 12
Canada 3-2-1 11
Jamaica 2-2-2 8
Honduras 1-1-4 4
Trinidad 0

Jamaica-Canada, Mexico-Honduras, and PR-Trinidad have played each other twice, the rest have played each other once.

South America:

Brazil 10-2-2 32
Chile 9-4-1 31
Colombia 8-3-3 27
Argentina 8-2-4 26
Paraguay 7-3-4 24
Peru 6-1-7 19
Uruguay 5-3-6 18
Venezuela 3-3-8 12
Ecuador 2-0-12 6
Bolivia 0-3-11 3

Brazil have qualified for the playoff. With 4 games left a lot of teams are still alive, Only Ecuador and Bolivia are eliminated and Venezuela can only get the playoff. Paraguay get Brazil and Chile next so that could open the door for Peru (who play them on the last match day) or Uruguay to sneak in the playoff spot.

Oceania:

New Zealand 6-0-0 +31

Duh.

Europe:

Group A:
Spain 6-0-0 18
Sweden 3-2-1 11
Serbia 3-2-1 11
Finland 2-0-4 6
Iceland 1-1-4 4
Azerbaijan 0-1-5 1

Sweden and Serbia are tied on GD as well. They have played each other twice, with both games being draws, 0-0 in Serbia and 1-1 in Sweden.

Group B:
England 6-0-0 18
Bosnia 5-0-1 15
Switzerland 3-1-2 10
Ireland 1-2-3 5
Kazakhstan 1-0-5 3
Faroe Isles 0-1-5 1

Pretty straight forward group.

Group C:
Portugal 6-0-0 18
France 5-0-1 15
Albania 2-1-3 7
Cyprus 2-1-3 7
Bulgaria 2-0-4 6
San Marino 0-0-6 0

We go on the road to France next. Otherwise the two spots are practically wrapped up already. Poor showing from Bulgaria who looked good at Italy 2024.

Group D:
Russia 5-1-0 16
Poland 4-0-2 12
Georgia 3-1-2 10
Romania 1-3-2 6
Wales 1-2-3 5
Andorra 0-1-5 1

Russia have been keeping the group under control. Romania and Georgia were in the same Euro Group, but this time Georgia has been performing better. Poland plays both in their effort to keep 2nd place.

Group E:
Scotland 5-1-0 16
Slovakia 4-2-0 14
Holland 4-1-1 13
Lithuania 2-0-4 6
Liechtenstein 1-0-5 3
Montenegro 0-0-6 0

Liechtenstein have a decent team since Vaduz has improved a lot as a club. Don't know what has gotten into the Dutch, but they get an easy game against Montenegro and then play Scotland at home in what could decide their WC future. Slovakia play Scotland on the 5th and Holland on the last match day.

Group F:
Ukraine 4-1-1 13
Denmark 4-1-1 13
Belarus 2-2-2 8
Estonia 2-1-3 7
Norway 1-3-2 6
Moldova 0-2-4 2

Ukraine and Denmark fighting for an auto spot. Not really a team in this group to threathen the Top two though. Belarus play both Ukraine and Denmark this break, so a couple of losses will knock them out.

Group G:
Belgium 5-1-0 16
Hungary 4-1-1 13
Austria 4-0-2 12
Slovenia 3-0-3 9
Greece 1-0-5 3
Luxembourg 0-0-6 0

Hungary play Austria on the 9th in a critical game for them. Belgium get Austria and Slovenia, but finish against Lux and Greece and should qualify if they win one of their two games this weekend. Slovenia are long shots but will have to try and prove their worth against Greece and Belgium this break.

Group H:
Turkey 4-1-1 13
Czech 4-1-1 13
Germany 3-3-0 12
Israel 3-1-2 10
Malta 1-0-5 3
Macedonia 0-0-6 0

Definitely the tightest group. Germany have not lost yet but have 3 draws to their name. They play the Czechs while Turkey plays Israel on the first match day, and on the second, Germany gets Malta while Turkey and the Czechs face off. Just two spots for 4 teams. Israel should get a win against Macedonia, but will need a result against Turkey at home to stay in the hunt. The Czechs finish the campaign against Malta and Macedonia, so if they win either of their games this break they will be in prime position.

Group I:
Italy 4-1-0 13
Croatia 3-2-0 11
Armenia 1-2-2 5
Nor Irleland 1-1-2* 4
Latvia 0-0-5 0

Nor Ireland have one less game played. Italy and Croatia look to qualify, but the order in which it occurs is unclear. Not every day you see the past two WC winners in the same group together. They meet on the last match day. Armenia gets Italy on the 9th and Latvia on the 5th, so if there's a time to sneak in it's this match weekend.

Second Place Table:

France 4-0-1 12
Croatia 3-2-0 11
Czech 3-1-1 10
Hungary 3-1-1 10
Bosnia 3-0-1* 9
Slovakia 2-2-0* 8
Sweden 2-2-1 8
Denmark 2-1-1 7
Poland 2-0-2* 6

Bosnia, Poland and Slovakia have a game to play against the 6th team, and the 6th place team is subject to change in most groups.

 

[Yankee151]

9/5 Match Day

The results from today's games:

Asia:

Indonesia 4-1 Bahrain
A hat trick from Barcelona's Bakrie Putiray puts Indonesia in the driver's seat for qualification. Bahrain will hope their away goal can help them in 4 days' time.

Africa:

Mali won while Egypt lost, Cameroon won and had GD, and Ghana and Zambia drew, so Cameroon, Mali, and Ghana will move to the next round.

Here are the 10 teams, sorted by Fifa Rankings. The Top 5 will be seeded for the draw(don't know if it uses this one or the next set of rankings):
#13 Ivory Coast
#14 Nigeria
#22 Tunisia
#26 Algeria
#29 Cameroon
--------------
#38 Mali
#41 South Africa
#42 Ghana
#45 Morocco
#65 Senegal

Egypt at #34 and Togo at #50 are the highest profile teams to miss this stage.

North America:

Canada 2-0 Puerto Rico
Honduras 1-3 Jamaica
Trinidad 0-3 Mexico

The Canada win puts Mexico atop the group with 15, while Canada and PR are at 14 and Jamaica is at 11. Going to come down to the wire it seems. Mexico would only miss the playoff if they lost on GD to Honduras, and right now they are 23 goals apart, so Mexico is essentially clinched for a playoff spot.

South America:

Argentina 0-2 Uruguay
Ecuador 2-0 Bolivia
Paraguay 0-4 Chile
Peru 2-3 Brazil
Venezuela 3-1 Colombia

With their wins, both Brazil and Chile have qualified. Brazil got knocked out in the Roudn of 16 on PKS in both 2014 and 2018 to Portugal and the US, and collapsed in 2022, finishing 4th in their group with 1 point (The group was US, Sweden, RSA, and Brazil). They will look to get back to their winning ways.

Chile have qualified for the last 4 World Cups, but their last 3 finishes have been 3rd in the group stage, and they will look to grab a seed to avoid further issues. Their past groups were: 2022(Belgium, Czech, China) 2018(Russia, Turkey, USA) and 2014(France, Spain, Japan), so they have a legitimate claim that all 3 were Groups of Death.

Colombia (27) Argentina (26) Paraguay (24) Uruguay (21) Peru (19) and Venezuela (15) all have a shot at at least the playoff spot. Argentina gets a gimme vs. Bolivia next, Paraguay face Brazil, Colombia-Uruguay and Venezuela-Peru face off against each other. Venezuela have to win out, but the rest of the teams have some wiggle room.

Europe:

A:
Azerbaijan 0-3 Finland
Spain 3-0 Sweden
Serbia 3-0 Iceland

Serbia take the lead, though still have to play Spain. Finland are 5 off of Serbia but it looks a long shot. Spain qualify for at least the playoff.

B:
Bosnia 3-1 Kazakh
England 2-0 Switz
Ireland 2-0 Faroe

Swiss are most likely missing out, now 8 points off of Bosnia. Bosnia are 3 off of England. The bottom 3 teams are eliminated.

C:
France 0-1 Portugal
Albania 1-1 Bulgaria
San Marino 0-3 Cyprus

We beat France but they had a goal wrongly disallowed late. We at worst finish in 2nd. Cyprus are 5 points off of France. Albania and Bulgaria both technically still alive.

D:
Georgia 5-1 Andorra
Poland 1-1 Wales
Russia 3-0 Romania

Poland stumble in their game before Russia, while Georgia take pole position. They are tied on points, both have Russia to play, though. Wales and Romania are virtually out of it, 7 points off 2nd/3rd place. Russia have not qualified yet, but they get Andorra on the last day, providing a safety net even if they lose to both Georgia and Poland.

E:
Scotland 1-0 Slovakia
Lichetenstein 3-0 Lithuania
Montenegro 0-4 Holland

Scotland take a commanding lead in the group. Holland jump to 2nd, over Slovakia, and are just 3 points off the Scots, who they host next. Even if they win that, they still play Slovakia on the last match day. Slovakia are now 2 points off of 2nd and in dire position.

F:
Denmark 2-1 Belarus
Estonia 1-3 Ukraine
Norway 6-3 Moldova

Both Ukraine and Denmark went down early but recovered to pick up wins. They play their nearby neighbors next, though Norway/Belarus are 7 points out with 3 to play and not likely to provide a threat. Denmark host Ukraine on the last match day.

G:
Austria 0-2 Belgium
Slovenia 2-0 Greece
Hungary 3-0 Luxembourg

Belgium are now 7 points clear of 3rd/4th, while Hungary are 4 points clear and in a great spot to qualify. Slovenia and Austria will need results against Belgium and Hungary to keep their WC hopes alive, no easy task indeed.

H:
Germany 1-1 Czech
Israel 2-2 Turkey
Malta 0-2 Maceodnia

Two draws in the marquee matchups. Israel left it late at home but prevented Israel from running away with the group. Turkey hosts the Czechs, while Germany and Israel get an off game against the two Ms. Turkey and the Czechs are tied on points, Germany one off and Israel three off. If either team loses, they could fall all the way to 4th with two to play. Germany host Turkey on the 9th match day and host Israel on the 10th, so Turkey really need a win against the Czechs.

I:
Armenia 5-1 Lativa
NorIreland 0-3 Croatia

Croatia temporarily go top, a point above Italy with one more game played. Armenia are still pressuring but will need to beat Italy to stay alive.

 

[Yankee151]

9/9 Match Day

Asia:

Bahrein 1-1 Indonesia (5-2 Aggregate)

Indonesia qualifying for the Intercontinental playoff. Not sure who it's against, but presumably it will be South America if the rotation policy is correctly modeled in the game. Speaking of incorrect modelling:

Africa:

So for whatever reason it didn't do seeded draw. Which means two giants are playing each other.

CAF Playoff Draw:

South Africa-Tunisia
Cameroon-Senegal
Morocco-Ghana
Algeria-Nigeria
Mali-Ivory Coast

Should make for some exciting games, at least. The games are played on 10/10 and 11/14.

North America:

Mexico 1-0 Canada
Puerto Rico 0-3 Jamaica
Trinidad 1-2 Honduras

Mexico takes the group lead with 18 points. Canada, PR and Jamaica all tied on 14, but the former two have +6 GD compared to Jamaica's +2. Jamaica play Mexico in Fixture 9, and Puerto Rico play Mexico in Fixture 10. Despite the Honduras win, they will not qualify for even the playoff.

South America:

Bolivia 0-3 Argentina
Brazil 6-0 Paraguay
Chile 2-1 Ecuador
Colombia 1-2 Uruguay
Venezuela 1-3 Peru

Venezuela are knocked out. Uruguay take 5th place on GD for the moment, as Paraguay's huge loss knocked them to -5 GD. Peru two points off. Paraguay get Venezuela while Uruguay get Bolivia next. Argentina play Chile next but are currently safe in 3rd at 29 points. Colombia are at 27 but end against Bolivia, so they are safe bets to stay in 4th or even jump to 3rd if Argentina lose to Chile. Peru play the Colombians next, and a win would be a huge boon to their efforts (And may even see them jump to 4th or 5th on points).

Europe:

A:
Azerbaijan 0-1 Serbia
Finland 0-0 Sweden
Iceland 0-5 Spain

Spain qualify for the WC in 1st place. I've said plenty about them, they are current Euro Champs, 2014 WC Champs, though they lost the last two WC in quarters. Jurgen Klopp is their corch. Sweden are 5 points off after failing to get a result against Finland, and even though Serbia has Spain to play it still seems a longshot.

B:
Faroe 0-3 England
Ireland 4-1 Bosnia
Switz 3-2 Kazakh

A window of opportunity opens for the Swiss. The Bosnia loss keeps them within 5 points, and the Bosnians finish off against England and the Swiss. The Swiss will need to beat Faroe and then beat the Bosnians at home to reach the playoff, but they control their own destiny should England stomp Bosnia again as expected.

C:
Portugal 3-1 Cyprus
France 4-0 Albania
San Marion 0-2 Bulgaria

Both Portugal and France qualify for the playoff. We lead the French by two and have GD/H2H, but we aren't in it yet.

D:
Andorra 0-3 Romania
Georgia 2-4 Wales
Poland 1-3 Russia

I guess neither team wants 2nd. Wales had a men sent off but scored twice after it, preventing Georgia from taking a vital 3 point lead with a game against Russia coming up. Poland, meanwhile, failed to impress against a very strong Russian side that has now qualified. Wales and Romania are 4 points off of the two second place teams, but could sneak in and cause havoc. Georgia and Poland play each other on the last match day, in Georgia, while Romania host Wales.

Russia have been involved in the past two WCs, finishing 4th in their group of death at home in 2018, and losing in PKs to England in the round of 16 in Qatar. They have looked stronger as of late, though, and could be in contention for a seed as they currently sit in 8th place and could move up after France's loss.

E:
Holland 4-1 Scotland
Liechtenstein 1-4 Montenegro
Lithuania 1-2 Slovakia

Holland take the group lead, up from 3rd place two games ago. Slovakia stay in the hunt, just two points off, but have to play the Dutch on the last match day. The other 3 teams are already out of it.

F:
Moldovia 1-3 Estonia
Norway 0-1 Denmark
Ukraine 4-2 Belarus

Any chance of the bottom teams catching up is gone, setting up that Denmark-Ukraine fixture on the last match day to decide first place, barring any surprises.

G:
Slovenia 1-3 Belgium
Hungary 2-2 Austria
Luxemburg 0-0 Greece

Belgium grab a playoff spot, while Hungary remain 4 points clear of Austria and 5 of Slovenia. Hungary equalized late, though. Austria and Slovenia play each other, while the Magyars travel to Greece. A win for Hungary would knock out the other two.

H:
Turkey 5-0 Czech
Malta 1-6 Germany
Macedonia 1-2 Israel

Turkey and Germany put on a show ahead of their meeting in Fixture 9. Turkey are top the group but just 3 points ahead of 3rd and 4th, Israel and Czech. The Czechs finish with a near-guaranteed 6 points, but 20 points may not be enough to get 2nd in this group. Israel get Germany on the last day and may be out due to that. The winner of Turkey-Germany will surely be the group winner (Guaranteed if it's Turkey).

I:
Italy 5-0 Armenia
Latvia 1-0 Nor Ireland

The Euro hosts and 2018 winners qualify for the playoff, knocking off their only possible usurper. They are two points up on Croatia, the two will play in Italy on the last match day to decide who goes to the playoff.

 

[Yankee151]

10/10 Match Day

Africa:

Nigeria 3-2 Algeria
Cameroon 1-0 Ghana
Ivory Coast 5-1 Mali
Morocco 3-1 Senegal
South Africa 1-0 Tunisia

Every game but the CIV was close. Could see any of these teams advancing really. Next game is in November.

North America:

Canada 4-1 Trinidad
Honduras 0-1 Puerto Rico
Jamaica 0-1 Mexico

Jamaica could not grab points from Mexico at home, leaving them in 4th, 3 points off of PR/Canada and 8/6 GD off as well. Surely headed to the playoff. Puerto Rico play Mexico next. Mexico advance with 21 points in 9 games. Their Round of 16 bug is still in effect, as they lost to England and Croatia in 2014/2018. They didn't make it out of the group stage in 2022, snapping a 7-tournament streak.

South America:

Argentina 2-2 Chile
Ecuador 2-2 Brazil
Paraguay 0-3 Venezuela
Peru 4-2 Colombia
Uruguay 3-0 Bolivia

A bit of a shakeup heading into the last day. Argentina have 30 points and a +9 GD, Uruguay (+3) and Colombia (+2) have 27, While Peru have 25 and +2. (Paraguay, who have now lost three straight, have a -8 GD and are unlikely to overcome that deficit) Argentina play Brazil on the last day and could lose, but surely not enough to knock them out of 3rd. Uruguay must travel to Chile, Colombia go to Bolivia and could grab three easily, and Peru get Paraguay at home. A Peruvian win puts them at 28 points, and could seriously threaten Uruguay and Colombia's chances of making the tournament.

Europe:

A:
Azerbaijan 0-3 Sweden
Iceland 3-3 Finland
Serbia 0-3 Spain

Spain continue to roll on. Sweden are just two points off of Serbia, but Serbia should clean up against Finland at home.

B:
Bosnia 0-2 England
Faroe 1-4 Switzerland
Ireland 4-0 Kazakhstan

The stage is set for the Switzerland-Bosnia game in Bern. The Swiss would advance with a win, and they currently hold a +12 GD advantage (not that they can use it). England confirm qualification. They lost to the Swiss in 2014 Quarters, Argentina in 2018 Round of 16, and to the US in 2022's Semis.

C:
Bulgaria 0-4 Portugal
Albania 4-1 San Marino
Cyprus 0-2 France

We confirmed our qualification. Portugal lost to Belgium in 2014 Quarters, and didn't make it out of the group stage in 2018 (Denmark, Mexico, Argentina), finishing in 4th.

D:
Wales 5-1 Andorra
Romania 3-2 Poland
Russia 4-1 Georgia

Group D goes into the final match day with 4 team within a point of each other, but unfortunately it may not matter. Due to the second place table they would be the odd team out as it stands. Romania play Wales and Poland play Georgia, probably for bragging rights at this point.

E:
Holland 1-0 Lithuania
Liechtenstein 1-2 Slovakia
Montenegro 1-4 Scotland

Things proceed as expected. Holland play Slovakia next, and a win gives them an auto spot. A Slovakian win would most likely grant them a playoff slot, with Scotland playing Liechtenstein and a sure 3 points.

F:
Denmark 5-0 Estonia
Moldova 0-3 Ukraine
Norway 1-0 Belarus

Norway get 3rd, not that it matters. Denmark and Ukraine set for a Danish Winner Ukraine Win/Draw take all affair.

G:
Austria 0-3 Slovenia
Belgium 6-0 Luxembourg
Greece 2-1 Hungary

Greece pick up their second win, at a terrible time for the Hungarians. Hungary go on the road, two points ahead of Slovenia, needing to avoid defeat to them to clinch their playoff spot.

H:
Germany 0-6 Turkey
Israel 5-1 Malta
Czech 3-1 Macedonia

Turkey shock the Germans in Berlin, to the cheer of many dual nationals. They take the pole position, and play Macedonia on the road. A win and they are auto qualified. Israel and the Czechs are tied on points, but Israel holds GD. Germany are a point behind, and need a win over Israel, and even then it may not be enough if the Czechs crush Malta as planned. A truly devastating campaign for the Germans.

I:
Croatia 5-3 Latvia
Nor Ireland 1-3 Italy

Nothing to see here, waiting on that last game between Italy and Croatia to decide who gets the Auto spot.


Updated FIFA Rankings

The new FIFA Rankings came out, and for the first time in years, Spain are not #1. Here is the Top 20. Top 7, as usual, gets the WC seeds.

1. Portugal +1
2. Spain -1
3. Brasil +3
4. England -1
5. Belgium +2
6. Chile +3
7. Argentina
8. France
9. Russia
10. Croatia
11. Italy
12. Nigeria
13. Ukraine
14. Holland
15. Germany
16. Ivory Coast
17. Canada
18. Turkey
19. Australia
20. Scotland

The US are at 24 due to lack of competitive games.

 

[Yankee151]

10/14 Match Day

North America:

Honduras 0-4 Canada
Mexico 2-1 Puerto Rico
Trinidad 1-3 Jamaica

Canada and Puerto Rico advance automatically in 2nd and 3rd, while Jamaica takes 4th, just 3 GD off of PR. Canada participated in 2014 (Poland, Holland, Paraguay) and 2018 (Belgium, Tunisia, Norway), but finished 4th in both instances, and did not qualify for 2022. But hey, those times are long gone, and they are Confederations Cup Champions, no small feat considering the tournament's quality this time around. Puerto Rico will join Uzbekistan as World Cup debutants.

South America:

Bolivia 0-2 Colombia
Brazil 1-1 Argentina
Chile 4-2 Uruguay
Peru 2-2 Paraguay
Venezuela 4-1 Ecuador

Argentina and Colombia get the jerb done, both picking up wins and securing their spots. Uruguay fell to Chile, but Peru faltered at home against Paraguay, sending the Uruguayans in to the playoff ahead of Peru. It's disappointing for Peru, but even more for Paraguay, who went 0-1-3 in their last 4 games after being firmly in 5th place. Argentina are the WC fixtures they usually are, but they've continued their lack of success, with a Round of 16 loss to Italy in 2014, Japan in 2022, and a Quarters loss to Belgium in 2018. Colombia last went to the cup in 2018, where Spain and Sweden advanced ahead of them in Group C. But they are coached now by Mauricio Pocchetino, who has them playing good football, and they could provide a good threat as a non-seed.

Europe:

A:
Spain 4-0 Azerbaijan
Serbia 2-1 Finland
Sweden 2-0 Iceland

Serbia advance to the playoff.

B:
Bosnia 0-3 Switzerland
England 0-0 Ireland
Kazakh 1-1 Faroe

Switzerland complete a remarkable come back, 7 points out with 3 games to play, defeating Bosnia in Sarajaevo and eliminating them from Group B. They head to the playoff, eager to get back to the WC.

C:
Albania 1-5 Portugal
Cyprus 1-2 Bulgaria
San Marino 0-5 France

Nothing new to see here. Bulgaria finish 3rd, and will like their chances to qualify for Belgium 2028.

D:
Georgia 2-0 Poland
Romania 1-0 Wales
Russia 4-0 Andorra

Georgia take 2nd and Romania 3rd, but it's all for naught as Georgia are two points off the 8th placed runner-up, and will miss the WC playoff altogether.

E:
Scotland 1-0 Liechtenstein
Slovakia 0-2 Holland
Montenegro 1-1 Lithuania

The Netherlands advance on GD over Scotland. Suprisingly, the Dutch have not made it back to the WC since 2014, where they lost to France in the round of 16. France has been somewhat of a bogey for them, eliminating them out of 3 of their last 4 tournaments (Euros 2016 and 2024 as well) They lost the 2018 playoff to Germany and the 2022 playoff to Sweden (After coming out of the UEFA Group of death with Portugal, Italy, and Austria, Austria won the auto slot)

F:
Belarus 1-0 Moldova
Denmark 0-1 Ukraine
Estonia 0-1 Norway

Norway finish strong, while Denmark go to the playoff and Ukraine win an auto slot. Ukraine's second ever appearance was in 2022, where they lost to Spain in the Round of 16. They have lost to Italy in the past two Euros, however.

G:
Austria 3-0 Luxembourg
Slovenia 1-1 Hungary
Greece 0-3 Belgium

Belgium qualified last time but I forgot to write about them. They are a true WC Powerhouse, at least lately. They finished 4th in 2014, behind Switzerland, were runners-up in 2018 to Italy, and finished 3rd in 2022 over England. Of course, they haven't won the whole thing yet, and their golden generation is over, but they still have quality players. They also won the 2016 Euro title. Hungary, of course, had one of the best teams of all time way back in the day, but have been a shadow of that team for a long time, and they haven't qualified since the 80s.

H:
Germany 3-0 Israel
Macedonia 0-3 Turkey
Malta 0-3 Czech

Germany are eliminated, shockingly. The Czechs and Turks did what they had to do, and with a point advantage, Germany could've scored a thousand goals and they would still be out in 3rd. Perhaps Turkey were deserved group winners though, with a +28 GD. They won the UEFA U-21 Championship in 2016 and the U-19 in 2020, so that talent is at it's full peak right now. Their last WC was 2018, where they lost to champions Italy in the Round of 16. They also lost to Belgium in Euro 2016, so perhaps they are a bit of a Kingmaker.

Germany have not been as successful as usual lately. They finished 3rd in the group stages of 2014, Lost to Belgium in the Round of 16 in 2018, and to the USA in 2022 Quarters. Perhaps just unlucky draws (Or maybe not, 2014 had England, Algeria, and Iran), but very disheartening to not qualify for even the playoffs.

I:Armenia 0-2 Nor Ireland
Italy 0-0 Croatia

Italy and Croatia played a sleepfest, and thus Croatia are banished to the playoffs. Italy qualify after missing 2022 (the first Defending Champion ever to miss the next WC). They lost to Champs Spain in 2014 Quarters. Croatia, of course, are defending champs, but will need to navigate a tricky playoff draw to defend their title.

PLAYOFF DRAW:

Intercontinental:
#26 Indonesia vs. #81 New Zealand

The Asian #5 against the Oceania #1. New Zealand have improved, and their ranking is solely due to their shitty confederation and lack of competitive matches. Indonesia, though, have tasted the WC before, and want some more of it.

#38 Uruguay vs. #40 Jamaica

Uruguay under Martin Caceres are a strong side, though perhaps without true star power like their old 2014 side. Jamaica are all speed, and their star man from Atletico, Jamiel Humphrey, will bang in goals. Jamaica have made two world cups since 2014, reaching the Round of 16 in both, while Uruguay finished 3rd in groups twice in 2014 and 2018.


Europe:
#49 Serbia vs. #34 Switzerland

3 and a half years ago Serbia were a Top 10 team heading into Qatar 2022, but everything fell apart when Spain and Japan advanced ahead of them from the group stage. They met Spain again in qualifying and got smacked twice. Now they are fighting a Swiss side that pulled an escape act to reach the UEFA playoffs. The Swiss have not been back to the WC since finishing 3rd in 2014, however.

#35 Czech vs. #20 Denmark

The Czechs escaped the Group of Death, remarkably after losing to Turkey in Fixture 8. They are no comparison to the 2004 squad which was the best in the world at the time, but this is a sneakily good side. Most of the stars are under 26, and play for clubs like Real, Bayern, LA Galaxy, and Udinese(oil money Italian Champz). Denmark, meanwhile, continue to churn out talent, though they missed the 2022 affair.

#11 France vs. #58 Hungary

A mismatch, to say the least. France were unlucky to be drawn with Portugal and qualifying, but still finished 8-0-2. Frankly, it may take a miracle for Hungary to escape this tie, something that historically has not gone in their favor.

#10 Croatia vs. #23 Scotland

Perhaps the most enticing. Croatia can be so hit or miss since winning the title, it's hard to tell which side will show up. We know they're good, but Scotland are too, and a few mistakes here and there could send them home before they can even begin to pack for the USA.

EDIT: Woah formatting one second

 

[Yankee151]

World Cup Playoffs

Africa:

Second legs.

Algeria 2-2 Nigeria, Nigeria advances 5-4 on aggregate
Ghana 2-3 Cameroon, Cameroon advances 4-2 on aggregate
Mali 0-4 Ivory Coast, Ivory Coast advances 9-1 on aggregate
Senegal 2-3 Morocco, Morocco advance 6-3 on aggregate
Tunisia 4-1 South Africa, Tunisia advance 4-2 on aggregate

I guess Algeria and South Africa are the big teams missing out. A lot of even teams for 5 slots though.

Nigeria placed 3rd in 2014 and 2018, but did not qualify for 2022, losing to Tunisia in the playoffs. They of course are AFCON Champions and participated in the Confed Cup.
Cameroon did not qualify for 2014 and 2018, and placed 4th in 2022 despite a FIFA ranking of 10 pre-tournament.
Ivory Coast did not qualify for 2018, and finished 4th in 2014 and 2022.
Morocco lost to Denmark in the 2014 Round of 16, and placed 4th in their 2022 group. They won the African U-20s in 2025, 2021, and 2019, and have a young and talented squad.
Tunisia Lost to Croatia in 2018 Quarters, but placed 4th in 2022. This is their 3rd straight tournament. Their U-20s won the African title in 2023 and 2017.

International:

New Zealand 4-1 Indonesia

New Zealand in the driver's seat. Indonesia were simply out played by the Kiwis.

Uruguay 2-2 Jamaica

Jamaica got a good result in Montevideo, and could potentially set up the first ever World Cup with 5 CONCACAF teams.

Europe:

Croatia 2-1 Scotland

Croatia in control so far, though they will need to watch out for the Scottish away goal during their trip to Glasgow.

Hungary 0-1 France

Hungary defended well, but France's quality shone through in the end. Should be an easy return leg in Paris.

Czech 0-3 Denmark

A suprising result, the Danes took the game to the Czechs from the get go, and are set up to advance to the WC Finals.

Serbia 0-0 Switzerland

The Serbs could not grab a goal at home, but also kept the Swiss out. They will need a result in Switzerland to advance, most likely.

 

[Yankee151]

World Cup Playoffs

International:

Indonesia 1-2 New Zealand, New Zealand advance 6-2 on aggregate

A great win for New Zealand on the road. Could provide a nice surprise, depending on what pot they end up in for the draw. This will be their first WC since 2010.

Jamaica 3-2 Uruguay, Jamaica advance 5-4 on aggregate

Jamaica finish off the Uruguayans, advancing to their second WC in a row. They made the Round of 16 in 2022 and 2014 but did not qualify at all in 2018. If they get a good draw again, they can go places.

Europe:

FRANCE 1-2 HUNGARY, HUNGARY ADVANCE 2-2 ON AWAY GOALS!

A true shock, I couldn't believe my eyes. France scored in the 1st through Anthony Martial, But Hungary and Valladolid frontman Zoltan Slieber grabbed one back in the 10th, and then converted from the spot in the 50th, and the Hungarians held out to advance to the WC final and knock off France! This is their first World Cup since 1986, when they had been to three in a row. Their best performance ever, of course, is the 1954 World Cup.

Scotland 2-2 Croatia, Croatia advance 4-3 on aggregate

Scotland put up a good fight, but ultimately the World Champs had too much quality and were able to see the game through. Croatia also participated in 2018, where they finished 4th behind France.

Swizterland 2-2 Serbia, Serbia advance 2-2 on away goals

The Serbs are through, in a bit of cruelty for the Swiss. They participated in 2018 and 2022 but could not get out of the group stage in either. They have lost talent and grown older since then, as well, but there is still some talent in the side.

Denmark 1-0 Czech, Denmark advance 4-0 on aggregate

Denmark wins after a dominant performance in Prague. They missed out on 2022 but placed 3rd in the groups in 2018 and lost to France in 2014 Quarters.

2026 World Cup Participants:

Here are the participants, and their likely spots in the draw, which I'll do another post on. I can't be sure how the pots will work as well as the FIFA rankings etc. etc.

Top 7+Host:
USA
Portugal
Spain
Chile
England
Argentina
Belgium
Croatia

Europe:
Russia
Italy
Ukraine
Netherlands
Turkey
Denmark
Serbia
Hungary

South America+Africa+Oceania?:
Brazil
Colombia
Nigeria
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Tunisia
Morocco
New Zealand

Asia+North America:
Australia
Iran
UAE
Uzbekistan
Canada
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Jamaica

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Live Draw

So instead of using those pots that made sense the game just went with a special pot for the lowest ranked European Team (Hungary) and threw them in Pot 3. Presumably because of New Zealand/Oceania being hard coded into Pot 2 or something. Whatever, it works I guess. Also Canada ended up in the Europe pot somehow.

Top 7+Host:
USA
Portugal
Spain
Chile
England
Argentina
Belgium
Croatia

Asia+North America+NZ:
Australia
Iran
UAE
Uzbekistan
New Zealand
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Jamaica

South America+Africa+Hungary:
Brazil
Colombia
Nigeria
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Tunisia
Morocco
Hungary

Europe+Canada:
Russia
Italy
Ukraine
Netherlands
Turkey
Denmark
Serbia
Canada

Starting with Pot 1.

USA ->A3
SPAIN ->B3
CROATIA ->C4
ENGLAND ->D4

Very interesting already. Could set up a potential WC rematch in the quarters with the US and Croatia. Spain would await the US if they trip up.

PORTUGAL ->E1
BELGIUM ->F4
ARGENTINA ->G4
CHILE ->H3

Portugal and Belgium take E and F, which will prove tricky to any second place team. Argentina, probably the weakest seed in theory, take G, while Chile take H. I think the bottom is slightly weaker than the top right now, but still plenty of time for that to change.

AUSTRALIA ->A4
JAMAICA ->B2

Australia immediately has Group A looking like a group of death, with two teams left to draw. Imagine Brazil and Russia in this group too, lawd. Spain get a free pass with Jamaica, but their Round of 16 game will not be easy.

MEXICO ->C3
PUERTO RICO ->D1

Mexico join Croatia, and could prove a tough competition with Balon d'or candidate Omar Tristan. Puerto Rico are untested at this high of a level, but England can provide said test.

NEW ZEALAND ->E2
IRAN ->F2

New Zealand immediately thrown into the deep end against the World #1. Iran could be a tough test for Belgium, if they come to play, but more likely will be the weakest team in their group. Which reminds me, just the UAE and Uzbek left to draw from this pot.

UZBEKISTAN ->G1
UAE ->H2

Argentina and Chile pick up the consensus two weakest teams from this pot. UAE and Uzbeks are not likely to advance very far in this tournament.

TUNISIA ->A2
MOROCCO ->B1

Tunisia join Group A, which is looking ever the more wide open. Morocco join Spain and Jamaica, and I'm sure Ceuta and Melilla will be wild when they play each other in the World Cup. Morocco could surprise, depending on the Pot 4 team.

NIGERIA ->C2
COLOMBIA ->D4

Nigeria join Mexico and Croatia, in another wide open group. Colombia get Puerto Rico and England, in what should be a firm test of their abilities. They have talent, but perhaps not enough to advance.

HUNGARY ->E3
BRAZIL ->F3

Hungary joins the Portuguese and New Zealand in what looks to be a navigatable group for the Portuguese, and also the first 3-European group in a long time, should Canada not be drawn here. Brazil join Belgium, and they just narrowly missed out on a seed (#9 as of the draw) due to their draw with Argentina. Could be another GoD in the making here in F.

IVORY COAST ->G3
CAMEROON ->H4

Ivory Coast join a passable group with Argentina and Uzbekistan, while Cameroon join up with Chile and the UAE. I don't think I'd be crazy to say that there is a fair chance the Pot 4 team may end up winning these two groups.

TURKEY ->A1
DENMARK ->B4

Turkey rounds out a downright lethal group with the USA, Australia, and Tunisia. All 4 teams were likely to advance before the draw, now two are going home and a third will have to face Spain. Denmark join a group they can take 2nd in, and they have a good chance of toppling whoever comes out of A, as well.

SERBIA ->C1
ITALY ->D2

Serbia meet with their balkan friends, Croatia, as well as Mexico and Nigeria. Very tough group to predict. Italy join England, as well as Colombia and PR. In theory it should be easy for the Europeans, right? Guess this means PR are guaranteed to make Quarters, which is neat.

CANADA ->E4
UKRAINE ->F1

Canada join Portugal to provide some meat to Group E, and they will look to continue their Confed Cup run. But fellow scrappy likable underdogs, Hungary and New Zealand, also want to topple Portugal and advance. Ukraine join Belgium and Brazil, and this one probably is the real Group of Death.

RUSSIA ->G2
NETHERLANDS ->H1

Russia joins Argentina and the Ivorians. The Dutch pair up with Chile, and the two should be able to dispatch with Cameroon and UAE easily.

FINAL GROUPS:

A:
#31 United States
#20 Australia
#26 Tunisia
#17 Turkey

Just Brutal. If 2022 USA shows up, they trash this group, but if 2025 USA shows up, I don't think they get out. Turkey are a machine, Australia are greatly improved, and Tunisia are very tricky.

B:
#2 Spain
#54 Jamaica
#30 Morocco
#22 Denmark

Could see either Denmark or Morocco taking 2nd, but in theory it is Denmark's to lose. Morocco have had a tendency to shit the bed when it comes to internationals lately. Jamaica are long shots despite not having the toughest Pot 3 and 4 teams.

C:
#7 Croatia
#19 Mexico
#8 Nigeria
#52 Serbia

Very tough group with a strong top 3 and a gritty Serbian outfit. Don't think the Serbs advance but any of the other 3 can advance in any order, which would prove tricky for the knockout stages.

D:
#4 England
#28 Puerto Rico
#37 Colombia
#11 Italy

Could be tricky for all parties involved. England have enough quality to take 1st, but so do Italy. Puerto Rico and Colombia will be minefields for the two Europeans.

E:
#1 Portugal
#83 New Zealand
#62 Hungary
#16 Canada

Man it would suck if that was France instead of Hungary. Anyways, should be an easy group for Portugal. Canada in theory have 2nd on lock, and may even prove a threat to Portugal's #1 spot. But both NZ and Hungary will be tougher than their FIFA rankings suggest. No matter what, #1 and #2 in this group have to face off against Group F, which will be very difficult.

F:
#7 Belgium
#47 Iran
#9 Brazil
#12 Ukraine

Definitely the real group of death. Brazil were just #3 in the October Rankings, but the lizard math screwed them over. Or screwed Belgium and Ukraine over. 2nd place in this group will have to play Portugal, so this may be a desperate scramble for #1.

G:
#5 Argentina
#66 Uzbekistan
#15 Ivory Coast
#10 Russia

The name power isn't there but there are three very tough teams in this group. Argentina have not been the same as their historic past, but are still very tough as their Confed Cup run showed. Russia will want to beat Argentina and claim 1st, to try and stamp out a long run (which may end at Quarters with the E/F groups anyways).

H:
#3 Chile
#46 UAE
#25 Cameroon
#13 Netherlands

This should definitely be an easy group for Chile and the Dutch. Cameroon revolve around one player (Arsenal man Georges Atah) and can easily be shut down, and the UAE are not a threat. With Argentina, Russia, or CIV coming out of Group G, though, both teams will want to beat the other to grab 1st place.

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Group A & B Preview

Going to go through and share some tidbits about each team, since they are pretty much past recognizing at this point. If there's any team anyone would like to know more about it (Whether in the WC or not), feel free to ask and I'll go more detailed into their lineup etc etc

First, the betting odds for the WC winners: Spain 3-1, Italy 4-1, Portugal 6-1, Brazil 10-1, USA 11-1, and Argentina 11-1. Croatia was not listed, oddly.

GROUP A

#23 United States
Key Player: RM/CM Victor Manuel Quintana, 27yo, NYRB The experienced winger had a 7.30 match rating in all comps and bagged 8 goals for the Red Bulls.
One to Watch: LB Manuele Rosso, 24yo, Man City The Italian-American burst onto the scene for City after being snubbed for the Confederations Cup Squad, moving from NYCFC. He had 4.85 tackles per game in the PL last year.
Wonderkid: ST Jake 'Turkey' Smith, 18yo NYRB The Oklahoma City product scored 15 goals for the Red Bulls this year and should play more than a bit part at this tournament.
Corch: Mike Petke, 50yo, USA
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2 wide
Last finish: 2022 WC Final 2nd place
Notable Friendly: 2-1 to Serbia

#35 Tunisia
Key Player: ST Marouene Ben Tahara, 22yo, Betis scored 12 goals with 8 assists in La Liga.
Too Many Strikers: AM/ST Mohammed Laamari, 21yo, Benfica, LW/ST Aymen Zouita, 21yo, Porto, and LW/ST Foued Hajlaoui, 29yo, Real Madrid, all scored over 20 goals with their club sides, and present a serious lineup configuration issue for Tunisia. Hajloui has been playing on the wings with Zouita on the bench in friendlies.
Wonderkid: RB/LB Sami Harbaoui, 18yo, FC Gronigen, played 37 games for his club, with 4.5 tackles per game and 4 assists. He will start on the right.
Corch: Sami Trabelsi, 58yo, Tunisia
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 4th in Group G, 2022 World Cup
Notable Friendly: 2-2 to Spain

#22 Australia
Key Player: CM Andrea Adami, 23yo, Barcelona Had a 7.65 rating in 22 games played for Barcelona, the Italian dual national is a key cog in the Socceroo midfield.
Localish Star: ST Jacob Morgan, 27yo, Montreal scored 18 in 47 games for Montreal this past season.
Wonderkid: CM Robert 'Lettuce' Romein, 19yo, Sion played 30 swiss league games at a 7 rating for Sion. Could come off the bench or be paired up with Adami.
Corch: Grant Marshall, 42yo, Australia
Formation: 4-3-2-1 Christmas Tree
Last Finish: Lost to Tunisia, Round of 16 2018
Notable Friendly: 2-1 to Croatia

#17 Turkey
Key Player: LB Senol Ulver, 20yo, Seattle Just moved from Real Madrid, Ulver put up a 8.19 rating over the Spring to help Seattle to another Superleague Title.
Better Half: RB Ilker Ulsu, 28yo, Montreal 5.3 tackles per and a 7.00 match rating for Montreal.
Wonderkid: CM Umit Ceylan, 19yo, Seattle 16 games at a 7.31 clip earned him a callup for this tournament.
Corch: Egemen Korkmaz, 43yo, Turkey
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
Last Finish: Lost to Italy 2018 World Cup Round of 16
Notable Friendly: 0-3 to New Zealand

GROUP B

#2 Spain
Key Player: RM/RW Sergio, 26yo, NYCFC 7.71 rating in 38 games, including 9 goals.
One-Named Army: 28yo AMC Jesus, NYRB, 27yo ST Daniel, Bayern Munich, 25yo CB Carlos, Chelsea, 31yo AMC Oliver, Man City, 30yo RB Gabriel, Everton, 30yo GK Mario, Vancouver, 34yo AMC, Koke, Atletico, 24yo CDM Cristian, Arsenal, 29yo LB Angelino, Real Betis.
Wonderkid: 23yo ST Jose Martinez, Swansea 20 EPL goals
Corch: Jurgen Klopp, 58yo, Germany
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: Lost to England 2022 Quarterfinals
Notable Friendly: 3-2 to Chile

#14 Denmark
Key Player: LM/LW Mads Hvilsom, 25yo, QPR 7.06 rating for QPR in PL play.
Not Bendnter: ST Glenn Meyer, 28yo, Hannover Former Sion man, I've been following his career since I left. He looks like Bendnter but much more succesful. 12 Bundes goals last year.
Wonderkid: CB Daniel Birn, 21yo, Nacional Madeira 4.96 tackles per game and a 7.15 rating
Corch: Carl Robinson, 49yo, Wales
Formation: 4-5-1
Last Finish: 3rd, Group H 2018
Notable Friendly: 1-3 to Canada

#24 Morocco
Key Player: ST Younes Saidi, 29yo, Galaxy 35 goals in 50 games, Hachiko would surely love this guy
Netminder: GK Abdessamad Houbaine, 29yo, Everton 54 GA in 48 games. 18 Clean Sheets.
Wonderkid: RB Oualid Balthan, 22yo, Cosmos 6.95 rating, 3.95 tacklse last year
Corch: Houssine Kharja, 43yo, Morocco
Formation: 4-5-1
Last Finish: 4th Group B 2022
Notable Friendly: 0-2 to USA

#42 Jamaica
Key Player: ST Jamiel Humphrey, 27yo, Atletico 7 goals in 23 games, 7.01 rating in La Liga
@Travis7401 throb: ST Chris Murray, 26yo, Nott Forest 19 Accel, 17 Speed, 18 Jumping, 16 Heading, 6'0
Wonderkid: LB Paul Levy, 22yo, Antigua Barracuda 4 tackles per game for the US1 side
Corch: Steve Staunton, 57yo, Ireland
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: Lost to Croatia Round of 16 2022
Notable Friendly: 1-1 to Ecuador

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Group C & D Preview

Moving on for the next 8.

#4 Croatia
Key Player: Who Else? 27yo ST Petar Ciglar, City 37 goals in 51 games. Coming off an injury. Vital to this side.
Heartbreaker: 23yo ST Domagoj Tomecak, Dortmund scored the winner in 2022. 27 goals in 39 games.
Wonderkid: 23yo RM/W Romano Cetina, Dinamo Zag. Togolese Croatian. 4 goals in 13 UCL games.
Corch: Zoran Mamic, 54, Croatia
Formation: 4-5-1 OR 4-4-2 (Depends on strikers available)
Last Finish: Winners 2022 World Cup
Notable Friendly: 2-5 to Tunisia

#37 Serbia
Key Player: 28yo CB Svetlan Peric, Soton 4.6 tackles per in the PL.
Goal Scorer: 27yo AM(RL)/ST, Djorde Vesic, Kuban 13 goals, 7.08 rating in RPL
Wonderkid: 21yo CM/AM Milan Isailovic, Ajaccio 4/3 goals/assists in Ligue 1
Corch: Sinsia Mihaljovic, 57, Serbia
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Last Finish: 3rd Group D 2022
Notable Friendly: 1-0 to Ivory Coast

#16 Nigeria
Key Player: 26yo LB Samuel Amodu, Dortmund 4.27 tackles per, 7.40 Bundesliga rating
Atholeetes: 23yo CM Emmanuel Eze, Molde 6'4, 18 accel/speed and 21yo ST Samuel Yakubu, Soton 6'5, 16/17 accel/speed 18/19 jump/heading
Wonderkid: 23yo CM Patrick Omoijuanfo, Marseille 31gp for the French side
Corch: Dickson Etuhu, 44, Nigeria
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Last Finish: 3rd Group B 2018
Notable Friendly: 2-2 to Russia

#19 Messico
Key Player: 29yo AMC Omar Tristan, America 14 goals, 28 assists in 60 games. 2026 World TOTY, Balon dor Top 5
Twink: 27yo LB Gregorio Carranza , Corinthians 5'3 4.76 tackles per in Brasil Serie A
Wonderkid: 23yo ST Riccardo de Alba, Tigres 32 goals in 57 games
Corch: Benjamin Galindo, 65, Mexico
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
Last Finish: 3rd Group C 2022
Notable Friendly: 1-0 to Turkey

GROUP D

#6 England
Key Player: 27yo CB Dexter Allen, Seattle 6.4 tackles per, 7.4 match rating for Seattle
Golden Generation: 34yo CB Steven Caulker, Arsenal, 34yo CB Phil Jones, Manu, 33yo GK Jack Butland, Fluminense, 32yo CM/AM(LRC) Oxlade-Chamberlaiun, Oviedo, 32yo everything James Ward-Prowse, Soton, 31yo AM(LRC) Raheem Sterling, Houston, 31yo AM/CM(RLC) Will Hughes, Philadelphia, 29yo AML/ST Jerome Sinclair, New England, are all still playing for the team.
Wonderkid: Abandon all hope, English youth. Probably 23yo CB/RB Declan Frey, Watford.
Corch: Ronald Koeman, 63, Holland
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 4th, 2022 World Cup (Lost to US in Semis)
Notable Friendly: 1-2 to Argentina and 0-1 to Brazil

#12 Italy
Key Player: 29yo CM/AM Guglielmo Giordano, Atletico 21/10 Goals/Assists, 7.85 match rating in 50 games.
Dual National: 26yo LB Ibrahima N'Dyae, Arsenal 15 assists, 4.4 tackles
Wonderkid: 22yo CB Andrea Posocco, Toulouse 4.73 tackles in Ligue 1
Corch: Roberto Mancicni, 61, Italy
Formation: 4-1-2-2-1 (Aka 4-3-3 one holder)
Last finish: Winners 2018 World Cup
Notable Friendly: 2-0 to Cameroon

#39 Colombia
Key Player: 24yo CDM/CB Guillermo Rodriguez, Barcelona 5.63 tackles per. Just moved from Liege.
Porto Pipeline: 24yo RW/ST Jefferson Bermudez, Porto 30/20 Goals assists in 50 games for Porto
Wonderkid: 21yo LW/ST Yeisen Alzamora, PSV 9 goals in 37 games
Corch: Mauricio Pocchetino, 54, Argentina
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Last finish: 3rd Group D 2018
Notable Friendly: 0-1 to UAE

#28 Puerto Rico
Key Player: 22yo CM/AM Teodoro Candal, Seattle 18 assists, 7.3 rating in 38 games
Big Fro: 21yo CB Tito Vargas, Oviedo 6.43 tackles per in La Liga
Wonderkid: 20yo CDM Francisco Yepez, PR Islanders 6.8 rating in Super League play
Corch: Jeaustin Campos, 54, Costa Rica
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: First World Cup!
Notable Friendly: 1-3 to Portugal

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Group E & F Preview

GROUP E

#1 Portugal
Key Player: 22yo ST Edgar Correia, Benfica Scored 35 with 20 assists in all comps for Benfica. 2 years running Liga Zon Sagres top scorer
Anchorman: 25yo CDM Sandro Dias, Benfica Drops into defense or creates from a deep role. 8 goals, 7 assists, 88% passing.
Wonderkid: 22yo CAM Manuel Melo, Molde FK/Benfica Moving to the Portuguese champs in the summer. 7.9 match rating in the Tippeligaen.
Corch: Me, aka Arda Trogran, 38, Tunisia/USA
Formation: 2-3-2-1-2/4-1-2-1-2 OR 3-2-3-1-1
Last finish: 4th Group H 2018
Notable Friendly: 5-1 to Chile

#11 Canada
Key Player: 26yo CM Brandon Moore, Galaxy 7.00 match rating in Superleague play
All-Around: 25yo CDM Joel McGann, Colombus Jack of All trades, skill-wise. Half Jamaican.
Wonderkid: 22yo CM Rosario Longo, SKC Youngest guy on the squad. Mostly played in reserves for SKC.
Corch: Mark Watson, 55, Canada
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 4th Group E, 2018
Notable Friendly: 2-3 to Turkey

#41 Hungary
Key Player: 26yo CB Laszlo Horvath, NYCFC 35 games, 4.25 tackles, 7.17 match rating
Little Brother: 20yo CB Robert Horvath, Metalist 38 games, 4.77 tackles.
Wonderkid: 20yo CDM Peter Soloman, Gil Vicente 4 goals in 15 games
Corch: Attila Pinter, 60, Hungary
Formation: 4-2-0-3-1
Last Finish: 1st WC since 1986 group stage
Notable Friendly: 1-2 to Israel

#57 New Zealand
Key Player: 29yo LM/LW/ST Corey Patterson, Galaxy 17/9 goals/assists, 7.5 rating in 39 games
Twink with Long Hair: 28yo CM Simon Green, Stoke 5'5, 4 goals, 7 assists in 34 EPL games
Wonderkid: A lot. Gonna go with 22yo ST Manda Khumalo, Seattle with 22 goals in 32 Superleague games.
Corch: Casper Andersen, 43, Denmark
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 2010 Group Stage 3rd place
Notable Friendly: 5-1 to Uzbekistan

GROUP F

Belgium and Brazil pretty much swapped FIFA rankings after the draw. Guess it worked out for the best then.

#8 Belgium
Key Player: 27yo CM Taner Demircan, Chelsea 13 assists, 7.34 rating in 43 all comp games
The Big Man: 34yo GK Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea 21 clean sheets, 53 allowed in 54 games
Wonderkid: 23yo CB Marco Schreuers, Liverpool 5.2 tackles per
Corch: Marc Wilmots, 57, Belgium
Formation: 4-1-2-2-1 aka 4-3-3 one holder
Last Finish: 3rd place over England, 2022 WC (lost to Croatia in Semis)
Notable Friendly: 1-0 to Uruguay

#7 Brazil
Key Player: 25yo ST Hugo Leonardo, SKC 29 goals in 50 games, 30 in 33 for his Brazil Career
Still Around: 34yo AML/ST Neymar, Barcelona 21/8 goals/assists in 39 games last year
Wonderkid: 24yo CDM Denilson Jose, Montreal 45 games played last year at 7.02 rating
Corch: Adilson Batista, 58, Brazil
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
Last Finish: 4th Group F 2022
Notable Friendly: 3-3 to Ivory Coast

#18 Ukraine
Key Player: 27yo CM Vadim Golobokov, Real Madrid 18/12 goals/assists, 7.77 rating in 56 games
Running Mate: 25yo CM Vladislav Alexandrov, Stuttgart 11/10 Goals/assists in 39 games These two form a dangerous pivot in center midfield.
Wonderkid: 20yo LB Vladimir Krasnikov, FC Gronigen 5.2 tackles per. Will start at LB
Corch: Sergiy Kovalets, 57, Ukraine
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: Lost to Spain, Round of 16 2022
Notable Friendly: 3-1 to Qatar

#50 Iran
Key Player: 29yo RB Ahmad Soltani, PSG 6.86 rating in 48 games
Poacher: 23yo AMC/ST Sharokh Shahiri, TSG Hoffenheim 12/14 goals/assists in 34 games
Wonderkid: 22yo ST Jalal Rahmati, Qadisa FC 8/4 goals assists in 16 Irani League games
Corch: Clive Young, 43, Australia
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 4th Group D 2018
Notable Friendly: 2-2 to France

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Group G & H Preview

GROUP G:

#3 Argentina
Key Player: 27yo ST Damian Ortiz, Galaxy 9/8 goals assists in 24 games in an injury shortened season
Everyman: 24yo CM/LM/RM/CAM/LW/RW Gaspar Gonzalez, NYCFC Playing at RM for now. 7.02 rating in Superleague
Wonderkid: 22yo ST Rodrgio Yurie, Santos 15 goals in 23 Brasieleriao and North/South American CL games
Corch: Juan Cruz Gill, 42, Argentina
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: Lost to Japan in Round of 16 2022
Notable Friendly: 1-1 to Romania

#9 Russia
Key Player: 26yo ST Maxim Klimov, Real Madrid Former Benfica man. He's grown up so fast. 41 goals, 12 assists in all comps.
Deadly Wings: 28yo LW Oleg Minko and 23yo RW Konstanin Proshin, Real Madrid and PR Islanders. 29/25 goals/assists between the two of them this season
Wonderkid: 19yo CAM Denis 'One more shot of' Smirnov, Atletico 10 assists in 26 La Liga games
Corch: Leonid Slutskiy, 55, Russia
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: Lost to England in Round of 16 on PKs 2022
Notable Friendly: 2-4 to Portugal

#13 Ivory Coast
Key Player: 26yo ST Charles "Bilfried Wony" Outtara, Swansea 28 goals, 12 assists in EPL play. Also coached by the real Bony.
Fullback Power: 28yo RB Allassane Diallo and 27yo Issa Kouassi, Dortmund and Man City dominant for their clubs, they will be able to stretch the play for Les Elephantes
Wonderkid: 21YO CB Blaise Kouassi, Toulouse 4.5 tackles, 7.71 rating in Ligue 1. Little Brother of Issa
Corch: Claude Gondo, 42, Ivory Coast
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
Last Finish: 4th Group A, 2022
Notable Friendly: 3-3 to Brazil

#65 Uzbekistan
Key Player: 28yo CAM/ST Pavel 'Dinosaur' Sodiqov, Hamburg 9 goals in 30 Bundes games. 7.5M transfer value is the highest by about 6 million on the team
Big Club Guy: 23yo GK Doniyor Nazarov, Wolfsburg Backup keeper for the wolves. 1 clean sheet in 4 Bundes appearances
Wonderkid: 21yo ST Victor Sultonov, Beleneses 7 goals in 6 Segunda Liga games.
Corch: Anvarjon Soliev, 48, Uzbekistan
Formation: 3-5-2
Last Finish: 1st appearance!
Notable Friendly: 0-3 to New Zealand
Special Note: Very interested to see what they can do. They have 19 players in the Uzbekistani League so I don't even have stats for most of them. A 3-5-2 could be disastorous in a group with Ivory Coast and Russia, but it may be the unorthodox thing they need. The coolest thing will be seeing which players on their team star and force moves to European/American clubs.

GROUP H:

#5 Chile
Key Player: 21yo ST Mauricio Guerra, Galaxy 23/8 goals/assists in 38 games
Nice Team, eh: 27yo CB/CDM/CM Sergio Espinoza, Montreal Canadian dual national. 5.6 tackles per game
Wonderkid: 20yo LW/ST Pedro Ledezma, Union 25 goals in 43 games
Corch: Ederson Moreira, 56, Brazil
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Last Finish: 3rd Group H 2022 World Cup
Notable Friendly: 0-3 to Italy

#13 Netherlands
Key Player: 28yo ST Arno Knol, NYRB Former Sion man. 25 goals in 31 games
Pronunciation Error: 26yo LW/ST Michael Kujit, Chelsea 15 goals in 48 games
Wonderkid: Whole team, really. Very very young. Probably 21yo RB/CB Rob Van Aken, Dortmund 4.93 tackles per
Corch: Clarence Seedorf, 50, Netherlands
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Last Finish: Lost to France Round of 16 2014
Notable Friendly: 1-3 to South Africa

#21 Cameroon
Key Player: 25yo RW/ST Georges Atah, Arsenal 16/4 goals/assists in 32 games
Who now?: 23yo CM Thierry Eto'o, Setubal No relation, I think. 7 apps for Setubal since his January move
Wonderkid: 20yo CB Bruno Eto'o, Saint Ettiene just 2.71 tackles per
Corch: Buba, 43, Cameroon
Formation: 4-4-2
Last Finish: 4th group C 2022
Notable Friendly: 0-2 to Italy

#49 UAE
Key Player: 24yo CB Khaled Ali, Al-Sadd 4.48 tackles per
Foreign Talent: 22yo CB Humaid Mohammed, Fenerbahce 3.88 tackles per
Wonderkid: 21yo CDM Ali Abbas, IstanbulBBSK 5.1 tackles per
Corch: Mahdi Ali, 61, UAE
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Last Finish: 1990 World Cup Group Stagae
Notable Friendly: 1-0 to Colombia

Up Next:
Opening Day! Going to make a second Observer Corch to watch two games per day. USA-Tunisia kicks it all off at the Rose Bowl followed by Turkey-Australia in two critical Group A matches.

 

[Yankee151]

2026 WORLD CUP OPENING DAY

The day has finally arrived! 4 years prior American tears were shed on Qatari soil following their devastating loss. It remains to be seen if they can avenge their loss and claim the title on home ground, but they have a frustratingly tough group to navigate before they can even think about stuff like that. Today they face Tunisia, who possess a murderer's row of forwards who are just salivating at the thought of knocking a huge blow to the US on their home soil.

The Lineups:

USA:
Clark
Rosso-Brown-Lalas-Thompson
Zemanski
Quintana-Cunningham
Powers
Turkey-JdJ

Tunisia:
Laamari-Ben Tahar
-
Haljaoui-Jouini-Hosni-Ben Frej
-
Tenniche-Abbes-Ben Yahia-Harbaoui
Zoughlami

Live blog!
1' GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL GOAL USAAAAAAA! 27yo Seattle winger Danny Cunningham receives the ball outside the area and plays in a poor cross, but 21yo Palermo Keeper Sami Zoughlami has a brain lapse and the ball goes in! 1-0 USA!
3' SKC CAM Danny Powers shoots at Zoughlami, but this time the Tunisian parries
10' USA dominating the game. The Tunisians are defending in banks of 4 but are no threat on the break. Jake Turkey Smith gets the ball in the box and finds JDJ, but he shoots wide.
14' Ryan Zemanski uses a professional foul to bring down Ben Tahar on the counter.
18' GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL USA! Quintana and Rosso combine well down the right, finding Jake in the box, and the 18 year old cooly slides it over to JDJ who blasts one home. 2-0 USA!
23' Chris Clark saves a powerful shot from Ben Tahar
24' Zemanski fouls Ben Tahar again just outside the box. Majdi Jouini of Nancy takes the FK, which bounces off of Zemanski's head on the wall and goes in! GOAL 1-2 TUNISIA!
32' Clark just saves a Haljaoui FK
37' Powers gets onto Rosso's cross but the header is way over
44' Ben Tahar ruled off
HALFTIME
48' Ben Frej's cross is just tipped over by Clark. Corner
52' Hajlaoui had a power shot in the box, but Clark does very well to save, and Brown boxes out Laamari to clear it out.
54' Jake caught offsides. HMMMMM
59' Cunningham threads a pass to Jake, but Zoughlami saves well
62' Moncef Garbi on for Laamari, and Ben Tahar finds him in the box, and his shot just goes wide.
68' Luis Woods, Philly Striker, on for Dave Powers.
73' JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKEEEEEE! Cunningham finds the youngster in the box, and Zoughlami is helpless to stop the shot. GOAL 3-1 USA!
75' Green and Aguirre on for the power combo, Cunningham and Turkey
91' Zoughlami saves a shot from Woods
94' FINAL! Danny Cunningham rightfully takes home the MOTM with a goal and assist. He and Jake could be the key cog in this USA machine to go very far in this tournament. Tunisia will hope to bounce back, but showed little attacking threat and deserved the loss.


Turkey-Australia

The other game today. Two teams rife with potential and ready to realize that potential. Turkey are the betting favorites, but a draw is more likely. We're here in Philadelphia.

1' Osmanov starts offsides
13' Turkey have trouble clearing a cross, but the ball finally falls to Ceylan.
14' Taysi gets a shot but it's saved easily
23' ROUTE ONE MADNESS! Ufuk Decedli steals the ball from Waterson in his own 18, and l1+triangles a ball all the way to NYCFC man Osmanov, who is all alone and slots it past the keeper! GOAL TURKEY 1-0!
32' Jacob Morgan gets a shot off, but it's saved well by Dereliogu of Sion.
34' GOAL CUNTS! Adam Nix of NYCFC puts in a corner, and Morgan out jumps everyone to score! GOAL 1-1
37' GALIPOLI NEVER FORGET! Ryan Williams of Arsenal doubles the lead off of another corner! Embarassing for the Turks!
43' CAPTAIN'S GOAL! Kaan Ayhan of PSG scores off of Unver's corner! 3 goals from set pieces so far!
HALFTIME
68' Adami gets in behind but Decedli finally slides in to block the shot
75' Carlos Raimondi, 20 year old sub from Grasshoppers, takes a long shot from deep, hitting the bar, and the rebound falls to Curtis Good, who taps it in! GOAL AUSSSIE AUSSIE 3-2!
88' Unal offsides
90' Osmanov offsides
94' FINAL! Australia win a well deserved one while Turkey will be kicking themselves over letting in two set piece goals and an easy tap in. The USA play Turkey next while Tunisia get Australia. Every game is a must win at this point, to avoid Spain out of Group B.

Coming Next:
Spain-Denmark*
Jamaica-Morocco
Nigeria-Mexico*

 

[Yankee151]

2026 World Cup Matchday 2

Group C: Nigeria vs. Mexico

Nigeria in the 4-3-1-2, Mexico in the 4-1-2-1-2. Mexico the betting favorites. Croatia and Serbia will play tomorrow in the other Group C game.

1' Alba caught offsides
11' Success offsides
13' Anthony Bala carded for Nigeria
18' Omar Tristan crosses in, but CB Lucky Onyema clears out easily
19' Rodolfo Ibarra of Palmeiras plays a long through to Betis ST Orlando Gonzalez, who hits a power shot from 16 yards out and it goes in! GOAL EL TRI 1-0
20' Gonazlez continues to pour it on Alexander Oliseh, but the Shaktar man keeps it out this time
21' Another shot saved!
34' Gonzalez gets in behind and plays a cheeky chip, but he's ruled off despite the ball going in. Looks a fair call. Nigeria can't get anything going.
37' Alba booked
39' Oliseh saves, but Gonzalez ruled off anyhow
42' Ezekiel ruled off
43' Success finds Charles, and he hits a power shot which goes in, but his celebrations are cut short as he is ruled to be way off.
HALFTIME
Nigeria make two changes, with Success and Charles off for Obi and physical specimen Samuel Yakubu.
46' Obi immediately makes an impact, hitting the bar from distance, and it goes out for a corner
49' Amodu ruled off
54' Tristan booked in the 54th for a cynical foul
58' Gonzalez continues to run in behind, and Oliseh saves again.
59' Disaster for Nigeria! Tristan crosses it in, and the ball is lost in the crowd, eventually rolling in the back of the net off of Omoijuanfo of Marseille. GOAL EL TRI 2-0
61' Yakubu ruled off
63' Captain Adams goes in the book
72' Oliseh saves after Gonzalez steals the ball from a defensive error
75' Gonzalez is found in the box by Jose Munoz of Tigres, and he puts in the back of the net! Nigeria have collapsed! GOOOOOOL MEXICO 3-0
91' Ezekiel ruled off
Final in Kansas City! Nigeria were poor today, with 10 offsides and nothing to show for it. Mexico did well today, and have a true poacher in Orlando Gonzalez that can take them far, with a sizable contingent of fans here in the US to cheer them on.

GROUP B

Jamaica 0-2 Morocco

Morocco got off to a strong start in San Francisco, and never looked back to topple the Jamaicans and grab a vital 3 points in this group. 19 year old Boavista Striker Hakim El Amrani grabbed one to start off in the 5th minute, and LA Galaxy star Younes Saidi iced the game in the 81st. Morocco had 23 shots to Jamaica's 9, and 53% possession. A strong defensive performance by Baltham, Larabi, and Yilmaz helped to keep Jamaica out as well. Morocco takes the group lead, for the time being, but have two tough games to play.

Spain vs. Denmark

Liveblog to come!

Lineups:

Spain:
Santos
Gabriel-Carlos-Leon-Angelino
---------------------------
Sergio-Oliver-Jesus(c)-Grimaldo
---------------------------
Simeone-Daniel

Denmark:
Bro-Fischer
----------------------------
Hvilsom-Hojberg(c)-Thomsen-Hansen
Birn-Sloth-Pedersen-Osmundsen
Ronnow

Just remembered that I used to have Ronnow at Sion too. He's a real person though, not a regen.

1' Sergio takes down Hvilsom
3' Hojberg takes down Simeone on an offensive corner
4' Devastating for the Danes! Young LB Daniel Birn of Nacional can't keep up with Sergio, and brings him down in the box in a cynical and unecessary play. He couldn't keep his cool and now Simeone steps up and CONVERTS yet another PK goal in an international tournament! GOAL Spain 1-0!
12' Daniel ruled off
14' Daniel Bro ruled off
17' Jesus gets a FK outside the box, but kicks it over
19' Hvilsom finds Bro in the box, but he heads into the side netting.
23' Isidiro Leon ruled off
28' Alex Grimaldo shoots at goal, and it gets past Ronnow but bounces off of the bar
30' Daniel Bro ruled off
34' Hvilsom runs at the defense, but Gabriel disposses him just outside the box
35' Leon fouled Fischer
39' Osmundsen booked
40' The nightmare continues! Grimaldo crosses in to Oliver, but the ball misses him and hits Daniel Birn, and the ball rolls off of his legs for an own goal! Goal Spain 2-0!
45' Hojberg booked
HALFTIME! Demark need to keep their composure and avoid a slaughter here.
47' Daniel Bro, you guessed it, offsides
49' Carlos receives a corner but heads onto the bar. Nearly three there.
51' Hvilsom runs to the corner, crossing it in to Fischer, who slides it over to Bro, who slides it in for a goal! Spain caught napping! GOAL DENMARK 1-2!
54' Bro finds Fischer in behind but the shot is JUST WIDE! Nearly the equalizer!
58' Sergio booked
59' Daniel shoots over the goal
66' Daniel's shot just deflects off of sloth over the bar. Nearly another error for the defense.
69' SO CLOSE! Mogens Hansen disposses Gabriel at the halfline, and sprints all the way to chip one over Santos, but it goes off the bar!
70' Simeone offsides
74' Jesus shoots and Ronnow saves
77' Hasling booked
78' Rasmussen gets in behind but Santos saves and Angelino clears for a corner!
79' Bro finds Fischer, who shoots wide again!
86' Pedro Cruazdo, 25yo Real Madrid sub, brings down Daniel Bro just inside the box and the ref has given a PK! Toulouse RB Kim Osmundsen converts it! GOAL GOAL GOAL DENMARK 2-2!
FINAL! Spain had all the chances to finish it off early, but the Danes woke up in the second half, and really could've won it if Fischer had been more clinical! This puts Morocco atop the group, with a game against Spain up next, while Denmark could grab 3 more against Jamaica in the next match day!



Coming up next:
Croatia-Serbia
-
England-Puerto Rico
Colombia-Italy

Group B Fixtures:
Spain-Morocco
Denmark-Jamaica

Group C Fixtures:
Serbia-Nigeria
Mexico-Croatia