The Beautiful Game, Biggest Stage, A full-length World Cup 2026 preview episode

48 teams. 3 countries. One trophy. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially here, and this is your ultimate preview.

We break down every group from A to L — who's flying, who's flopping, who you should already be booking your sweepstake slots for. We dig into Africa's historic 10-team representation, and the Afrobeats soundtrack taking over the world before a ball is kicked: Burna Boy and Shakira leading the charge, Rema linking with BLACKPINK's Lisa and Anitta, Davido going global with Major Lazer and Nelly Furtado, and Ayra Starr holding her own with Latto — Nigerian Afrobeats fully owns the World Cup 2026 anthem album.

Then it's time to settle the real debates: which giants are quietly falling apart, which underdogs should scare every team they face, and which squads traveled all the way to North America just to lose three group games and go home. Spain and France rule the odds. Argentina arrive as defending champions. But football doesn't always follow the script and this edition is the biggest in history.

This episode is built for football fans who want substance, context, and entertainment. Whether you're preparing your tournament bracket, making bets, or just want to sound smart at the watch party, you're in the right place.  Enjoy!

THE GRITS AND BEYOND PODCAST

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:09

Wonderful day to you uh fans out there. My name is Ulu Watobilov. You can call me Mr. T-Bag, and you're welcome to the Great and Beyond Podcast. Um on today's episode, I've got amazing um gentlemen as always on the pod. They are the regular faces you see every now and then. On my first side, I've got um Mr. Umsi Mafidon, popularly known as Mr. Socimone. And um on the other side of my podcast is um is a regular face on this podcast, you know, is the is more of the face of the pod, you know. Um which is which is which is strategic thinking. Um Mr. Imano, um Sadibi, Mr. Money, you're welcome to the podcast today. Um, right. First of all, I mean it's been uh an amazing week, the end of the Premier League, you know, we saw uh we all made our predictions on this spot talking about you know I I wanted Arsenal to win, I predicted one nil to Arsenal. Um I know said three nil. Also, yeah, I think Sassi also I think he predicted PSG winning as well. Yeah, but at the end of the day, he all ended in penalties and you know he got a football. And Arsenal have lost.

SPEAKER_04 1:35

Exactly.

SPEAKER_03 1:36

And bottom line, to me, it took away the excitement of the parade they did the next day because I could see the guys, the uh all excitement wasn't to me, you know, 100% like that, the way they wanted it to be. But I mean it's football. They'll try again next year. They've they've shown the world that, you know, they have what it takes, they can beat anybody inward football. But it's the crazy statistics for me is not losing any game in that in that UFO Champions League run. I still ended up not winning, not winning the trophies is crazy. I think Chelsea did something close in 2021 by losing just one game to FC Portal and conceding four goals, but at least they ended up winning it. But that's that is that about that. Yeah, at this point in time, we're in the World Cup season, amazing moment for all of us. Um, we've been looking forward to this moment, you know. Um, first of all, guys, before we get into the nitty-gritty of the World Cup, because this edition is specifically like for the World Cup, more or less, you know, just to have a preview going into the fifth World Cup that starts in about four days from now. And um, what has been like big? Um, you know, starting from Society, any major, you know, low point for you within the course of the week, or generally any major low point, what's your low point, what's your eye point, what's it been like for you? Generally, the world of football, generally, anything that you know stood out for you.

SPEAKER_01 3:03

I've been disappointed in the way the international teams have been performing. They're friendlies. And it feels like it gives me the sense of like this World Cup is going to be, you know. It's not gonna be like those the big countries dominating, you know. Yeah, yeah. Like everybody has a fighting chance. Like, see, there's nobody that's able to blow out anyone. So in terms of high points, that's the very high one for me. Like in terms of like, okay, this would not just be your typical okay, like underdog, you know, giving people run for the other dog. Yeah, I can say I don't I don't think I don't think an underdog will win, but I think it might be a surprise. We might see dark countries as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We'll go far in the competition. Yeah, right.

SPEAKER_03 3:46

Imagine you were within the course of the week, you know, after the UFO Champions League final, any major high point for you, any major low point for you?

SPEAKER_00 3:54

Uh for me, I want to talk about the whole preparation and the hype towards the World Cup. I think FIVA missed it.

SPEAKER_03 4:02

You know, I think it's the same thing as well, Sos before you you joined.

SPEAKER_00 4:05

Yeah, I think I think it's it's a big miss because we are in what days? How many days to the World Cup? And this is like arguably the bigger football, yeah. You know, competition in football or sports in general, you know, and the hype that it's there by this stage already, people are not ghast. Even like I was listening to like news or I was watching something online yesterday, and they are like the major hotels are complaining that it's not even been sold out and it's just a few days to the World Cup, you know. Because, you know, taking it away from Europe or taking it to that far America, you know, especially the timing as well, the window. With the weather and the guy, the talking outside is misbehaving at this particular point in time. So for me, I don't really see the whole hype there. And you know, but it's the World Cup, they will always find a way. I hope it will at least be entertaining, be interesting, and you know, made the best.

SPEAKER_03 5:09

We'll come back to that, baby. We'll come back to that. I mean, you know, like you said, it's you know, there's always a buzz, there's always a feeling, you know, when the FIFA World Cup is coming, like, you know, and I felt like they tried to test it with the Club World Cup that happened last year, but some people call it pre precise. But that's just banter about the way. But it's it's it's really, really sad. But then, because my fear is some people are denied visas, you know, some people that have even bought like tickets too, because the tickets are really expensive. Just the and we, you know, and some still getting denied for tickets to get to the world cup or to just support their countries or you know, enjoy themselves, which is summertime. Everyone wants to have a good time, obviously. But I mean, we'll just keep our friend gas course and um see how it goes from there. First of all, I like us to um, I mean, while our country, Nigeria, where we come from, obviously is not gonna be at the world cup, which is really sad. And um, that's the second time in a row, you know, Nigeria is not gonna be representing at the World Cup. One foot. But fortunately, Afro Beats will be representing us at the World Cup hugely. You know, we've got the likes of um Bonaboy singing the official antenna with Shakira, and um, he's gonna be performing um um live um at the stadium there on uh in Mexico in the first game of the encounter, and um also not just um because aside the official antenna, there's an also like an 18-track album for the official World Cup, whereby the likes of David is featured, Rema, um, IRA star, Tyler is also going to be represented. So it's more of like I'm a piano and um Afro be representing us over there. So I mean, what do you have to say about that? Nigeria is not there, but I mean our boys are representing us, so what does that do for us as a nation? Is it something, is it something positive for us to take out, or it's just normal, or they've just been it's just a normal thing for us to have this artist represent us in the world? Because now, aside David was the first Nigerian to represent us on the official anthem in 2022, and this year we've got Bonaboy as well. Is it like a norm for us right now, or we should take it as Afrobeat is global already, or it's just what it is?

SPEAKER_02 7:26

What do you guys think?

SPEAKER_01 7:31

Well, for me, um is it normal now? Like if you want to have any big events like you know, on the world stage, you know the kind of pull that Afrobeats will give you. So you just have to do that. So you think our social media presence also plays a role?

SPEAKER_03 7:46

Because I feel like we're everywhere.

SPEAKER_01 7:48

Yeah, because I don't think there's any country like you will go to in this world, you will find, I won't just say Nigerians, but Africans are saying, like, yeah, you know, we are we are everywhere. So I think our social media presence, our lifestyle, you know, even it's not just Africans, Afro beats. You see the kind of pull that Bonabay has in the UK here, you know. So it's it's what's it's the standard now. I've come to know that okay, if whatever is happening, whatever the event, Afro beats will be represented. And unless represented, they'll be in the front lines, you know, they'll be heading the event. So it's it's it's a positive for us.

SPEAKER_00 8:29

I mean, for me, shout out to David Dewey just time. You do that.

SPEAKER_03 8:34

I knew you were gonna go there, I knew you were gonna go there.

SPEAKER_00 8:39

Shout out to David for carrying Afrobeat on his back, you know, exposing, you know, selling Afrobeat out to the world and other new cats that you know is carried along. Uh it's not easy, you know. It's not easy. The new cats, like, come on, you know the new cats, the likes of the Bonaboy, the likes of Breva, and the likes of Ryan's David said it's that they have new cats, you know. I've said so yeah, what? No, Bonaboy Newcasts carry it. Yeah, come on. You have the video is online now. The video said it. We are all new cats now. The video is online, covered. So, but anyway, it's it's a good thing, you know, to see that at least we are being represented there. And this just goes a long way to show you how diverse Afrobeats is right now, you understand? And just like Susie said, I don't think there's anything you can do now that you will not involve Afrobeats or you know, Africa or Nigeria in specific, generally. Even as far as playing the World Cup is concerned, I think in a way, like I record Nigeria is not there. Because there's this hype we have that will definitely be. Exactly. So in a way, it's their loss, but yeah, I mean, if we couldn't be there on the pitch, at least we are there, you know, representing in terms of the music. So it's a big win. And also, this just goes to show you how hard working these guys that are performing are, you know. It's it's a big thing for you to be there. I mean, this is the people I was talking about, regardless. Even if it's just for free, you understand the biggest stage for you to be on that track or for you to even be called, you know. It's not everyone that has the opportunity to have that right now. You know, so I'm no longer there. So I'm giving old glory, but anyway, let's just leave it shut. Let's just leave it shot. So shout out to all the guys, you know, I wish them all the best.

SPEAKER_03 10:48

Yeah, I mean, it's it's it's it's a win-win for someone like I mean, it's something for me to look out for, basically, like I said, you know, not say Nigeria, but then I'll always be looking at because um the the first encounter is gonna be happening at the um Stadio Um As a Cat, or what's it called, in Mexico. So Bonaboe is gonna be performing with um with Shakira on that day as well. And um because we're having three opening venues because Mexico is three nations, obviously Mexico, Canada, and um United States of America. So there's gonna be like opening performances on all these three platforms, but the first one's gonna be in Mexico, because Mexico is gonna be starting the game on that day at the Stadio Azteca. And um, it's really gonna be interesting, it's really gonna be fun. Um, fingers crossed. I want us to, you know, quickly run into the groups, you know. Um, before we go into the the groups from group A to group L, um, I want us to look at like some of the notable omissions in this year's World Cup and um probably what they could have added and some notable players because for me it's painful that the likes of Italy, Italy is one country that everyone, you know, look at their glory in the past days, what they've done. They won the World Cup in 2006, and but since the last World Cup they were they were able to feature in was 2014, they missed out on the 2022 World Cup, missed out on the um the this World Cup as well coming up. Like, I think they've they've missed two World Cup back to back now in in quick succession. Were they in 2014? Yeah, they wait they made the 2014 World Cup. They made the 2014 World Cup, yeah. Um it's it's it's really sad. We're not gonna be seeing Nigeria as well. Nigeria missed out back to back as well. Cameroon is not gonna be at the World Cup. Georgia is not gonna be there representing someone like um Vita, Karaskalia, you know, amazing season he had, you know. We thought he could bring something like that into the World Cup. We're not gonna be seeing the likes of Kopama, the likes of Fielding, the likes of Joe Pedro, the likes of um Um Barela, Nicole Barrela, uh, he plays for um for Inter Milan. We're not gonna see in the likes of Russia as well because they they banned with the old war team with Ukraine as well. I mean, I I see this point that these guys have as lows for me because like I think like having this kind of people would add more cloud to the World Cup. You know, what do you think? Like going into this um tournament, um, do you think they're not gonna be missing anyway or there's nothing to add to this World Cup, or it's just their loss up? Because I see that Italy has sacked so many people in recent time as well, judging from the fact that you know, someone like Gianlucki Donaruma as well, you know, we have so many talent that we should be seen at this World Cup. Robert Lewandowski is not gonna be making this World Cup as well with Poland as well, because they missed out in the last stages of this World Cup. Rest strike the fact that this World Cup is the expanded World Cup, the largest World Cup we're gonna have in years 48 teams. But the funny thing is we are seeing some interesting teams making it to this World Cup. You know, is is is the format like is it the format now that because to me the way I see this format, no big country should be missing out. Because it's it's it's easier a little bit. Look at Nigeria, for instance, look at the number of games we played, we won just a few games, couldn't make it to the World Cup eventually. Is it like an in-house problem now, or it's just football has gone beyond expecting some sudden people to always make it?

SPEAKER_00 14:24

Uh for me generally, I think first of all, it's it's a shame that these big names, you know, are not gonna be in the competition. You know, because like you said, the likes of the Italian team, the likes of the Giant of Africa, Nigeria. We have so many big names.

SPEAKER_03 14:43

And we have players as well, like Victor Semen, Ademala Luckman, Calvin Barsi. These are guys that should be, you know, making a name. And World Cup also, before you continue, World Cup might also say that you know, because playing for your national team helps you to get into some teams in, you know, in in club in Europe, for instance. Enzo Fernandez's performance at the World Cup made him a Chelsea Prodigy, James Rodegone's performance at the 2014 World Cup, made him a Real Madrid, you know, play at the end of the year. Like these are moments for these guys, you know.

SPEAKER_00 15:13

I think, yeah, for the players, it's like an avenue for them to sell themselves, you understand? Forget about the fact that it's just what one month, but it's an avenue. This is the biggest stage. This is when everybody, the whole world is watching you, you understand. So, from a player's perspective, if you are not being at the World Cup, it's a miss for them, you understand. Okay. That they will not be able to like showcase themselves or, you know, sell themselves. Due to the fact that, you know, like you said, it's an extended one. I'm like, why would these big names not be there? But it is what it is. But at the same time, I think it's also, you know, an opportunity for the development of some certain new footballers.

SPEAKER_03 15:54

Before you continue, I need to mention some new countries that are making it for the first time. Cape Verde from Africa is making it to the World Cup for the first time. I mean, this is a country of about just 500,000 people. We also have a country from the Conquer Calf called the Kurakao. This is the first time they're going to be qualifying for the World Cup. They have about an island of about 150 people. Also, we have Jordan from Asia making into the World Cup for the first time. We have Uzbekistan from Asia as well, making into the world. Like these four countries, these formats that we talked about, these opportunities sort of, you know, giving them like the opportunity to be at the biggest stage of board football. And we have the likes of you know Nigeria, Italy missing out of it. Yeah, like it's so sad. Oh, yeah. Continue.

SPEAKER_00 16:40

Yeah, so sad. I mean, 500,000, that's almost the size of Germany.

SPEAKER_03 16:43

I'm sure Lagos is gonna be more. I'm sure Lagos is more.

SPEAKER_00 16:46

In the World Cup, but also what I just see from me is that at the end of the day, this World Cup would come with a lot of surprises. That's just what it means. Yeah, yeah, a whole lot of surprises. Because these are countries or players that are ready to like show themselves and showcase themselves, you know. So we should expect a whole lot of surprises.

SPEAKER_03 17:06

So, see, what do you have to you know add to today?

SPEAKER_01 17:08

Yeah, for me, and it's unfortunate that you know, some of the big countries like Italy, Nigeria, and some of the top players are not going to be there. But at the end of the day, it's merit-based. If they won their games with the qualifiers, they will be there. So you can't award, you know, you can't award the country with like qualification if they have not deserved it. You know, if we if we deserve to be there, we would have been there. And we missed our chances to be there. And as for the players that are missed out, you know, at the end of the day, you know, every coach has a style they want to play, and every coach has a reason why they select these players. It might be merit-based, it might be just, you know, to get the backing of the country, like, you know, the name of selection. But, you know, if you have a good season, like Copalma, he didn't really have a good season. John Pedro, you had a good season, but he was playing for a shit team this year.

SPEAKER_00 17:57

But if you say it's merit-based, you might just say Susie. You said it's merit-based, but we've seen the likes of um the Italian national team as a whole come out to say, you know, it might be merry-based, but it's harder for them to qualify from continent condition. You understand? What do you have to say about signing that?

SPEAKER_01 18:17

It's because the quality of your continent is. You know, you cannot compare the quality of Europe to like where it is.

SPEAKER_03 18:24

And you know they judge these things based on the city.

SPEAKER_00 18:26

Yeah, so do you think they should be getting like, I don't know how many people coming out from Europe looking like.

SPEAKER_03 18:31

Oh no, they upgraded it this year as well. We're having 48 teams at this year's World Cup, and I think they make this the the the group is made based on their port performances at the qualifying, not just the um, what's it called? The other one they play, what's it called now? Come um the UFR, is it Nations League? Yeah, the rules and their performances they're also determined, like their rank, their ranking also in Europe also determines how these groups are being made. So it's it's just depends on where you find yourself, to be fair.

SPEAKER_01 19:01

And yeah, yeah. And I feel that, you know, this is the World Cup. It's not as if we're it's not it's not the Euros. So if you are giving, you know, favoritism to like the bigger countries, why do they get this favoritism? I know that's what people want to watch, but I think since it's the World Cup, you know, every continent out of the world should be represented equality. So I think that's the opportunity to give every world. And if you want to win the world cup, that's be the best area you're from.

SPEAKER_03 19:24

That's why I'm quite peace with Nigeria because bro, that group is so easy. So easy. You know, we have the likes of Zimbabwe, South Africa, and our strongest opposition was South Africa. We had Zimbabwe, Tanzania, bro. Like I had the remnants about that group, and I'm like, we're not serious in that country with this opportunity. Ten countries are going from Africa for the first time, and we couldn't still make it. It just shows how you know things are you know quite bad at back home. But yeah, that's that's that is that about Nigeria. I want us to go into the group, but before we go into that, let me just give you some key statistics going into this World Cup. And um, the oldest player into this World Cup this year is going to be this Scotland goalkeeper. And do you remember how Scotland qualified into this World Cup? Beautiful goal by um Um Maktamine, you know, he with the and and his country had to make um a currency for him, whereby they added the the bicycle kick to the currency, which is really, really amazing. And um, it's gonna be 43 years old, and um, it becomes the second oldest player in the World Cup history, only behind Egypt's um former goalkeeper. I don't know if you remember that man, um Sam El Adari, um who was 45 in the 2018 World Cup, but he's gonna go in as a 43-year-old. The second and the youngest player in this World Cup is a Mexican. His name is Um Gilberto Mora, he's 17 years old, and um is a is a talent that you we should watch out for. You know, he's gonna be the youngest player in the World Cup, and we've seen the likes of you know Pele in the past, the likes of um Samuel Eto, the likes of Kilan Mbappe. So this is one young talent you should watch out for. And Ecuador have the youngest squad on this um year's World Cup. They have an average of 25. But having 25.23 is not that young, in my opinion. I think it's still a decent one because that's where we have the likes of um um Moisi Caicedo, the likes of um William Pato. It's gonna be amazing. And um Panama have the oldest average squad of about 30 years or plus. So this year is really gonna be exciting. We we're looking for 40, we're looking forward to having 48 teams, over 1,200 players, and over 100, and about 104 matches to watch across 16 venues, which is really, really going to be interesting. Now I'm going into the groups in group A, we've got Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and um check. And um, the US Nation Mexico is going to be opening the tournament um in group A. They're gonna be played against the US Nation of 2010 World Cup, which is South Africa. Then South Korea is also in that group and Czech. So looking at this group, what do you guys think about this group? Always you You know, South Korea, they've got Almighty, Yooming Sun. You know, South Africa have the likes of um what's his name now? Um uh Kyote um yeah, goalkeeper Williams, you know, they've they've experienced they've had enough of experience in recent time talking about South Africa, a decent team. You know, majority of their players play in their league, and it's just a few that play abroad, you know, and um South Korea. So looking at this group, let me let me start with you, Emmanuel. What do you think is you know the top two that's gonna be making out of this group? I think, yeah, what do you think are those that are gonna be making out of this group within between Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and and Czech?

SPEAKER_00 22:44

Uh for me, I'm tipping Mexico and South Korea to make it out of the group. You understand? Mexico, I think they're a decent team, you know. And these are players that have been playing with themselves for a very long time. So they kind of like have an idea of what to do with themselves on the field of play. And being also the host nation, I think, and with the home supports, you know, that should give them a little bit of edge over uh the others. And in the second place, I think it's about you know three teams.

SPEAKER_03 23:16

I just have to go for a start out of the group because um automatically the fourth team is out because it starts from round 32.

SPEAKER_00 23:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 23:26

Now, because it's gonna progress to 32, 16. I so I think it's about three teams that will be progressing out of each group. The top team qualified automatically, Mexico, south we'll proceed to round of and they'll be joined by the eight best third teams. So, like the third team will be like best third place will be the one that will make it to the round of things. Do you understand? Yeah, okay. Yeah. My thoughts Mexico is. What do you think might see if there's a chance to like because I think that group is really going to be a tough one because they they look balanced, in my opinion. They look balanced, and don't don't forget, you know, you mean some, like I said, it's dangerous with South Africa as well. They play as a team. Like, I enjoy them, you know, coming into this tournament, you know, very amazing team, young as well. Young is an experienced thing with young and old, you know, and um with Mexico as well, with their goalkeeper everlasting Ochoa, this is his like um fourth, this is like it's been since the World Cup since 2006, if I'm not mistaken, you know, making it to this World Cup again, you know, it's an experienced team as well. With their goal um, with their striker um Jimenez, you know, is is really gonna be amazing. And Sossi, what do you think about this group? Imano predicted Mexico and South Korea making it out of the group naturally. What do you think?

SPEAKER_01 24:51

Yeah, yeah, I just have to back Emmy on that one because I feel Mexico and South Korea they will just have a little bit more quality to make it out guaranteed. And Mexico, just because of the support of them being the home nation, the atmosphere will be crazy. So that's true.

SPEAKER_03 25:09

But for me, I feel like South Africa is gonna give them run for their money. Because, like I said, um run a little. Why don't you why don't you trust South Africa?

SPEAKER_02 25:23

Nah, but check the public.

SPEAKER_03 25:37

Yeah, like they have an amazing team as well. I feel like they are also gonna be like a very difficult team in that group.

SPEAKER_00 25:43

Like, I don't think it's gonna be a walk in the park, you know. Yeah, it's gonna be tough, but like looking at it at the end of the day, who's gonna play?

SPEAKER_03 25:51

Okay, so you say you say um Mexico and South Africa, uh, and South Korea, rather. That's good. Let's go to group. Um Canada, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. Um, Canada also, like we said, is a youngest nation. You know, they're gonna be having the open game against um Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, and um, you know, Canada, you know, they've got amazing talent, the likes of um Alfonso Davis, the likes of um um what's this guy from Liu called right now? Uh they've got some young talents playing in the French League in Europe as well, and I think it's really, really gonna be a tough one as well. But do you see them coming out of this group? Um, Bosnia is also going with the legend, talking about Edin Zeko. It's been dead on his 40 years old right now. Bro, now that sounds about us. How would it be? It's 40 years old right now, but it's still playing at the highest stage of his football right now. And um, Susaland, obviously, with the likes of Shakiri, um, with the likes of um uh this guy from Inter Milan, what's his name right now? Um, Manuel Akonji. You know, amazing squad as well. Um, what do you guys teep for this group? Um Saucy. Yeah, this group everyone looks more bad. Canada, Bosnia, Qatar, and Switzerland.

SPEAKER_01 27:10

Yeah, I think Switzerland.

SPEAKER_03 27:12

I think Switzerland have a way of always you know getting like to the quarterfinals or round of 16. They just always have that way.

SPEAKER_01 27:19

I think we'll finish top. Then just because of the same reason I gave Mexico, I think Canada might just, you know, you think that you think that might have a chance of coming out like the best top game, was it gonna be?

SPEAKER_03 27:33

Yeah?

unknown 27:34

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:34

Okay, and the group is going to be asked uh sorry, start for Bosnia. Yeah, Bosnia.

SPEAKER_03 27:41

So that means technically you think Qatar's gonna be like the weeping boys of this group?

SPEAKER_01 27:45

Yeah. I I think that we have like a couple draws.

SPEAKER_03 27:49

As long as we're gonna defeated Argentina in the last World Cup. So Old Nation to, you know, that privilege as well as the colour. That's nation. If we look at this world cup, majority of people that are gonna be on the stands are gonna be the people from the Oast Nation. Because they, you know, so Imano, what do you think?

SPEAKER_00 28:08

Yeah, yeah, I think I go with Source. I think Qatar is gonna be one of those, to be honest.

SPEAKER_03 28:22

They don't play bad, to be honest. Like I've seen a couple of their games and I don't think they play bad. Yeah, and you know, most of most of their players play in their league as well.

SPEAKER_00 28:31

Yeah, so Canada, the only way I I see Canada having an edge over them, to be honest, is just the whole host nation advantage, you know, with the home support and everything. Canada is a pretty decent thing, but I think judging from the last World Cup, the couple of matches of Qatar that I watched, they are not there yet, but you know, they have the sense of playing.

SPEAKER_03 28:54

But they could still train like couple passes, they just decent.

SPEAKER_00 28:59

Yeah, yeah, that's it. That's it. You know, I don't really have much I can say over uh for Canada over them, you know. But yeah, with the home support, I feel Canada should have that edge over them. But for me, it's it's Switzerland and Canada or now let's go to group C, which is really, really gonna be amazing.

SPEAKER_03 29:22

We've got Brazil, we've got Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Um Brazil are five-time world champions as all, and they've, you know, they carry they have a burden of expectation in the last years because I mean they've had loads of golden generations in recent times that have not been able to, you know, win this World Cup. And um, you know, Morocco, you they made it to the semifinal of the 2020 World Cup, which was really amazing. I don't know where they stand if they are Arabs or Africans. But judging by the geographical location, they are Africans and they represented us by getting to the semifinal with the last World Cup. Also, Scotland, you know, they are here for the first time in 2028 years, you know. And I and I referenced beautiful go by Mark Tomini at the at the time, and um which is really, really fascinating. And um 80, you know, just a small you know, island over there coming into this world cup, Brazil, Morocco, 80, Scotland, saucy. What do you think about us crop? Claim this one will be it's easier than it's sort of it's sort of called itself, isn't it? You can't yeah, it's it's really sad for me, Bill uh Billy Gilmore, you know, having that injury at the at the friendlies, you're missing out on this world score. I think this guy played loads of games, bro. You know, uh player coming to the World Cup has played about 65 games in the O year already, and he's gonna play another, you know, crazy amount of games at the World Cup again, playing pre season and going to next season. It's it's it's a lot. It's a lot. But what do you think about this group?

SPEAKER_01 31:01

Yeah, Brazil and Morocco for me. I think the quality that Brazil brings to it's it's just a lot. And having a coach.

SPEAKER_03 31:10

I saw their pre-season friendly the other day, D15. Um what did they play recently? They played 6-2. I don't know. I I still have doubts about our team. Yeah, you know.

SPEAKER_01 31:19

No, no, no, no, there's doubt about the team, but in terms of the group stage, now they will have more quality than Hetty and Scotland for sure. Morocco is the other top team in the group. I think you know, that game will be tough. You know, um, maybe they draw something, that game will be tough. Uh and for Morocco, in recent years, they have been they've been trying a lot. They controversially won the Cup of Nations.

SPEAKER_03 31:42

They didn't win in my books. They didn't win in my books.

SPEAKER_01 31:45

They didn't win in my books, but they don't win that.

SPEAKER_00 31:47

But I get it. Is the cop with them?

SPEAKER_01 31:51

No, they don't win it for the paper, but they won't for the case.

SPEAKER_00 31:54

Exactly, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 31:55

But you know, crazy. They're winning for paper, exactly. I mean, the final thing. You know, we need to final.

SPEAKER_03 32:00

We need to. I feel like many African countries need to model Morocco's, you know, standard when it comes to the way they've structured their football in recent years. Their women are also getting into cup finals, African Cup Finals, they're under 17 doing really well, under 20 doing really well. Like they've structured their football really well. They've invested a lot in their stadium, you know. And I think it's is is it just shows that when you invest properly into football, you get the rip of it, not just internally, but at the biggest stage of football, with what they did at the 2022 World Cup. No one saw it coming, getting into the semifinals. And I'm sure they're gonna pick it up from there this year as well. You know, but um, Imano, going into this group now, what do you think? Um do you think um 80 has something to doing?

SPEAKER_00 32:52

I mean, for me, I would I don't I think it's one of this group is gonna be one of the like groups to look out for. It's gonna be a difficult group. I'm not just giving it to Brazil, to be honest. I'm not just gonna give it to them. You know, I think it's gonna be very difficult to be between Brazil, uh, Morocco, and Scotland. It's gonna be uh I'm not even tipping Brazil or I think community Brazil to top the group. Yeah, that's how close I think it's gonna be, you know. But yeah, it's a tough one, honestly. It's a tough one. I don't want to write off or write off um Scotland.

SPEAKER_03 33:32

I mean, they have an amazing team, the likes of uh McGain, McGill. Yeah, I mean, those guys are playing really well.

SPEAKER_02 33:38

You have a decent team that playing in the Premier League, many amazing team, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 33:46

Man, I think Brazil and Morocco would scale true, but I don't really know who's gonna go top, or I think they would just say Brazil and Morocco.

SPEAKER_03 33:59

But personally, I feel like I'm gonna tee Brazil and Morocco myself on this group. Maybe maybe Scott Scotland could be like a best thought team, maybe, but yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah. Now yeah.

SPEAKER_00 34:14

Ah, we even ah, we should be.

SPEAKER_03 34:16

No, that's it. You don't even know if Brazil is a good thing. Exactly. Because is to me, I don't know. I don't I just I don't feel confident about them going into this world cup. You know, you know, when you're when you're going to the World Cup, like you know Brazil, they're always coming with loads of juggle bonitos, loads of talent, you know. But this do you know? But now Nehemiah Nehema with the Coaster boy is injured currently, they're not replacing him.

SPEAKER_01 34:40

So there's no no no we didn't we didn't we didn't we didn't expect him to be able to do that.

SPEAKER_03 34:45

I couldn't expect him to play because you know why I thought he was gonna play and why I feel like Papa Zaluti had to take him because bro, if that man doesn't take Nemar, there's gonna be a problem in Brazil. Like they idolized Nemadan in Vinnie Jr. And if we look at Vinnie Jr. in the Brazil national team, it's not like he's added anything, you know, really solid, you know, he's not been the apostle boy. Neymar has always been the apostle boy, you know, you know, from the under 17s, you know, making it to the national team and everything. So like he has to be there. And it's it's not political, it's just it's just a norm. You and going into every World Cup, you need to have that sensational player on your team. That every World Cup team needs to have that player that, you know, in when Brazil won in the time, we have the lack of Pele, Argentina will give you Messi, Portugal will give you Cristiano Ronaldo, Senegal will give you Sadio Mani. You know, there's always that standout player in every national team that one team will be scared of facing, if you get what I mean. And I think Neymar is that kind of guy that poster threats. But looking at that team generally now, without even Neymar, is it Vinny?

SPEAKER_00 35:54

Maybe, or Rafinha, maybe I think for me, Neymar being there, it's more of a psychological effect, you understand, for his teammate and even the opponent in general. No matter how you know out of form he is, if you as a defender, if you are up against Neymar, there is that like little bit of you know exactly. And I personally don't see him playing 60 minutes or every game, you know, but he's someone that I don't necessarily see him starting games, or even if he starts games, yeah, I don't see him playing the whole 90 minutes. But like you said, he's someone that has to be there for the psychological effects, for the morale booster, the poster boy, everything. So I think he'll still go.

SPEAKER_03 36:45

Whether he's half injured or group D. Let me start with you, Manu. Um, we've got um United States of America, which is the US Nation, we've got Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. Like, going is is is a very tough one. And um what do you think about this group? Group D, United States of America, Paraguay, Australia, I think and Turkey.

SPEAKER_00 37:09

I think USA of Turkey goes through. I wanted to think yeah, I wanted to Australia. I'm not too really certain about that theme, you know. I think, yeah, uh Turkey has a little bit of me in a couple of years.

SPEAKER_03 37:24

Amazing team as well, with young talent.

SPEAKER_00 37:26

I think US with loads of young talent. And obviously, USA is a pretty decent team, and of course, being the host nation, and I see them topping the group.

SPEAKER_03 37:38

There's always thoughts about this. I mean, even the current American squad, there's they're always because they are legends as well. Their legends are like the English legends always seen during our time. But bro, I look at this guy, they didn't win anything. The likes of London Donovan, you know, the likes of Clint Demsey, bro.

SPEAKER_00 37:58

But this this current squad, you know, we've got yeah, I think they are feeling the same thing. They will just do the bare minimum to qualify, you know, it's time. And yeah, and I also tip Turkey as well.

SPEAKER_03 38:10

What about you, Cersei?

SPEAKER_01 38:12

Oh. I think this group is not so cut and dry. I think Turkey will make it true. But USA. I mean, not concerned.

SPEAKER_03 38:21

Like I said, like we talk about the US Nation privilege, also. It could be, I feel like in this group, looking at it, to me, it could just be USA and maybe Turkey. Because that trust me, Adaguler would, you know, would, you know, really, really, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 38:40

So I think they have a pretty decent team as well.

SPEAKER_03 38:42

So to me, I think USA and Turkey should make it out of this group easy.

SPEAKER_01 38:46

Yeah, because the rest of them is Paranoia and Australia. Australia has they are never good in any you know international tournaments, hardly.

SPEAKER_03 38:51

Paraguay is always just there.

SPEAKER_01 38:53

Paraguay.

SPEAKER_03 38:53

They're just always there. They always make up numbers, actually. Yeah, I think Uruguay is still the one who always come out tops a little bit, but um, yeah, going into group E, let me start with you, so see. We've got Germany, first time appearance, Kurakao, Iricos, and Ecuador. It's um Germany are gonna be, you know, they exited early in the 2018 World Cup, they won the 2014 World Cup, 2022, they didn't really do so well. And you know, we've got African Giants as well in this group, Iricoast, you know, and against the youngest team in this tournament, which is Ecuador. You know, what do you think about this group?

SPEAKER_01 39:33

This group, it's like every group in this tolerance tough. No, bro, it's everything is fine. Yeah. This would this would be a tough one. This is a group that they'll be definitely be top third place. Um for me, looking at it's Germany. I think they're just happy to be there.

SPEAKER_03 39:54

No disrespect to them, but yeah, I feel like the whipping boys of that group.

SPEAKER_01 39:58

I just slightly give you a big one. I think I think I yeah, yeah, but I think I mean I think every could still be run up into, you know, more aspect.

SPEAKER_03 40:09

Is that something special about Germany Manuel? Bro, fine. We've got the likes of Kai Avery. To me, for me, I don't think there's any alternative striker in that team. The way I look at this Gemini. This guy, Ondev, um, what's it called? Kai Averts, Lorissani, Mussiala, they have an amazing team too, young and old, but I don't feel confident about it.

SPEAKER_00 40:33

I think they have amazing players, but in recent times, they've not really done well as a team. Not saying they are not gonna make it out of the group, but for this particular group, I think this is gonna be one of the most physical groups, you know. It's these are quite a very young talent, a lot of physicalities you understand. So, yeah, it's gonna be I it's just like the previous I I I don't want to give it to Germany just like that. I don't think it's gonna be easy for them. I think they'll probably qualify, but yeah, I don't think they are the Germany or the German machines of previous years that we've seen, you know. So it's not just gonna be a walk in the park for them as well. But in second place, honestly, it's gonna be a tough one between Ecuador and because I I feel like Ivory Coast. I mean, there is a the George brothers there as well, you know. Any of those things, yeah. So yeah, for me, uh I think uh I'm gonna tip Germany and Ivory Coast. What about Susie?

SPEAKER_03 41:37

I think you you tipped in Germany and Ecuador.

SPEAKER_01 41:39

Yeah, but it's in our well forgetfulness. You know, the standards that were giving all these big accounters is because of the way they have performed in the past. It doesn't mean that the the smaller voice of mouse.

SPEAKER_00 41:50

Exactly, but we can't use their current standards. We can't be using old glory. Like I said, there's gonna be a lot of surprises. And if we look at the standard of these big things, you understand, we can't just say because oh, they are big names, the Germans, the Brazils, the Englands, that we just it's gonna be a walking apart from no no, it's not it's not even about the big their big names, it's about their current partner. They're actually doing well, but it's not a serious team.

SPEAKER_03 42:16

Let's be honest with ourselves.

SPEAKER_00 42:19

Yeah, I don't I don't think the only person I'll I'll I'll even tip Gemini to win if I'm gonna like they'll probably win the Koraka and maybe the Equador, but I don't think Germany's gonna beat Ivy Krug. Yeah, it's gonna be tough for that. Yeah, sure. But we'll see how it goes. But yeah, for me, Gemini and Ivy.

SPEAKER_03 42:43

Um we've got Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia. And um, you know, obviously Netherland has always been like the the dark horses of every tournament, you know. That thing that you always you know expect something from there. We saw the likes of Arjun Rubin in the time past, Bram Percy, Van Brocos, Van Bomel, you know, the Van Van era. If you remember that point in time, you know, was this um I think um Wesley Snyder played for them? Yeah, Wesley Snyder, Darkoit in the past, you know, amazing team, but they got to the final in 2014 against um in 2010 against Spain. Unfortunately, they lost that final one goal to Neil, beautiful goal from Andrea Sinesta. Coming into this World Cup again, you know, in 2022. I mean, this is one of the things we say about tournament football. Kodigakpo was exceptional for them, and you know, it got that move to Liverpool in the long run. Japan as well. Japan has always been an amazing team in every tournament as well, probably crashing out, maybe around 16 or quarterfinals, but they always make a name for them for themselves. We've got Sweden, you know, young team, you know, with the likes of um um Yokaris, the likes. Of um you know um um what's his name from Liverpool right now? The Liverpool striker from Newcastle. Um Newcastle. Why are names going off my head right now? But yeah, it happens like that. So I mean they have a very young team, you know, talented as well. And we also have a country called Tunisia from the to me, Tunisia. I don't know. They always qualify. Either for the nation's club, what they always find a way to qualify, but they don't always just you find a way to make a name for themselves. What do you think about this group, um Imano?

SPEAKER_00 44:40

Well, um, I think Netherlands will qualify easily from the group. Not like easily, but I I tip them to like top group, you know. And second place, Sweden, Japan. That's gonna be a tough one for me. Yeah. It's actually gonna be a tough one, but I think Sweden and Japan.

SPEAKER_03 44:59

Sweden will go through. Any any tip for like a third place finish?

SPEAKER_00 45:03

Like if there is a top place finish, um I don't think any top third, the third place, which will eventually be maybe um what was their name? Japan. I don't see them going through at the end of the day.

SPEAKER_03 45:18

So that means you're tipping Netherlands and Sweden, third place finish should be like Japan. Then Tunisia should be like the what do you think, Sostin?

SPEAKER_01 45:24

For me, I'll give it to Netherlands and maybe Sweden. But I don't think Japan will come through. I think Tunisia, they just have the world.

SPEAKER_03 45:33

But but to me, in this kind of group, I I know Tunisia is not gonna make it out of this group. No, they're not gonna make it out. I think we have played them in the in the nation's cup as well. We defeated them in the nation, I think 3-2. He ended. It's just a team that they always come to make the numbers. But for me, I think it's gonna be Netherlands and Japan in this group. Now let's go to group G. I want us to run off quickly. I don't want us to spend so much time. But I still want us to look at, you know, uh our favorites and um, you know, the like dark horses. Group G, um, we've got Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand. Um, you know, Belgium has always come with this story of famous, you know, golden generation, Eddie Nazareth, Kevin De Brenna, Romelo Lukaku, um, Dembele, Mosa Dembele. I'm talking about Mossademble, Vetogen. They've always had amazing TV cent company, you know, in the past, but unfortunately, it's always like maybe a round of 16 finish, quarter final finish, you know. Coming into this World Cup, this group, this group looked really interesting, you know, playing the likes of Egypt with Mohammed Salah. Last chance for him, I guess, to, you know, push his country. Iran seemed like a decent team with Mediterranean up front, New Zealand as well, with the likes of um Chris Wood. What do you think about this group, Saucy? What do you think was gonna make it adapter scroll? Um Zealand doesn't have a chance. Yeah, just yeah, just I saw your friend against England yesterday.

SPEAKER_01 47:06

They just did no England England is just because it does because show you how bad England is.

SPEAKER_03 47:14

Yeah, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 47:15

How good New Zealand is. I think what do you think to make it?

SPEAKER_03 47:20

I think this group speaks it speaks for itself directly.

SPEAKER_00 47:23

Although I don't agree, like or not like you said though. I think they are going to be able to do it.

SPEAKER_03 47:28

That's what I said. That's why I mentioned those players, you know, the likes of Dimbi.

SPEAKER_00 47:32

Yeah, I didn't know.

SPEAKER_03 47:34

Because right now, you know, you look at the likes of Kevin De Brune, he's not as you know, exceptional as it used to be. You know, you look at uh Jeremy Doku on and off, you look at um who else is in their midfield, Tilemans, you know, on and off, Andrew. I mean Tilemans could still do well. Andrew Nana is still and they have Unana um uh what's it called? Yeah, Unana in their midfield together plays by Aston Via.

SPEAKER_00 48:01

Um they still have a decent team, but I don't think I think yeah, they just have what it takes to like just like you know, group, yeah, go out from the group and you know advance from the group, but yeah, I don't see them going right anything.

SPEAKER_03 48:18

Let's go to group H quickly. Um let me start with you, Emmanuel. So because Spain, Kevard, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. I mean, in my opinion, you know, this this is like a toughest draw for you know a debutant talking about Kevin, you know, first time coming into the World Cup and you having to face Spain and Uruguay in your group with Saudi Arabia, and also um, you know, the Spain, you know, the current number one team in the WIFA World Cup ranking as well, is on that group as well. Um, Saudi Arabia, you know, the the biggest shock of okay, I think it was Saudi Arabia that defeated Argentina in the last World Cup, defeating yeah, two goals to one in the last stage of the last World Cup, which was really, really interesting. You know, it's it's a huge mountain to climb for Kebad. What do you think about this group, Imano?

SPEAKER_00 49:02

I think we are looking at who finished. Obviously, yeah, amazing team, obviously. Amazing team. Yeah. But uh Saudi Arabia is I I I definitely think second, though. But I think Saudi Arabia, yeah, Saudi Arabia will give them a run for their money as well. But I'm tipping quickly, Sussi, what do you think about this group?

SPEAKER_01 49:27

Uh this group, I think finished up. But you know, Spain, in their last three games, uh last four games, I've drawn three. You know, so you know, that's also something to look out for. But I think she remembered.

SPEAKER_00 49:39

When you say last four games, are you talking about friendlies? Yeah, everything comes into play now. Nah, I don't really, I don't really look at friendlies that.

SPEAKER_03 49:46

I mean to in all honesty, I think yeah, if we need to look at it constructively, they are one of the favorites to win this tournament with what it did at the last Euros, you know, and they still kept that majority of that group of players, you know, with just one or two additions over there. Um the only the only downside with Spain this year is not having the Madrid player in their team. You know, um, but I feel like they're still gonna what what's your prediction? Okay, now I'm grouping. Yeah, um easy. Um we've got France, Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. You know, obviously France are the the champions in 2018, they made it to the final in 2022 as well. Coming into this tournament again, they're likely favorite again with the likes of Kilan Mbapi, Osman Dembele, Michael Lisi, Upame Kano, Rabiot, Ungolukante has been added back into the squad. The two um Hernandez brothers are back into the squad going into this tournament, Senegal, you know, African champion, African Giants as well. Norway with the likes of Elin Aland. I I I by the way, did you guys see their Vikings? You know, I think that's that should be the picture, the theme photo of the tournament for me, in my opinion. That is that is that that defines culture, that defines history, that defines beauty. Like it was just awesome. You know, and I like their songs where they you know the chance they do before every game, you know, it just shows one of the exciting things to watch out for going into this World Cup. What do you guys think about this group? So see, France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway. I think this group would be a little bit tough for seconds.

SPEAKER_01 51:22

Because like you said, favorites. I think France should also be one of the favorites to go all the way. And I think Senegal just make it over Norway. I know Norway, they have two talent like Odigada. But I think just the fiscality, yeah, but the fiscality of Senegal and the quality of their players and how they are competitions. You know and the quality of the ball. Yeah, so I think France and Senegal make it.

SPEAKER_00 51:48

Yeah, I think I have to agree with Sorcy. I mean, it's such a pity. I think um if there is a third place going into like you know, casting, I think Norway should be part of the that would progress into you know the next stage. And uh they have good players, but I just think Senegal is a better player.

SPEAKER_03 52:08

And then true, as a team because I mean Senegal has won two two nations cup in recent time. You know, they've always had that camaraderie and you know, they've always been together, and also uh one thing I know for sure um Ireland will get his goals, whether you like it or not. It's team I think five, he will get his goals. You can't take that away from him. But then going into the group J, um, Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, I think this this group picks itself without wasting much time on this group. Imano, Argentina, Algeria.

SPEAKER_00 52:41

Yeah, I think they're already arranged with Argentina, Algeria, so we may show you.

SPEAKER_03 52:45

But let's not forget, I think Algeria is having tired legs right now, you know. I think Maris has ended his time with them after the Nations Cup, you know, because we know Argentina as the defending champion because they are there to defend their title. And most World Cup that we've seen in recent times, it's always difficult for you to have won before to win it, you know, the second time. I know, like you said, Argentina goes through, but do you think and if you look at our team, the coach kept the crop of players, majority of them, it kept the same set of players. There's no really much um additions or exclusions. But to me, I'm seeing like the likes of Molina, Tagiafiku, they are tired legs. Even Lionel Messi.

SPEAKER_00 53:31

Yes, yo, no, like if we're talking about the group stage, I see them just you know um going out and progressing from the group stage, but I don't see them as a major contender.

SPEAKER_03 53:45

It's just a normal team. Like I mean, like I said, with without Luna Mercy I don't even see them making it to the quarterfinals.

SPEAKER_00 53:54

That's how, yeah. I just see them as that team that will just progress from the group stage because it's quite an easy group for them, and you know, just play get out in the next stage or probably progress from the round of 32, but anything from the round of 16.

SPEAKER_03 54:11

So, what do you think about this group quickly before we move to the next one?

SPEAKER_01 54:14

Yeah, I think the way you read it out is Argentina, Algeria.

SPEAKER_03 54:17

Argentina, Austria. Well, I think it sort of causes out to be fair. But Austria too. I mean, if you look at someone like um this is our Nigerian brother over there, his injury has not really been nice. Him talking about Alaba, you know, is it's just been unloved. I don't know if Anatovich is going to be in this tournament. So, you know, it's just it's just there. But yeah, Argentina for me, like you said, and um probably maybe Algeria or Austria for second, but would see Group K, which is called the Almighty Portugal, DR Congo that took Nigerian sports, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. I mean, Ronaldo had 41, the oldest outfit player, you know, to feature at this year's World Cup, which is crazy. The other oldest person, uh person I think from Scotland is a goalkeeper, is 43. Ronaldo is the oldest outfit, which is 41 years old. Then we've got you know, amazing thing for Portugal, and I think it's gonna be difficult because Jal Felix is in that team, Bruno Fernandez, Jal Neves, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Brian, and Brian DM, D. Defender, Viega, Rafael Leal. What do you think about this team? And again, Amis Rogres is gonna be back with Colombia in this tournament. And um Uzbekistan as well. What do you think about this group? I think it sort of picks itself as well. You know, Portugal, Diar Congo. Let me start with you, Saucy, Diar Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

SPEAKER_01 55:50

I think Portugal make it out. Yeah, because the quality of the team, especially in the midfield, is just too much. They will dominate those other teams. For second, uh we'll have to give it to Colombia. Yes, because I think this is the Open Go's like uh when when when they come in the World Cup last. I don't even know if I can't remember them ever playing too. But I mean, I will give it to Portugal and Colombia.

SPEAKER_03 56:21

Yeah, what about him at all?

SPEAKER_01 56:23

Top two.

SPEAKER_00 56:23

Uh, I think I would disagree with Sorce on that second place.

SPEAKER_03 56:26

Yeah, I think I think I record in a way because they're a decent thing to be honest. They can play football.

SPEAKER_00 56:32

Those guys uh even we as Nigerians forget the fact that we are Nigerians and we just we want to those guys play decent football. Even before we faced them, we've been here like this.

SPEAKER_03 56:43

And majority of them play in Europe, majority of them play in Europe, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 56:47

So if they keep up that standard, if they keep up that whole the way they played in the qualifiers, I think they're gonna be able to do that.

SPEAKER_03 56:53

I think I sort of tip them, even if they don't make second, maybe like a strong third place. But for me, Colombia as well, they've been on enough. I mean, Colombia has an amazing team as well, you know, lose the ads with the form it took from the Champions League as well. But I just feel like there's something about that Diara Congo that we should watch out for in this tournament. Um, going to group um L, which is the last group of this group, we have the almighty England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama. So many people have been looking to this England-Ghana game for some reason. I don't know why. But yeah, I mean, England, you know, they they they they had an amazing run at the last World Cup in 2022. I think they crashed out in the quarterfinals against France. Um, you know, with Garrett Target, and you know, now it's going to be Thomas Toko bringing them to this tournament. They had their you know, amazing squad, Croatia. To me, they've got loads of tired legs, the likes of Luca Mordridge, Kovacic, Perry Sitch, Cramrick. Like, to me, then Ghana coming with the likes of Inaki Williams, the likes of um this guy from um Man City, Semenyu, Jordan A. You what's your prediction, guys, and Panama? I think this group sort of picks itself as well. England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama. Imano.

SPEAKER_00 58:21

Uh for me, yeah, I don't think it sort of picked itself because yeah, England will definitely go through somehow. But in talking about certain countries, I think it's it's gonna be a game that will be decided by tactical, you know, it's gonna be a game of tactical play, you know, because Croatia, of course, third legs, but coming with the experience, you know, loads of experienced players. And we have the Ghaninian team that come with their physicality as Africans, uh, you know, and also a very like an average young team. So yeah, I don't think it's gonna be easy for them, you know, the Ghaninian team over the Croatian team with the tired legs. But I think I will be teaming first. England goes out first.

SPEAKER_03 59:07

Right. What about you, Susi? I mean, what's with this England talks about not wanting to have a handshake with um Thomas Party because of the allegations of um, you know, the sexual thinking like because to me, Party's gonna be captaining the Ghana national team, and I don't think I don't know why England likes to do things, you know. I mean, it's very dramatic. It's is there's is it there's a difference between being on um trial or being convicted for something, but he's not just being confirmed that he actually did it, you know, he's just attending trial and everything. So you can't say he's done it or he's doing it. I mean, look at the Greenwood situation that happened in the time past. The same Greenwood that you guys, you know, turned against. Thank God for Spain, thank God for French National and French League, is back to normal. The same lady he had, you know, things with then, he still married that lady and had a baby with a lady. Like, I don't know. I think England needs to, you know, try and soft pedal in some ways. I don't know, but that's yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:00:08

I mean, for me, I think it's sort of a shame that we are bringing politics into football. Even the fact that the Russian team can't even be thing, you know, it's such a shame.

SPEAKER_03 1:00:20

So for some for some capacity, sorry to cut you short. I think it's politics is part of football. Because in a way, I I have a theory with one of my one one of my brothers that that football is one of the reasons why we didn't have a third world war.

SPEAKER_00 1:00:35

I agree, I agree, but you know, we can't be selective with the things we say, you know, like you accept this and because of this, you know. I agree with what you're saying. It has an effect in the world in general, but you know, but saying because of some certain things, you have to sanction a whole team or a whole country out of a whole competition. Ah if if you know, I don't think that's a good call. But yeah, going back to the question of the day, I think for me it's England.

SPEAKER_03 1:01:06

So then so, yeah, quickly, you wanted to give your prediction about this group group.

SPEAKER_01 1:01:10

Yeah. Um, I think England that was very weird. But I think England, yeah, they will make it true. But I think it's a bit crash up at him. It's already always deep, but I just feel yeah, you know. But I think just the just the experience uh is what will get them over the plan.

SPEAKER_03 1:01:38

Yeah, but I think maybe I see Nigeria's already bantering them like Nigerians are not happy with Ghana and Diara Congo going to start. You see, Nigeria is looking out for because normally when Nigeria is not at the work, we always want to support another African country. But they're like, no, this year we are against Ghana, South Africa, and Diara Congo. We know we are against them. But I want us to, you know, round off quickly because I mean our time is fast spent. Quickly, um, Sossi, who are your favorites to win in this tournament? Who do you think are gonna be dark horses for you? Fine. We talk about the whipping boys of most of the group while we're looking at them, but quickly, what's your what do you think is gonna be like a favorite, you know, to win this tournament and um like it's sort of your dark horse as well.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:22

Favorites, like if I want to pick one team, I have to give it to France.

SPEAKER_03 1:02:25

Right.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:26

I mean why are you giving why are you giving it to France? I just feel aside from you know uh the quality players that they have, I just feel like they have a point to prove after losing the final in the last one. Yeah. And I think you know, they'll try to go one step further.

SPEAKER_03 1:02:48

What's the X factor for them this time? So, what do you think can be done differently to win it this time? Or is it just the same momentum like the last one? Because they go to the final the last one and they lost some penalties. So is there anything extra that I think could, you know, give them an edge, maybe Kilan Mbappe? Because obviously, is their poster boy, is there a star boy, but or would the likes of Ryan Sheki that is joining this time around, the midfield solidity of Ngulukante and Rabio, do you think there's anything that could keep them, you know, take them above the line this time around?

SPEAKER_01 1:03:20

Yeah, it was their poster boy. But like if you watch the, especially the final last game, you said that you were the one trying to do, like it was trying to carry the team on his back. So for them to be able to go one step further, the other players, like Ulise said, Cherki, Kante's back, you know, their defense has to be more solid. I think the wrestlers have to come into their own, you know, and now that extra edge so that it's won't just be Mbappe they're relying on, so that you know the X factor can come from anyone, and that would be the difference in them. So you don't you don't you don't think Spain can do it this time around? No, no, I see like I said, Spain is second for me. Spain can go, yeah, they can make a long run.

SPEAKER_03 1:03:57

But if I was your dark horses, probably a team that could, you know, be surprised, could get to the semifinals for you, or semi-final, semifinal. Like someone like you're not really playing the eye, but you feel like you don't and also okay, yeah, yeah, just uh your dark horses, anyone.

SPEAKER_01 1:04:12

I don't know if they're really a dark horse, but I think this tournament will strengthen. Yeah, we'll be able to go for maybe a quarter. Maybe not selling all gets um deep.

SPEAKER_03 1:04:24

Before you give your prediction in terms of like the favorite on the the dark horse, Cristiano Ronaldo, this is the last chance for him. Do you think he has a chance with Portugal National? Because to me, I looked at our last World Cup and I looked at myself in 2022. I was I was here and I'm like, this team doesn't need Ronaldo anymore. I'm sorry. They'll be fine without Ronaldo, in my opinion. They have an amazing bro. Look, have you seen their midfield? Vitina, Jar Neves, and this is someone you play with every now and then. Like they understand each other. So we're not adding Bruno Fernandez to that team, bro, with the amazing season he's got, you know, Jar Felix had an amazing season with Ansa as well. You know, you have um Diaz, you're backing on Mendez, one of the best left back in the world. Now I'm bringing Ronaldo back into this team again. Last chance, he wants to win the World Cup. Either he likes it or not, he wants to win it. Do you think they have a chance? Do you think they could be your favorite?

SPEAKER_00 1:05:14

Well, apart from the fact that I'm I'm a Ronaldo fan, I mean, I don't see a reason why we can agree that Brazil sorts of needs Neymar and Portugal doesn't need to, you understand. Also, I don't think he's there to play nice every match again. I don't think he's he he will want to, you understand, but I don't think he's there. I don't think he needs to, you know, to back up what you said, they don't really need him to play that one to play all 90 minutes. In fact, it's a situation whereby yeah, well, because he has personal goals he's fighting for, innit? But at the end of the day, right? It's something that if of course I think he starts. That's all games, and if he can get his one or two goals quickly, it's someone that they will remove. You understand? But I think they will be fine with how without him, but they still need him in the team again for the psychological effect and everything. If you are coming against Portugal, you are coming against Ronaldo. There's no how you want to look at it. And we see what he did in his club. He's not that person anymore, but he still poses that threat to any defender of any team, you understand? So, yeah. For me, I think first of all, what I would like to look at, I don't know if it's out already, but what I'd like to look at is the runway. Because, like, yeah, this is a new format now. So I don't know if the runway is out to how it's not out yet. It's not going to be after the group stages. Yeah, I think that would be a determiner. I have my top three teams. I think France, Spain, and Portugal are my top three teams. But depending on the runway, I think that will determine who eventually will make it to the final. Because you'll be surprised the runway comes out and one team will just have an easier way after. You understand. So that's it. But if I have to pick a team, I'm going to take a look at the first time. What about to lose it? I obviously trans because that team, they have it it's one thing to have good players, and it's one another thing for your good players to play as a good team. You understand? And I think they just take all the old boxes in terms of the France national team. I think they don't need to do anything.

SPEAKER_03 1:07:37

But softly, don't you think this weather is going to be a huge factor going into this tournament? Because it's really going to be very hot. It's going to be like, you know, it's not the kind of way that they play on regularly. Don't you think it's going to affect some teams?

SPEAKER_01 1:07:52

Um, they've had um World Cups in America before in similar conditions. I think even if it will affect them a little bit, it won't it won't be a determining factor, like while top players will be able to pick up.

SPEAKER_03 1:08:04

I mean, um, I really, I mean, yeah, I want us to round off right now. I mean, we've been able to, you know, look at all the groups from A to L. We've been able to pick our favourites. Personally, I don't have a favorite going into this world cup. I'm sorry. I just no good chest.

SPEAKER_01 1:08:20

If you have to pick one, we'll chest one.

SPEAKER_03 1:08:22

I mean, Clef's favorite for me should be France, but I just feel like there's something about a Spanish national team that we're not looking at. Because Laminama would definitely, you know, come up with Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:08:33

For me, I'm tipping a France Spain final, you know. But like I said, depending on the realm, but I am tipping a France wave final, and I just think France.

SPEAKER_03 1:08:43

Lamin Yamao, you know, the William brother as well. Um, in midfield, the Pedry, it's a young team, it's an amazing team. They can play football. So I I'm looking forward to seeing what they're gonna do.

SPEAKER_00 1:08:57

Yeah, they are they are I feel they are both young teams, you understand. And just like Sorcy said, you you talked about the weather, you might be mentioned on that. I think that is where those like third places, and you know, that's why in some cases in the group state, I kept mentioning the physicality of the team, which is where the African teams who enjoy this weather because of the stuff in the experience. Yeah, you know, that is where the edge and the physicality will come. You know, when we looked at the Croatia, the Ghanaian team, is it the Ghaninian team? So this is where situations like that can have an edge over the other team. But like Soucy said, in general, uh, at the end of the day, it's still one of those teams, and I'm tipping transnational. Congrats.

SPEAKER_03 1:09:43

How about you? We'll see how you use my black hole, or my dark horses. I'm thinking Yeah, maybe. I mean, for me, I think my dark hole should be Seneca. Uh maybe Sending Girl, yeah. But gentlemen, thank you so much for coming on the board today. I really appreciate your time. I know you all got busy schedules. I mean, we had to just squeeze our time to quickly do this, and I really, really appreciate it, guys. Um, look out for this amazing content we're gonna be dropping this week um prior to the World Cup. And um subscribe on YouTube, listen on um Apple Music, an Apple Podcast on Spotify. It's gonna be available at the Great and Beyond Podcast. And um we'll look out for many more content within this World Cup era because we're gonna be following all the games back to back and we're gonna be you know discussing about the World Cup and other things in general as the time goes on. Thank you so much, guys, for coming on the podcast today. I wish you guys an amazing week. I wish you guys an amazing World Cup, and um we'll be back to look at your predictions in the long run and see who's got the edge.

SPEAKER_00 1:10:43

And um Yeah, I won't be surprised before the next time we're coming.

SPEAKER_03 1:10:47

Yeah, I already see one of two big studies in the world. Thank you so much, guys. I really appreciate it. Some structures. Once again, my name is um Uluatu Blava. You can call me Mr. T Bag. I've got um two amazing gentlemen today. We had the podcast together today talking about Sosimoni and um Ernest Star. Thank you so much for coming, and um, I'll see you next time. Peace.