The Lowe-Down

Post-Group Stage Review - World Cup 2026 How do the favourites look? Starting with my pre-tournament pick, France, and it must be said Les Bleues look ominous. Scary. The attacking talent all seem to be producing, whether it’s goals, assists or general cohesion. They’ve seen off tough tests in Senegal and Norway and look strong, exciting and like champions. The other team with a 100% record so far are the holders, Argentina, having won three from three. The little man is showing us just exactly how much he has to offer, which, from scoring six goals in three games, is clearly quite a lot. Argentina look very solid and are relying on moments from Messi and their other attackers. They’ve grown into tournaments before, as they did at the 2022 World Cup, but have, this time, clicked into gear much earlier. Can they stay the course? Time will tell. The three others, England, Spain and Brazil, all won two and drew one of their group matches. Brazil, yesterday, left it very late to squeeze pa...

World Cup 2026 - Preview and Predictions The greatest show on earth returns. It doesn’t quite feel real that it’s that time again. It’s been (almost) four years since Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar, and now we do it all over again. It’s about as open a World Cup as I can remember. We’re going to undertake the very easy task of previewing the favourites and predicting a winner. One thing’s for certain: the world will watch, and we will feast on a summer of football. Argentina The world champions are seeking to do what no team has done since Brazil in 1962 and retain the World Cup. Since Qatar 2022, Argentina have retained the Copa América and stormed the South American qualifying stage, cementing themselves as South America’s leading nation. Just like Spain, Argentina’s team is settled, with each player knowing exactly what they’re doing. Angel Di Maria is the only absentee from four years ago; however, it’s pretty much as you were for the rest of the squad. And yes, that little...