NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Twelve groups, the largest number in the history of the FIFA World Cup. But which one is more exciting?
Thierry Henry predicted it would be Group I, and not just because The Blues are in the group.
“You have to think about Senegal and Norway, who are my two dark horses in this competition,” Henry, World Cup winner with France in 1998, said on “FIFA World Cup Live” on Thursday. “It’s going to be tough for Iraq. I think all three teams will go forward, so I’m looking forward to that one, and there’s another one: Group C.
“Of course Brazil and Morocco, but somehow in the first match, Haiti against Scotland, I think Haiti can spring a surprise with that one.”
(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappé and France lost to Lionel Messi and Argentina on penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, but have reloaded with a deep squad that should make a deep run. Meanwhile, Senegal reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Zlatan Ibrahimović, Group L is the one to watch.
“Group L. We have England. We have Croatia… Then we have Ghana with great talents. Let’s see what they bring,” Ibrahimović said. We have Panama. Unfortunately, in this group I think they will be a punching bag for England and Croatia, and Ghana could upset them and take a few points.”
Harry Kane and England are hoping to avenge a grueling defeat to Lamine Yamal and Spain in the Euro 2024 final. England have not won a major trophy since 1966, when they won the World Cup.
(Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
As for former American football star and FOX Sports Soccer analyst Alexi Lalas, he has his eyes set on Group D, which includes the United States.
“I think for the first time at a World Cup for the U.S. men’s team, [the country] should not settle. [The country] “We should expect this American team, given their talent, depth and experience, to win this group,” Lalas said.
“We’ve never said that before. I don’t think it’s Pollyanna. I think it’s realistic. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe this team was capable of doing that…I can say it’s an ‘easy’ group, and I know that’s a loaded word, but if I put it up against any group [they’ve] I’ve had in the past, I’ll take this all day.”
Paraguay, Australia and Turkey are the three countries in Group D with Team USA.
Team USA’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is Friday night against Paraguay.
