World Cup — Fearless forecast for the group stage

It is time for the World Cup and we are at the stage of this process where things have settled a bit with each team.

That means we are here to give you the forecast on how we think each World Cup group will play out.

Below is each group in the predicted order of the finish.

Group A

1. Mexico
2. South Korea
3. Czechia
4. South Africa

This is a sneaky tough group and — in truth — all four teams have a chance here. Mexico, one of the host countries, should be able to thrive in the home atmosphere, but South Korea is going to be very tough. Expect some fireworks

from this group as Czechia and South Africa can also make some noise.

Group B

1. Switzerland
2. Canada
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Qatar

Switzerland is the best team in this group, but Canada could provide a stiff challenge if it can get healthy. Bosnia and Herzegovina could be a threat, but third place seems about right.

Group C

1. Brazil
2. Morocco
3. Scotland
4. Haiti

Brazil is — far and away — the most talented team in the group, but it does not exactly have a disciplinarian in charge with Carlo Ancelotti. Will the hands-off approach benefit the Brazilians? Meanwhile, Morocco is going to be a very tough squad. Scotland and Haiti might not seem too powerful on paper, but — on the right day — both could create a headache. All that said, expect Brazil and Morocco to take care of business with Brazil edging the Moroccans to win the group.

Group D

1. Türkiye
2. United States
3. Australia
4. Paraguay

Many are expecting big things from the USMNT on its home soil, but Türkiye is extremely strong and both Australia and Paraguay can muck things up enough to make any game a challenge. This group could get wild.

Group E

1. Germany
2. Ecuador
3. Ivory Coast
4. Curaçao

Man…if Germany does not win this group, it will be a wild scene. For as shaky as the Germans have looked, they are still the best team, though Ecuador and the Ivory Coast are not pushovers.

Group F

1. Netherlands
2. Japan
3. Sweden
4. Tunisia

Normally, Sweden would be a threat, but this is a down cycle for the Swedes, so this comes down to the Dutch vs. Japan, which could be tighter than you would think. The Netherlands has far more talent than Japan, but cohesion and rising to the occasion have not always been easy for the Dutch.

Group G

1. Belgium
2. Egypt
3. Iran
4. New Zealand

Aside of New Zealand, this group could feature quite a few toss-up games. Belgium is not the juggernaut that it was a few years ago, while Egypt and Iran could be a little tougher than some would anticipate. Belgium is still the cream of the crop, but could be challenged a little before sweeping through the group.

Group H

1. Spain
2. Uruguay
3. Saudi Arabia
4. Cape Verde

Spain and Uruguay stand above the rest here, but this could be a very competitive group. Spain might be the No. 1 team in the entire tourney, but it will be tested greatly in this group. Uruguay is strong and Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde are both capable of hanging tough. To quote The Wire, “The king stay the king” in this group as Spain will win.

Group I

1. France
2. Norway
3. Senegal
4. Iraq

This is a tough group. France, as it should be, is the heavy favorite, while Norway — on any given day — can beat anyone. Erling Haaland is just a force of nature, even for France to deal with, while Senegal is also a very good squad. To cap it off, Iraq is not a pushover either. If any of these teams are “off” it could result in an upset. Truthfully, if Norway doesn’t acclimate to the heat, Senegal could easily sneak into second place. If Senegal loses to France (in what is expected to be a high intensity game), there could be a letdown afterward against Norway. That one game could play a massive role in determining second place in the group.

Group J

1. Argentina
2. Austria
3. Algeria
4. Jordan

The defending champions will be a big favorite in this group. Initially, Austria looked to be poised and ready to challenge Leo Messi and C0., but an injury to Christoph Baumgartner threw cold water onto those plans. Now, the Austrians will be primed to play for second place where it should hold an edge over Algeria and Jordan.

Group K

1. Portugal
2. Colombia
3. DR Congo
4. Uzbekistan

Portugal should be one of the favorites in the tournament overall and could have the best midfield overall. Can the squad rally around Cristiano Ronaldo and fend off a feisty Colombia side? DR Congo has potential to pull off an upset on the right, but Uzbekistan is likely going to have a rough go.

Group L

1. England
2. Croatia
3. Ghana
4. Panama

The Three Lions should rule the roost here. Sure, Croatia has the potential to pull off an upset, but it would take the team unraveling already under Thomas Tuchel — and we just do not think that will happen in the group stage (maybe later, though). Otherwise Ghana and Panama pull up the rear of Group L with Ghana being just a bit more dangerous than Panama at the moment.

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If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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