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The World Cup is finally here, and this one feels different.
For the first time ever, we’ll see a 48-team World Cup, making it the biggest tournament in the history of the sport. More nations. More storylines. More opportunities for upsets. More chances for countries that might never have qualified under the old format to make their mark on the global stage.
As someone who remembers the last World Cup hosted in the United States back in 1994, it’s incredible to see how much the game has changed.
Back then, Major League Soccer didn’t exist. Soccer was still fighting for attention in a crowded American sports landscape dominated by football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Most American fans couldn’t easily watch European leagues, and international stars weren’t household names.
Today, soccer is everywhere.
MLS has grown into a legitimate league. Americans are playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. The Premier League, Champions League and international soccer are available at our fingertips. The sport has gone from niche to mainstream in a way few people could have imagined back in 1994.
Now the World Cup returns to North America bigger than ever.
Team USA: The Tournament’s Biggest Wild Card
The United States might be the hardest team in the entire tournament to predict.
If you told me the Americans finish third in their group and go home early, I wouldn’t be shocked.
If you told me they make a magical run to the quarterfinals and become one of the stories of the tournament, I wouldn’t be shocked either.
That’s the beauty and frustration of this team.
The biggest question may not be the attack or midfield. It may be the goalkeeper position.
Will the U.S. stick with one goalkeeper throughout the tournament? Could they rotate based on matchups or form? The likely battle is between Matt Turner and Matt Freese (safe to assume for argument’s sake Chris Brady will be the #3). Goalkeeping decisions can define World Cups, and the Americans enter the tournament with uncertainty in one of the most important positions on the field. It’s entirely possible Mauricio Pochettino will start two goalies in this tournament, depending on performance and opponent. There is no clear-cut guy in this race, but expect Freese to start the first game against Paraguay, then we will see from then on.
Of course, the spotlight will be on Christian Pulisic. He’s still the face of American soccer and the player opposing defenses will game-plan around.
But I think the tournament may ultimately come down to two other players.
Folarin Balogun needs to provide consistent goals if the Americans are going to make a run, while Tyler Adams remains the emotional leader and midfield engine that makes everything work.
And if you’re looking for a breakout star, keep your eye on Malik Tillman.
Tillman is my sleeper pick to become one of the surprise players of the tournament. He has the creativity, confidence and technical ability to unlock defenses, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he emerges as one of the most important players for the U.S. by the end of the month.
My Group Stage Predictions
I have Mexico winning Group A, while South Korea grabs second.
Switzerland and Canada advance from Group B.
Brazil and Morocco move on from Group C.
In Group D, I have Turkey winning the group ahead of the United States, with the Americans advancing in second.
Germany and Ecuador emerge from Group E.
The Netherlands and Japan survive Group F.
Belgium tops Group G, with Egypt grabbing second.
Spain wins Group H ahead of Uruguay.
France and Norway advance from Group I.
Argentina and Austria move on from Group J.
Portugal and Colombia advance from Group K.
Finally, Croatia wins Group L ahead of England.
My Sleeper Teams
Every World Cup has a surprise team. The routes of these teams will be crucial, as the weather will have a real effect. Teams playing in dome stadium and non-humid and hot cities will have a big advantage.
This year, I’m picking Norway (a genuine sleeper) and Germany (a powerhouse nation that will go far that many aren’t talking about).
Norway has quietly assembled a talented squad, lead by arguably the most dangerous striker in the tournament, Erling Haaland. They could make a serious run if they get favorable matchups. I actually have them reaching the semifinals.
Germany is my other sleeper, which sounds strange considering their history. But after some disappointing recent tournaments, it feels like many people are overlooking them. That’s usually when Germany becomes dangerous.
The Team Most Likely to Disappoint
England.
The talent is undeniable.
But the player selections have been strange, and there are simply some weird vibes surrounding the squad heading into the tournament. International tournaments often come down to chemistry and momentum, and England doesn’t feel like a team entering the World Cup with either.
I have them reaching the knockout stage before falling to Spain.
My Biggest Upsets
Every bracket needs chaos.
I have Japan shocking Brazil in the knockout round, which would instantly become one of the biggest stories of the tournament.
I also have Norway eliminating Ecuador, then defeating Japan and Croatia on an improbable run all the way to the semifinals.
Germany knocks out France, stay with me…
Portugal eliminates Argentina.
And suddenly the entire tournament opens up.
How I See The Knockout Stage Playing Out
In the Round of 32, I have the United States defeating Egypt before eventually running into Argentina in the Round of 16.
Germany surprisingly eliminates France in what could be one of the best matches of the tournament.
The Netherlands knock out South Korea.
Spain sends England home.
Norway continues its Cinderella run.
And Portugal advances comfortably.
The quarterfinals become fascinating.
Portugal defeats Argentina.
Norway stuns Croatia.
Spain knocks out Belgium.
Germany survives the Netherlands.
That sets up semifinal matches of Spain versus Germany and Portugal versus Norway.
I have Spain edging Germany, while Portugal ends Norway’s remarkable run.
My World Cup Final
Portugal versus Spain.
An all-Iberian final on the biggest stage imaginable.
Spain’s midfield and technical quality will make them incredibly difficult to beat, but I think Portugal finally gets its moment.
PORTUGAL wins the World Cup.
Yes, it’s a sentimental pick.
Yes, it’s partly because every World Cup needs a storybook ending.
But imagine the scene.
Cristiano Ronaldo lifting the World Cup trophy in what could be the final major tournament of his legendary career. The one trophy that has eluded him throughout an extraordinary career finally finds its way into his hands.
That’s my prediction.
Will it happen? Probably not exactly like this.
That’s the beauty of the World Cup.
No matter how much we analyze, predict and debate, the tournament always gives us moments that nobody saw coming.
And with 48 teams, a home World Cup atmosphere in North America, and more talent spread across the globe than ever before, this could end up being the most unpredictable World Cup we’ve ever seen.
