The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has come to a close, and as I mentioned to Zlatan on air: 'this is the end of the chapter, not the end of the book.' The journey ahead promises to be just as thrilling, with all 32 teams now focusing on their path to the final.
The competition is about to intensify, and every team will be giving it their all. In anticipation of what's to come, I've filled out my bracket, and I'm excited to see how it all unfolds. Will the U.S. advance to the round of 16? Could we witness a thrilling rematch between France and Argentina in the final?
Analyzing the Bracket
The upper left quadrant of the bracket boasts an impressive array of talent, making it challenging to predict the final. Nevertheless, I've opted for France and Colombia, and after their impressive result against Portugal, I feel more confident in my choice. However, it would still be a remarkable achievement for Colombia to reach the final.
Even I must admit that it's difficult to envision Colombia defeating France, the most impressive team in the group stage, in a potential final scenario. With Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé leading the charge, France's depth and talent are undeniable, making them a formidable opponent.
U.S. Team Prospects
As I stated before the tournament: the U.S. should win the round of 32. Having won the group, they'll face a team they should beat in the round of 32, which is exactly what's happening. The round of 16 will be a different story, as they'll face a team that's on their level or possibly even better, such as Senegal or Belgium.
If the U.S. advances to the quarterfinals, they'll be in uncharted territory. A potential matchup against Spain would be incredibly challenging. On the other hand, if they were to face Portugal, I'd be more confident in their chances of reaching the semifinals.
