The GBE Expert Hub World Cup Preview: Rest of the World
Our experts give their knowledge on the countries they cover within AFC, CAF & CONCACAF
As my piece on the World Cup and GBE eligibility stated, being at a World Cup doesn’t necessarily move the needle massively from a GBE perspective, but that doesn’t mean that we are going to be ignoring “The Greatest Show On Earth” completely!
Indeed, I have a stable of writers and scouts here whom I trust, and who have excellent knowledge of the leagues that they cover, so it only makes sense to ask some of them to write a little preview of their countries and their chances in North America this month.
The Rest of the World preview will cover nations from CONCACAF, AFC, and CAF. There has never been a winner of the men's football World Cup from these confederations, with Morocco’s run to the semis last time out joining South Korea in 2002 as the most successful finish to a tournament. The United States were also classified third in the inaugural 1930 World Cup too.
The GBE rules for international players enable regular appearance makers for top 50 ranked nations to get a GBE auto pass. This is not available to non top 50 nations.
It is also important to remember that the top 50 is NOT the current FIFA top 50. It is the average over the period of time relevant to the player, for U21s it is 12 months, senior players it is 24 months.
Here is the current FA 24 month list for reference, with CONCACAF, CAF, and AFC nations highlighted yellow.
There are also a number of nations in this category who are non top 50 ranked, and I have those listed here.
There will be players from these nations that will still qualify for GBE via their league status, but many will not. If a player requires ESC, then bear in mind the latest changes which dictate that an ESC slot can now only be used on under 23 players.
I will also state that because the vast majority of these nations have leagues that are in Band 6 of the FA GBE regulations we wouldn't employ an expert in many of these countries.
Therefore, we have covered some of them as best as we can.
Japan
How did Japan make the World Cup?
Japan arrive at the World Cup as one of the world’s most in-form sides. They blitzed the Asian second round of qualifying, winning all six matches without conceding a goal, before going on to dominate the third qualifying round and finish top of their group by four points.
Given the quality gap between Japan and many of their regional opponents, there is an expectation that they should qualify comfortably. However, the manner in which they did so was particularly impressive, combining technical quality with ruthless execution.
Whilst international friendlies can often feel like an inconvenience for Europe’s elite nations, they provide an invaluable opportunity for teams like Japan to test themselves against higher-calibre opposition. Despite a 2-0 defeat to the USA in September, Japan have shown they can compete with some of the strongest sides in world football and arrive at the tournament full of confidence. They came from two goals behind to beat Brazil, as well as beating England, Scotland and Ghana to nil.
They head into the World Cup with a settled squad, a manager in Hajime Moriyasu entering his eighth year in charge, and growing belief within the country that this could be a landmark tournament for the Samurai Blue. The target within Japan is clear: reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
Key players
The Japan squad is packed with players operating across Europe’s top leagues, with only a handful of players still based in the J League. Quality runs throughout the group.
Takefusa Kubo will be expected to take the creative responsibility. An expressive ball carrier capable of progressing attacks almost single-handedly, Kubo thrives when receiving between the lines and driving at defenders. Whilst his minutes at Real Sociedad have fluctuated at times this season, he remains one of the most technically gifted wide players in La Liga and will be central to Japan’s hopes of creating chances against elite opposition.
Ayase Ueda arrives following a stellar campaign in the Netherlands, helping Feyenoord secure the Eredivisie title whilst scoring 25 league goals. He consistently finds dangerous positions inside the penalty area, works tirelessly without the ball and has developed into a reliable finisher capable of outperforming the quality of chances presented to him. If Japan are to make a deep run, Ueda’s goals will be crucial.
Young player to watch
To make a sustained push towards the latter stages of a World Cup, strong defensive foundations are essential. In Zion Suzuki, Japan possess one of the tournament’s most underrated goalkeepers.
Suzuki attracted interest from Manchester United following a series of excellent displays for Sint-Truiden in Belgium. Whilst his form at Parma has been more inconsistent this season, he remains one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in world football. He possesses elite reactions in close-range situations, is comfortable receiving under pressure and using the ball with either foot, and has the proactive nature required of a modern goalkeeper.
At just 23 years old, he already carries significant international experience and tends to rise to big occasions. An impressive World Cup could easily see Europe’s biggest clubs revisit their interest.
How will Japan line up?
What we know about Japan is that they will almost certainly operate with a back three.
Moriyasu has largely favoured a 3-4-2-1 system, although there have been subtle variations depending on the opposition. At Wembley, for example, Japan shifted towards a 3-1-4-2 shape during different phases of play.
The back three is expected to feature Feyenoord’s Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Sint-Truiden captain Shogo Taniguchi as the central sweeping defender, and Bayern Munich’s Hiroki Ito on the left side. The wing-back roles are likely to be occupied by Junya Ito and Yukinari Sugawara, providing width and attacking thrust from deeper positions.
In midfield, veteran Wataru Endo will anchor proceedings alongside Kaishu Sano, allowing the technically gifted trio of Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda to operate in advanced areas.
This team will live and die by its aggression and intensity, and they will be one of the quickest sides in the competition. They are not a side that rely on direct football. Instead, they look to manipulate opponents through compact combinations, technical rotations and quick interchanges between the lines before accelerating attacks into space.
During build-up phases, Japan often create a back four by asking one wing-back to drop alongside the defensive line whilst the opposite wing-back pushes aggressively forward. This provides balance whilst still allowing them to commit numbers ahead of the ball.
Japan are particularly dangerous in transition. Their technical security enables them to play through pressure, whilst their pace allows them to exploit space rapidly once possession is regained. Defensively, they are prepared to press aggressively and often engage opponents man-for-man high up the pitch.
If there is a potential weakness, it may come from set-piece situations. Compared to many of the world’s elite nations, Japan can lack physical presence and aerial dominance in certain defensive situations.
Overall summary
Japan are not here simply to make up the numbers.
The 2022 World Cup saw them defeat both Germany and Spain before eventually falling to Croatia on penalties. Four years later, they arrive as a more experienced, more cohesive and arguably more talented squad.
Japan head into the 2026 World Cup as a genuine dark horse rather than merely an underdog. Their blend of technical quality, tactical discipline and growing European experience makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the tournament. They possess the ability to control possession, execute quick transitions and adapt to different styles of opposition.
The key to their chances will be consistency in high-pressure moments and converting periods of dominance into goals against the very best teams.
If they hit their stride, Japan have the quality, tactical cohesion and tournament experience to trouble anyone in this competition. Reaching the quarter-finals is a realistic ambition. Going beyond that would require a little fortune, but few sides outside the traditional favourites will relish drawing the Samurai Blue in the knockout stages.
Australia
(Andy: Kieran is an Aussie supporter I know from the NTT20 Squad. I highly recommend that if you have an interest in EFL football that you join the Squad.)
The Socceroos travel stateside looking to surpass their equal best performances at a World Cup by winning a knockout match, having lost on both previous attempts to the eventual tournament winners (to Italy in 2006, and to Argentina in 2022). They’ll be doing so with a distinctly different feel to the squad as well, with Tony Popovic keen to embrace the powers of youth within his squad, something that his predecessor, Graham Arnold was often criticised for not doing.
Perhaps unlike previous tournaments, however, the Aussies go into a tournament with serious expectations of progression from previous tournaments, with the team having set their own standards for what they can achieve and for what is possible in their two wins against Tunisia and Denmark in Qatar, as well as their creditable performances against the two finalists in France and Argentina.
The Squad
GK: Maty Ryan, Paul Izzo, Patrick Beach
DEF: Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Lucas Herrington, Jason Geria, Milos Degenek
WB: Jordan Bos, Kai Trewin, Jacob Italiano, Aziz Behich
CM: Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Cameron Devlin, Paul Okon-Engstler, Connor Metcalfe
AM: Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Cristian Volpato, Ajdin Hrustic, Awer Mabil
ST: Mohamed Toure, Tete Yengi, Nishan Velupillay
Who could make or break the campaign?
If Australia are to make any impact on the 2026 World Cup, then they’ll need to get the maximum out of their three star players, the most recognisable of whom is goalkeeper and captain Maty Ryan. Having had a career that has taken him from the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners, to making over 100 appearances in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion, and later Arsenal, the veteran shot stopper still competes at the top level, making 36 appearances for Levante, contributing heavily to their great escape at the bottom of La Liga. For Australia, Ryan has continued a rich lineage of Australian goalkeepers in the 21st century, carrying the flame from Mark Bosnich and then Mark Schwarzer by making 104 caps in an international career that will span four World Cups when he takes to the field in 2026. He also has the all-time third most caps as captain, behind only Peter Wilson and Lucas Neill.
Another recognisable name to English fans is Harry Souttar. Brother of Scotland’s John Souttar, ‘H’ has had an incredibly tough 18 months, having to recover from two horrendous injuries to his achilles, and then his knee whilst his club, Leicester City suffered arguably the most infamous and embarrassing back-to-back relegations in English football history as the Foxes slipped from the Premier League to League One, in less than 10 years since they were crowned Champions of England. Whilst Souttar could only make his return after his club’s fate was sealed, he did come back with a bang, putting in a stellar performance including a goal in Leicester’s 1-1 draw with third place finishers Millwall. In green and gold, Souttar has been nothing short of a revelation, not putting a single foot wrong since his debut in 2019, including his ridiculous performance against Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup, where he made that epic recovery sliding tackle to save a certain goal. A fun piece of trivia is that at 6ft6in, Souttar is officially the tallest ever (outfield) Socceroo.
A name almost certainly less familiar with the casual (or even more invested) English fan, but certainly no less important is Jordan Bos. The left wing back plying his trade at Dutch giants Feyenoord has had a remarkable rise in stature since leaving Melbourne City for the low countries in 2023.
Originally signing for Westerlo, Bos spent two years in Belgium, making 44 appearances in two seasons, scoring 7 goals, before making his first big move to Rotterdam to Feyenoord, where Bos has also tasted European football in the Europa League and Champions League Qualifying in his 28 appearances. Since his debut in 2023, Bos has very quickly become arguably Australia’s best and most important player, where he uses his wide range of abilities in both defence and attack to full effect at left wing back, scoring 3 times in his last 8 games against the USA, Cameroon and Curacao, all teams who have qualified for the World Cup.
Future stars
A key feature of the squad, and a signature of Tony Popovic’s reign is the amount of youth in the squad, and the amount of minutes that these young players have been given in key games for Australia. Of all of our young talent, 23 year old defender Alessandro Circati may well be the jewel in the crown. Having already captained both the Socceroos and his club side, Parma, Circati is already showing maturity and talent beyond his years, and is a certain starter for Australia at the World Cup.
Two more young talents to look out for are two stars of the Championship in Nestory Irankunda and Mo Toure.
Best friends since childhood, they’ll both be attacking their first World Cups together on the back of strong first showings in the Championship for Watford and Norwich respectively. Irankunda, or ‘Nesta’ has shown that he has more than just a taste for the sublime with a number of goals from both free kicks and open play where he has found the net with spectacular strikes from range. Toure, meanwhile, has only had 4 months in England’s second tier, and an injury interrupted four months at that, yet has still managed to find the back of the net at a ridiculous rate, scoring nine goals in eleven games for Clement’s Canaries, including two hat tricks, thanks to his blistering pace to get in behind, or to get on the end of low crosses, creating high-probability opportunities for himself.
One final young talent to look out for in this squad, and for hopefully many tournaments to come is 18 year old Lucas Herrington, who, according to those who know these things, really is the next big thing in both Australian and world football. Having started his career at the Brisbane Roar, Herrington very quickly moved on from one of the poorest teams in the A-League to join the Colorado Rapids in the MLS, where his reputation as an elite ball-playing centre half has just gone stratospheric in the last twelve months, to the point where he has reported interest from some of the biggest clubs in European football.
Tactical setup
Popovic still employs a lot of the same systems and philosophies as his predecessor in Arnold, such as his deeply pragmatic approach to games, and his reliance on a back 5 setup with primarily defensive wing backs, however, unlike Arnold, Popovic has managed to somewhat managed to remove the need of constantly having a target man on the pitch, instead focusing on engineering opportunities for fast breaks by releasing balls into wide channels for quick attacking players to run on to and either cut inside and shoot, or to play the ball back into the box towards the 12-18 yard range for midfield runners to latch on to with late runs.
‘Uncle Tony’ does have his critics, however, and they mainly come from two avenues. The first one being that some supporters feel that Popovic’s game plan is overly pragmatic/negative for the players that he has at his disposal, and that against better European/South American teams, the way we approach games often invites unnecessary pressure, and causes more issues than it solves. The other issue that people have comes from the way that Popovic handles fringe players, and how he maybe alienates or isolates them from the setup, causing players such as Adrian Segecic and Alex Robertson to explore their options for declaring for other nations, with Segecic officially switching allegiances to Croatia in 2026, having not played a single minute for Australia despite travelling halfway around the world from Portsmouth to be with the team.
So. 2026. What can the Socceroos do this time?
In all honesty, I have absolutely no idea. In Group D, we have what should be (on paper) favourable opponents in hosts USA, Paraguay, and European playoff winners Turkey, particularly compared to previous World Cups where we have been drawn in groups alongside the likes of Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands and France twice. But there’s also danger in such an even group, as there is just as much chance of you losing all three games as there is of you winning all three games, alongside the knowledge that the other three teams can find points in all of their games, rather than there being one short price favourite to win all three games.
Doubters, naysayers, and dare I say, haters will point to our issues in front of goal, and our inability to create great volumes of goalscoring chances as a reason to be concerned about our prospects for this World Cup, and to an extent, I can see their point, as we all know that you have to score goals to win games, and that scoring goals takes a huge weight off the defence, who can then approach games in the knowledge that any potential mistake won’t necessarily be terminal.
However, on the other hand, it should be pointed out that Australia has arguably the best modern tournament pedigree of anyone in Group D, qualifying for every World Cup since 2006, and winning the Asia Cup in 2015, on top of having that typically Aussie attitude of relishing being the underdog and being asked to punch above our weight. We also have our young emerging stars playing in strong leagues around the world, hopefully ready to explode on the biggest stage of all.
So, anything could happen. And that’s a good thing.
USA
Andy Watson - GBE & ESC Expert
What is the feeling in the local media and among the fanbase?
It isn’t easy to break through the wall of noise in the US news to decipher this accurately. Time was that the USMNT camp was organized and serious about their goals in a World Cup, and this may well still be the case, but with the news dominated by non-pitch issues, and an apparent concern about Mauricio Pochettino and his desire, there seems to be a real lack of excitement around this squad from the news outlets and fans.
I expect that this isn’t being helped by the pricing and the lack of tickets being sold in the US.
The player who could make or break the campaign?
Taking the question fairly literally, I would suggest that Chris Richards could be very important for the US. If he fails to play well, or if he gets injured, then 38-year-old captain Tim Ream is likely to deputise.
Whilst Ream has rarely let club or country down over the years, it would not be an ideal way to approach the knockout stages for the US, especially the way Pochettino likes to play.
The future star?
The youngest player in the squad is Alex Freeman of Villarreal, and the 21 year old has started the last three matches in the lead up to the tournament.
Depending on Pochettino’s choice of formation, Freeman could play RCB in a 343 or could be starting RB in a 4231 with Sergiño Dest ahead of him.
This would be a breakout tournament for the former Orlando City man.
Likely starting XI?
4231
Turner
Freeman, McKenzie, Richards, Robinson
Adams, McKennie
Dest, Tillman, Pulisic
Pepi
Prediction?
USA 1-1 Paraguay
USA 1-1 Australia
USA 2-1 Turkey
I don’t have huge hopes for this US squad, there are a lot of better teams out there but I also am wary of writing them off, especially on home soil.
Despite what it may look like above, I actually like Turkey, and I expect them to have enough qualification points by the time they meet the US in the third group game and this could be an advantage for the US.
A last 16 appearance would be about par, but I wonder whether this might classify as a failure in the public/media eyes.
Uzbekistan
What is the feeling in the local media and among the fanbase?
Under Fabio Cannavaro’s management, Uzbekistan have managed to reach their first World Cup and qualification itself has been received as a huge achievement in the local media and among the fanbase. Congratulations have come from far and wide, signalling what a huge achievement this is, but former head coach Srečko Katanec has urged fans “don’t expect anything from the team. Just enjoy your first World Cup.” This is a sentiment shared by many supporters who are happy to finally see Uzbekistan on the world stage. You would have to look hard but there are a few optimistic voices hoping that Uzbekistan can cause an upset, at least in the group stage.
The player who could make or break the campaign?
The star player for Uzbekistan is undoubtedly Abdukodir Khusanov.
While there are a couple of other members of the squad that play their football in Europe, none of them are operating quite at the level of the Manchester City centre back. Khusanov became the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League when he signed for City in January 2025 and, after a shaky start to life in England, he has shown the clear talent that he possesses and became a regular starter for the side towards the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
When Fabio Cannavaro was appointed as head coach of Uzbekistan it was done with the intention of making the side more solid defensively. Khusanov is a key piece of this puzzle and any injury or suspension received during the tournament would significantly weaken the Uzbekistan side. His proactive approach to defending and getting involved in physical duels paired with his athleticism and recovery pace make him a solid all-round centre back that increases the quality of the national set-up.
The future star?
Everything said about Khusanov could be copied and pasted here along with the fact that he is just 22 years old. He will be playing a huge role for the national side for a long time to come and will have a long career at the top of the club game too.
However, there is another future star among the Uzbekistan ranks in the form of Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
Fayzullaev is a 22 year old winger who has just completed his first season in the Turkish Super Lig for Istanbul Basaksehir. He struggled with a couple of injuries during the 2025/26 season and struggled to get a first team place but still managed to make 20 league appearances for Basaksehir, contributing three goals and five assists.
There has been a lot of hype around Fayzullaev since he was voted as Asia’s best young player in 2023 and he is now proving himself on the international stage having scored four goals in Uzbekistan’s qualifying campaign.
With tough group opposition, Uzbekistan are not likely to have many chances to attack and hurt their opponents but, when they do, Fayzullaev will be looking to make the difference on the wing.
Likely starting XI?
A 3-4-2-1 that becomes a 5-4-1 out of possession.
Yusupov (GK)
Abdullaev - Ashurmatov - Khusanov
Alijonov - Khamrobekov - Shukurov - Nasrullaev
Fayzullaev - Urunov
Shomurodov
Prediction?
Uzbekistan 1 - 2 Colombia
Uzbekistan 0 - 3 Portugal
Uzbekistan 2 - 0 DR Congo
Despite expected losses against Colombia and Portugal, I’m giving Uzbekistan an outside chance of qualifying from the group stage as one of the best third place teams. Either way, I think there’s going to be a lot to enjoy about their campaign.
Curacao
Everyone is going to predict them bottom of the group with zero points.
But, as a lot of their players fall into the area of the game that I’m zonal marking I thought I’d put a few sentences together to try and make watching them a little more interesting from an EFL point of view as many of their players are good for ESC, there is already examples of those that have moved to the UK and L1/L2 clubs are aware of them.
Expected formation 5-4-1
GK
Eloy Room, 37 (Miami FC)
Tyrick Bodak, 24 (Telstar)
Trevor Doornbusch, 26 (VVV Venlo)
Nobody of interest here. Room is the starter. Bodak and Doornbusch are only back ups for their clubs.
RB/RWB
Sherel Floranus, 27 (PEC Zwolle)
Joshua Brenet, 32 (Kayserispor)
Shurandy Sambo, 24 (Burnley - on loan at Sparta Rotterdam last season)
Tyrese Noslin, 23 (Telstar)
Floranus probably starts. He’s first choice right back at Zwolle. Has a year left on his contract and linked with Turkish clubs this summer. Brenet is already in Turkey, after a spell with Livingston. Both of these could also play at LB. Sambo moved to Sparta as a starter at the beginning of the season but got bypassed by 18 year old Lushandy Martes after the winter break. The player of EFL interest here is Tyrese Noslin so hopefully he sees some game time. RWB for his club. Good athlete. Linked with Barnsley and Oxford. I have him graded as top end L1. 12 months left on his Telstar contract and they want to get something for him in this window.
LB/LWB
Deveron Fonville, 23 (NEC Nijmegen)
For me, the most exciting player in the Curacao squad. Certainly has the best story. 12 months ago he was playing amateur football with IJsselmeervogels. Now he’s just qualified for the Champions League with NEC. He plays LCB for his club but they play a very aggressive 3-4-2-1 where the wingbacks are essentially wingers meaning Fonville really has a duel role of LB and LCB. Linked with championship clubs. His rise has been steep and doesn’t feel like it’s peaked.
CB
Riechedly Bazoer, 29 (Konyaspor)
Armando Obispo, 27 (PSV)
Jurien Gaari, 32 (Abha)
Roshon van Eijma, 27 (RKC Waalwijk)
Bazoer will play middle CB. Obispo LCB. I’m hoping Van Eijma gets minutes ahead of Gaari as the 3rd CB. His contract at RKC Waalwijk has expired. He’s been pitched to EFL clubs. I have him graded as top end L1. Powerful and broad with good mobility considering his frame. Good passing range and likes to step in with the ball. Composed, sometimes to the point of casual. Aerial presence the biggest area of concern.
We have a scout report on RvE on the GBE Expert Hub
CM
Juninho Bacuna, 28 (Gaziantepspor - on loan at Volendam last season)
Leandro Bacuna, 34 (Igdir)
Livano Comenencia, 22 (Zurich)
Kevin Felida, 26 (Den Bosch)
Godfried Romeratoe, 26 (RKC Waalwijk)
The Bacuna’s are known entities. Comenencia left Juventus’ set up for Zurich for over €1M. Felida and Romeratoe are both Eerste Divisie regulars. I’m not big on either. Both shielders and nothing much more. L2 graded. Romeratoe is out of contract.
RM/RW
Tahith Chong, 26 (Sheffield United)
Brandley Kuwas, 33 (Volendam)
Ar’jany Martha, 22 (Rotherham)
Chong and Martha are known. Kuwas has just been released by Volendam following relegation.
LM/LW
Sontje Hansen, 24 (Middlesbrough)
Jeremy Antonisse, 24 (Kifisia)
Kenji Gorre, 31 (Maccabi Haifa)
Hansen, known. Antonisse is a former PSV product now in Greece after a couple of seasons in Portugal.
FW
Jurgen Locadia, 32 (Miami)
Jearl Margaritha, 26 (Beveren)
Gervane Kastaneer, 29 (Terengganu)
Locadia, formerly of Brighton. Teammate of the keeper Rooy. Margaritha is interesting. Coming off the back of a promotion season with Beveren. 7g12a.
Canada
Route to the World Cup
Well, it’s pretty simple. They’re co-hosting the tournament, so qualification was never really in doubt.
To all intents and purposes, they’ve earned their place anyway. Cast your mind back two years and Canada impressed at the 2024 Copa América, eventually falling to champions Argentina. They followed that up with a run to the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, where they were beaten by Mexico before getting one over their neighbours, the United States, in the third-place play-off.
Since their appearance at Qatar 2022, the profile of the Canadian squad has changed significantly. The majority of the talent now plays in Europe and the squad is littered with players operating within the English pyramid. From Cyle Larin, fresh from a maiden season with pantomime villains Southampton, to veteran winger Junior Hoilett, now plying his trade at Swindon Town, there is a growing belief that Canada could emerge as one of the surprise packages at this summer’s tournament.
Key Contributors
It’s a race against time for full-back and key man Alphonso Davies to be fit for the opening game. His pace, ball carrying ability and creativity down the left are the main threats for Canada, however he remains a doubt after a hamstring injury that threatens to rule him out of the group phase.
Centre-back Moïse Bombito made a 31 minute return against Uzbekistan after breaking his leg in October last year. If fit, he’ll start, but it’s difficult to know how much of an impact he’ll be capable of making at this World Cup after such a lengthy absence.
Ismaël Koné could be the player who elevates Canada from a dangerous outsider to a genuine knockout stage threat. The Sassuolo midfielder brings a blend of athleticism, ball carrying ability and technical quality that few players in the Canadian squad can match. At his best, Koné is capable of breaking opposition lines through both his passing and his ability to drive forward with the ball, turning defensive situations into attacking transitions within seconds. With much of the attention likely to focus on Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Koné has the tools to become Canada’s most influential player, particularly in matches where they are required to absorb pressure before attacking quickly in transition.
Jonathan David remains Canada’s most reliable source of goals and will be central to any hopes they have of progressing beyond the group stage. It has been a disappointing campaign for the Juventus forward, who fell out of favour at club level, but he still managed to produce 0.45 expected goals per 90 minutes, underlining his ability to consistently find dangerous goalscoring positions. David combines intelligent movement with ruthless finishing, regularly exploiting pockets of space inside the penalty area and punishing defensive lapses. While much of Canada’s threat comes through the pace and dynamism of Alphonso Davies, David provides the clinical edge at the end of attacks and has repeatedly shown an ability to deliver in big moments. If Canada are to spring a surprise this summer, their leading goalscorer is likely to be at the heart of it.
How Will Canada Set Up?
Jesse Marsch’s Canada are built around intensity, athleticism and transition. His style, built on the Red Bull system of 4-2-2-2, remains intact. While they are capable of building possession when required, their primary objective is to win the ball back quickly and attack before opponents can regain their defensive structure.
Out of possession, Canada will look to press aggressively, often going man for man across the pitch and forcing mistakes through their energy and work rate. They’ll be one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the tournament.
In possession, the focus is on verticality rather than control, with quick forward passes into Jonathan David, Promise David and Alphonso Davies designed to exploit space and create transitional opportunities. Expect Canada to be direct, physical and relentless, looking to turn matches into open contests where their pace and athleticism can become decisive factors.
Expected Line Up
4-2-2-2
Should Alphonso Davies and Moise Bombito prove their fitness ahead of the tournament, he would be expected to come straight back into the starting XI. There’s a tough decision for Marsch in the left wing area too, as Liam Millar finished the season in exemplary form to lead Hull to Wembley glory, but right on his heels is Norwich’s winter addition Ali Ahmed, who offers so much to the out of possession plan for Marsch to consider.
GK: Maxime Crépeau
LB: Richie Laryea
LCB: Derek Cornelius
RCB: Luc De Fougerolles
RB: Alistair Johnston
CM: Ismaël Koné
CM: Stephen Eustáquio
LAM: Liam Millar
RAM: Tajon Buchanan
ST: Cyle Larin
ST: Jonathan David
Should Alphonso Davies prove his fitness ahead of the tournament, he would be expected to come straight back into the starting XI.
Overall Assessment
Canada enter the tournament as one of the more intriguing dark horses. Under Jesse Marsch, they possess the athleticism, intensity and transitional threat to cause problems for almost anyone on their day, while the likes of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Ismaël Koné provide genuine top-level quality.
If Canada can turn matches into open, high tempo contests and capitalise on their aggressive pressing game, a place in the knockout rounds is a realistic expectation and they have enough firepower to spring an upset or two once they get there.
However, their style is not without risk. Against more technical opponents, their man-oriented pressing can be exposed, while a lack of depth compared to the tournament’s elite nations could become a factor as the competition progresses.
Canada have the tools to make this a memorable World Cup, but equally, if they fail to impose their intensity and are forced into long periods without the ball, an early exit would not come as a major surprise.
South Korea
There remains a degree of negativity from the media in particular, but also from much of the fanbase, surrounding the appointment of Hong Myung-bo. Despite his achievements as a player and his success in leading the Olympic team to a historic bronze medal at London 2012, he is now most commonly associated with Korea’s dismal 2014 World Cup campaign, which ended with a winless group-stage exit and his controversial appointment in July 2024.
On the pitch, the team qualified with relative ease and without defeat, but results since then have been mixed, with a change in system yet to fully convince. Taking all of that into account, along with a well-balanced group, there are high hopes that Korea can at least reach the last 32, while a place in the last 16 would be viewed as the most acceptable point for an honourable exit..
Player who could make or break the campaign
Son Heung-min
While there remains speculation that, at 33, this will be his final World Cup, Son Heung-min’s importance to the Taeguk Warriors remains as strong as ever. Much has been made of Son’s relatively slow start in the current MLS season in terms of goals, but he remains the national team’s primary attacking threat.
Operating more as a number nine, the former Tottenham Hotspur star leads the line effectively and scored ten goals during the qualification campaign. Add to that the leadership qualities he has developed in recent years, and it is unmistakably Son from whom the most will be expected. Fortunately for Korea, he is supported by an impressive cast that includes Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in.
Future star
Jens Castrop
With no player under the age of 22 in the Korean squad, the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder is the most likely candidate to establish himself as a regular starter over the next decade. The former Germany Under-21 international became the first foreign-born player of dual heritage to be capped by the men’s national team after switching allegiances late last year.
His work rate and versatility should make him a valuable asset for years to come, while the current language barrier is something that is expected to diminish with time and further integration into the squad during this tournament.
Likely Starting XI
(3-4-2-1)
GK – Kim Seung-gyu
CB – Lee Han-beom
CB – Kim Min-jae
CB – Lee Gi-hyuk
RM – Seol Young-woo
CM – Lee Jae-sung
CM – Hwang In-beom
LM – Lee Tae-seok
AM – Lee Kang-in
AM – Hwang Hee-chan
ST – Son Heung-min
The core of the Xi are quite experienced and have played together for a long time. The balance of the side still has some work with worries about vulnerabilities in defensive transitions with no defensively minded centre midfielder and a severe lack of international experience in the backline either side of Kim Min-jae.
My prediction for the tournament
Group Stage: 2nd place behind Mexico
Korea 2–1 Czechia
Mexico 2–1 Korea
Korea 2–0 South Africa
South Korea should make it out of the groups with their high-altitude preparations much better than Czechia and South Africa giving them an extra edge. Round of 32 could be favourable so a Last 16 place is within their reach, but anything beyond that is probably a step too far for this team.
Qatar
What’s the feeling in the local media/fanbase?
Qualifying for the world cup for the first time on merit and not as the hosts is something the country has taken pride in, and following a 2024 AFC Asian Cup win there is a competitive pride amongst the Qatari fanbase.
It is expected that about 1000 local fans will be making the trip to North America to follow the team. That being said the mood is also quite realistic amongst local fans and media: They find themselves in a tough and competitive group and there isn’t the expectation to make it out. Realistically getting their first ever points in a world cup is enough of an achievement.
Who is the player who could make or break the campaign?
As the expectations are realistic, there is not so much pressure beyond showing up and giving it everything. This mentality will be most carried by star man Akram Afif, who at 29, will likely be playing this tournament as his last world cup whilst in his prime.
The winger who inspired a generation of Qatari players over the last decade can surely be the one to lead this group of players to getting something out of this tournament.
Practically speaking however the make or break campaign lies with coach Julen Lopetegui and whether or not he can find a way to outsmart one of their opponents.
Who is the future star?
Lopetegui has selected a very experienced squad, the future star who will likely get the most minutes is Ayoub Al-Oui. The 21 year old right back is a regular for Al-Gharafa, and since making his international debut last year, he has slowly found his place getting into the Qatari starting line up.
Other notable mention is Tahsin Mohammed Jamsid, a winger playing for Al-Duhail. At 19 and previously having a year of development in Spain, he might be one to look out for in the future, but there are a lot more experienced players in his position.
What’s the likely starting XI?
4-3-3
Abunada - Al-Oui, Khouki, Pedro Miguel, Al-Amin - Fathi, Laye, Gaber - Afif, Abdurisag, Edmilson
Prediction?
Qatar 0-3 Switzerland
Qatar 1-2 Canada
Qatar 0-2 Bosnia
Out in the Group Stage
Saudi Arabia
What’s the feeling in the local media/fanbase?
Saudi Arabia arrive in North America at their seventh World Cup, carrying the memory of their 1994 debut in the United States, where they managed to reach the Round of 16, which was also their only group stage qualification to this date. This has been a constant reference point in Saudi media throughout the last years, especially since the last campaign. After their surprise win against Argentina in the last World Cup, and then going on to fumble the next two games against Poland and Mexico, the expectations are much higher this time around.
However the elephant in the room is the sacking of Herve Renard after a 4-0 thrashing by Egypt, 60 days before their opening World Cup match. How well can new coach Georgios Donis get the squad in a place where he wants them, with just 3 friendlies. A 2-1 defeat to Serbia and Ecuador is a promising sign that there are still points up for grabs for Saudi Arabia in this campaign.
Who is the player who could make or break the campaign?
The leading of the team lies strongly amongst two veterans. Salem Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno. Both starters and key players in a star studded Al-Hilal side, they will be looking to take that experience and energy with them to lead the national side. Both players also share captaincy in their club and for their country.
Kanno will likely be securing the midfield as a 6, but his physical dominance at 191cm will likely see him impact the game at all ends in a box-to-box role. Keeping the center tight and limiting goal scoring opportunities will be the deciding factor for Saudi Arabia if they are to make it through to the Round of 16.
Al-Dawsari, playing on the left wing, holds a cult-like status after scoring a beautiful winning goal against Argentina in that famous win. His teammates will be looking to him to produce similar moments of magic in the upcoming games.
Who is the future star?
Musab Al-Juwayr
Saudi have an older squad and going in with a lot of veterans, however their youngest, Musab Al-Juwayr is one to watch. He has established himself as a key central midfielder at Al-Qadsiah, and is becoming probably the top local talent to look out for from the Saudi Pro League at the moment. Usually playing as a hardworking 8 in his club team, in the national team he is also being deployed more as a 10 and even as a second striker, due to his attacking work rate, and his flexibility to slot into other positions and let his more senior players play in their preferred positions.
What’s the likely starting XI?
(4–2–3–1)
Al-Owais - Boushal, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Harbi - Kanno, Al-Khaibari - Al Dawsari, Al-Juwayr, Abu Al-Shamat - Al-Buriakan
Prediction?
Saudi Arabia - Uruguay 1-3
Saudi Arabia - Spain 0-5
Saudi Arabia - Cabo Verde 2-2
All hope lies in stealing points against Cabo Verde however even if a win happens, I believe the goal difference vs Spain and Uruguay will hurt Saudi Arabia’s chances of qualifying as one of the best 3rd place teams.
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