Matchday 2 gets a bit better with an early evening game for Europe most nights. Different locations mean game at 7 and the next 11, not 10. I think Japan or India or probably one of the worst places time zone wise but Europe has its fair share in middle of the night stuff too.

They've really stuffed up though. I know there's so much that needs to be fixed but the lunch kick off times should've been either all in domes or on a contingency with the heat. Europe isn't the only time zone but they could've done it a bit better.

England's 3 games are timed fine for them as are Germany and then while they're in the time zone itself, Argentina and Colombia have it in their evening and midnight or later in Europe.

Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Czech Republic qualifying offers a lot more muscle. South Korea's first game now seems more like a physical battle than perhaps tactical display against Denmark.

Seeing Sweden against Tunisia didn't cross my mind at all initially.

I wonder how Cape Verde are going to go?

JS96 said:

FIFA World Cup 2026 Simulator | Predict Tournament Results

Interactive FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament simulator with 48 teams. Predict every match, track group standings, and simulate the knockout bracket.

www.profootballnetwork.com

Putting this here too. Can't resist a few upsets to see where things go. I had Australia against NZ in the knockouts.

Egypt had a goalless draw against Spain.

Maybe Algerian will surprise and Austria could be lame. Would love Uzbekistan to do well.

I think the groups with two weaker teams hopefully draw as the it diminishes a claim for 3rd ranking provided we win at least one game.

Click to expand...

I doubt Austria will be lame with Ralf Rangnik’s gegenpressing or whatever it’s called these days.

Kitwally said:

I doubt Austria will be lame with Ralf Rangnik’s gegenpressing or whatever it’s called these days.

Click to expand...

Austria will probably look alright. I think the North African sides get overlooked.

Our group needs to be a bit careful with the 3rd place as many draws and low goals could see them miss out.

Ideally some groups with 2 apparent weaker teams draw against each other while the strong ones take care of them.

You'd think Spain and Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde and hopefully the latter two draw for a point.

I wish NZ well but that's another group where maybe Belgium win 3 and then the others draw but I'd expect Egypt and Iran to get a win against the other or NZ.

I think Ecuador and Ivory Coast should be fine for a 3rd.

The wondrous thing is H2H and 3rd placings as some upset wins turn the table really quickly.

Might Norway or Senegal shock France and change the route? England will be poised but Croatia and Ghana shouldn't be messed with.

Japan are really tricky to tip. Do they hold The Netherlands then not have the typical game 2 choke and the back up enough for a rejuvenated Sweden?

Now reports of 100 buck returns to MetLife for world cup train. Honestly just piss off. First it seemed to be only FIFA but now all the rail companies have started this. I get they've got their own deficits and this is a great opportunity to balance the books but this gouging isn't the way.

A lot do stadiums are located awkwardly that rideshare or parking is needed and that's also exorbitant.

I saw another article that said hotels haven't noticed a spike in bookings. I bet a lot of private accommodation is being used and that's fair enough and hopefully some people with a bit of space can benefit.

um .... are teams going to be able to even get to the WC this year?