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The wild cards that you may not be factoring in are how the groups look and
how the groups feed into the knockout bracket. If the draw is set up for a potential France vs. Spain match in the Round of 16 (assuming both win their groups), then 1 of the "top favorites" will be going home "early." Likewise, if Argentina ends up with the similar draw and bracket as England had this year, then they could find themselves in the Semi-finals or Finals again even though on paper they should go home in either the Round of 16 or Quarterfinals.
Another factor to consider is that this World Cup really didn't have a "Group of Death" because of the luck of the draw. If the next World Cup ends up with a Group of Death and France or Spain ends up in that group, then it is possible either country may not even win their group which could add an interesting twist to things.
Thread Replies (7)
Messi and Co. lost the WC championship
-- Snape
Jul 20, 2026 at 10:59 AM ET
Snape
•
07/20/26 10:59 AM ET
They will take a step back. 2034 for Argentina
-- Hate2SeeItEnd Hokie
Jul 20, 2026 at 12:59 PM ET
Hate2SeeItEnd Hokie
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07/20/26 12:59 PM ET
Of course they will qualify. He's referring to chances of winning it
-- Hate2SeeItEnd Hokie
Jul 20, 2026 at 06:35 PM ET
Hate2SeeItEnd Hokie
•
07/20/26 06:35 PM ET
I mean as a serious favorite to take the cup.
-- Snape
Jul 20, 2026 at 04:22 PM ET
Snape
•
07/20/26 04:22 PM ET
The wild cards that you may not be factoring in are how the groups look and
◄
-- VTHokie2000
Jul 21, 2026 at 09:11 AM ET
VTHokie2000
•
07/21/26 09:11 AM ET
Don't forget -- FIFA changed the set up the draw this year
-- Nova Hokie 95
Jul 21, 2026 at 10:23 AM ET
Nova Hokie 95
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07/21/26 10:23 AM ET
The top 4 teams will likely change between now and 2030, so I was
-- VTHokie2000
Jul 21, 2026 at 05:16 PM ET
VTHokie2000
•
07/21/26 05:16 PM ET