Cabo Verde so close to greatest ever shock

Americans have fallen in love with the World Cup, and in a plot-twist the visiting football fans are falling in love with Americana. There’s a lesson or two there somewhere.

I’m here to talk about the football though, you can call it soccer if you want, but the 2026 version is proving to be one of the most entertaining.

There’s no doubt some recency bias in my utopian state, but despite the larger number of nations, and the over the top commercialism, I am savouring the competition, although I realize the game times have not been particularly helpful for those outside of the Americas.

It has been hard not to ignore the ticketing and the cost of them, the ridiculous hydration/ advert break, the iron fist of immigration, the growing influence of VAR, and the idiot Alexi Salas, if you have watched the games on Fox, but tonight’s Argentina v Cabo Verde match was one for the ages.

If American’s can’t understand why this is the world’s beautiful game after that, then they never will.

The small African island nation with big dreams were brilliant, but also exposed an Argentinian team that haven’t really played anyone. Same can be said for a few of the other supposed big shots.

Argentina do have a nice ride, but Colombia could be a large hurdle in the QF. I’ve been impressed with them.

Spain should be able to dominate their part of the bracket and it will probably be where the U.S.’ dreams end. I can see the Americans beating Belgium on Monday.

Brazil like their neighbours haven’t really been tested and Norway will expose their weaknesses. Of course if we can somehow beat Mexico, the altitude, weather and vitally our own defensive frailties that is the bracket quarter where we will end up.

But no one looks in France’s class, and for me they remain the team to beat with 16 nations left.