Sound of Football Podcast 659 - World Cup 2026: Going around the block

There weren't too many shocks in the group stage of this World Cup but it did at least have some surprises — the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde perhaps the most notable. Being in one of the first groups to complete their games, Scotland's exit from the tournament was slow. Yet another group stage exit sees them looking for a new head coach, with Steve Clarke stepping down. Iran's exit was perhaps the most heartbreaking with 3D avatar VAR denying Team Melli a fairytale late winner against Egypt.

Having impressed against Croatia, England's other two group games were uninspiring. Against both Ghana and Panama they struggled against low blocks and looked vulnerable on the counter. They finished top in the group but there are much tougher tests ahead.

pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_659.mp3