One group, four nations and two of them, without intending any disrespect whatsoever, are also-rans in the international standings.
Yet given that the top two teams, and possibly a third place side, can qualify for the last 32 of the World Cup 2026, it does mean there will be plenty to play for in clashes between the minnows in Group E.
Before you say it, yes I know it’s madness that as many countries that took part in the whole of the last tournament will still be involved after the group stages and it devalues the new format in my mind.
But we are where we are so let’s look ahead to potential World Cup 2026 highlights.
Even though they have failed to get out of the group stage at the last two competitions – incredibly as holders in 2018 and again in 2022 – Germany should proceed as clear group winners which leaves a fascinating three way battle between debutants Curacao, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Let’s get straight down to business as, for me, one of the players of this tournament could be Jamal Musiala. The Bayern Munich man is considered by some to be the crown jewel of Germany’s midfield, renowned for his elite close control, ability to break defensive lines and creative vision.
The playmaker netted three times at Euro 2024 and, after recovering from a broken leg and dislocated ankle, returned to Bayern for the final third of the season with the German champions.
Three goals and six assists from 15 games (only seven as a starter) suggests he may be coming back to form at just the right time for the national team.
If Musiala is an obvious one, I’m also looking forward to seeing a player I rate as good as any in his position.
The mega-money fee which persuaded Brighton to sell him three years ago, means you naturally expect big things of Moises Caicedo who, undoubtedly, provides Ecuador with their best chance of progress. Despite plying his trade at as chaotic a club as there has been this term, the Chelsea midfielder is one of the most complete box-to-box midfielders in the world, renowned for his tackling, interception and drive. This could be his stage.
In a solid qualifying campaign, Ecuador finished second behind world champions Argentina and ahead of other established nations like Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.
Their opening match against the Ivory Coast could determine who gets that second spot.
The Ivorians are not strongly fancied with the SBOTOP World Cup 2026 betting odds, which surprises me, but if Ecuador, ranked 23rd in the world, can maintain their recent run of form, then Caicedo can take control.
Since taking charge in 2024, Argentine manager Sebastian Beccacece has only lost once in 16 games.
For those who have romantic notions, then the appearance of Curacao this summer means I should include one of their own on my ‘players to watch’ list.
The country with the smallest population among the nations that have qualified, the tiny Caribbean island has approximately 186,000 inhabitants.
Situated 37 miles off the Venezuela coast, Curacao only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, has a population of a little more than 150,000 (similar to Cambridge or Huddersfield) and a land area of 171 square miles, smaller than the Isle of Man.
For anyone who is remotely interested, that is where I am based.
This will also be the team’s first ever major tournament on the world stage following several Gold Cup appearances.
Last week, Dick Advocaat – who only stepped down in February – made a surprise return as head coach after his successor Fred Rutten resigned just a month before their World Cup debut.
At the age of 78, Dutchman Advocaat is set to become the oldest coach in the tournament’s history, beating Otto Rehhagel’s record when he was in charge of Greece aged 71 in 2010.
Aged 34 and with Premier League experience with both Aston Villa and Cardiff City, Leandro Bacuna is Curacao’s captain and most-capped player.
His younger brother, Juninho Bacuna, is one of the team’s most creative players and also has Premier League experience with Huddersfield.
FC Eindhoven striker Rangelo Janga is Curaçao’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in 43 appearances.
It is the captain that will likely be their main man and, while at odds of 2,501.00, no-one is expecting them to progress, let’s wait and see if the underdogs of all underdogs can have their moment.
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