Hello Rank Squad!

A slightly delayed main episode this week because we wanted to see all 48 nations play at least once in the World Cup before making any sweeping assertions, so here's our take on the first round of games now that every team has seen the pitch!

In Part One, we start with a look at the pre-tournament favourites who impressed us most in their opening encounters, who lived up to the hype and have got their fanbases very excited.

In Part Two, we dive into the team performances that got the juices flowing - from the underdogs and middleweights who either exceeded expectations or straight up flipped the script on what they put together, as well as a quick peek at three standout individual performances who lit up the biggest stage.

And in Part Three, we examine three heavy hitters who now have serious questions to answer after underperforming in their openers, as well as putting in some predictions for the group stage and beyond.

There are daily drops happening on the Ranks FC Patreon, which is linked below, if you want more from us over the course of this World Cup - reacting to the games as they happen and taking the lead from our listeners on what they want discussed, and we'd love to have you as part of it!

It's Ranks!

And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon?

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Hello Rank Squad!

Here's the final editions of our four World Cup preview shows, where we look through the final three groups and give our thoughts on each of the four teams in each. Jack and Dean are back together to wrap things up from the preview side.

Starting in Group J we take a look at reigning champions Argentina, discussing whether a very similar squad to 2022 could retain this trophy; before turning our attention to what looks like an intriguing battle between a talented but mostly untested Algeria and an incredibly well-drilled Austria for second place; and newcomers Jordan who might just fancy their chances of landing a counterpunch or two.

In Group K, we talk through whether this is finally the moment that Portugal step up to the World Cup plate in what seems to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final attempt at the big one; if Luis Diaz's Colombia can spring a surprise or two in the latter stages; and which of Uzbekistan and DR Congo might get the better of each other, or either or the two big boys in the group.

And then rounding things off in Group L, there's a discussion about England under Thomas Tuchel and what Dean's expecting from his Three Lions; as well as a Croatia team who are in a slight transition period but should never be underestimated on this World Cup stage; and a quick look at a Ghana side in a really strange state of disarray, and a well-drilled but somewhat underpowered Panama.

Keep an eye on this plenty more over the course of the World Cup and if you missed them, check out our Groups A-C preview with Dougie Critchley, our Groups D-F preview with Austin Miller, and Groups G-I preview with the boys.

It's Ranks!

And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon?

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Hello Rank Squad!

Here's the third of our four World Cup preview shows, where we look through the next three groups and give our thoughts on each of the four teams in each. Jack Collins is joined once more by the returning Dean Jones as we return to regular programming.

Starting in Group G with a look through Belgium and where the Red Devils are with the golden generation mostly in the rear-view mirror, we then take a look at what looks like a straight duel between Iran and Egypt for a second place spot, as well as looking in on New Zealand, who have a lot of work to do to spring a surprise.

In Group H, we talk through one of the two big favourites in Spain, trying to find any weaknesses in what looks like a watertight squad; checking in on Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay, who look a bit chaotic right now; and then taking a peek at Saudi Arabia and newcomers Cape Verde, where the boys disagree on which looks the stronger of the two.

And then in Group I, we reach 2022's runners-up in France, who look primed again for another deep run and might be the most stacked squad of the lot; as well as two very interesting contenders in Norway and Senegal, who both might to be very tricky opponents for Deschamps' last dance; and finally to Iraq, who might just find this incredibly difficult group a step too far despite their brave qualification to this stage.

Keep an eye on this feed for the final preview, check out our Groups A-C preview with Dougie Critchley, our Groups D-F preview with Austin Miller, and there will be plenty more to come too, over the course of the World Cup.

It's Ranks!

And remember, if you’d like more from the Rank Squad, including extra podcasts every Monday and Friday (including our weekly Postbox taking a look at the whole weekend of football) and access to our brilliant Discord community, then why not join us here on Patreon?

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