Now every team has played a match at this year's tournament we have an idea of which teams look the real deal. The big four teams - England, France, Italy and Spain - all won, and if they keep winning their games they will make up the four semi finalists. However, we have never had a semi final line-up that strong, so will one of them hit a bump in the road?
This is how our groups look now:
This is how our groups look now:
Now we enter the second round of games, meaning teams could be securing an early qualification, or indeed an early exit from the tournament. Will that happen today?
Group A
2022 and 2023 DWC champions England started with a nice and ominous 5-1 win over Ukraine, but the bigger story was Nigeria beating the glitzy Qatar 2-1:
Qatar vs England
England can't actually guarantee qualification by winning here, but they would be virtually there. Qatar wouldn't be out with a draw, and there is a plausible route to qualification in that scenario, but they would obviously prefer to avoid defeat here.
England have no need to change their team, but Qatar do. They change to a back five, with Kim Moon-Hwan rewarded for his impact off the bench against Nigeria. Róger Guedes drops out.
England can't actually guarantee qualification by winning here, but they would be virtually there. Qatar wouldn't be out with a draw, and there is a plausible route to qualification in that scenario, but they would obviously prefer to avoid defeat here.
England have no need to change their team, but Qatar do. They change to a back five, with Kim Moon-Hwan rewarded for his impact off the bench against Nigeria. Róger Guedes drops out.
England flex their muscles with a clinical move across their midfield, ending with Mohamed Salah playing it to Erling Haaland in front of goal. He shoots straight at Meshaal Barsham, and was offside anyway. Salah himself is denied by Barsham in the 10th minute, his fizzing shot following a corner saved at full stretch.
England are actually having under 30% of the ball, but that is partly because they are proving very effective at getting shots away when they do have it. Salah is at the heart of everything, and when England have a free kick Kevin De Bruyne chooses to play it sideways to the Egyptian, who in turn picks out Bernardo Silva free in the box, and he calmly sidefoots it into the near corner! A beautifully-worked goal, but it won't count as Silva had just strayed offside.
Qatar defend doggedly but perpetually, and soon after England have the ball in the net again. Once more it is Salah who is key, muscling Mateus Uribe off the ball near the corner of the box, and playing it through for Haaland who this time lashes home! There is another lengthy VAR check... but this time it counts! England finally get their reward for a very strong opening to the game.
Qatar play a little more passively in defence and more direct in possession. It seems to slow the rate of England's chances, and just after the half hour mark a direct run from Rafinha opens up space. He plays it wide to Paulo Otávio who gets past the outside of Trent Alexander-Arnold and thumps a shot across Alisson inside the far post! A brilliant goal, and out of nowhere Qatar are back level!
Alexander-Arnold will be disappointed with that, as he continues to be a key cog for England in possession. He shows that soon after with a gorgeous pass over the top for Salah, who again finds a teammate with a cut-back for De Bruyne, but last year's Golden Ball winner can only hit the side netting. And right at the very end of the half Alexander-Arnold whips a free kick into the angle of the Qatari goal and over! At the break the Asian team are somehow still level.
England are actually having under 30% of the ball, but that is partly because they are proving very effective at getting shots away when they do have it. Salah is at the heart of everything, and when England have a free kick Kevin De Bruyne chooses to play it sideways to the Egyptian, who in turn picks out Bernardo Silva free in the box, and he calmly sidefoots it into the near corner! A beautifully-worked goal, but it won't count as Silva had just strayed offside.
Qatar defend doggedly but perpetually, and soon after England have the ball in the net again. Once more it is Salah who is key, muscling Mateus Uribe off the ball near the corner of the box, and playing it through for Haaland who this time lashes home! There is another lengthy VAR check... but this time it counts! England finally get their reward for a very strong opening to the game.
Qatar play a little more passively in defence and more direct in possession. It seems to slow the rate of England's chances, and just after the half hour mark a direct run from Rafinha opens up space. He plays it wide to Paulo Otávio who gets past the outside of Trent Alexander-Arnold and thumps a shot across Alisson inside the far post! A brilliant goal, and out of nowhere Qatar are back level!
Alexander-Arnold will be disappointed with that, as he continues to be a key cog for England in possession. He shows that soon after with a gorgeous pass over the top for Salah, who again finds a teammate with a cut-back for De Bruyne, but last year's Golden Ball winner can only hit the side netting. And right at the very end of the half Alexander-Arnold whips a free kick into the angle of the Qatari goal and over! At the break the Asian team are somehow still level.
No changes at the break, although Qatar will be wary of yellow cards for Marco Verratti and Abdou Diallo.
For England it's a case of keeping on what they're doing. And five minutes into the second half a messy period of play results in Bukayo Saka intercepting Lyanco's weak pass. He cuts it back and Bernardo Silva is there to apply another neat finish! There's no question of offside this time, and England restore their lead!
There are more Qatari yellows, for Paulo Otávio and Lyanco, and their discipline costs them even more when Lucas Veríssimo is judged to have shoved Virgil van Dijk at a free kick - penalty! Against Ukraine it Harry Kane was the taker, but he isn't on the pitch so it's up to Salah... Barsham guesses right but it has too much power! Salah very deservedly has his goal, and England are in control now!
It gets worse for Qatar as their goalscorer Paulo Otávio is limping. With no other players suited to a left wing back position, Qatar switch to the lesser-spotted Christmas tree 4-3-2-1 formation. It makes sense, as England's full backs are cutting inside so they don't need to defend those areas as much, but it doesn't stem the tide and in the 68th minute Diallo bundles Salah over in the corner of the box, and it's another penalty! Now Kane is on the pitch, having replaced Haaland, and so he takes... he goes the same way as Salah, but it's not as precise and Barsham is able to push it behind!
Despite this, England are able to cruise through the game, passing the ball about and giving players match time. One of those off the bench is Declan Rice, who has a long shot ripple the top of the net. It's the game's last real action, and it's another very controlled win for the defending champions.
For England it's a case of keeping on what they're doing. And five minutes into the second half a messy period of play results in Bukayo Saka intercepting Lyanco's weak pass. He cuts it back and Bernardo Silva is there to apply another neat finish! There's no question of offside this time, and England restore their lead!
There are more Qatari yellows, for Paulo Otávio and Lyanco, and their discipline costs them even more when Lucas Veríssimo is judged to have shoved Virgil van Dijk at a free kick - penalty! Against Ukraine it Harry Kane was the taker, but he isn't on the pitch so it's up to Salah... Barsham guesses right but it has too much power! Salah very deservedly has his goal, and England are in control now!
It gets worse for Qatar as their goalscorer Paulo Otávio is limping. With no other players suited to a left wing back position, Qatar switch to the lesser-spotted Christmas tree 4-3-2-1 formation. It makes sense, as England's full backs are cutting inside so they don't need to defend those areas as much, but it doesn't stem the tide and in the 68th minute Diallo bundles Salah over in the corner of the box, and it's another penalty! Now Kane is on the pitch, having replaced Haaland, and so he takes... he goes the same way as Salah, but it's not as precise and Barsham is able to push it behind!
Despite this, England are able to cruise through the game, passing the ball about and giving players match time. One of those off the bench is Declan Rice, who has a long shot ripple the top of the net. It's the game's last real action, and it's another very controlled win for the defending champions.
Final score:
Qatar 1 (Paulo Otávio 33')
England 3 (Haaland 21', Silva 51', Salah (p) 60')
Player of the match: Mohamed Salah (ENG)
It was a pleasure watching Salah in the first half, as he caused Qatar endless problems. Whilst the two penalties skews the xG chart below in England's favour, it was a real performance of dominance with their opponents managing just one shot. It's a worry for Qatar, who had a similarly unthreatening match in their loss to Nigeria. Their fate is now out of their hands.
Qatar 1 (Paulo Otávio 33')
England 3 (Haaland 21', Silva 51', Salah (p) 60')
Player of the match: Mohamed Salah (ENG)
It was a pleasure watching Salah in the first half, as he caused Qatar endless problems. Whilst the two penalties skews the xG chart below in England's favour, it was a real performance of dominance with their opponents managing just one shot. It's a worry for Qatar, who had a similarly unthreatening match in their loss to Nigeria. Their fate is now out of their hands.
Ukraine vs Nigeria
If Nigeria avoid defeat here, Qatar are eliminated and England are through. If Nigeria can win, they will also go through. As Nigeria finish against England, Ukraine will see themselves as clear favourites if they win here. A draw takes things out of their hands a bit.
Neither team make any changes, with Ukraine giving the XI which lost to England a second chance to prove themselves, in a match with very different expectations.
If Nigeria avoid defeat here, Qatar are eliminated and England are through. If Nigeria can win, they will also go through. As Nigeria finish against England, Ukraine will see themselves as clear favourites if they win here. A draw takes things out of their hands a bit.
Neither team make any changes, with Ukraine giving the XI which lost to England a second chance to prove themselves, in a match with very different expectations.
Ukraine have a corner in the third minute, Mykhaylo Mudryk swings it in and Max Kilman thumps a header past Olorunleke Ojo! It's the ideal start for Ukraine!
It's a very one-sided start. Ruslan Malinovski heads over from another Mudryk cross, and in the 11th minute he gets a free kick right on the edge of the box. Ojo may have been expecting a shot past the wall, but Malinovski goes for the goalkeeper's side and finds the top left corner!
A few minutes later and Ukraine have a corner from the opposite side. It's the same outcome though, as Malinovski's cross is cleared only as far as Kilman, who nods it down for Viktor Tsygankov to bring it down and fire into the bottom corner! Ukraine are running riot!
On the half hour mark Malinovski has another free kick, a bit further out. He strikes it almost as well, but it cannons into the woodwork. But with a degree of inevitability it comes straight to Oleksandr Zinchenko to nod into the unguarded net! It's 4-0 now, if you're struggling to keep track, and that's how it stays up to the break.
It's a very one-sided start. Ruslan Malinovski heads over from another Mudryk cross, and in the 11th minute he gets a free kick right on the edge of the box. Ojo may have been expecting a shot past the wall, but Malinovski goes for the goalkeeper's side and finds the top left corner!
A few minutes later and Ukraine have a corner from the opposite side. It's the same outcome though, as Malinovski's cross is cleared only as far as Kilman, who nods it down for Viktor Tsygankov to bring it down and fire into the bottom corner! Ukraine are running riot!
On the half hour mark Malinovski has another free kick, a bit further out. He strikes it almost as well, but it cannons into the woodwork. But with a degree of inevitability it comes straight to Oleksandr Zinchenko to nod into the unguarded net! It's 4-0 now, if you're struggling to keep track, and that's how it stays up to the break.
Nigeria make a couple of changes, as Stefano Okaka and Ibrahim Rabiu are replaced by Leke James and Nnamdi Ofoborh. They look a little improved, with Olakunle Olusegun forcing Andriy Lunin into a save.
Zinchenko has a low shot deflected and very well saved by Ojo, and thankfully for Nigeria it's the last they see of Ukraine's talisman as the European side begin to take players off to save them for their final group game.
They still have plenty of star players on the pitch, and they should have a fifth when Kilman's beautiful floated pass finds Tsygankov in acres of space, only for him to bend his shot wide. He has another chance soon after, but it's more difficult and Ojo denies him.
As always in Football Manager, a big first half lead leads to a dour second half. Josh Onomah, on off the bench, ripples the top of Ukraine's goal with a long shot, and that's it.
Zinchenko has a low shot deflected and very well saved by Ojo, and thankfully for Nigeria it's the last they see of Ukraine's talisman as the European side begin to take players off to save them for their final group game.
They still have plenty of star players on the pitch, and they should have a fifth when Kilman's beautiful floated pass finds Tsygankov in acres of space, only for him to bend his shot wide. He has another chance soon after, but it's more difficult and Ojo denies him.
As always in Football Manager, a big first half lead leads to a dour second half. Josh Onomah, on off the bench, ripples the top of Ukraine's goal with a long shot, and that's it.
Final score:
Ukraine 4 (Kilman 3', Malinovski 11', Tsygankov 16', Zinchenko 31')
Nigeria 0
Player of the match: Max Kilman (UKR)
Maybe the scoreline was a little flattering on Ukraine. All four goals came from set pieces, maybe on another day Nigeria defend those and it's a lot closer. But Ukraine looked far better in open play and could have scored more if they hadn't taken the second half easy.
Ukraine 4 (Kilman 3', Malinovski 11', Tsygankov 16', Zinchenko 31')
Nigeria 0
Player of the match: Max Kilman (UKR)
Maybe the scoreline was a little flattering on Ukraine. All four goals came from set pieces, maybe on another day Nigeria defend those and it's a lot closer. But Ukraine looked far better in open play and could have scored more if they hadn't taken the second half easy.
After the high of the win over Qatar, Nigeria are facing elimination unless they can take something against England. Otherwise, it all comes down to the meeting between Ukraine and Qatar. England aren't mathematically through, but will be if they avoid a five-goal defeat to Nigeria.
Group B
What an odd game Italy's win over Iran was. A three goal lead cut to one, they suddenly kicked into gear and romped to an 8-2 victory. Canada also went 3-0 up, against Cameroon, but they shut the game down to keep it at that scoreline.
Cameroon vs Iran
Clearly, both teams need to win. Despite the shellacking received at the hands of Italy, I would argue that Iran are in a better position because - assuming Italy beat Canada - a win here for Iran would keep things in their hands, whereas for Cameroon a win here would still see them needing something against Italy.
Cameroon make two changes, as Tristan Dingomé and Ambroise Oyongo are replaced by Boris Enow and Maxime Poundjé. Morteza Pouraligani is the only new face in the Iranian team, at the expense of Hossein Kanaani.
Clearly, both teams need to win. Despite the shellacking received at the hands of Italy, I would argue that Iran are in a better position because - assuming Italy beat Canada - a win here for Iran would keep things in their hands, whereas for Cameroon a win here would still see them needing something against Italy.
Cameroon make two changes, as Tristan Dingomé and Ambroise Oyongo are replaced by Boris Enow and Maxime Poundjé. Morteza Pouraligani is the only new face in the Iranian team, at the expense of Hossein Kanaani.
Cameroon start on the front foot, with Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu heading wide. And ten minutes later a Bryan Mbeumo corner is well met by Adolphe Teikeu, Alireza Beiranvand can't keep it out and Cameroon are ahead!
Iran cannot get their talented front four into the game, and Cameroon maintain their lead to the break.
Iran cannot get their talented front four into the game, and Cameroon maintain their lead to the break.
There are no personnel changes by Iran, but a few tactical changes. The focus is more on keeping the ball, as they have plenty of creative midfielders. However, their problems remain in defence and in the ninth minute of the half Cameroon double their lead! Again, it's from a corner, but this time it's a Moumi Ngamaleu cross and a Gerzino Nyamsi header! They've played around 150 minutes this tournament, and Iran have conceded 10 goals.
Roberto Torres is one of those who will be sorely disappointed with how he has performed so far today. But straight after the goal he gets a chance to show what he can do with a 30 yard free kick. He gets it almost spot on, beating Devis Epassy but hitting the crossbar - but the rebound falls to Danial Esmaeilifar to tap in and bring it back to 2-1!
Iran again fail to defend a corner, but they survive as Teikeu heads into the side netting. But Iran can't make the most of it, and let the game fly by without troubling Cameroon's defence. They cannot find any kind of combination to get anywhere near scoring, and Cameroon see it out for their first ever DWC points!
Roberto Torres is one of those who will be sorely disappointed with how he has performed so far today. But straight after the goal he gets a chance to show what he can do with a 30 yard free kick. He gets it almost spot on, beating Devis Epassy but hitting the crossbar - but the rebound falls to Danial Esmaeilifar to tap in and bring it back to 2-1!
Iran again fail to defend a corner, but they survive as Teikeu heads into the side netting. But Iran can't make the most of it, and let the game fly by without troubling Cameroon's defence. They cannot find any kind of combination to get anywhere near scoring, and Cameroon see it out for their first ever DWC points!
Final score:
Cameroon 2 (Teikeu 14', Nyamsi 54')
Iran 1 (Esmaeilifar 58')
Player of the match: Gerzino Nyamsi (CMR)
A miserable match for Iran. So disappointing when they had a team full of creative players and lead by two quality strikers. But for Cameroon, there is no limit to where you can go with a watertight defence and set piece quality. But as mentioned before, they will almost certainly need something against Italy to qualify.
Cameroon 2 (Teikeu 14', Nyamsi 54')
Iran 1 (Esmaeilifar 58')
Player of the match: Gerzino Nyamsi (CMR)
A miserable match for Iran. So disappointing when they had a team full of creative players and lead by two quality strikers. But for Cameroon, there is no limit to where you can go with a watertight defence and set piece quality. But as mentioned before, they will almost certainly need something against Italy to qualify.
Italy vs Canada
With Cameroon winning the last match, it denies Italy the chance of early qualification, but were Canada to triumph here they would be the first name confirmed in the last 16. Anything but an Italian win eliminates Iran, although goal difference has effectively done that already. These two have met once before, in the group stage three years ago where Italy were 2-0 victors - but both teams ended up eliminated at the group stage.
After both teams put in excellent performances last time, there are no changes here.
With Cameroon winning the last match, it denies Italy the chance of early qualification, but were Canada to triumph here they would be the first name confirmed in the last 16. Anything but an Italian win eliminates Iran, although goal difference has effectively done that already. These two have met once before, in the group stage three years ago where Italy were 2-0 victors - but both teams ended up eliminated at the group stage.
After both teams put in excellent performances last time, there are no changes here.
There is a strong Italian influence in the Canadian team, not least Lorenzo Insigne who was in every Italian DWC squad from 2018-2022. His corner leads to the first half-chance of the match, as Ryan Gauld's shot is deflected by Nicolo Barella straight into the face of a surprised Bryan Cristante (another Italian), but it flies wide.
It is otherwise a quiet start, with Italy seeming a bit dozy after their intense win over Iran. But in the 28th minute Rafael Leao plays a ball in to Victor Osimhen in the box, who lays it off to Barella and he charges in and powers a shot into the top corner - and just like that, Italy lead!
Like a switch being turned on, Italy are suddenly causing Canada problems all over. Osimhen has a header over the bar whilst goalscorer Barella has one shot deflected into the side netting and another tipped over by Yohei Takaoka. Canada make a surprise early change, moving Federico Bernardeschi to right wing back and changing to a lopsided 3-4-3.
Hakan Calhanoglu was the only player who scored a perfect 10.0 in the opening group games, which was impressive as he didn't score any of his side's eight goals. But just before half time he lets fly from the edge of the box and it gets through Takaoka to double Italy's advantage! The Japanese stopper will be sorely disappointed with that one, as Canada had looked like getting to the break within one.
It is otherwise a quiet start, with Italy seeming a bit dozy after their intense win over Iran. But in the 28th minute Rafael Leao plays a ball in to Victor Osimhen in the box, who lays it off to Barella and he charges in and powers a shot into the top corner - and just like that, Italy lead!
Like a switch being turned on, Italy are suddenly causing Canada problems all over. Osimhen has a header over the bar whilst goalscorer Barella has one shot deflected into the side netting and another tipped over by Yohei Takaoka. Canada make a surprise early change, moving Federico Bernardeschi to right wing back and changing to a lopsided 3-4-3.
Hakan Calhanoglu was the only player who scored a perfect 10.0 in the opening group games, which was impressive as he didn't score any of his side's eight goals. But just before half time he lets fly from the edge of the box and it gets through Takaoka to double Italy's advantage! The Japanese stopper will be sorely disappointed with that one, as Canada had looked like getting to the break within one.
Calhanoglu nearly adds another straight after the interval from a corner, but Takaoka is able to push his shot onto the bar. But worse than conceding another goal for Canada, they see Alphonso Davies go down with a sore foot. He is swiftly replaced by Sam Adekugbe, whilst Insigne and Bernardeschi are also withdrawn in a sign that Canada are switching their focus on their crunch final match.
Just after all these changes around the hour mark Theo Hernández cuts inside and switches it over to Calhanoglu. It's all too easy for him to run into the box - Joel Waterman is especially passive here - and zip a low shot past Takaoka!
It's a thankless time for the Canadian players who are left out there to hold off Italy, but they do manage it as their opponents also look to rest players. But with two minutes to go two Italian subs combine as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia slips in Lautaro Martínez to lash a shot in! However, VAR has a very easy job to rule it out on the grounds that he was several metres offside. The only mystery is how the on-field official missed it.
That ought to have been that, but in the final minute of stoppage time Kvaratskhelia hares away down the left and pings in a perfect low cross for Martínez, who again tucks it away and this time it counts! A final flourish for another faultless Italian showing!
Just after all these changes around the hour mark Theo Hernández cuts inside and switches it over to Calhanoglu. It's all too easy for him to run into the box - Joel Waterman is especially passive here - and zip a low shot past Takaoka!
It's a thankless time for the Canadian players who are left out there to hold off Italy, but they do manage it as their opponents also look to rest players. But with two minutes to go two Italian subs combine as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia slips in Lautaro Martínez to lash a shot in! However, VAR has a very easy job to rule it out on the grounds that he was several metres offside. The only mystery is how the on-field official missed it.
That ought to have been that, but in the final minute of stoppage time Kvaratskhelia hares away down the left and pings in a perfect low cross for Martínez, who again tucks it away and this time it counts! A final flourish for another faultless Italian showing!
Final score:
Italy 4 (Barella 28', Calhanoglu 44', 64', Martínez 90+4')
Canada 0
Player of the match: Hakan Calhanoglu (ITA)
The chart below shows what I mean when it seemed like Italy just sprung to life out of nowhere. It's hard to tell whether Canada would have fared better without their formation switch - they were under a lot of pressure when they changed - but it certainly didn't work. A final word for Calhanoglu, who produced a match-leading 8 key passes to go with his two goals for a second player of the match award. It's too early to win the Golden Ball, but he has already got himself in the conversation, that's for sure.
Italy 4 (Barella 28', Calhanoglu 44', 64', Martínez 90+4')
Canada 0
Player of the match: Hakan Calhanoglu (ITA)
The chart below shows what I mean when it seemed like Italy just sprung to life out of nowhere. It's hard to tell whether Canada would have fared better without their formation switch - they were under a lot of pressure when they changed - but it certainly didn't work. A final word for Calhanoglu, who produced a match-leading 8 key passes to go with his two goals for a second player of the match award. It's too early to win the Golden Ball, but he has already got himself in the conversation, that's for sure.
Like England, Italy are qualified in all but name. The battle to join them looks very close, but with Canada facing a porous Iran and Cameroon a rampant Italy, the North American champions will expect to come through.
Four matches today, and every time we've seen the higher-ranked team go into an early lead. Cameroon had to hold tight, but the other three went on to record very easy victories.
Groups C & D produced a host of tense matches last time, and we can expect something similar again next time.
Groups C & D produced a host of tense matches last time, and we can expect something similar again next time.