FIFA’s bloated 48-team circus is finally here. More games. More cash. More noise. Yet, despite the expanded guest list, the usual suspects still hold the keys to the VIP lounge. European champions Spain arrive in North America with targets on their backs, while Uruguay prepares to do what they do best: make people bleed for a result.
Group H is a top-heavy affair. Spain and Uruguay should stroll through. That leaves Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde fighting for the scraps, hoping the tournament’s new, forgiving format throws them a lifeline.
**The Fixtures (BST)**
June 15, 5pm: Spain v Cape Verde (Atlanta)
June 15, 11pm: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (Miami)
June 21, 5pm: Spain v Saudi Arabia (Atlanta)
June 21, 11pm: Uruguay v Cape Verde (Miami)
June 27, 1am: Uruguay v Spain (Zapopan)
June 27, 1am: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia (Houston)
**Spain: The Arrogant Favorites**
Luis de la Fuente is playing a dangerous game. He left every single Real Madrid player at home. No Dani Carvajal. No Dean Huijsen. It is a massive gamble. Spain has not touched the trophy since 2010. The pressure is suffocating.
Lamine Yamal is the savior. He is 18. He is brilliant. But his hamstring is frayed. If he sits out the early games, Spain looks mortal. Keep an eye on Atletico’s Marc Pubill. He is versatile. He is hungry.
FIFA Rank: 2. Odds: 5/1.
**Uruguay: Bielsa’s Last Stand**
Marcelo Bielsa is quitting after this. The madman of football wants one last chaotic run. Uruguay lacks the glittering stars of yesteryear, but they still have spite. They defend like wolves.
Fede Valverde is the heartbeat. He is tireless. Up front, Darwin Nunez will either score a hat-trick or kick the corner flag. Sporting’s Maxi Araujo is the wildcard. He is fast. He is ready.
FIFA Rank: 17. Odds: 100/1.
**Saudi Arabia: The Oil-Backed Underdogs**
Herve Renard is back in the dugout. He knows how to orchestrate a heist. They shocked Argentina in Qatar, but lightning rarely strikes twice.
Salem Al-Dawsari is 34. He is still their best hope. Defender Saud Abdulhamid is the only squad member playing in Europe. He is decent. The rest? Out of their depth.
FIFA Rank: 61. Odds: 1000/1.
**Cape Verde: The Party Crashers**
They made it. First time ever. Bubista’s men are just happy to be here, but don’t write them off. They reached the Afcon quarters twice. They can play.
Dailon Livramento will lead the line. Benfica’s new €6m boy, Sidny Lopes Cabral, is the real talent. Jose Mourinho likes him. That tells you everything.
FIFA Rank: 69. Odds: 2000/1.
**The Verdict**
Spain wins the group. Uruguay finishes second. Saudi Arabia might sneak a win, but Cape Verde will go home early with some nice memories. Football is cruel like that.
