BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

England will look to continue their march towards the knockout rounds when they face Panama, a side they famously overwhelmed 6-1 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The meeting in Nizhny Novgorod remains one of England’s most emphatic World Cup victories, with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick and John Stones adding a brace in a dominant display. Eight years later, Panama return hoping to produce a far more competitive performance against one of football’s traditional powers.

England have once again arrived at the tournament with lofty expectations and possess one of the deepest squads in the competition. Their attacking options have impressed in the group stage, while the defence has shown increasing solidity.

Panama, meanwhile, continue to embrace the underdog tag that served them well during their maiden World Cup appearance in 2018. The Central Americans know that a positive result against England could significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group.

While history favours England heavily, Panama will take encouragement from the unpredictability that has characterised several matches at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Algeria have the opportunity to achieve a World Cup milestone when they take on Austria in a crucial Group stage encounter.

The North Africans are aiming to record back-to-back FIFA World Cup victories for the first time in their history, a feat that would further underline their growing stature on football’s biggest stage.

Standing in their way is an Austrian side that has traditionally performed well against African opposition at the World Cup. Austria are unbeaten in their two previous finals encounters against teams from the continent and will be eager to preserve that record.

Algeria’s confidence has risen after a positive start to their campaign, with their attacking players showing the flair and pace that have become trademarks of the Desert Foxes.

Austria, however, possess a well-balanced side capable of controlling possession and punishing defensive mistakes. The Europeans know that victory could place them in a strong position ahead of the final round of group matches.

The contest promises to be a fascinating battle between Algeria’s ambition and Austria’s historical confidence against African opposition.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

World champions Argentina will seek a place in the history books when they face tournament debutants Jordan in a fascinating Group stage encounter.

The South American giants are just one victory away from reaching 50 FIFA World Cup wins, a milestone previously achieved only by Brazil and Germany.

For Jordan, the match represents another historic chapter in their remarkable World Cup journey. The Middle Eastern nation will face South American opposition in the tournament for the first time and will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of football’s elite sides.

Argentina have looked every inch defending champions, combining experience with attacking brilliance. Their squad boasts several players capable of deciding matches with moments of individual quality.

Jordan have already earned admiration for their organisation and fighting spirit, qualities they will need in abundance against an Argentine side chasing both qualification and a significant statistical landmark.

Although Argentina enter as overwhelming favourites, Jordan will hope to frustrate the South Americans and perhaps produce one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

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