WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP 2026?! #37

Online edition! We’re back from the studio (sort of), blue-balled by the international break and itching for club football. So we dove head-first into qualifiers, Sweden’s golden gen, Spain’s midfield wizardry, and who actually looks like World Cup favorites right now — then wrapped with quickfire predictions for the weekend.

In this episode

Sweden deep dive:
Why this is the most balanced Sweden in years (Isak, Gyökeres, Kulusevski, Ayari), the 3-5-2 vs 4-4-2 vs 4-2-3-1 debate, and fixing that right-side/wing-back hole. Mentality matters: stop protecting feelings, start chasing quarters and beyond.

Manager talk:
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s identity — brave, possession-tilted, maybe a bit rigid — and why buy-in from the players beats “be pragmatic” Twitter.

Spain–Turkey takeaways:
Pedri is operating five steps ahead of time; Zubimendi holding it down; and our case for Mikel Merino as Spain’s secret title ingredient (the lieutenant every champion needs).

Who’s actually scary for 2026?
Spain as favorites on pure coherence; Brazil’s Ancelotti aura and absurd depth; France’s talent vs Deschamps-ball; Argentina’s post-glory gear; Portugal as a dark horse if the balance clicks.

Quick picks:
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid and Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (must be routine — statement win required).

If you’re into tactics, hot takes, and unhealthy amounts of Nordic optimism, smash subscribe. Let’s push past 120 — appreciate you all 💙

0:00 - Intro & Sweden's international break frustrations
1:34 - Sweden’s squad analysis, player breakdown & tactical setup
14:25 - Spain vs Turkey: Pedri, Merino & Spain's Euro hopes
26:00 - World Cup 2026 contenders: Brazil, Argentina, Portugal & more
36:45 - Club football returns: Real Madrid & Arsenal match predictions