48 Teams. Half of them shouldn't even be there. And all because FIFA's cash cow has made it so. It's great to see new countries making it to the World Cup or even returning to the World stage again but it shouldn't be at the expense of quality. 12 groups of 4 equates to 72 matches in the group stages and because of the watered down field we're looking at around 10 games that are likely to be worth watching. However, we will watch. And we'll probably watch the lot.

I'd love to see 1 or 2 of the 'big nations' drop out in the group stage but it's incredibly unlikely isn't it. Let's talk about the groups.

Group A is made up of Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czechia. I mean, have you ever seen a worse World Cup group than that? There aren't even any half reasonable nations in there. South Korea are the only ones that have been further than the first knockout phase in the last 30 years and that was in their home country. They were practically gifted a place at this summer's tournament too when you look at their qualifying group. China, Thailand and Singapore. Christ...

Group B. Canada, Bosnia, Qatar & Switzerland. For crying out loud... If the Swiss don't walk all over this group something fishy is going on. Who's staying up until 11pm to watch Canada v Qatar? It's already in my diary... I'm not allowed to use emoji's apparently but rest assured, if I could, I'd have used multiple eye roles by now.

Group C. Brazil, Scotland, Haiti and Morocco. Ok, a half decent group. If the Scots turn up like they did in their qualifying group and Morocco are half the team that saw them become the first African Nation to reach a World Cup Semi Final in 2022, then we may genuinely have our first competitive group. Brazil don't look anything like the teams of 2002 and before, but you just never know with the Samba Boys. Any side that includes Vinicius Jr have a semi decent chance of doing good things. Whether you like him or not.

Group D. USA, Paraguay, Australia & Turkiye. Firstly, why are we suddenly having to say and spell Turkey differently? It's not a new country. Who are we trying to please? Honestly, that is a better subject than the quality of this group. Turkeyaaahhhh should win it as they're the only reasonable team amongst the four. The other three teams will have to battle it out for the second qualification spot.

Group E. Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador & Curacao. Will Cote d'Ivoire turn up like we know they can? There's a strong set of players in their ranks and they have the ability to cause an upset. However, I don't see it. The Germans have been rebuilding quietly over the last few years and whilst they're not the finished article by any stretch, they'll make it out of this group and once the knockout's start, most nations won't want to play them.

Group F. Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Sweden have Isak, Elanga & Gyokeres up top. Three of the most expensive Premier League transfers from last season. They should have walked through qualifying. But they didn't. They lost home and away to Kosovo along the way and then had to scrap their way through the Play-Offs. However, now they're in the tournament, I can see them getting through the group. Japan are strong though and we all know what Netherlands bring to the party. This group could easily end in a 3-way tie on 6 points.

Group G. Belgium, Egypt, Iran & New Zealand. Standard wise, this group will be up there as one of the worst. Belgium had a great team 10-12 years ago. But that golden generation have barely been replaced. Most are still in the squad. Some still in the starting 11. Their time has passed. Egypt will look to Salah and Marmoush to spring a suprise and see them through the group and in reality, they should get through. Potentially with the Belgians. Incase you're interested, Iran v New Zealand is on at 2am UK time. I think I'll watch the highlights. If there is one.

Group H. Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. The first time we see 2 half decent nations in the same group. Spain are obviously more than half decent and Uruguay can be as they showed in the game with England recently. The Saudi's will not be a walkover for anyone despite that being the expectation. They were strong enough to come from behind to beat Argentina in 2022 so don't be surprised if they create a shock here.

Group I. France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq. Ok, write off Iraq. Now, let's discuss the other three sides. France will be strong. They're going to take some beating, but one slip in the group stage and it might end up being an early flight home. Norway are one of the most improved nations in the last 2 years and will obviously look to Erling Haaland to help fire them into the knockout stages whilst Senegal could easily disrupt the establishment. The group to watch.

Group J. Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan. I struggle to see Jordan getting a single point. The defending champions Argentina, are drawn into a relatively good group. Austria should be the toughest game for them, though Algeria will certainly put up a fight and I expect the game between those two to be the important game in terms of qualifying.

Group K. Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Well, it's fair to say that Portugal have done ok here isn't it. Colombia finished third in their qualifying group, above Brazil, but loses to Ecuador and Bolivia along with poor performances and dropped points against Peru and Paraguay speak volumes. DR Congo could end up pipping Colombia to second in my opinion.

Group L. England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama. We expect Panama to be the whipping boys. With that exception, England come into the tournament as second favourites to lift the trophy. Not in my view, but that's what the bookies are saying. Croatia, muchlike Belgium, had a great side 10 years ago but the young talent hasn't been coming through to replace the now ageing squad. Kramaric is 34, Modric is 40, Perisic is 37, Budimir is also 34. Not to say any of these couldn't still do a job. For example, Modric has started 32 games in the AC Milan midfield this season. Ghana ahve some good individual players but as a team, they shouldn't have enough to stop Englad and Croatia taking the top two places.

Et quae iure vel ut odit alias.