Mock World Cup bracket: Just how far can the USMNT go?

First round of the knockout stage

We can tackle the easy games to pick first, then get into the more invlolved games later on.

Germany takes a win over Paraguay. Paraguay does not have the defensive power to stop the German powerhouse. France makes Sweden look easy. It will take a special kind of all around football team to stop this France team, and that team is not Sweden. Brazil over Netherlands, injuries barely a story here, because even at full strength, Brazil's offensive sawblade is not going to be stopped here. Mexico puts away Scotland in what will be a very loud Mexico City game. England over Austria, experience in high level football becoming an obvious advantage here. Spain over Algeria, a team that barely won second place in the group. Belgium thumps Czech Republic and looks expectantly at their potential second round matchup. Argentina continues dominance over CONCACAF nations in a win over Uruguay. Switzerland over Iran, the quality of players threatening a rout. Portugal offensively is too much to handle for Senegal, giving Ronaldo fans a real hope for trophy glory.

All three of our host nations made it to the knockout stages, and Canada is in our first close game as they meet South Korea in Los Angeles. These teams are very evenly matched, with Canada coming in at 30 on FIFA's Internation Rankings and South Korea at 25. Neither team has one player that sways the game, and neither team has something extraordinary that makes picking them over the other easy. Home field advantage is a factor, although this game will be played in Los Angeles, which is not actually Canada. Korean striker Heung-Min Son plays for Los Angeles FC making this more home field for him than the Canadians.

In the end, it is Heung-Min Son that helped make this decision for me. He plays much higher level than his club choice would indicate, and that level of striker is going to have an impact on a defense like Canada's. Our first home nation goes home, not getting grouped, but not much more to brag on.

Next up is Japan and Morocco match up for what will be must watch television. Japan is going to be a fan favorite coming into this match, but Morocco is the probably the strongest two seed in the knockouts. This feels like one of those pro wrestling matches where a smaller hero comes up against a behemoth villain, with the crowd cheering for every burst of offense but falling into boos as the brickhouse looks bored upon their opponent who may be trying too much. It breaks my heart to send Japan home here, but Morocco is too good at every level of football. Does Japan have an outside chance? Sure, but I would much sooner take one of the Paul brothers knocking out Francis Ngannou.

Next we have Norway and Ecuador setting up a rematch between the immovable object and the unstoppable force. Erling Haaland's addiction to scoring goals versus the suffocating defense of Ecuador. This feels very much like a 1-1 tie that gets settled on penalties. Norway will not be held scoreless for ninety minutes, let alone 120. Ecuador can push the ball forward on counterattack and put one in the net. Do you know what the weakest part of Ecuador's defense is? Their goal keeping. Norway wins on pens and advances to the round of 16, which puts them one step away from the farthest they have ever made it in the tournament.

Next, we have Colombia and Croatia, in a game that almost made it onto the easy games to pick list. Both of these defenses are good, with Croatia's bordering on the bottom side of great. The big difference here is that Colombia has an impressive offense to boast as well. Luis Diaz, Jhon Duran, and Luis Suarez will not be held scoreless. Colombia takes a huge victory here and the Colombian fans that delayed the Copa America final become even more raucous.

Next, we have the final host nation, and the reason you and I are both here, the United States taking on Bosnia. A massive mismatch here that helps hide the USMNT's obvious weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. The only weight that Bosnia holds is on the defensive side of the ball, which will help the Stars and Stirpes hide their defensive struggles. This is a handy win for the USMNT, putting them across the pitch once more with Belgium in the round of 16.

Egypt and Turkiye is last matchup to analyze in this round. Salah's last trip to the World Cup against a Turkiye team with pretty aggressive offensive firepower. Egypt is strong on the front line, but starts to weaken as you move further back. Turkiye has value at pretty much every position, which is why I am taking them to advance. Either team would be playing above their rank with an advancement here, and Turkiye earns that honor here.

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