S11 E18 Jersey Swap - 2026 FIFA World Cup - Our Group Stage Analysis!

S11 E18 Jersey Swap - 2026 FIFA World Cup - Our Group Stage Analysis!

Author: CST Media June 5, 2026 Duration: 1:10:53

The calendar flips almost instantly, and while club activities go under midseason hibernation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here. It's time to see how many of the 48 teams performing at the United States, Canada, and Mexico are really high caliber and stand a chance at hoisting the cup.

While the finals in 2022 took place between two former winners in Argentina and France, they both had to get through surprise upstarts Croatia and Morocco to do so. the expanded field probably makes it harder for a Cinderella team to reach similar heights, but it also means there's a higher chance at a newcomer reaching stages they've yet to access.

So how does this cycle shape up? We bring on CST's own Jose Guerra and Jacob Holton to discuss the distant and recent past of the World Cup. We also have Kenta Hagiwara from the Asian Football Show help us dissect the group stages and predict who gets into the knockout round. While we're at it, just why did they pick the teams they picked in the CST 2026 World Cup Draft?

REMINDER: Cincinnati Soccer Talk will be at Oakley Greens on Friday June 12th for a prematch live show! Join us with FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano at 7:30PM to discuss the upcoming USA vs. Paraguay first-round matchup!

Tune in and trade threads with us! #MLS #FCCincinnati #soccer

Check out the Asian Football Show on Youtube!

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There's a particular energy that comes from following a team with people who feel it as deeply as you do. Cincinnati Soccer Talk captures that feeling, born from a fan's perspective and grown into an essential voice for FC Cincinnati supporters. This isn't a broadcast booth narrative; it's the conversation happening in the stands and the pubs, translated into a weekly audio format. You'll find thoughtful, sometimes passionate, breakdowns of each match-what worked, what didn't, and why it matters for the season's arc. The discussions often extend beyond the local pitch, bringing in insights and stories from figures across Major League Soccer to provide a wider context. Hosted by CST Media, the podcast regularly sits down with players, offering a more personal look at the individuals behind the kits, and connects with personalities who shape the game. It’s a comprehensive, fan-fueled hub for anyone invested in the rise of soccer in the Queen City. Tune in to feel like you're part of the core group that lives and breathes every pass, tackle, and goal.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Cincinnati Soccer Talk
Podcast Episodes
CST Episode 472 - Normal Service Resumes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:39
The gang are back to put a bow on the World Cup and look ahead to a busy restart to the season for the Orange and Blue. Guest- Jeff Wallner. FOR MORE CST CONTENT VISIT US ONLINE https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com SUPPORT C…
CST Episode 471 - Back On Track [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:35
The World Cup is in its final week with the four favorites alive in the semifinals. Geoff, Jose, and Jacob discuss the past week's developments. However, the club is also getting itself back together. FC Cincinnati took…
CST Episode 470 - Letdown. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:20
The United States, Mexico, and Canada all struggle and crash in the Round of 16. The World Cup host still hasn't won the trophy in 28 years. Geoff, Jose, and Brian focus on the USMNT loss to Belgium and assess where U.S.…
CST Episode 469 - Birthday Party Crashers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:32
The World Cup group stages are finished, and all three hosts are moving on. However, the United States hit a rough patch against Turkiye by resting their starters. Are we concerned? Geoff, Jose, and Jason look towards th…
CST Episode 468 - The World Has Arrived [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:10
While the World Cup was expected to have its hiccups in the planning and preparatory stages, can we say that it's been a mild success yet? Do the powerful exhibitions by the favorites, the successes of the hosts, and the…
CST Episode 467 - Welcome to America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:13
The gang recaps the start of World Cup 2026. FOR MORE CST CONTENT VISIT US ONLINE https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com SUPPORT CINCINNATI SOCCER TALK TODAY! https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/support SUBSCRIBE TO CINCY SOCCER…
Bonus: Live from Oakley Greens with Roman Celentano! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:37
In case you missed out on our live Oakley Greens show before the United States Men's National Team commanded Paraguay 4-1, we've got you covered! Geoff, Jason, Coach, Jose, and Jacob previewed the 2026 World Cup as well…
CST Episode 466 - Six Goals? In This Economy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:52
The gang recaps the big win vs Orlando and look ahead to the long World Cup break. FOR MORE CST CONTENT VISIT US ONLINE https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com SUPPORT CINCINNATI SOCCER TALK TODAY! https://cincinnatisoccertalk.…