The 72-game group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to an end and the knockouts have begun! So, after we've seen what our European sides have to offer, how are we feeling about their chances?

Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to assess the main runners and riders (all still standing... for now). Are France and Spain still our favourites? Have Germany and the Netherlands been a pleasant surprise? And can we still call Portugal a contender for the tournament?

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On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every single week and throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Love him or loathe him, you simply cannot ignore Cristiano Ronaldo. "I'm back" was what he exclaimed down the camera lens after his two goals against Uzbekistan, but is he *really* back?

David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini join Dotun to debate that. Plus, Switzerland top Group B with victory over Canada. Can this tournament's quiet achievers trouble the knockout rounds? And finally, Norway are much more than just Erling Haaland... but he is pretty damn brilliant. What sort of statement would victory over France be for them?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

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***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every single week and throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luckily for Spain, the arrival gates in the US were still open before their second game of this year's World Cup. After failing to put in a credible display against Cape Verde, they certainly righted that wrong with a convincing win against Saudi Arabia.

Andy and Lars Sivertsen dial in from Dallas to tell Dotun what that comprehensive result could mean for their tournament. Plus, Belgian falter again, Germany squeeze past Ivory Coast, and Türkiye are out!

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every single week and throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.