The real reason why England must top their World Cup group

If the first few days of the 2026 World Cup have taught us anything, it is that predicting how the tournament will pan out makes fools of us all. Cape Verde were not meant to shut out Spain, many people’s favourites. Australia were not meant to beat a talented Turkey. Morocco were not meant to match the might of Brazil.We can try, of course. Theoretically, there should be a material benefit in topping each group. Group winners will be rewarded in one of two ways by Fifa’s new 48-team