The World Cup is almost here… but who’s actually making it?

In this episode, Mark and Mateo run through the final World Cup 2026 playoff qualifiers, predicting winners across UEFA and the intercontinental playoffs. From European giants like Italy and Denmark to wild-card picks like Kosovo, Suriname, and even New Caledonia—this one gets chaotic fast.

Will experience win out… or are we about to see some serious underdog stories?

To contact us reach out to semiinformedfootball@gmail.com

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Manchester United are winning again… and suddenly the questions are louder than ever.

In this episode of A Semi-Informed Football Podcast, we dive into the unexpected resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Four straight wins had United fans dreaming again until West Ham halted the five-game fairytale. So now the real debate begins: is this a genuine tactical reset, or just the classic “new manager bounce”?

We break down Carrick’s tactical shift from Amorim’s rigid back three to a more natural back four system and why that subtle change may have unlocked Bruno Fernandes and stabilized the dressing room. We also ask the uncomfortable question: how many games does it actually take for a club like Manchester United to hand someone the permanent job?

Then we pivot to the bigger picture: managerial instability in modern football. Are clubs too quick to pull the trigger? Is the interim model becoming the safest business strategy in elite football?

And of course, we couldn’t avoid the VAR conversation. With fresh audits and renewed scrutiny around officiating standards, we examine whether VAR is improving accountability or just adding another layer of confusion to the modern game.

It’s tactics, boardroom politics, Premier League chaos, and just enough sarcasm to keep it semi-informed.

To contact us reach out to semiinformedfootball@gmail.com

Follow us on X at @SemiFooty