World Cup 2018 Wooden Spoon Predictions

There’s an old saying which goes “If you must fail, then fail spectacularly…” These are our World Cup 2018 wooden spoon predictions.

We have some first-timers to the World Cup like Panama as well as some shock non-qualifiers for World Cup 2018 such as Italy and the USA. Tut-tut…

For some teams who worked their socks off to qualify for World Cup 2018, their time in Russia will sadly be short-lived. Playing on the world’s biggest footballing stage is no cake-walk and it’s inevitable a few minnows will fail spectacularly indeed!

While we try not to take too much pleasure in watching teams flop, we do love a bet and have some ideas about which nation might finish rock-bottom to claim a World Cup 2018 wooden spoon. It’s very likely that one of the four teams below will win the not-so-honourable World Cup 2018 Wooden Spoon, but which one will it be?

South Korea
South Korea have been drawn in Group F with 2014 defending champions Germany as well as Mexico and Sweden. The Asians have qualified for their 10th World Cup, becoming the only side outside of Europe and South America to be in every tournament since 1986. They are heavy favourites to finish bottom, but a win or even a draw against struggling Mexico should be enough to save them from the Wooden Spoon. Back South Korea to finish bottom of the Group at 4/5.

Tunisia
In Group G, Tunisia (alongside fellow underdogs Panama), have the toughest group alongside Belgium and England. The Tunisians return to the World Cup for the fifth occasion and their FIFA world ranking of 27th is the best of the small fry. It’s a pity the North African side has such tough competition as they might otherwise have had a shout at reaching the knockout stages of World Cup 2018. Back Tunisia to finish bottom of the Group at a tasty 7/4.
Panama
First-time World Cup qualifiers find themselves in Group G with England, Belgium and Tunisia. Panama booked their ticket to Russia with a dramatic 2-1 win over Costa Rica on the final matchday of the CONCACAF playoffs. On the bright side, at least one of either Panama or Tunisia in Group G won’t come last in their group! Panama are 1/2 to finish bottom of their group.

Saudi Arabia
Playing in their fifth World Cup in 2018, Saudi Arabia undoubtedly have the easiest run, coming up against the hosts Russia as well as Egypt and Uruguay in Group A. It’s unlikely but not impossible they end up third in this Group which immediately writes them off as Wooden Spoon winners. Saudi are 2/5 to finish bottom of their group.

And our selection for the World Cup 2018 Wooden Spoon Winner goes to *drum roll*… Panama!

Panama find themselves in an extremely tough group and are first-time qualifiers for the World Cup. We expect Tunisia to beat them comfortably and that is all we may need to happen as losses to England and Belgium are a near certainty. If the Wooden Spoon comes down to goal difference with another side, we expect Belgium and Kevin de Bruyne to be responsible for Tunisia’s downfall!