Royal Oak World Cup Preview: England's Odds, Messi v Ronaldo & Plastic Fans

We're dropping this one early - a special full length preview episode looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup...

The lads have entered the Royal Oak sweepstake - but Steve's hopes of glory takes an immediate hit when he draws the mighty Uzbekistan. Bob and Paul go in on the eternal debate: what do we actually think about casual fans down the pub? And Steve has discovered a new passion in life - brisket barbecues.

We take a closer look at England's possible route to the final. Can Harry Kane's Three Lions battle through the heat in the United States, Canada and Mexico to go all the way? Steve, as ever, has absolutely no doubts. And will Scotland suprise a few people with their first appearance at the finals since 1998.

The boys also weigh in on who'll claim the Golden Boot, pick their dark horses for the tournament, and settle - once and for all - the greatest rivalry in football: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. Plus, Bob the Bucket is back with another quiz to sort the true fans from the also rans.

Join us every Thursday throughout the summer for World Cup-themed episodes and keep an eye out for bonus livestreams taking you right to the heart of the tournament.

Pelé, Erling Haaland, Diego Maradona, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Shakira and Peter Reid all feature in another packed edition of Games Gone.

VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.

Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp at 0800 7831997

Marching on, together as one. Steve.

Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Credits

Series Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor: Janathan Portelli Additional Editing and Artwork: Joe Whittaker and Lottie Steele Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard