The Inside Channel podcast: Sam Matterce and Alex Crook’s World Cup preview with Star Sports

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on 11th June, cutting the ribbon on more than five action packed weeks of 48 teams competing to be crowned champions of the world.

In readiness for the start of the biggest sporting competition on Earth, Star Sports have launched a brand new podcast, The Inside Channel, hosted by Sam Matterface and Alex Crook, who previewed the entire tournament in Thursday’s opening episode.

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The launch episode of the band new podcast sees Matterface, ITV’s lead commentator for the World Cup, and Crook, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, joined by special guest, former Chelsea and West Ham left back Scott Minto preview this summer’s tournament.

The trio discuss all thing’s England, their chances of ending 60 years of hurt this summer, as well as how Scotland can be expected to fair in their first time on the global stage this century.

Sam and Alex ponder over which of the bigger nations have the best chances of winning – can Argentina become the first team since 1962 to defend their crown, or will European champions Spain, record champions Brazil, or a France side who have reached the last two finals, winning one and losing on penalties in the other, dethrone them?

Potential dark horses are also debated over, with Morocco and Croatia notably reaching the semi finals of the last World Cup in Qatar – which of the smaller teams can be expected to punch above their weight with the big boys?

The two co-hosts then kick off their head-to-head tipping competition, touting both their outright winner and their Golden Boot selections, with a nasty forfeit awaiting the loser.

Episodes will drop three times a week while the pair are out in North America covering games across Canada, USA and Mexico

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Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub

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