The kicks off Thursday, June 11 with . All eyes will likely be on that opener, however who else do you have to make appointment viewing?
There are the same old suspects (Brazil, Argentina and France), however there are many different groups value your consideration. This is a take a look at our 2026 World Cup watchability rankings, be happy to disagree:
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Full skilled picks:
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups (RICARDO MAKYN, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups (RICARDO MAKYN, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 47: Jordan – first look
(Thaier Al-Sudani, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 46: Qatar – second look
(KARIM JAAFAR, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 45: Cape Verde – first look
(QUEILA FERNANDES, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 44: New Zealand – third look
(David Rowland, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 42: Saudi Arabia – seventh look
(Issei Kato, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 41: Panama – second look
(MARTIN BERNETTI, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 40 Czechia – tenth look
(MICHAL CIZEK, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 39: Tunisia – seventh look
(Zoubeir Souissi, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 38: Uzbekistan – first look
(Maxim Shemetov, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 37 Haiti – second look
(Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-Imagn Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 36 Iran – seventh look
(Majid Asgaripour, through REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 35: South Africa – fourth look
(Esa Alexander, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 34: Bosnia and Herzegovina – second look
(Amel Emric, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 33: Algeria – fifth look
(JOHAN NILSSON, TT Information Company/AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 32: Paraguay – ninth look
(Daniel Duarte, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 31: DR Congo – second look
(ULISES RUIZ, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 30: Scotland – ninth look
(Russell Cheyne, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 29: Egypt – fourth look
(ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 28: Sweden – twelfth look
(JONATHAN NACKSTRAND, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 27: Australia – seventh look
(Robert Cianflone, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 26: Ghana – fifth look
(Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 25: South Korea – twelfth look
(Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 24: Austria – eighth look
(GEORG HOCHMUTH, APA/AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 23: Ivory Coast – fourth look
(Luc Gnago, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 22: Turkey – fourth look
(ARMEND NIMANI, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 21: Canada – third look
(Dan Istitene, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 19: Morocco – seventh look
(ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 18: Switzerland – thirteenth look
(Jonas Ekstromer, Reuters)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 17: Croatia – seventh look
(DAMIR SENCAR, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 16: Colombia – seventh look
(Jordan Financial institution, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 15: Japan – eighth look
(Koji Watanabe, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 14: Norway – fourth look
(ALBERTO PIZZOLI, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 13: United States of America – twelfth look
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 12: Mexico – 18th look
(Omar Vega, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 11: Belgium – fifteenth look
(Yves Herman, Reuters)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 10: Ecuador – fifth look
(Omar Vega, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 9: Senegal – fourth look
(IAN KINGTON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 8: Portugal – ninth look
(Charles McQuillan, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 7: Brazil – twenty third look
(Ryan Pierse, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 6: Germany – twenty first look
(Lisi Niesner, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 5: Netherlands – twelfth look
(Piroschka Van De Wouw, REUTERS)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 4: England – seventeenth look
(GINTS IVUSKANS, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 2: France – seventeenth look
(Franco Arland, Getty Photos)
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Who’s in World Cup 2026? Rating all 48 groups
No. 1: Spain – seventeenth look
(Pablo Morano, REUTERS)The ten most enjoyable groups to look at in World Cup 202610. Algeria
There have been 32 targets in Algeria’s 10 World Cup qualifiers (24 for, eight allowed). That is normally a recipe for pleasure. Former Manchester Metropolis star Riyad Mahrez is the star man, however get to know Mohamed Amoura. He scored 10 targets in qualifying and has netted 20 occasions over the previous two seasons for Wolfsburg in Germany. One other Algerian plying his commerce in Germany, 20-year-old attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, could possibly be a breakout star for the Desert Foxes.
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9. Japan
The Japanese are sometimes neglected in the case of main tournaments, however the Samurai Blue have reached the Spherical of 16 in 4 of the previous six World Cups. All the time hard-working and by no means out of a sport, this model has loads of firepower. Japan scored 54 targets over its 16 video games in qualifying, led by Ayase Ueda’s eight. Not having Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) will damage, however Ritsu Doan, Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa will assist spur the assault.
8. Mexico
Mexico hasn’t hosted a World Cup since 1986. The vibes are going to be off the charts, and El Tri will likely be dead-set on placing on a present for one of the crucial loyal fanbases in world soccer. The Mexican assault is lacking star energy with Raul Jimenez (35) previous his prime and Santiago Gimenez coming off a goalless season at AC Milan. However bonus pleasure factors for any taking part in time for 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest participant at this yr’s World Cup.
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7. Netherlands
Normally among the many most aesthetically pleasing model of soccer, the Clockwork Orange’s passing and motion are, properly, like clockwork. Donyell Malen is likely one of the most in-form strikers proper now, coming off 14 targets in 18 appearances for Roma in Serie A, and whereas Cody Gakpo is not coming off one among his greatest seasons for membership (Liverpool), he all the time reveals up for nation. And simply hope you get a type of electrical runs from deep from Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, one of many quickest gamers on this planet.
6. United States
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
The U.S. males’s nationwide workforce World Cup roster is out, for actual this time. Three days after the workforce’s squad was totally leaked, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino formally revealed his 26-man roster for the 2026 match on Tuesday, Could 26. The discharge confirmed the leak was, in truth, correct, because the 26 names matched the 26 The Guardian first reported over the weekend. The names did not function too many surprises, although there have been nonetheless one or two choices that could possibly be characterised as head-scratching. “We’re assured that is the very best group of 26 gamers to assist us obtain success on the World Cup,” Pochettino stated. See who made the workforce:
Christian Pulisic, attacking midfielder/winger
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
The U.S. males’s nationwide workforce World Cup roster is out, for actual this time. Three days after the workforce’s squad was totally leaked, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino formally revealed his 26-man roster for the 2026 match on Tuesday, Could 26. The discharge confirmed the leak was, in truth, correct, because the 26 names matched the 26 The Guardian first reported over the weekend. The names did not function too many surprises, although there have been nonetheless one or two choices that could possibly be characterised as head-scratching. “We’re assured that is the very best group of 26 gamers to assist us obtain success on the World Cup,” Pochettino stated. See who made the workforce:
Christian Pulisic, attacking midfielder/winger
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Weston McKennie, midfielder
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Tyler Adams, midfielder
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Antonee Robinson, defender
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Chris Brady, goalkeeper
(Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Joe Scally, defender
(Eric Canha, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Haji Wright, striker
(Dylan Buell, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Miles Robinson, defender
(Megan Briggs, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Mark McKenzie, defender
(Johnnie Izquierdo, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Matt Turner, goalkeeper
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Chris Richards, defender
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Alex Freeman, defender
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Tim Ream, defender
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Sergino Dest, defender
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Tim Weah, midfielder
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Alejandro Zendejas, attacking midfielder/winger
(Joseph Maiorana, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Sebastian Berhalter, midfielder
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Brenden Aaronson, attacking midfielder/winger
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Auston Trusty, defender
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Malik Tillman, attacking midfielder/winger
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Folarin Balogun, striker
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Ricardo Pepi, striker
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Matt Freese, goalkeeper
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Max Arfsten, defender
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Gio Reyna, Attacking midfielder/winger
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
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Who made the USMNT World Cup roster? Meet full 26-man USA squad
Cristian Roldan, midfielder
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Photos)
This USMNT era has a degree to show, and its energy lies in assault. The protection has a 38-year-old within the center, subsequent to an injured Chris Richards. And the normally dependable goalkeeper place is that this workforce’s largest query mark. So the very best protection could also be a front-foot offense. Christian Pulisic will lead the assault, with Florian Balogun, Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi all able to find the again of the web. Timothy Weah and Antonee Robinson will bomb up and down the flanks to offer width and vitality. Diego Luna would have added some unpredictability, inventive spark and grit, however that is an argument for an additional day.
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5. Brazil
This isn’t a classic Brazil. The midfield is a significant query mark (other than Bruno Guimares). However the A Seleção will all the time carry the anticipated aptitude. Vinicius Junior will lead the road alongside Matheus Cunha and Raphina, with kids like Rayan and Endrick primed to get you out of your seats. Neymar is the wild card, however the 34-year-old is properly previous his prime and on this workforce as extra of a profession achievement award than on present type.
4. Ivory Coast
This can be a Yan Diomande appreciation put up. One of many hottest names within the switch market this summer season (hiya, Liverpool?), the 19-year-old scored 13 occasions for RB Leipzig this previous season and has already netted thrice in 9 video games for Les Elephants. He is a defender’s nightmare operating at them at tempo, with loads of unpredictability. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Monaco’s Simon Adingra are tough, too, however control 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure. The Ivory Coast’s stout midfield of Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare give its wingers extra license to assault. And it is a pleasure to look at.
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3. Norway
Erling Haaland of Norway applauds the group following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Estonia at Ullevaal Stadion on November 13, 2025 in Oslo, Norway.
It is all the time greatest when the world’s greatest gamers aren’t sitting at house in a significant match. Erling Haaland lastly will get his likelihood as Norway certified for its first World Cup since 1998 (ah, Tore Andre Flo recollections). Haaland already has 112 Premier League targets in simply 4 seasons and has 55 targets in 50 profession appearances for the nationwide workforce. However this era is greater than Haaland. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard pulls the strings in midfield, whereas Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa (star watch) and Andreas Schjelderup present Haaland with service from the wings. Norway scored an astounding 37 targets in eight qualifying video games. Identical to the Vikings of their ancestors, they take no prisoners.
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2. Argentina
Messi. Sufficient stated.
(Oh, and there is no Messi vs. Ronaldo debate on this match. One will likely be merely a penalty field poacher, whereas the opposite will proceed to be the fulcrum for one of many match favorites.)
The 2022 World Cup champions will all the time present metal within the again, however they marry it with tempo and aptitude that devastates opponents. Paired with Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez give Argentina a prime three in assault matched solely by our No. 1 workforce, whereas 21-year-old Nico Paz, who will play for Actual Madrid quickly sufficient, is a star within the making.
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1. France
A frontline that features Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, with Want Doue, Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola in reserve. Oh my! The French are so loaded its second 11 may have presumably made this record.