World Cup 2026

[TunnelKing089]

Go USA,go Argentina First game June 11th,France,Spain the favorites.

Groups
https://www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/fifa.world

 

[TiedbyChris]

Over here we’re getting a lot of stories about inflated prices for tickets/transport/accommodation and the suggestion that many games may not be well attended?

I do wonder if a 48 team tournament is a step too far but I’m sure I’ll be watching several games.

 

[TunnelKing089]

Italy didn't make it again? seriously?

Group of death? I'll go Group L

 

[Bloodandglitter]

Go Scotland

 

[TomTeacher19]

Italy didn't make it again? seriously?

Group of death? I'll go Group L

The group of death distinction is a bit weirder with this one since 2/3 of the groups will have three teams advance out of them.

 

[TunnelKing089]

The group of death distinction is a bit weirder with this one since 2/3 of the groups will have three teams advance out of them.

Yep more teams this year.

• Knockout Progression: The top two teams in each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, advance to a new Round of 32.

 

[TomTeacher19]

Yeah it's an entire extra round for knockout. If you can get even just one win in the group play you have a good chance to advance

 

[Temptations2]

Gonna laugh my tits off when fifa cancels at the last minute over price gouging

 

[TunnelKing089]

Go Scotland

Scotland

 

[deft]

Nobody's arsed. Trump's wrecked everything.

 

[TunnelKing089]

Top 10 FIFA official songs take your pick....

Songs

 

[Adrian81]

I'm still not entirely convinced the US games will go ahead as scheduled, Trump is bound to pull some unhinged shit or deny entry to teams, staff or fans

 

[TunnelKing089]

I read where Congo has to isolate for 21 days before entering the USA,hopefully they get to compete.

 

[TunnelKing089]

International friendly today from Chicago

USA vs Germany

 

[TunnelKing089]

Hmm Germany scored 1 minute in... good grief.

 

[TunnelKing089]

Apparently it's ok to lose.... horse**** article

https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/762260

 

[Orwellian69]

Apparently it's ok to lose.... horse**** article

https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/762260

It is.
Its a warm up game against a much much better side. Its for fitness and looking at form. No shame in losing a warm up match to Germany.

 

[TunnelKing089]

It is.
Its a warm up game against a much much better side. Its for fitness and looking at form. No shame in losing a warm up match to Germany.

Been saying the same stuff for 30 years,play to win expect to win.

 

[Orwellian69]

Ok mate.

You play to win and expect to win against Germany

 

[TunnelKing089]

Ok mate.

You play to win and expect to win against Germany

Sure am,you playing to finish last?or you just want a trophy for showing up?

 

[Orwellian69]

Sure am,you playing to finish last?or you just want a trophy for showing up?

Pre-tournament matches mean nothing. Check the stats. Both teams changed pretty much the entire line ups throughout the match.
Fitness. Fine tuning.
The "win" here is ironing out issues before the tournament begins and, hopefully, getting through without injuries.

Oh, and if the US had "played to win" the space they would have left for Musiala, Sane and Wirtz would have been comical and possibly led to a bigger defeat.

 

[TunnelKing089]

Pre-tournament matches mean nothing. Check the stats. Both teams changed pretty much the entire line ups throughout the match.
Fitness. Fine tuning.
The "win" here is ironing out issues before the tournament begins and, hopefully, getting through without injuries.

Oh, and if the US had "played to win" the space they would have left for Musiala, Sane and Wirtz would have been comical and possibly led to a bigger defeat.

Oh we didn't show up to win but i want my competition trophy and a pat on the back.
Carry on.

 

[Orwellian69]

Who's your team?
I don't mean US, I mean a club side.

 

[TiedbyChris]

Thing is, there are only ever a handful of teams who are realistically in with a chance of winning any competition and expanding the World Cup to 48 teams doesn’t change that. It means more sides qualify, which is great for them and given that 8/12 sides who finish 3rd in their group of 4 will make the knock out stages, one group win will probably be enough, so good luck to them.

The Quarter Finals will most likely be these 8 sides, although there is always the chance of one or two others springing a surprise.

France
Spain
England
Brazil
Portugal
Argentina
Germany
Netherlands

I’d be amazed however if the Finalists & winners don’t come from this list but I suppose you never know!

 

[TomTeacher19]

Thing is, there are only ever a handful of teams who are realistically in with a chance of winning any competition and expanding the World Cup to 48 teams doesn’t change that. It means more sides qualify, which is great for them and given that 8/12 sides who finish 3rd in their group of 4 will make the knock out stages, one group win will probably be enough, so good luck to them.

The Quarter Finals will most likely be these 8 sides, although there is always the chance of one or two others springing a surprise.

France
Spain
England
Brazil
Portugal
Argentina
Germany
Netherlands

I’d be amazed however if the Finalists & winners don’t come from this list but I suppose you never know!

While you're probably right about it being those eight, the additional round of the knockout, the nature of top level soccer games being close, and three host teams all in the next tier probably means a couple of those will get upset along the way.