2026 FIFA World Cup thread

[Moose Malloy]

Socceroos? No, I don't hate them but am sorry for them 'cause of that brand name. They are confusing the most popular international sport and its fans. Most importantly though, your response is taking it away from the US issue of football that the post was aimed at. It was pointed out why the population of over 300 million Americans could not find ways to bring up a better national football team for the FIFA World Cup. My observation was that the name "soccer" Americans (and Canadians) have given to the sport was one reason for the lower standard of its team's competitiveness. I also reasoned beyond my claim there. I apologize if I have offended you but I stand behind my observation that changing the name of the sport influences the interest in and development of the young gen that wants to choose or play the sport too.

The British invented the word "soccer" at Oxford in 1895(slang for association football).

According this article in the Irish Times, the word soccer was regularly used in the UK until the 80s, when soccer leagues in the US caused a negative connotation to the word.

David Kynaston's invaluable Modernity Britain: A Shake of the Dice, begins with a Daily Mirror report on an international match from 1959. That paper's Bill Holden explained "the storm which lashed Britain has swept fear into the hearts of Sweden's soccer stars"

Matt Busby, the legendary manager of Manchester United, titled his autobiography Soccer at the Top: My Life in Football. Bobby Moore, captain of England's World Cup-winning side from 1966, edited The Book of Soccer. I'm looking at the box for a 50-year-old World Cup edition of "Subbuteo Table Soccer" and the word "football" appears nowhere in the packaging.

Anybody who grew up with Match of the Day in the 1970s will — if they can get past their own baffling self-indoctrination — remember Jimmy Hill and David Coleman bandying "soccer" on a weekly basis.

Stefan Szymanski, a professor at the University of Michigan, wrote a paper on the subject in 2014. “Since 1980 the usage of the word “soccer” has declined in British publications, and where it is used, it usually refers to an American context,” he wrote. “This decline seems to be a reaction against the increased usage in the US which seems to be associated with the highpoint of the NASL [North American Soccer League] around 1980.” To that point, Prof Szymanski confirmed, “soccer” and “football” were “almost interchangeable”.

The 1984 Shoot annual was still advertising itself as “from Britain’s top-selling soccer magazine”, but, by 1990, British pundits were in full retreat from “soccer”. The run up to the, ahem, 1994 Soccer World Cup in the USA finished off the word for good.

The mystery is how a collective linguistic amnesia fell so quickly upon the soccer-watching population. The generation that grew up with "soccer" — Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen and the gang — banished the word from their lips. The succeeding cohort came to believe the word had barely ever been spoken between the Shetland Archipelago and the Isle of Wight.

There is no easier way to annoy a British soccer fan than referring to soccer as ‘soccer’

Donald Clarke: The rejection of the word by English people happened weirdly recently

www.irishtimes.com

 

[TennisBro]

From what I read the VAR team automatically checks any relevant plays that could be penalties and informs the referee if they think he missed something

I have seen teams' lengthy screamings at refs for VAR and "VAR team automatically" was used. That kinda VAR wouldn't be voice activated, would it? I wonder how much of the thinking does VAR team do and how far does it really go.

 

[TennisBro]

@Moose Malloy thanks for the history of "soccer"

 

[GabeT]

Reviewing is one thing but acting on the review is another. This is why VAR opens doors to the abuse. It's like having all the evidence but using the more convenient ones only. Should we believe an unbiased person is the one who's the judge and executioner?

Final decision rests with the referee. Thats true in all sports

 

[TennisBro]

The crew officiating in the Argentina-Egypt match was mainly French

So, they weren't African. What matters is how much VAR doors opened to the evidence for and/or against Egypt and for and/or against Argentina; and then how busy those doors were in the first two thirds of the match and then after. As importantly, who was on VAR team?

 

[TennisBro]

Final decision rests with the referee. Thats true in all sports

I bet that all of us that love sports want to believe that. I've wondered what is told into those earbuds of refs, because they have them and listen to them.

One thing is that refs are trained to do their jobs, another that they are told how to do it.

 

[dapchai]

I wonder if this WC will spur me on to watch this season's football. No promises but I will definitely step up from barely watching fewer than 10 matches last season.

07-18 spoiled me big time. After 18 thing started going downhill and then COVID happened. The sport has become so boring since then. Football quality is not that high during these NT tournaments either.

I can't stand UCL's extended format. Too many matches. League football maybe EPL and that's it.

 

[Bartelby]

 

[dapchai]

I think it was fair enough. Not a big fan of them bringing it back when something happened 30 seconds before and up the other end. Too much meddling by VAR. But that’s more a philosophical point. If they are refereeing like that? It’s fair enough to rule it out imo.

How they didn’t keep that consistency when Salah got his foot trod on and Mac Allister pulled Fathi back as he was about to run onto the loose ball and win it for Egypt.. only for the other Fatty (love you really Enzo) to go up the other end and score?

Yeah, that’s dodgier than a Goochi handbag bought at a yard sale.

Another thing I found interesting. England are awarded a yellow card for every 7 fouls they commit. Argentina? They’re the least penalised by some margin. Every 23 fouls for them.

Interesting to note that most of the key England players enter the QF 1 yellow card away from missing the semi final.. with Argentina.

But hey, probably just a conspiracy theory. Maybe..

Here's one interesting take from Reddit that I saw earlier today:

"If it's 50/50, then the referee leans toward the favorites. If his decision supports the favorites, then it will be conspiracy. If it supports the underdogs, then he loses his job."

 

[TennisBro]

There was a potential trip on Martinez in the build up to the Egypt goal that got ruled out. Was it a trip? At the time it was unclear, so he did the right thing and went to the monitor. On second viewing he deemed it to be enough contact. Solid process, fair enough.

Yes, but there are a lot of possible fouls as there are so many tackles/physical contacts in football. Like I mentioned before, after every corner/free kick is kicked, there are scores of infractions in the penalty box. I believe almost every goal from the corner/free kick may be disallowed by the VAR team and its unbiased ref. It is quite obvious that FIFA is taking advantage of VAR for its own motives.

 

[Bartelby]

If it's 50/50 the referee leans toward the Trump choice at this World Cup. And Trump loves Argentina!

In general, however, it makes for less controversy to prefer the team with the more famous reputation.

In effect, it's the same idea. We defer to those who have the most fame and power on or off the pitch.

Here's one interesting take from Reddit that I saw earlier today:

"If it's 50/50, then the referee leans toward the favorites. If his decision supports the favorites, then it will be conspiracy. If it supports the underdogs, then he loses his job."

 

[Feña14]

Here's one interesting take from Reddit that I saw earlier today:

"If it's 50/50, then the referee leans toward the favorites. If his decision supports the favorites, then it will be conspiracy. If it supports the underdogs, then he loses his job."

From a human point of view, I get it, absolutely. I’d probably do the same! Being the referee who’s decision contributed to Messi going out of what will probably be his last World Cup? I’d be looking over shoulder for awhile after that.

I imagine Letexier will be stood down for the QF’s, and possibly the rest of the tournament. But it will be forgotten about by the time the season starts. That’s a lot better than the alternative. They genuinely do have my sympathies, it’s an impossible job in many ways.

 

[RF-18]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2074899484107022672

 

[TennisBro]

The irony of ironies is that Egypt has been helped by FIFA VAR in the Iran match in which an Iranian player had his d*ck offside when goal was scored and that Egypt has been hurt by FIFA VAR in the Argentina match in which an Egyptian player touched the Argentine one too much before goal was scored. The same power giving the chance and taking it away in one tournament and with the same tool tops all ironies. Had Iran gone the same route that Egypt has, it would have the same FIFA VAR fate waiting most likely. Infantino may have had it all figured out over a hamburger with tRump.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[RS]

Lucozade.

 

[Kralingen]

Lucozade tasted awful when I was in the UK/Ireland sad to say. Felt rather salty and didn’t like the consistency of the drink.

Pocari Sweat is the stuff.

 

[RS]

Lucozade tasted awful when I was in the UK/Ireland sad to say. Felt rather salty and didn’t like the consistency of the drink.

Pocari Sweat is the stuff.

They ruined the taste of Luczoade by changing multiple of the old recipe and removing half the sugar by the time you got to the UK it used to be very nice IMO.

 

[Kralingen]

They ruined the taste of Luczoade by changing the recipe and removing half the sugar by the time you got to the UK it used to be very nice IMO.

We’re even in a weak sports drink era FFS.

2009 Gatorade blue vs 2013 Lucozade orange 10 match series?

 

[RS]

You visited UK in 2024 was it?

Yeah the change I was talking about was done in 2016/2017.

 

[RS]

We’re even in a weak sports drink era FFS.

2009 Gatorade blue vs 2013 Lucozade orange 10 match series?

I never had Gatorade I don't think. In UK it was mainly Powerade instead of Gatorade.

 

[TennisBro]

FIFA faces allegations but fights with the best tool that's called DENY DENY DENY

Soccer-FIFA refereeing chief rejects claims of bias in Argentina's win over Egypt​

MSN

 

[TennisBro]

Does anyone know what is going on with the England team as rumors are some players are missing the training camp? Have the yellow and red card players been reinstated or not?

 

[dapchai]

Lucozade tasted awful when I was in the UK/Ireland sad to say. Felt rather salty and didn’t like the consistency of the drink.

The Bellingham special edition isn't bad. You gotta give it a try.

 

[RS]

I do still drink it sometimes despite my mini rant.

 

[Kralingen]

You visited UK in 2024 was it?

Yeah the change I was talking about was done in 2016/2017.

The Bellingham special edition isn't bad. You gotta give it a try.

Ya it was 2024. Bought it from a Boots or Greggs can’t remember now. If they have a Harry Kane special edition let me know though I would drink anything of his

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Lucozade.

Had to humanise it and put Lucozade in there since I am not a coffee drinker.

And it's my fuel.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Ya it was 2024. Bought it from a Boots or Greggs can’t remember now. If they have a Harry Kane special edition let me know though I would drink anything of his

Aww, I remember that. The whole Sunday dinner experience.

Sorry, Sunday roast, Sunday roast.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Licence to Score will return.....

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[StefanV]

So much hate for Messi. Never seen that before.

 

[ForehandCross]

Who do you all *think* will win? Like not want to win but on the basis of quality who do you think will win this?

 

[Poisoned Slice]

The wheel has spoken once more. It wanted to drift into France, but I guess somebody letting one rip at just the right time kept it in Spain. And really, that's probably close to what I'm thinking. I think France will win, but I can definitely imagine Spain winning (or Argentina. Yeah, just list every team). I want England to win. The match vs Mexico inspired me again in that true Englander way, but Norway are serious individuals. Haaland is having a great World Cup, and as much as I would like England to keep a clean sheet for one reason or another, I'm not convinced they can keep him out.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

5 hours to go.

 

[NachoGPT]

Who do you all *think* will win? Like not want to win but on the basis of quality who do you think will win this?

I would be surprised if France don’t win the tournament

 

[Poisoned Slice]

I find it amusing how the article says ''Quansah handed a 2 game suspension.'' The actual picture in the article headline shows Declan Rice. Almost like it's one of sky sports cheapshots. Oh, you could have ruined it, so you're not getting your picture in the next article that mentions you.''

Maybe I'm thinking too much. And like Brick Top wisely stated. It can get you in a lot of trouble, thinking, Errol. I shouldn't do so much of it

 

[TennisBro]

I find it amusing how the article says ''Quansah handed a 2 game suspension.''

I find it perplexing how Quansah doesn't get a break for England while Balogun has got one for the US team. The excuses just don't fit in with the professionalism of the sport's World Cup.

 

[Feña14]

Lucozade tasted awful when I was in the UK/Ireland sad to say. Felt rather salty and didn’t like the consistency of the drink.

Pocari Sweat is the stuff.

In defence of Lucozade, you were drinking it whilst eating beans on toast.

Not even sure the finest champagne in the world can compete with the flavour sensation that is beans on toast.

In other news, Quansah is now banned for 2 games. Because why not?

I think they gave up on trying to hide what they were doing last weekend. They’re free to be as blatant as they want now.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Kral was just perplexed because his Lucozade wasn't air-conditioned.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe the script feels a bit too obvious, and perhaps Morocco does have what it takes to beat France tonight. These thoughts come because Hakimi gave me a very, very difficult decision, and I noticed 34% still have him for this match. I'm reluctant to give him up, but this is the time you just can't look at it the same way. A bad round here knocks us out of contention. We have to go all out and what happens happens.

But still, forgetting fantasy football. I do think I'm underestimating Morocco. France are amazing, tremendous, sexy football, sexy players, they have it all, but Morocco are not without skill, Good Solonius.

I dunno. The heat is getting to me.

 

[Vcore89]

I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe the script feels a bit too obvious, and perhaps Morocco does have what it takes to beat France tonight. These thoughts come because Hakimi gave me a very, very difficult decision, and I noticed 34% still have him for this match. I'm reluctant to give him up, but this is the time you just can't look at it the same way. A bad round here knocks us out of contention. We have to go all out and what happens happens.

But still, forgetting fantasy football. I do think I'm underestimating Morocco. France are amazing, tremendous, sexy football, sexy players, they have it all, but Morocco are not without skill, Good Solonius.

I dunno. The heat is getting to me.

I'm gonna revert to Thierry Henry for a whole lotta class, elegance and precision.

 

[Feña14]

I'm starting to get the feeling that maybe the script feels a bit too obvious, and perhaps Morocco does have what it takes to beat France tonight. These thoughts come because Hakimi gave me a very, very difficult decision, and I noticed 34% still have him for this match. I'm reluctant to give him up, but this is the time you just can't look at it the same way. A bad round here knocks us out of contention. We have to go all out and what happens happens.

But still, forgetting fantasy football. I do think I'm underestimating Morocco. France are amazing, tremendous, sexy football, sexy players, they have it all, but Morocco are not without skill, Good Solonius.

I dunno. The heat is getting to me.

It’s going to be an interesting game, looking forward to it! No Saibari is a big blow for Morocco though.

I suppose France haven’t really been tested (Norway reserves aside). Morocco have had Brazil and Netherlands, so they should be battle hardened.

I’d guess there will be very little in it, in open play. But France have the quality to take their chances (and half ones too, for that matter). That’ll be what gets them through.

 

[Legend of Borg]

Who do you all *think* will win? Like not want to win but on the basis of quality who do you think will win this?

Any team left in the bracket beating France would be an upset in my book at this point.

Hard to pick any other team if I was being honest.

 

[dapchai]

From a human point of view, I get it, absolutely. I’d probably do the same! Being the referee who’s decision contributed to Messi going out of what will probably be his last World Cup? I’d be looking over shoulder for awhile after that.

I imagine Letexier will be stood down for the QF’s, and possibly the rest of the tournament. But it will be forgotten about by the time the season starts. That’s a lot better than the alternative. They genuinely do have my sympathies, it’s an impossible job in many ways.

Agreed. It's nearly impossible to fulfill at the same time the fairness and integrity of the game and maintain public interest around the top players and big favorites. I think the point is the underdogs will feel even more pressure going into these knockout matches, they always gotta prepare for the worst scenarios where all the 50/50 situations end up favoring their top contender opponents. At the end of the day rules are created to protect the powerful.

Ya it was 2024. Bought it from a Boots or Greggs can’t remember now. If they have a Harry Kane special edition let me know though I would drink anything of his

Bellingham Ice Kick is a serious step above the rest, very good mix of sugar and lime flavor. I can tell it's among the most popular sport drinks here in the UK. You gotta try once you come back visiting Britain.

 

[Feña14]

Bellingham Ice Kick is a serious step above the rest, very good mix of sugar and lime flavor. I can tell it's among the most popular sport drinks here in the UK. You gotta try once you come back visiting Britain.

Interesting! I’ve seen the adverts for it, but never thought about trying it. I’ll have to give a go.

 

[Legend of Borg]

In defence of Lucozade, you were drinking it whilst eating beans on toast.

Not even sure the finest champagne in the world can compete with the flavour sensation that is beans on toast.

In other news, Quansah is now banned for 2 games. Because why not?

I think they gave up on trying to hide what they were doing last weekend. They’re free to be as blatant as they want now.

I'm no football pundit, but I've always thought a red card ban was enforced for one match?

Was Quansah's violation that egregious that a two match ban is warranted?

 

[RS]

So much hate for Messi. Never seen that before.

I use social media way more now than then so idk but when Arg were losing but I imagine it was as bad back when Messi was losing all those finals (14-16)

 

[TennisBro]

I'm no football pundit, but I've always thought a red card ban was enforced for one match?

Was Quansah's violation that egregious that a two match ban is warranted?

The US team player Balogun played after he got his red card

The English player Quansah will not play

That all that matters for the World of football and FIFA's lack of integrity

That is one reason why Europe is seeking to investigate Infantino who will hopefully be convicted on his return

 

[Feña14]

I'm no football pundit, but I've always thought a red card ban was enforced for one match?

Was Quansah's violation that egregious that a two match ban is warranted?

Both Balogun and Quansah were sent off for “serious foul play”. Red cards are a one match ban at this tournament, can be upgraded (the Qatar one that broke Kobe’s leg upgraded to 5 games).

I think both Balogun and Quansah deserved reds, but they were both a bit unlucky imo. Balogun accidentally trod on the opponent, Quansah got the ball but his foot ended up on top of it and kind of surfed the wave it can happen, it’s unfortunate, but off you go. There was no malice or intent from either player.

1 game ban for both and nobody would bat an eye lid. For one to get no games and the other not only didn’t get the same treatment, it was UPGRADED!? That’s, yeah. Not really sure what the word for it is.

 

[RS]

It's not just Luczoade either it's been the case with several drinks.