FIFA World Cup 2026

[Ramshank72]

There doesn't always have to be a precedent to follow. Football doesn't have to be politicised, just let it be and give people 90 odd minutes of enjoyment, life's too short.

[Ram Pant]

In 16 days, football starts at 0630 on the Friday in Murphy's at Schiphol Airport. Couple of pints and an egg and bacon cob. Flight to Brum, train to Derby, drop bags off at the hotel. Train to Burton for the Burton Beer and Cider Festival. Back to Derby for a meal and the Neppy from about 6. Sleep. Up Satdeh morninga, greasy spoon brekkie at either Brenda's or the Babington (if it's still open or we'll have to go to the Standing Order), beer in Neppy, Neppy bus to PP and back, more beer, food, beer, sleep. Sunday morning a greasy spoon, beer at the Neppy, train to Brum, food and beer at the airport, back home around 2100, little nightcap with er indoors and then more sleep. Life's too short not to enjoy yersen.

[Geoff Parkstone]

In 16 days, football starts at 0630 on the Friday in Murphy's at Schiphol Airport. Couple of pints and an egg and bacon cob. Flight to Brum, train to Derby, drop bags off at the hotel. Train to Burton for the Burton Beer and Cider Festival. Back to Derby for a meal and the Neppy from about 6. Sleep. Up Satdeh morninga, greasy spoon brekkie at either Brenda's or the Babington (if it's still open or we'll have to go to the Standing Order), beer in Neppy, Neppy bus to PP and back, more beer, food, beer, sleep. Sunday morning a greasy spoon, beer at the Neppy, train to Brum, food and beer at the airport, back home around 2100, little nightcap with er indoors and then more sleep. Life's too short not to enjoy yersen.

Ah that healthy modern diet of the Dutch!

[Ram Pant]

Ah that healthy modern diet of the Dutch!

Dutch on tour.

[SithHappens]

So Iran have said they can't play in the WC. Trump and infantino say they are very welcome to play but now Trump is saying you better not as it won't be safe for you

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9q5rvp58yxo

And Fifa think this is acceptable?

[Geoff Parkstone]

So Iran have said they can't play in the WC. Trump and infantino say they are very welcome to play but now Trump is saying you better not as it won't be safe for you

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9q5rvp58yxo

And Fifa think this is acceptable?

At least Iran pulling out will avoid them having to play in the gay pride designated match in Seattle.

Seems if they do pull out FIFA is free to nominate a replacement team. Be fun of FIFA decided to nominate Israel 😮

[Ram Pant]

At least Iran pulling out will avoid them having to play in the gay pride designated match in Seattle.

Seems if they do pull out FIFA is free to nominate a replacement team. Be fun of FIFA decided to nominate Israel ��

With Infantino in charge at FIFA, would that actually be a surprise?

[SithHappens]

Its crossed my mind. Surely they wouldn't.

[swaledale]

FIFA are a law unto themselves! Still I think the world has more pressing issues than whether Iran plays at the World Cup!!

[SithHappens]

FIFA are a law unto themselves! Still I think the world has more pressing issues than whether Iran plays at the World Cup!!

Don't disagree but I wonder if it's the first time a country has had to withdraw because they have bombed by the host nation.

Hes also threatened to invade or overthrow both other host nations too in some form

[Ram Pant]

Don't disagree but I wonder if it's the first time a country has had to withdraw because they have bombed by the host nation.

Hes also threatened to invade or overthrow both other host nations too in some form

Has Mexico paid for the wall yet? Bailiffs incoming

[Ram Pant]

I suffered last night's England defeat by Japan. 1st half, we played into their hands. They press, they harry, theyn force mistakes and hit fast on the break. Exactly how they got the goal. We had little urgency, didn't utilise the pace we had and always took the safe option. They like to pack the middle when defending, leaving the wings open. We chose to attack, in the main, through the middle. I'm struggling to recall (m)any balls over the top of their defence. Their weaknesses are out wide and over the top. Exactly the areas we didn't have a go at until the last 15 to 20 minutes when we had them pegged back but couldn't find the back of the net.

IMO, wrong tactics used in both games this international break. I sincerely hope it's that TT wanted to try a couple of things out and has now decided not to try them again. Playing without a CF won't work. If Kane isn't available, use another CF. Watkins or Solanke. Playing 2 10s won't work.

[SithHappens]

I didn't bother. We quite often have poor form in friendlies. Hopefully come together by WC

[Andy_Faber]

I usually take no interest in international football but with a footy mad visitor in the house I’ve watched a lot in the past week, my very brief summary: Scotland won’t get out of the group stage but were nice to watch in an ‘upper level of the championship’ way. England were utterly turgid in both games, I didn’t see a single standout player. And Japan, very handy team who’ve been well drilled and were very disciplined, I think they’ll go far. I think their goal would have been chalked up as an og in the Prem

[ramAnag]

I usually take no interest in international football but with a footy mad visitor in the house I?’ve watched a lot in the past week, my very brief summary: Scotland won?’t get out of the group stage but were nice to watch in an ?‘upper level of the championship?’ way. England were utterly turgid in both games, I didn?’t see a single standout player. And Japan, very handy team who?’ve been well drilled and were very disciplined, I think they?’ll go far. I think their goal would have been chalked up as an og in the Prem

I didn’t watch any of the games mentioned but, sadly, I am beginning to wonder if we should even bother going given the current situation. With a host who insults so many of the participants and stadia that seem increasingly likely to be the target of attacks, what’s the point?