World Cup 2026

[Fau Teixeira]

So it's that time of the decade again. The world cup is here.

I watched the Mexico v South Africa game yesterday and while it had 3 red cards, it was still a hugely entertaining match. I think mostly because the crowd was very into it and the game was surprisingly open.

The favorites are Spain, France and Argentina. I think Argentina is way too old. France is extremely talented, but they feel like a choke job waiting to happen. Spain are a real threat to win it all. I don't think England is going to do well this time around.

I'll be rooting for Portugal obviously, maybe this is the year we can win the big one.

Everyone that knows soccer is shitting on the US team, but I like them to make it out of the group, but unfortunately not much farther than that.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I am hoping for a US - Iran match (If they both come in second in their groups they will meet in the first knock out round) just for the entertainment value of the unhinged comments of the nation's troll in chief. 

[Phishfan]

I haven't watched any yet but will watch the US game tonight. When was the last time England did much of anything?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

When was the last time England did much of anything?

Last time they made it to the quarter finals.  The time before that they made it to the semifinals. 

[masterfins]

IMO the best thing that could happen to soccer is if they added a shot clock.  Make them attempt a kick on goal one minute after they cross the half field line.

[Phishfan]

Last night was the most impressive men's national team game I can remember. I wasn't very impressed watching some of the games over the last year of friendlies but the Germany loss left me optimistic and the game last night blew me away.

I saw something interesting during the pre game. A donor suggested Pochittino watch the movie Miracle when he was hired on. The man is Argentinian and really didn't know about hockey,  the 1980 Olympic win, or the American approach to athletics.  I think that is a pretty good idea to help acclimate with the team. I know that the game at this point almost resonates like the 1972 Dolphins but for those of us old enough to have been watching that game it is a day we will never forget.

[Phishfan]

IMO the best thing that could happen to soccer is if they added a shot clock.  Make them attempt a kick on goal one minute after they cross the half field line.

I don't presume to speak for the millions of fans worldwide but I expect most would agree with me in saying thank you for your suggestion but we really don't feel that the beautiful game needs to be changed in order to draw a few fans with the possibility of alienating more fans that the sport already has.

[Downunder Dolphan]

Australia 2-0 Türkiye

To all the US "experts" who said we were an average side, a bunch of no-names who would not win a game or score a goal... choke on that.

10 World Cup debutantes in this Socceroos squad, and I could not be prouder right now of this young team.

It sets up a juicy second game against USA who looked outstanding in their 4-1 rout of Paraguay. The USA have to be favorites, and that three goal margin first up sets them up to top the division. Australia getting the first game win with a clean sheet certainly gives them a chance to progress, but we still have to accept the underdog status right now.

On the flip side, it sets up a shock game between Türkiye and Paraguay where the loser is eliminated already.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I don't presume to speak for the millions of fans worldwide but I expect most would agree with me in saying thank you for your suggestion but we really don't feel that the beautiful game needs to be changed in order to draw a few fans with the possibility of alienating more fans that the sport already has.

I suspect that the only people who would even consider that to be an even remotely good idea call the sport soccer instead of fotball

[CF DolFan]

Last night was the most impressive men's national team game I can remember. I wasn't very impressed watching some of the games over the last year of friendlies but the Germany loss left me optimistic and the game last night blew me away.

It's funny you say that. I was saying we looked to be playing more of a european style than ever before. Could have been the opponent but they knocked the ball around pretty well. Much better than I have ever seen them do it.

[Pappy13]

In my humble opinion the USMNT is getting a boost from playing in the US with US crowds. This is not like your typical home game, this is the World Cup, you only get to play in your own back yard once in a lifetime if that. I expect they will do fairly well because of that, maybe the best they've ever done in a World Cup in the modern era. Having said that, I'm not really expecting too much, it's possible they also do a complete reverse and lose to Australia and they're back to square one. It's a great start, but that's all it is and it's a very long tournament. I'd be happy with coming out on top in their group, anything beyond that is gravy.

[Sunstroke]

I honestly haven't watched more than a few minutes, cumulatively, of any soccer match, men's or women's, world cup or otherwise.

Ever

It just isn't my game. It's like hockey (or golf)...I'd really rather watch paint dry.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Australia getting the first game win with a clean sheet certainly gives them a chance to progress, but we still have to accept the underdog status right now.

With how many 3rd place teams advance, a win plus a draw should be more than enough to advance, just a sole win could be enough so I would be very surprised if Australia didn't advance.  

You are underdogs for beating the USA when they are at home, and certainly underdogs for winning the tournie, but not underdogs at all for advancing.  

In my humble opinion the USMNT is getting a boost from playing in the US with US crowds. This is not like your typical home game, this is the World Cup,

I recall reading an article that looked at home field advantage, and among, soccer, football, baseball, hockey and basketball soccer had the largest homefield advantage by a very large margin. 

[Spider-Dan]

I'm surprised baseball wouldn't have the largest homefield advantage.  One would think the ability to score and win without the opponent getting a chance to respond would be quite significant.

[Sunstroke]

I would think baseball as well for the home field advantage...