World Cup 2026

[Thenop]

Home soil does something to teams. Time to bring it over here..

[Matt2112]

Who put 50p in Belgium with five minutes left?!  Probably the same guy who put 50p in Kane.

[David L]

Come on Cabo Verde! Currently 1-1 with the world champions.

[dom]

Highly enjoyable - that was well worth staying up for. Pity they couldn't quite get it over the line

[Matt2112]

What an extraordinary goal by Cape Verde to make it 2-2 against Argentina in extra time; that will go down in World Cup folklore.  Although they're now out, they've certainly gained a kind of popular moral victory; I hope to see them back.

Columbia vs Ghana is a fixture I'd have zero interest in outside of the World Cup, and even then I had no plans to stay up and watch it, but it's been terrific.

Columbia are in my top three most entertaining teams to watch in this tournament, along with France and, completely unexpectedly, USA.

[Thenop]

Real shame Cape Verde didn't make it. Now we haveto go and watch whining Argentinians until the end.
They put up a fantastic fight though, this is a great team.

[David L]

I watched Cabo Verde's valiant attempt to beat the Argies up until I could no longer keep my eyes open. Alas, I missed the extra-time drama!

[dom]

Horrible team Paraguay, nasty niggly and unpleasant;  the ref was abysmal!

[Nickslikk2112]

Pity Paraguay couldn't beat Africa.

[dom]

Pity Paraguay couldn't beat Africa.

No place for that Nick!

At this World Cup there are 98 players who were born in France. And one of France's best Olise was born in England

[Nickslikk2112]

Pity Paraguay couldn't beat Africa.

No place for that Nick!

At this World Cup there are 98 players who were born in France. And one of France's best Olise was born in England

I was just riffing on what former Paraguay goalie Chilavert was saying.

Still, pity Glorious Paraguay couldn't beat a box of Frogs. I have zero interest in the Soccerball World Cup; apart from hearing that France - and Ingerland - have been soundly defeated.

[Slim]

I'd have to agree, with regret, that France isn't actually taking part in this World Cup. Their team of mercenary Africans doesn't represent the French people or their culture.

When I think of France, I think of Bardot, Dijon mustard, Cafe proprietors in aprons with bottles of red wine. Men on bicycles with berets on, and (optionally) strings of onions. The Maquis. Bastille Day. Napoleon with one hand in his coat. Sacha Distel. Citroen 2CVs, Camembert, surrendering quickly in wars, the can-can at the Moulin Rouge, Gerard Depardieu, the Impressionist painters.

I wouldn't be surprised if none of their African Legion national side has heard of Charles Aznavour. If the French feel they're being represented by them, they're fools.

[Nickslikk2112]

When I think of France I think of dog shit on the pavements, an overarching smell of piss, a general aversion to soap and deodorants, some decent if way overpriced wine and a Fucking Shit Standardised Chart of Accounts.

Only trouble that could describe Britain these days, apart from the Chart of Accounts and the dog shit is hanging in plastic bags in hedgerows...

[David L]

I'd have to agree, with regret, that France isn't actually taking part in this World Cup. Their team of mercenary Africans doesn't represent the French people or their culture.

When I think of France, I think of Bardot, Dijon mustard, Cafe proprietors in aprons with bottles of red wine. Men on bicycles with berets on, and (optionally) strings of onions. The Maquis. Bastille Day. Napoleon with one hand in his coat. Sacha Distel. Citroen 2CVs, Camembert, surrendering quickly in wars, the can-can at the Moulin Rouge, Gerard Depardieu, the Impressionist painters.

I wouldn't be surprised if none of their African Legion national side has heard of Charles Aznavour. If the French feel they're being represented by them, they're fools.

There's little doubt that most western nations will come to be represented by those of African origins, especially in those sports that require high levels of athleticism.
In 1966, I'm sure that few would've thought that an England team competing in the 2026 World Cup would look so different.

[dom]

I'd have to agree, with regret, that France isn't actually taking part in this World Cup. Their team of mercenary Africans doesn't represent the French people or their culture.

When I think of France, I think of Bardot, Dijon mustard, Cafe proprietors in aprons with bottles of red wine. Men on bicycles with berets on, and (optionally) strings of onions. The Maquis. Bastille Day. Napoleon with one hand in his coat. Sacha Distel. Citroen 2CVs, Camembert, surrendering quickly in wars, the can-can at the Moulin Rouge, Gerard Depardieu, the Impressionist painters.

I wouldn't be surprised if none of their African Legion national side has heard of Charles Aznavour. If the French feel they're being represented by them, they're fools.

You're stuck in the 1950s there.  Life has moved on since then. Not all for the good but constant change is here to stay.

No way can this French squad can be considered mercenary Africans.  Of the 26 selected, 23 were born in France.  Of the 3 born outside France, one was born in England, one on Italy. Yes the reserve keeper was born in Africa and moved to France when he was 6