2026 FIFA World Cup - General Chat

[BainesontoastNEW]

Have you seen R9 lately? Not sure I'd do that.

Brazil was always going to get people talking haha. R9 is one of my favourites growing up, but in the context of the current Brazil squad Cafu would make a considerable difference.

Of course, you've got the 'just give the ball to Pele" theory too.

 

[pfim]

Brazil was always going to get people talking haha. R9 is one of my favourites growing up, but in the context of the current Brazil squad Cafu would make a considerable difference.

Of course, you've got the 'just give the ball to Pele" theory too.

Honestly, I think you could replace every single forward on this squad with someone from the past: Pele, Bebeto, Romario, R9, Ronaldinho. Rivaldo, Zico...For the Brazilians, this isn't a very strong squad up front, relative to their history.

 

[pfim]

Idea borrowed, but which ONE legend would you bring back for the teams featuring at this World Cup? Moreover, it's based on their CURRENT squads. For example, would you rather have Jan Koller/Milan Baros replacing Patrick Schick or Pavel Nedved/Tomas Rosicky replacing Lukas Provod?

Could spark a debate, this, and I thought it might build some hype for Thursday. Some countries will be much harder that others, and some like Haiti will never be attempted

You can go back to any time period you like.

I'll take the US slant, Howard, Friedel or Keller for any of the current GK.

 

[Cake]

I never realised until now that Haarland has Braut Haarland on his shirt when he plays for Norway

It's to honour his Mother, it's her surname (Braut is also the German word for Bride)

 

[Pittsburgh Footy]

I'll take the US slant, Howard, Friedel or Keller for any of the current GK.

It's crazy how bad our GKs are heading into this World Cup compared to any in the last 30+ years, and that includes 2022.

What was once a strength is now a clear liability. It could very well cost us getting out of the group

 

[pfim]

It's crazy how bad our GKs are heading into this World Cup compared to any in the last 30+ years, and that includes 2022.

What was once a strength is now a clear liability. It could very well cost us getting out of the group

Only outdone by our centerbacks, frankly.

 

[Pittsburgh Footy]

Only outdone by our centerbacks, frankly.

Agreed. Especially if Chris Richards can't go

 

[summerisle]

'BREAKING ! Omar Abdulkadir Artan, CAF's best referee 2025, has been DENIED entry to U.S. territory.
HE WILL NOT OFFICIATE DURING THIS WORLD CUP: TOTALLY INSANE !
A true patriot of his country, he was the first Somali referee to officiate in a World Cup: he will therefore have to return home.'

'A new visa controversy is emerging ahead of the World Cup.
Africa's top referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan (Somalia), is still waiting for his visa... raising concerns just days before the tournament.
Once again, off-field issues are overshadowing the sporting aspect of the competition'

 

[BluePaul86]

Sad that neither BBC or itv are showing daily highlights of the games during the night.

 

[Rita_Poon]

Sad that neither BBC or itv are showing daily highlights of the games during the night.

The games are on live at night?

 

[TexanToffee]

Agreed. Especially if Chris Richards can't go

This terrifies me honestly. I don't know if enough people realize how much worse we are without him. Add that issue to the GK situation and I'm getting pretty nervous for this group stage.

 

[pfim]

This terrifies me honestly. I don't know if enough people realize how much worse we are without him. Add that issue to the GK situation and I'm getting pretty nervous for this group stage.

It terrifies me with him in the lineup. I remember saying on this board 4 years ago that I didn't see a replacement for Ream in the talent pool, and here we are.

 

[Nymzee]

Sad that neither BBC or itv are showing daily highlights of the games during the night.

There will be highlights of all games on iPlayer etc. 100%