World cup 2026

[myothernameis]

BBC News - 2026 World Cup: Empty rooms & Fifa cancellations - US hotels fear washout - BBC Sport

Even public transport is suffering, so a train ticket from New York to the MET stadium, normal for around $10.  But for the world cup, this fare is now around $110+

Fans are not allowed to walk to MET stadium, which Scots fans were trying to arrange

Fans that are traveling from UK to US, its already a costly amount for them, and you dont need additional costs.  A large number of scots fans, have refused to pay the costly transport fares.   The fans are now hirring the yellow school buses to get them to the stadiums

[RandomGuy99]

The general vibe in the US is putting people off travelling to the US and Iran or their supporters will probably try something at the World Cup. Trump has said he wouldn't pay the ticket prices either.

[myothernameis]

The general vibe in the US is putting people off travelling to the US and Iran or their supporters will probably try something at the World Cup. Trump has said he wouldn't pay the ticket prices either.

Seems the Iranian team, and support dont have visa to enter the USA.  Now what can go wrong, if some of the team are refuse entry, solely because there part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, would be refused entry

If Iran are missing around half the team, and now unable to field a team on the pitch, surely then FIFA needs to step in

[RandomGuy99]

Will there be a World Cup effect on SP bookings?

Men watching football instead of shagging especially if the weather gets hot.

[Blackpool Rock]

Will there be a World Cup effect on SP bookings?

Men watching football instead of shagging especially if the weather gets hot.

This gets asked every time there's a WC or Euros as to whether any SP's are doing special offers on or around match days / KO time etc but there never seems to be a large number of offers flagged up

[Blackpool Rock]

So Tuchel is due to announce his 26 player squad this morning, anyone know if this is a cut off date for announcing the squad as IMO it's a bit stupid to do it now before the last Prem games are played on Sunday, surely better to wait until the middle of next week when any last game injuries are known about and have been assessed 

So we know Maguire is out and according to the BBC this is the likely 26 man squad -

So, this is the 26-man squad we're expecting to land this morning, despite any late curveballs.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)


And those who look set to miss out -

So, as we understand it, these are among the names that will not be involved this summer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
James Garner (Everton)

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As usual we will all have our own slightly different opinions on who should be in and out / why is X in the squad ahead of Y etc

Personally i'd not include Anthony Gordon (sorry Davie) but mainly as I still see him as being a bit petulant and prone to throwing his toys out the pram although I do think he's calmed down a bit but IMO too much of a risk when you need 11 players on the pitch and he's still likely to do a Beckham 98 

IMO players who i'd like to have seen included are Luke Shaw; Trent (not for his defensive ability but for passing / crossing / free kicks and corners) and Cole Palmer

Don't have an issue with Phil Foden not making it as last time out I was expecting big things from the likes of him and Jack Grealish but neither really did fuck all
There were also high expectations of Jude Bellingham who failed to sparkle but a lot of the bad performances of many players may have been down to the way Southgate set the team up and asked them to play, hopefully Tuchel has a more attacking style although we need to bear in mind that if it's hot you can't run around like a loon so ironically a Southgate slow boring style may be the only way to go 

[RandomGuy99]

BBC News - External Link/Members Only
LIVE: England World Cup squad announcement: Thomas Tuchel names 26 players - BBC Sports
England 2026 World Cup squad confirmed

England

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

[ratedj]

Officially official. This will either go fantastically well or fail spectacularly. No in between.

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[RandomGuy99]

Panini

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[chuck_88]

Officially official. This will either go fantastically well or fail spectacularly. No in between.

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It’s England at a major championship tournament, the only answer is spectacular fail 

[Blackpool Rock]

It’s England at a major championship tournament, the only answer is spectacular fail 

I agree England will fall short as usual despite all the usual expectations

So what in your opinion constitutes success for Scotland, making it out of the 1st round for the 1st time in their history would surely be like winning the tournament   

[chuck_88]

I agree England will fall short as usual despite all the usual expectations

So what in your opinion constitutes success for Scotland, making it out of the 1st round for the 1st time in their history would surely be like winning the tournament   

Absolutely 

Knowing Scotland we will get beat off haiti and then beat Brazil and fail to qualify the knockout round on goal difference.

We also do glorious failure expertly 

[timsussex]

unlucky - playing well but not selected
Maguire has had a pretty good year so far
Gibbs-White has been outstanding
Newcastle's Hall - fitness concerns ?  or just too many decent left backs

lucky to be selected
Toney - you would be reluctant to pick anyone from Div One and thats about the level he has been playing at
if Foden and Palmer have been inconsistent what is Watkins ?

Old Codgers
Henderson
Stones
Burn
From Tuchel's comments they are good experienced squad players but can you afford 3 of them in a squad ? especially if a couple of first choices pick up yellow/red cards ?
His experiences at Chelsea have obviously changed him where he had a squad of outstanding individuals that never made a team 

[ratedj]

unlucky - playing well but not selected
Maguire has had a pretty good year so far
Gibbs-White has been outstanding
Newcastle's Hall - fitness concerns ?  or just too many decent left backs

lucky to be selected
Toney - you would be reluctant to pick anyone from Div One and thats about the level he has been playing at
if Foden and Palmer have been inconsistent what is Watkins ?

Old Codgers
Henderson
Stones
Burn
From Tuchel's comments they are good experienced squad players but can you afford 3 of them in a squad ? especially if a couple of first choices pick up yellow/red cards ?
His experiences at Chelsea have obviously changed him where he had a squad of outstanding individuals that never made a team

I would add Alex Scott and Adam Wharton to the list of players unlucky to miss out. Not quite sure how Spence also made it in. The Maguire decision is utterly baffling. Don’t understand the rationale in choosing Burn over him or, more to the point, Stones, who’s only played in eight league games this season! But then, when you think back to Tuchel’s comments about Maguire a few months back, his omission seemed likely.

I feel for Gibbs-White; just seems he got caught on the wrong side of the number 10s. To be fair to Watkins, he does have 19 goals this season.

[timsussex]

I feel for Gibbs-White; just seems he got caught on the wrong side of the number 10s. To be fair to Watkins, he does have 19 goals this season.

does he ?  every game I've watched him in he has been anonymous for 60odd minutes and then  been substituted. Didn't he have a hot spell earlier in the season with a hat trick and a couple of doubles ?- I'm sure our resident Villain will fill us in when he sobers up 

[bigden40]

Absolutely 

Knowing Scotland we will get beat off haiti and then beat Brazil and fail to qualify the knockout round on goal difference.

We also do glorious failure expertly 

We should beat Haiti, if we can’t do that we deserve nothing.

Morocco is a tough match, they’re 35 places higher in the FIFA rankings at #8, but if we can’t get something out that match then the knockouts are all but assured. 

Brazil are not the force they were and recent results have been mixed, but they’re still a top 5/10 side and we’re not.  And I’m somewhat worried about playing them in Miami in the summer, even if it’s a 6pm kickoff.

Reaching the knockouts should be achievable, anything beyond is a bonus.

[mr.bluesky]

Absolutely 

Knowing Scotland we will get beat off haiti and then beat Brazil and fail to qualify the knockout round on goal difference.

We also do glorious failure expertly 

Surely with three teams qualifying from most groups even Scotland will qualify for the knockout stages this tournament    they'll have to be pretty bad not to.

[mr.bluesky]

unlucky - playing well but not selected
Maguire has had a pretty good year so far
Gibbs-White has been outstanding
Newcastle's Hall - fitness concerns ?  or just too many decent left backs

lucky to be selected
Toney - you would be reluctant to pick anyone from Div One and thats about the level he has been playing at
if Foden and Palmer have been inconsistent what is Watkins ?

Old Codgers
Henderson
Stones
Burn
From Tuchel's comments they are good experienced squad players but can you afford 3 of them in a squad ? especially if a couple of first choices pick up yellow/red cards ?
His experiences at Chelsea have obviously changed him where he had a squad of outstanding individuals that never made a team

All the games will no doubt be played in hot conditions which will probably have a greater effect on " the old codgers" too.
I think this World cup will be a massive flop, played out in half empty stadiums

[ratedj]

does he ?

Yeah, 14 in the league and five in the Europa League.

[Blackpool Rock]

Surely with three teams qualifying from most groups even Scotland will qualify for the knockout stages this tournament    they'll have to be pretty bad not to.

So have they improved since Euro 24   

[Blackpool Rock]

Stop Press - Harry Maguire is back in the squad after Tuchel makes a U-Turn following Maguire's Mum going on social media and posting she was "Absolutely disgusted" with the decision.
His brother has also got involved posting  "This might possibly be the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."

PMSL Maguire needs his Mum to stick up for him 

But seriously though I can understand the disappointment from Maguire and his family but doesn't this just show that they all have a massive sense of entitlement 

Years ago people would have risen above it and simply said they were disappointed but good luck to all the lads going and i'll be cheering you on from back home etc

FFS guys have some self respect and try to get some fucking class while you're about it 

[timsussex]

I assume he knew yesterday because Tuchel (or perhaps a minion) called him and said sorry mate but you didnt make the cut

which doesnt make him look good by revealing it before the official announcement let alone getting his mum involved 

[chuck_88]

Surely with three teams qualifying from most groups even Scotland will qualify for the knockout stages this tournament    they'll have to be pretty bad not to.

You can bet your bottom dollar that if we finish 3rd in our group we will be the 9th best 3rd placed team 

That is assuming we finish 3rd of course 

When it comes to the World Cup and Euros, Scotland are a tiny country.

We only have a population of 5 million people or so. Other than Croatia I can’t think of any country of similar or smaller size who have consistently qualified multiple times and made it to knockout rounds regularly over the past 30 years.

[Jerboa]

Harry Maguire's (Milf) mum isn't happy. 

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[mr.bluesky]

Harry Maguire's (Milf) mum isn't happy. 

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Oh well at least they can go on holiday together to Blackpool.

[Blackpool Rock]

Oh well at least they can go on holiday together to Blackpool.

Oh deep joy 
Actually his Mum does look a bit Milfy, is she on the birds we want to fuck / should be an escort thread 
She does look like she'd have a good time in Blackpool with a stick of Rock 

[myothernameis]

New qualifying stages for world cup 2030

Qualifying for the teams in UEFA qualifies, will be similar to the Champions league qualifiers

Each team will be drawn against 6 other team, with 2 games played at home , and other 2 games away.  Other 2 remaining games, where there played still to be decided.

So it looks like the top 16 in this new league, will automatically qualify for the world cup 2030.  Teams placed 17 - 30 in this league, will play a knock out round

[timsussex]

Tuchel made it clear that he had personally called Maguire, Palmer and Foden before the squad announcement and the first 2 did not take it well. So good for him and I would imagine that in case of any injuries (which I assume allows additional call ups) they wont be high on his list.

[mr.bluesky]

New qualifying stages for world cup 2030

Qualifying for the teams in UEFA qualifies, will be similar to the Champions league qualifiers

Each team will be drawn against 6 other team, with 2 games played at home , and other 2 games away.  Other 2 remaining games, where there played still to be decided.

So it looks like the top 16 in this new league, will automatically qualify for the world cup 2030.  Teams placed 17 - 30 in this league, will play a knock out round

No doubt by the time the next World cup cimes along that tosser Infantino will have increased the number of team taking part from 48 to 64 just to improve the chances of Italy qualifiying as they have failed to do so for the last three tournaments.
I wonder if England will ever stage a World cup tournament again, probably not in my lifetime   

[chuck_88]

No doubt by the time the next World cup cimes along that tosser Infantino will have increased the number of team taking part from 48 to 64 just to improve the chances of Italy qualifiying as they have failed to do so for the last three tournaments.
I wonder if England will ever stage a World cup tournament again, probably not in my lifetime   

Wouldn’t say never on that, if Euro 28 goes well then there’s every chance of the UK getting a World Cup at some point surely

[mr.bluesky]

Wouldn’t say never on that, if Euro 28 goes well then there’s every chance of the UK getting a World Cup at some point surely

I'm sure we get handed the Euro's to compensate not given the World cup, surely we could have a joint bid between England, Scotland and Wales , there's enough big stadiums in all three countries , semi finals at Hampden park and Principality stadium and final at Wembley

[chuck_88]

I'm sure we get handed the Euro's to compensate not given the World cup, surely we could have a joint bid between England, Scotland and Wales , there's enough big stadiums in all three countries , semi finals at Hampden park and Principality stadium and final at Wembley

Absolutely, think the World Cup in the US is using 11 stadiums. Euro 28 is using 9 stadiums I believe.

With plans already in the pipeline for a new Old Trafford and St James Park (not being used in Euro 2028) there’s your 11

[Blackpool Rock]

Tuchel made it clear that he had personally called Maguire, Palmer and Foden before the squad announcement and the first 2 did not take it well. So good for him and I would imagine that in case of any injuries (which I assume allows additional call ups) they wont be high on his list.

I also thought about injuries and having to call up a "reserve" player, be funny if a defender got injured as I very much doubt that Maguire would get the call. Tuchel has basically been proven right on not picking him as he can't keep his mouth shut and is likely to be a disruptive element in the dressing room when he's not picked 

Oh well perhaps he'll go to Greece on holiday this summer instead 

[mr.bluesky]

I also thought about injuries and having to call up a "reserve" player, be funny if a defender got injured as I very much doubt that Maguire would get the call. Tuchel has basically been proven right on not picking him as he can't keep his mouth shut and is likely to be a disruptive element in the dressing room when he's not picked 

Oh well perhaps he'll go to Greece on holiday this summer instead 

I don't think he'll be let back into Greece after last time so it's Blackpool or Skeg vegas with his mum instead 

[timsussex]

I don't think he'll be let back into Greece after last time so it's Blackpool or Skeg vegas with his mum instead 

More likely Benidorm or Ibizzzza

perhaps Italy  would be attractive as they arent going to the world cup either 

[scouting]

I also thought about injuries and having to call up a "reserve" player, be funny if a defender got injured as I very much doubt that Maguire would get the call. Tuchel has basically been proven right on not picking him as he can't keep his mouth shut and is likely to be a disruptive element in the dressing room when he's not picked 

Oh well perhaps he'll go to Greece on holiday this summer instead 

Very dry 

[mills_and_bhuna]

New qualifying stages for world cup 2030

Qualifying for the teams in UEFA qualifies, will be similar to the Champions league qualifiers

Each team will be drawn against 6 other team, with 2 games played at home , and other 2 games away.  Other 2 remaining games, where there played still to be decided.

So it looks like the top 16 in this new league, will automatically qualify for the world cup 2030.  Teams placed 17 - 30 in this league, will play a knock out round

Looks like a power struggle to me between FIFA and UEFA with both bodies competing with each other to see who can overload the schedules the most.
Fucking madness.
Maybe AI and robotics will step in and they can replace the players because I don't see how any human being can be expected to withstand the physical rigours of constantly peaking for big tournaments.
Cracks are already showing.
I could have told you Cole Palmer and Chelsea were going to be off this season after their Club World Cup run last year .
Humans are not machines and will break down.

[mr.bluesky]

Looks like a power struggle to me between FIFA and UEFA with both bodies competing with each other to see who can overload the schedules the most.
Fucking madness.
Maybe AI and robotics will step in and they can replace the players because I don't see how any human being can be expected to withstand the physical rigours of constantly peaking for big tournaments.
Cracks are already showing.
I could have told you Cole Palmer and Chelsea were going to be off this season after their Club World Cup run last year .
Humans are not machines and will break down.

I don't have much sympathy for clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City as they can afford to have big squads which players can be rotated unlike clubs like Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford. It will be interesting to see how these three cope should they qualify for Europe. You can see the effect it's had on Nottingham Forest in the league this season.  The only way around this is to reduce the international calender or domestic calender which clubs will never agree to as that's where the money is to be made. Having a 48 team World cup is ridiculous though.

[mills_and_bhuna]

I don't have much sympathy for clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City as they can afford to have big squads which players can be rotated unlike clubs like Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford. It will be interesting to see how these three cope should they qualify for Europe. You can see the effect it's had on Nottingham Forest in the league this season.  The only way around this is to reduce the international calender or domestic calender which clubs will never agree to as that's where the money is to be made. Having a 48 team World cup is ridiculous though.

I wasn't touting for sympathy for megabucks organisations.
I was just pointing out that the amount of money swilling around has changed the essential character of the game and there is a conflict between the demands of the fans , the physical demands on the players and the demands of these businesses to extract profit from their investments.And
There is no other sport which demands such output from it's participants .
All the big sports in the US have long off seasons to recover and you can see in individual sports like tennis where players work to peak for big tournaments and pull out of events with that in mind. Football is eroding that possibility over time.
Sorry if that comes across as arguing because I agree with the points you made with your post.

[billybob69]

Wouldn’t say never on that, if Euro 28 goes well then there’s every chance of the UK getting a World Cup at some point surely

Personally I can't see it. FIFA is all about 'spreading football across the world' so taking the WC to places that aren't traditional football countries or countries that wouldn't normally hold a World Cup (and conveniently for them, governments of countries that are willing to 'oil the wheels of commerce') and different geographical areas hosting in turn.

The 2030 WC is down for North Africa (with Spain & Portugal), 2034 is Saudi Arabia.

The next one after that will be China. Maybe Turkey. 2042 will be a joint-bid from countries in Central America. Come 2045 SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand etc) will be ready to host one. Or maybe a Australia / NZ. Incorporating Indonesia.

[mr.bluesky]

Personally I can't see it. FIFA is all about 'spreading football across the world' so taking the WC to places that aren't traditional football countries or countries that wouldn't normally hold a World Cup (and conveniently for them, governments of countries that are willing to 'oil the wheels of commerce') and different geographical areas hosting in turn.

The 2030 WC is down for North Africa (with Spain & Portugal), 2034 is Saudi Arabia.

The next one after that will be China. Maybe Turkey. 2042 will be a joint-bid from countries in Central America. Come 2045 SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand etc) will be ready to host one. Or maybe a Australia / NZ. Incorporating Indonesia.

The USA will be given another tournament before England get to stage it as Infantini loves the commercial potential of America, there was an interesting article about this recently in " World soccer" magazine. A South American country like Brazil or Argentina will probably stage it again before England does. Infantini is happy to offer us crumbs of comfort by letting us host the Euro's on a regular basis. Infantini is likely to be Fifa president for quite some time just like that crook Sepp Blatter was, once in difficult to shift. The host nations for the next four or five tournaments have been earmarked, none of which include England.

[chuck_88]

Personally I can't see it. FIFA is all about 'spreading football across the world' so taking the WC to places that aren't traditional football countries or countries that wouldn't normally hold a World Cup (and conveniently for them, governments of countries that are willing to 'oil the wheels of commerce') and different geographical areas hosting in turn.

The 2030 WC is down for North Africa (with Spain & Portugal), 2034 is Saudi Arabia.

The next one after that will be China. Maybe Turkey. 2042 will be a joint-bid from countries in Central America. Come 2045 SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand etc) will be ready to host one. Or maybe a Australia / NZ. Incorporating Indonesia.

We can console ourselves with the women’s WC in 2035 

[mr.bluesky]

We can console ourselves with the women’s WC in 2035 

Oh joy, another wendyball tournament 

[Blackpool Rock]

We can console ourselves with the women’s WC in 2035 

Oh deep joy 
I'm guessing that plenty of the countries around the world bidding for the men's WC don't also feel the need to chase the women's WC as they don't have the same level of PC police that we do 

Absolutely no fucking interest whatsoever 

[WARSZAWA16]

McTominay overhead kick featured on new £20 banknote.
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[chuck_88]

McTominay overhead kick featured on new £20 banknote.
External Link/Members Only

good luck trying to use it in England 

[mills_and_bhuna]

Oh joy, another wendyball tournament 

go on admit it.
You're looking forward to the debate on whether there are too mant male presenters 

[mills_and_bhuna]

good luck trying to use it in England 

only 100 printed.
They'll be worth way more than 20 quid.
Imagine spending it on a dodgy rom and then realising your mistake just as you're putting the finishing touches to your red review.

[timsussex]

Correct me if I'm wrong but no squad members injured on saturday
I suppose thats one advantage of picking players who are only part time at their clubs 

[ulstersubbie]

good luck trying to use it in England 

He's English born, so somewhat debatable.