OT: The 2026 World Cup Thread

[Gumby]

Nummy, the cameras are set up on 1 side of the stadium throughout the whole game. They have been for every soccer game that I have watched thus far. Ovals or circles have zero to to do with it.

Same for NFL football.

You being deliberately obtuse???

I said it would be dumb for the viewers IN STADIUM and you reply talking about cameras for TV.
I’m out on this line of discussion, I have zero interest in back- forth with guys just trying to increase their post count or having some kinda virtual-S&M addiction.

 

[Gumby]

Has that been done before? If it isn't routine, how can the rest of the world see it as anything other than a bully cheating?

1. The argument is the USMNT appealing through normal structures is fine. Having the president of your country make a personal call to the head of FIFA is another matter.
2. The biggest issue is that they gave no explanation whatsoever as to how they reached the decision to give him a one-year grace period, especially given they haven't done that for any WC red card in over 60 years. Compare that to the documents on this page about the same committee's workings.

From the BSPN article on the lifting, ….not only done before but even affecting games in THIS WC ( more qualifying games than actual games, but is apparently NOT NEW to Balogun & USA !

.
FIFA said its decision relied on Article 27 of the disciplinary committee rules.

"The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years," the rule states.

FIFA in November deferred the final two games of a three-match ban for Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for a red card against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, allowing him to play at the start of the World Cup.

Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo in April had one-game bans deferred for red cards in qualifiers, also allowing them to be available for World Cup openers.

Brazil's Garrincha was ejected from a 1962 semifinal but allowed to play in the final against Chile after political pressure.

As to Trumps involvement, I’m sure he took credit, but he has likely also took credit for the sun rising once or twice. Coincidence is not consequence. It was clearly not a red ( from my limited experience-knowledge) so the USMNT complaint was the necessary prerequisite & could have likely been the primary initiation and video record the driver of relief. Those complaining about Trump and $$$s are just mini-Kens with TDS.

I believe at the time in the game it occurred at least one announcer (I think I was watching German) stated that since it was waved off on the field that VAR could NOT (per rules) afterwards intervene to apply a red. Haven’t heard or read that opinion again, so I don’t know the VAR applicability restrictions. BUT, if true, then that would be another reason to suspend (if never should have been reviewed in first place).

 

[Triumph]

You being deliberately obtuse???

I said it would be dumb for the viewers IN STADIUM and you reply talking about cameras for TV.
I’m out on this line of discussion, I have zero interest in back- forth with guys just trying to increase their post count or having some kinda virtual-S&M addiction.

You really are in left field.

My suggestion was to make it easier for NEW soccer fans watching on TV to identify who is playing who on the field. NOT the folks inside the stadium at the game who are likely fans of either team. THEY already know the players by name and who they represent. Most are wearing their jeseys.

Its best that you move on because I am not going spell out everything in infinite detail for the ignorant.

 

[Triumph]

Not always beautiful, flowing football, but what an epic game. Mexico were really good through the tournament, they should be proud.

They are in shock.

Only Mexico's 3rd loss in that stadium through 90 games.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

This isn't a dig at you at all, thank you for sharing about article 27. I also don't have a problem with the US knowing the rules and making the request. Good for them getting a key player back before a huge game.

But it's a massive can of worms and goes against decades of how the disciplinary system works at major tournaments. Article 27 is vague at best in terms of who it applies to, and the panel don't have to explain the reasoning. It's a bad rule and could be easily corrupted.

There have been 13 reds at the world cup so far and only one player has had article 27 applied and had their punishment 'suspended'. Is every red card going to subject to this now? Is it just violent play, or professional fouls and two yellows as well? Or is it just key players? The test case will be England who will definitely try it with Quansah given the similarities of offense, and their issues at right back.

It has never been applied within any major tournament before (Ronaldo's was before). It should get applied transparently, consistently and fairly across all teams and players or not at all.

I agree and this is not a dig at you. Article 27 is there to be able to add review a play after the game. All sports have to adjust/change over time. American football changed its rules and flourished, American baseball stubbornly didn't change and lost significant viewership.

I understand player safety and FIFA wants to avoid anyone tackling or even challenging with their studs out. Having said that, I don't think I have seen any aggressive "studs out" tackles with intent at this World Cup. As the sport grows and times change, possibly FIFA is thinking that their rules need to adjust. Yesterday an English player's leg rolled up on top of a ball which led to a red card. I don't think there was any intent, the foul appeared to be because the player's leg rolled on top of the ball. In this and Balogun's case, suspending the player for that game and the next game seems excessive in a single elimination tournament, IMO. Waiting 4 years and then losing a player, possibly Messi, Mbappe or Haaland in their prime, for two games for a "no intent" accident is stupid for the sport, IMO.

I agree the rule should be applied evenly. I also think a change needs to happen. Maybe FIFA uses Article 27 to try to assess intent or severity? I am not a super fan so I leave further comments to the people who love the sport more than me.

 

[OldEngland]

World Cup 2026: Uefa claim 'integrity of the game is at stake' over Fifa's Folarin Balogun decision