OT: The 2026 World Cup Thread

[Triumph]

Yes cause that definitely helps the viewers in an oval stadium. Lol

Amazing that your arguments are so poor that a non-fan is taking the positions to defend soccer. Lol

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.

 

[Tunescribe]

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?

Agreed. But as I suggested, $$$ ... Just my suspicion, based on Mr. Let's Make A Deal and FIFA's checkered reputation.

Plus, don't forget:

President Donald J. Trump awarded “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World”

The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was presented with the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Washington DC.

inside.fifa.com

 

[Triumph]

On Fox, instead of a dot, a stripe beneath each country shows the color.

I noticed that with BRA vs NOR.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Agreed. But as I suggested, $$$ ... Just my suspicion, based on Mr. Let's Make A Deal and FIFA's checkered reputation.

Plus, don't forget:

President Donald J. Trump awarded “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World”

The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was presented with the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Washington DC.

inside.fifa.com

I'm not cheering against the US by any means, and maybe the red was bogus to start with, but this "suspension" and allowing him to play is absolutely absurd.
The only way this can seen is Trump cheating.
It's in plan view for all to see.
Absolutely ridiculous.

 

[Tunescribe]

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.

I noticed that with BRA vs NOR.

Please stop posting. Besides, you have extra chores in the morning coming off a holiday weekend.

 

[bormio]

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?

Done last year for Ronaldo, 2/3 games of a red card suspension were cancelled (red card was in WC qualifying).

 

[bormio]

Maybe Trump had someone read the rules - because no one else seemed to think there was a way to overturn it (analysts, US coaching staff, reporters) when there clearly was

 

[Tunescribe]

Maybe Trump had someone read the rules - because no one else seemed to think there was a way to overturn it (analysts, US coaching staff, reporters) when there clearly was

"Rule" 1A: $$$

 

[n1997y]

I'm not cheering against the US by any means, and maybe the red was bogus to start with, but this "suspension" and allowing him to play is absolutely absurd.
The only way this can seen is Trump cheating.
It's in plan view for all to see.
Absolutely ridiculous.

Do you think Trump cares about being seen cheating? Now? Lol.

 

[Guts]

Best game of the tournament
unfortunately my mexico is out

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

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?

I think FIFA's committee reviewed it and determined the punishment based on their bylaws. How is that cheating?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think FIFA's committee reviewed it and determined the punishment based on their bylaws. How is that cheating?

(1) You can make an argument that having politicians getting involved in questions like this is unfair.
(2) FIFA apparently can decide to "suspend" enforcement for whatever reason, which seems to include "letting stars play in big games" when they wouldn't do that for other players.

 

[OldEngland]

Best game of the tournament
unfortunately my mexico is out

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

 

[OldEngland]

(1) You can make an argument that having politicians getting involved in questions like this is unfair.
(2) FIFA apparently can decide to "suspend" enforcement for whatever reason, which seems to include "letting stars play in big games" when they wouldn't do that for other players.

Fifa is seriously corrupt organisation, and has been for decades.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

(1) You can make an argument that having politicians getting involved in questions like this is unfair.
(2) FIFA apparently can decide to "suspend" enforcement for whatever reason, which seems to include "letting stars play in big games" when they wouldn't do that for other players.

1. Happens regularly. People appeal. I have no idea why appealing is unfair.
2. FIFA ruled based on their Bylaws. Maybe the structure is too flexible?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

1. Happens regularly. People appeal. I have no idea why appealing is unfair.
2. FIFA ruled based on their Bylaws. Maybe the structure is too flexible?

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.

 

[OldEngland]

1. Happens regularly. People appeal. I have no idea why appealing is unfair.
2. FIFA ruled based on their Bylaws. Maybe the structure is too flexible?

It's a red card. Accidental but reckless with clear contact with studs above the ankle. Serious risk of injury.

No idea how on earth that got rescinded, if he hadn't actually made contact or something fair enough, but I actually thought it was on par with the red England got today, does that get removed too? It sets a terrible precedent and fifa have screwed up here.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

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.

Why? The request was fully transparent. Everyone is being honest, with no back door deals. Who cares?

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.

In November 2025, Ronaldo was sent off for Portugal against Ireland. FIFA gave him a three-match ban, but made him serve only one match and suspended the remaining two under a one-year probation period, which cleared him to play in the World Cup. That was last year. Not equivalent, but similar. You can only state in over 60 years if you compare "for any WC red card", not "for any red card". Since Ronaldo had two games forgiven versus Balogun's one game, it can be argued that Balogun's Article 27 ruling was more minor. Ronaldo received a one-year probation and was allowed to play in his next WC match, the same as Balogun. Both situations fell under Article 27.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

It's a red card. Accidental but reckless with clear contact with studs above the ankle. Serious risk of injury.

No idea how on earth that got rescinded, if he hadn't actually made contact or something fair enough, but I actually thought it was on par with the red England got today, does that get removed too? It sets a terrible precedent and fifa have screwed up here.

The recent ruling with Ronaldo was very similar. See above. Both Article 27.

 

[OldEngland]

The recent ruling with Ronaldo was very similar. See above. Both Article 27.

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.