World Cup 2026

Yeah, each group should have max one minnow team. Every minnow in each group is creating 8 games in a 5 teamed group, 2 minnows creates 14 games (+ 2 with the two minnows playing each other). So thats 14 times the stronger nations have to disrupt their leagues, meet up, train, etc to play Gibralter or San Marino...ridiculous in truth.

 

I just noticed that if Germany loses today against Italy in the Nations League Quarterfinals, then we're playing in June in the:
Group I with Norway, Israel, Estonia, Moldovia

if we advance to the Final Four then we're playing in Autumn in:
Group A with Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Luxembourg.

I hope we won't be playing in Group I because that would mean we failed against Italy this evening

 

New Caledonia into the intercontinental play offs too. Think it would be fair to say they’ll be slight outsiders to get through

 

The only half decent team they play is NZ, so at least it will give them the experience of playing someone different.

 

Think I prefer that lineup to the one the other day, and not just 'cos Guehi's back in.

 

It’s basically Swaziland with a new name, but I’m guessing you found that out while you were researching.

A friend of mine in 2006 thought Wallonia was a country and was like “Where exactly is that on the map?!”

 

It definitely brings it in line with the Women’s World Cup, as the OFC winner has always qualified and never entered an intercontinental play off.

 

Yeah I think it’s a good opportunity to get some exposure to a different team. Some of the African and Asian teams that would drop into the play offs are hardly world beaters so will be a good experience nonetheless

 

It looks more attacking but it'll probably need to be , I reckon Latvia will put X1 behind the ball & we'll need to be patient although , an early goal undoes all of that .

 

yeah I’m happy with all the changes for tonight

 

Nothing that matters in the grand scheme of things but I am a little disappointed we are now going with squad numbers in international games. One thing I did really used to like was we were one of the few international sides who lined up 1-11 in every game.

 

Are Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon on some sort of never-ending contract?

 

Kin Hell

Lucky there , get big Dan Burn on

 

Rashford should get a yellow for that dive, the muppet.

 

Agreed. He'd fill more of the goal than Pickford

 

Sensational free kick.

 

That is as perfect a free kick as I think i've ever seen. Doesn't deserve to be in a game like this.

 

That is an excellent excellent free kick from James.

If he stays fit (lol) I think he’ll be Tuchel’s guy at right back.