World Cup 2026 - USA/Canada/Mexico

SDAddick

Karim_myBagheri said:

What does chalk mean then in this context? 

Yeah so "chalk" is like, picking the favorites. I think it might be an Americanism, but I thought it was universal. Apologies all!

IdleHans said:

SDAddick said:

These are my final predictions...until I change my mind later today. An all Iberian final. Spain to win it all. England to the semi-finals on a largely easy path. Japan and Turkiye dark horses. It's all a bit chalk I think, but I also think with such a large field it's going to be chalk for the group stage and first round or two.

Please, what is 'chalk'?

Edit: ignore me, just looked it up. How can I have got this old without having heard that before?

(I'm 87, you know)

You don't look a day over 86!  

Leroy Ambrose

IdleHans said:

SDAddick said:

These are my final predictions...until I change my mind later today. An all Iberian final. Spain to win it all. England to the semi-finals on a largely easy path. Japan and Turkiye dark horses. It's all a bit chalk I think, but I also think with such a large field it's going to be chalk for the group stage and first round or two.

Please, what is 'chalk'?

Edit: ignore me, just looked it up. How can I have got this old without having heard that before?

(I'm 87, you know)

I follow yank sports, I'm in my fifties and I've never heard it either 😂 

ForeverAddickted

Lincsaddick said:

Anyone else fancy Portugal to do well ? .. they have one of the most experienced and talented squads in the tournament

I don't rate them to get beyond the Quarters, mainly given because of how Martinez didn't succeed with a very strong Belgium squad, and refuses to put Ronaldo out to pasture

Callumcafc

https://x.com/itvfootball/status/2064314668320006568?s=46&t=ynww82GMl7VKBjthBflU0g

Good Kane interview

MrOneLung

Leroy Ambrose said:

IdleHans said:

SDAddick said:

These are my final predictions...until I change my mind later today. An all Iberian final. Spain to win it all. England to the semi-finals on a largely easy path. Japan and Turkiye dark horses. It's all a bit chalk I think, but I also think with such a large field it's going to be chalk for the group stage and first round or two.

Please, what is 'chalk'?

Edit: ignore me, just looked it up. How can I have got this old without having heard that before?

(I'm 87, you know)

I follow yank sports, I'm in my fifties and I've never heard it either 😂 

I’ve mainly heard it used on March Madness brackets 

iaitch

Karim_myBagheri said:

ValleyGary said:

I see the England lads had a game of cricket today, Morgan Rogers looks like he can play!

Kane's not bad either apparently 

Were they out after midnight having a punch up with a rugby player?

iaitch

PragueAddick said:

The case of the Somali referee is not the only one. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned what I think is an even worse case regarding the Iraqi player, who of course we've never heard of, but is apparently their star striker. He's been allowed in eventually, but only after a seven-hour grilling. Then we have the case of the Swiss player who had his ESTA placed under review at the last minute and couldn't travel (although is expected to, eventually)

WTF?

Would anyone like to imagine for me what kind of questions these clowns had to ask Aymen Hussein that could not have been asked before the Iraqi squad, whose names would have been listed in advance, left the country? The team photographer was not so lucky. They refused him entry. 

Let's not grace this bollocks with the term "policy", please. If you are privileged enough (according to FIFA) to be selected to hold this tournament, then the very least you can do is show a normal level of hospitality towards their players and their senior officials. You get their details in advance, so review them and, if you have any questions, be good enough to promptly flag them up quickly to the country concerned and get them sorted before they set off. If that isn't your normal system, make a special exemption for these players. It's not going to be difficult, is it? 

There are also now reports of some fans running into problems with last-minute reviews of their visa waivers. 

Let's be absolutely clear: all of this is on Trump. As discussed above, none of this happened in Russia. That's because Putin is smarter than Trump. He realised what he had to do in order to get the best possible publicity from staging the event. Trump on the other hand wants to be the bully who chucks his weight around. 

I am sure the vast majority of fans will have a great time, and hope to hear about them from Lifers who are there. But personally I wouldn't spend a dollar of my own money on this, or going to the States for any reason while he is running it. There's no way I'd be  deleting this post and all my other social media posts which mention him in order not to have hassle at the border just because it might offend that world class ****.

Agree with all that Prague.

No doubt after the tournament Infantino and his PR team will be gushing about how Trump arranged a brilliant World Cup and brought harmony, friendship and togetherness throughout the world!!

Probably give him another FIFA peace prize. 

Chris_from_Sidcup

Karim_myBagheri said:

With it all kicking off there.. Mexico have to be the biggest underachievers for a nation so obsessed with the game.
 I'm just quickly thinking but their main guy is Jimenez who plays for fulham.
Why a large country like that just can't produce a team who could contend and why they have so few top class players over the years. 

That in itself says a lot though. He is 35 now and has just signed for Wolves.

They also have Santiago Gimenez who is at Milan but he just had a pretty disappointing season there.

Chris_from_Sidcup

Just seen that Portugal are playing a friendly tonight in Lisbon. Am i the only one that thinks it's a bit strange they haven't flown to the US yet to adapt to the time difference and the heat? There can't be many countries who are not already out there.

Admittedly their first game isn't until next Wednesday but that's a day before us and we've been out there for a week already.

Karim_myBagheri

France have done the same, had their last friendly against Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille

They are flying out there today. 

stoneroses19

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Friend Or Defoe said:

guinnessaddick said:

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee 🇸🇴 Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which notably enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport

Insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back...

Would love FIFA to prove me wrong and step in. This world cup is a shambles. I've never been more disinterested in a world cup.

I can't blame you for thinking that given the things that have gone on:

Insane ticket prices
Referee refused visa
Iraq player held at airport for hours
Some Iran backroom staff and even the head of their FA refused visas
Iran forced to move base to Mexico and fly in and out of the US on matchdays.

However..........once the tournament begins a lot of this will be forgotten and i'm sure the tournament itself will end up being absolutely fine. There was a lot of talk before the Qatar world cup about how it would be shit, but it actually ended up a great tournament and i don't know a single person who went out there (myself included) that didn't enjoy it.

I don’t get the comparison with Qatar and USA hosting. It’s completely different. 

People complained about Qatar due to human rights and the safety of those building the stadiums. For players, staff, and fans, I believe there was a special visa-free entry made available, so it was a seamless process in that respect. 

USA is actively threatening people, whether they are fans, players, or staff, and none of those people know if they will be turned away on arrival (which just happened to the number one ref from Africa) or arrested during the tournament. Iran still haven’t arrived in USA and we don’t know what immigration will do on the days they fly in from Mexico. 

I’d say as a fan if you’re going out to USA and enjoy the experience, then you’re in a lucky position, as there’s a lot of people who won’t be able to enjoy the experience this time around. 

Chris_from_Sidcup

stoneroses19 said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Friend Or Defoe said:

guinnessaddick said:

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee 🇸🇴 Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which notably enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport

Insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back...

Would love FIFA to prove me wrong and step in. This world cup is a shambles. I've never been more disinterested in a world cup.

I can't blame you for thinking that given the things that have gone on:

Insane ticket prices
Referee refused visa
Iraq player held at airport for hours
Some Iran backroom staff and even the head of their FA refused visas
Iran forced to move base to Mexico and fly in and out of the US on matchdays.

However..........once the tournament begins a lot of this will be forgotten and i'm sure the tournament itself will end up being absolutely fine. There was a lot of talk before the Qatar world cup about how it would be shit, but it actually ended up a great tournament and i don't know a single person who went out there (myself included) that didn't enjoy it.

I don’t get the comparison with Qatar and USA hosting. It’s completely different. 

People complained about Qatar due to human rights and the safety of those building the stadiums. For players, staff, and fans, I believe there was a special visa-free entry made available, so it was a seamless process in that respect. 

USA is actively threatening people, whether they are fans, players, or staff, and none of those people know if they will be turned away on arrival (which just happened to the number one ref from Africa) or arrested during the tournament. Iran still haven’t arrived in USA and we don’t know what immigration will do on the days they fly in from Mexico. 

I’d say as a fan if you’re going out to USA and enjoy the experience, then you’re in a lucky position, as there’s a lot of people who won’t be able to enjoy the experience this time around. 

I'm not comparing countries or their issues, my point being that we tend to always hear complaints (for whatever reason) before any World Cup, and then it always gets quickly forgotten once the actual football starts.

South Africa - bribes for voting, inflated construction costs
Brazil - complaints about the tournament cost when public services were being neglected
Russia - human rights, corruption, racism, homophobia
Qatar - Winter world cup, human rights, migrant worker issues

stoneroses19

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

stoneroses19 said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Friend Or Defoe said:

guinnessaddick said:

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee 🇸🇴 Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which notably enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport

Insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back...

Would love FIFA to prove me wrong and step in. This world cup is a shambles. I've never been more disinterested in a world cup.

I can't blame you for thinking that given the things that have gone on:

Insane ticket prices
Referee refused visa
Iraq player held at airport for hours
Some Iran backroom staff and even the head of their FA refused visas
Iran forced to move base to Mexico and fly in and out of the US on matchdays.

However..........once the tournament begins a lot of this will be forgotten and i'm sure the tournament itself will end up being absolutely fine. There was a lot of talk before the Qatar world cup about how it would be shit, but it actually ended up a great tournament and i don't know a single person who went out there (myself included) that didn't enjoy it.

I don’t get the comparison with Qatar and USA hosting. It’s completely different. 

People complained about Qatar due to human rights and the safety of those building the stadiums. For players, staff, and fans, I believe there was a special visa-free entry made available, so it was a seamless process in that respect. 

USA is actively threatening people, whether they are fans, players, or staff, and none of those people know if they will be turned away on arrival (which just happened to the number one ref from Africa) or arrested during the tournament. Iran still haven’t arrived in USA and we don’t know what immigration will do on the days they fly in from Mexico. 

I’d say as a fan if you’re going out to USA and enjoy the experience, then you’re in a lucky position, as there’s a lot of people who won’t be able to enjoy the experience this time around. 

I'm not comparing countries or their issues, my point being that we tend to always hear complaints (for whatever reason) before any World Cup, and then it always gets quickly forgotten once the actual football starts.

South Africa - bribes for voting, inflated construction costs
Brazil - complaints about the tournament cost when public services were being neglected
Russia - human rights, corruption, racism, homophobia
Qatar - Winter world cup, human rights, migrant worker issues

I get it, but overall those things were all pre-tournament concerns (obviously apart from the lgbtq issues surrounding both Russia and Qatar), which is why things were quickly forgotten during the tournament. 

The issues surrounding USA aren’t going to stop, in my opinion. Most notably the immigration issues for players, staff, and fans of some countries and there sounds like a lot of infrastructure issues not fixed which could cause problems for people getting around. There’s also the weather, which can’t be helped, but could create problems (the storm at Argentina Iceland friendly for example). 

fenaddick

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

stoneroses19 said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Friend Or Defoe said:

guinnessaddick said:

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee 🇸🇴 Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which notably enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport

Insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back...

Would love FIFA to prove me wrong and step in. This world cup is a shambles. I've never been more disinterested in a world cup.

I can't blame you for thinking that given the things that have gone on:

Insane ticket prices
Referee refused visa
Iraq player held at airport for hours
Some Iran backroom staff and even the head of their FA refused visas
Iran forced to move base to Mexico and fly in and out of the US on matchdays.

However..........once the tournament begins a lot of this will be forgotten and i'm sure the tournament itself will end up being absolutely fine. There was a lot of talk before the Qatar world cup about how it would be shit, but it actually ended up a great tournament and i don't know a single person who went out there (myself included) that didn't enjoy it.

I don’t get the comparison with Qatar and USA hosting. It’s completely different. 

People complained about Qatar due to human rights and the safety of those building the stadiums. For players, staff, and fans, I believe there was a special visa-free entry made available, so it was a seamless process in that respect. 

USA is actively threatening people, whether they are fans, players, or staff, and none of those people know if they will be turned away on arrival (which just happened to the number one ref from Africa) or arrested during the tournament. Iran still haven’t arrived in USA and we don’t know what immigration will do on the days they fly in from Mexico. 

I’d say as a fan if you’re going out to USA and enjoy the experience, then you’re in a lucky position, as there’s a lot of people who won’t be able to enjoy the experience this time around. 

I'm not comparing countries or their issues, my point being that we tend to always hear complaints (for whatever reason) before any World Cup, and then it always gets quickly forgotten once the actual football starts.

South Africa - bribes for voting, inflated construction costs
Brazil - complaints about the tournament cost when public services were being neglected
Russia - human rights, corruption, racism, homophobia
Qatar - Winter world cup, human rights, migrant worker issues

Think this just depends on the media you consume. I heard and read lots about the Qatar issues during and after the World Cup and none of it was hard to find. Some of it was even discussed on the TV coverage of the matches. Then there was the whole “one love” armband issue and the Germany protest (although that might have been pre-tournament?) too. I think these things don’t stick in the brain as being during the World Cup because the football is more memorable than media coverage 

follett

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Just seen that Portugal are playing a friendly tonight in Lisbon. Am i the only one that thinks it's a bit strange they haven't flown to the US yet to adapt to the time difference and the heat? There can't be many countries who are not already out there.

Admittedly their first game isn't until next Wednesday but that's a day before us and we've been out there for a week already.

Mexico in contrast started their World Cup camp in early May. Obviously no need to acclimatise but some real variation in length of time together. England have obviously only just had the Arsenal players join up 

Jints

I think Russia and Qatar tried to use the WC to present themselves in a positive light (see also Argentina 78, Italy 34). The US administration doesn't care about that.

ValleyGary

The ‘Building a dream’ episodes on England YouTube are excellent. 

jimmymelrose

Karim_myBagheri said:

fenaddick said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

fenaddick said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

With it all kicking off there.. Mexico have to be the biggest underachievers for a nation so obsessed with the game.
 I'm just quickly thinking but their main guy is Jimenez who plays for fulham.
Why a large country like that just can't produce a team who could contend and why they have so few top class players over the years. 

This is slightly misleading (not saying that's on purpose!). The Liga MX pays very well for the region and means players don't have to leave. It's why a large proportion of their squad is Liga MX based

I have no idea on their own league. So no little about the players who are representing Mexico in this tournament. Are they strong enough? Cos though they have had some pretty tidy teams before they just don't reach the heights like similar nations near them, Argentina and Brazil, have done what with their population and their obsession with the sport. 

I think they’re stronger than lots of people are giving them credit for plus they have home advantage 

I hope so. Little bit annoyed they get another sort of home world cup but they always look good but can't do it in the latter stages of a tournament. I'm trying to think of a nation of their size and passion who hasn't won a world cup.. 

Indonesia. They have never even qualified but their passion for football is as great as Mexico’s imo. I’ve been to football in both countries btw.

MrOneLung

jimmymelrose said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

fenaddick said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

fenaddick said:

Karim_myBagheri said:

With it all kicking off there.. Mexico have to be the biggest underachievers for a nation so obsessed with the game.
 I'm just quickly thinking but their main guy is Jimenez who plays for fulham.
Why a large country like that just can't produce a team who could contend and why they have so few top class players over the years. 

This is slightly misleading (not saying that's on purpose!). The Liga MX pays very well for the region and means players don't have to leave. It's why a large proportion of their squad is Liga MX based

I have no idea on their own league. So no little about the players who are representing Mexico in this tournament. Are they strong enough? Cos though they have had some pretty tidy teams before they just don't reach the heights like similar nations near them, Argentina and Brazil, have done what with their population and their obsession with the sport. 

I think they’re stronger than lots of people are giving them credit for plus they have home advantage 

I hope so. Little bit annoyed they get another sort of home world cup but they always look good but can't do it in the latter stages of a tournament. I'm trying to think of a nation of their size and passion who hasn't won a world cup.. 

Indonesia. They have never even qualified but their passion for football is as great as Mexico’s imo. I’ve been to football in both countries btw.

Qualified when known as Dutch East Indies

Callumcafc

Weegie Addick

Good to give Scotland something to aim for 😊

bobmunro

Weegie Addick said:

Good to give Scotland something to aim for 😊

It didn't list 1 point 

Lincsaddick

follett said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Just seen that Portugal are playing a friendly tonight in Lisbon. Am i the only one that thinks it's a bit strange they haven't flown to the US yet to adapt to the time difference and the heat? There can't be many countries who are not already out there.

Admittedly their first game isn't until next Wednesday but that's a day before us and we've been out there for a week already.

Mexico in contrast started their World Cup camp in early May. Obviously no need to acclimatise but some real variation in length of time together. England have obviously only just had the Arsenal players join up 

I wonder if some teams, including England, have gone to Nth America too early. Young men stuck in a hotel probably on strict diets and no/little alcohol with only daily training to occupy them apart from video games and such to break the monotony

Billy_Mix

Historically FIFA has insisted on unrestricted granting of visas and travel permissions to all players, officials, delegates of all participating nations, referees, etc for world cup tournaments
None of this was a problem in Canada, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, or even USA in 1994.  But it's different in Trump's USA 2026.  With Infantino's tongue jammed firmly up Trump's baggy arse FIFA is tellingly quiet on the blatantly racist and islamophobic mistreatment of countless individuals currently being meted out by USA immigration.
Any journalist worth the description should be insisting on answers from Infantino every time he faces the press over the duration of the tournament. "Why is FIFA standing by silently why prejudice is perpetrated on some world cup participants?  Answer please Mr Infantino"

Jints

Billy_Mix said:

Historically FIFA has insisted on unrestricted granting of visas and travel permissions to all players, officials, delegates of all participating nations, referees, etc for world cup tournaments
None of this was a problem in Canada, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Japan, South Korea, France, or even USA in 1994.  But it's different in Trump's USA 2026.  With Infantino's tongue jammed firmly up Trump's baggy arse FIFA is tellingly quiet on the blatantly racist and islamophobic mistreatment of countless individuals currently being meted out by USA immigration.
Any journalist worth the description should be insisting on answers from Infantino every time he faces the press over the duration of the tournament. "Why is FIFA standing by silently why prejudice is perpetrated on some world cup participants?  Answer please Mr Infantino"

He's giving a press conference tomorrow. It will be his first for 3 years. I doubt he will give any more during the WC.

guinnessaddick

Algarveaddick

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Just seen that Portugal are playing a friendly tonight in Lisbon. Am i the only one that thinks it's a bit strange they haven't flown to the US yet to adapt to the time difference and the heat? There can't be many countries who are not already out there.

Admittedly their first game isn't until next Wednesday but that's a day before us and we've been out there for a week already.

The heat won't be a problem - it's bleeding hot enough here... 

HastingsRed

Algarveaddick said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Just seen that Portugal are playing a friendly tonight in Lisbon. Am i the only one that thinks it's a bit strange they haven't flown to the US yet to adapt to the time difference and the heat? There can't be many countries who are not already out there.

Admittedly their first game isn't until next Wednesday but that's a day before us and we've been out there for a week already.

The heat won't be a problem - it's bleeding hot enough here... 

France left late as well. Seems a few have left quite late looking at last nights friendlies.

Mametz

Major said:

Friend Or Defoe said:

guinnessaddick said:

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee 🇸🇴 Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which notably enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport

Insufficient for the American authorities, who immediately sent him back...

Would love FIFA to prove me wrong and step in. This world cup is a shambles. I've never been more disinterested in a world cup.

I don't believe FIFA gets to govern USA policies.

You are absolutely right about that. However FIFA should not award the World Cup  to countries that have such arbitrary regulations. If a country wants the honour of hosting the World Cup, they should give assurances that they will accept the credentials of FIFA appointed officials. 

bobmunro

guinnessaddick said:

Shit - I'm big enough as it is and I'm there for 2 weeks!