Attention: Please take a moment to consider our terms and conditions before posting.
World Cup 2026 - USA/Canada/Mexico
Comments
-
I know a very good Belgian lawyer, steeped in football expertise, never makes a mistake. Just sayingRothko said:Well the Belgiums aren't fucking around, basically, we'll see you in court if we lose.
https://bsky.app/profile/garius.bsky.social/post/3mpy6cvniu22a
. 18 -
Not bothered about Quansah, but we have the likes of Rice and Bellingham on a yellow, and a yellow on Saturday would mean missing the SF.
That booking would definitely be worth appealing...2 -
IdleHans said:If I were Balogun, and this is not of his making, I'd ask not to play in this game. That would quieten things down, and make FIFA/Infantino/trump look like the pricks they are.
If he does play I expect his every touch to be booed throughout the game
90% of the crowd will be septics.3 -
killerandflash said:Not bothered about Quansah, but we have the likes of Rice and Bellingham on a yellow, and a yellow on Saturday would mean missing the SF.
That booking would definitely be worth appealing...Yellow cards are reset after the quarter-finals so as to avoid a Gazza situation where now a player can't be ruled out of the final if they pick up a second yellow in the semi-final.Edit: Got that wrong - they reset after the semi-final so no player can miss the final if they get a second yellow in the semi-final. They could miss the semi-final though if they get a second yellow in the quarter-final.1 -
From Henry Winter:“We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Uefa statement full of power and logic attacking Fifa’s ill-judged decision to reprieve Folarin Balogun. “When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake.”Huge crisis for Fifa. All eyes on Belgian FA to see what happens next. All eyes on the national associations of Europe, members of Fifa, to see whether they stand up to Gianni Infantino. The FA has too often wavered. Infantino’s decision risks a civil war in the sport during a World Cup celebrated for fans from around the world uniting in a love of the game.4
-
What did UEFA say when Ronaldo’s red card against Ireland was suspended to enable him to play in the group stages ?I genuinely don’t know but if they didn’t rally against it, then they can’t really cry foul play now it doesn’t benefit one of their members3
-
The big difference between this and the corruption that lead to Russia and Qatar is this directly impacts the game.
It makes it so much more clear and impactful to everyone in the tournament. And as such I think that it'll be harder to obscure and move on from.4 -
He has to stand for re-election next year. He has done this twice before and won without challenge. However, there is disquiet withing FIFA about the 'Peace Prize' and other things including the red card. There is a growing feeling he will lose his place, especially if UEFA puts pressure on them, which will mean demotion. FIFA is corrupt so he will still have a lucrative job there. Of course the crook who takes over will be just as bad as it is the culture which is to blame. FIFA needs a clear out but the turkey's don't vote for Christmas.1
-
Unfortunately this is not the first such incident and the precedent was set with Ronaldo in 2025.1
-
Infantino’s latest statement12 -
Sponsored links:
-
While I agree that was terrible exceptionalism for a player just so a celebrity player didn't miss out at the tournament, there is still a difference.man_at_milletts said:Unfortunately this is not the first such incident and the precedent was set with Ronaldo in 2025.
Not to how corrupt the decision was and the way the rules were skirted but to why it was enforced.
The reason to have Ronaldo there was a purely financial thing for FIFA as is there way. Yes this would've impacted their group matches (arguably to Portugal's detriment). I think he should be locked up anyway but that is by the by.
The difference is that this was a decision made under influence of the President of the USA for competitive benefit for the USA.
In short: the competitive benefit was at the forefront for this decision and monetary second. As opposed to the other way around beforehand.
Not saying one is better than the other but this will be harder to shake imo.2 -
Probably been mentioned but what’s ironic is that Balogun qualifies from birthright citizenship, born in NY while his parents were on holiday. This is the very thing Trump was trying to get the Supreme Court to overturn, instead they said it stands and he kicked off big time.10
-
I’m of the opinion that after this World Cup there should be a breakaway from FIFA and a new competition set up. I’m pretty sure if the big euro nations got their act together and made a good enough case then the dominos would fall. FIFA is corrupt and rotten to the core and now are compounding that by embarrassing the sport. I very much doubt this will happen because football itself is pretty sick in itself.10
-
Part of me thinks it would be funny to see USA win and Balogun score a hat trick. The fall out would be both toxic and hilarious for FIFA. Naturally I'd then like to see them get tonked in the semi (insert Kenneth Williams gif)man_at_milletts said:The best thing that could happen now is that Belgium beat the USA convincingly on the pitch. I was of the opinion when this venue for the World Cup was first selected that this could be the steps to the scaffold for top level football, and The Infant Ino seems to hell bent on taking it that way, even more so with this red card shitfest.1 -
Pandora’s box is opening:
France have now appealed to FIFA to request Michael Olise’s yellow card against Paraguay is rescinded.
6 -
Gammon said:
I hope, but am not so sure, that this is more to put pressure on FIFA rather than to truly get an advantagestonemuse said:Pandora’s box is opening:
France have now appealed to FIFA to request Michael Olise’s yellow card against Paraguay is rescinded.
Yes, it's testing FIFA's resolve.1 -
Breaking News: FIFA announce last minute referee replacement for the USA v Begium match!
11 -
Curb_It said:
It’s a gamble but buying through FIFA site makes it slightly less of a gamble? You will easy resell them back if we don’t make it? I didn’t look at the final but the quarters and semi finals have definitely come down on the FIFA resell site today.Southendaddick said:Tickets available for the final for $7500 in the gods on the fifa official site
BA flights and decent hotels not silly money
Do you take the chance?
Tickets could easily be sold (might lose money though)
Cancellable hotel
Rebookable flight
If we do get there those tickets will be double the price
I was at Wembley and Berlin is it 3rd time lucky and how much is it worth the gamble ???It’s complicated as I only gamble when @PeanutsMolloy talks !!
Im glad we took that gamble when I posted this a while back!! Bought quarter final tickets then. I can honestly say it has been so much more stressful watching these games.
Been in Fort Worth all weekend… with half of Mexico!The view from the hotel bar looking down on the Mexican crowd at Sundance Square.9 -
ShootersHillGuru said:I’m of the opinion that after this World Cup there should be a breakaway from FIFA and a new competition set up. I’m pretty sure if the big euro nations got their act together and made a good enough case then the dominos would fall. FIFA is corrupt and rotten to the core and now are compounding that by embarrassing the sport. I very much doubt this will happen because football itself is pretty sick in itself.Kick corrupt, poisoned governance into touch. That is worthy aim indeed.
0 -
Sponsored links:
-
Let's get the Saudis involved and set up a really unbiased alternative to the World Cup!!! Loadsamoney.......ShootersHillGuru said:I’m of the opinion that after this World Cup there should be a breakaway from FIFA and a new competition set up. I’m pretty sure if the big euro nations got their act together and made a good enough case then the dominos would fall. FIFA is corrupt and rotten to the core and now are compounding that by embarrassing the sport. I very much doubt this will happen because football itself is pretty sick in itself.
I actually agree with everything posted about FIFA. The games gone mate. Very poor indeed.1 -
Apparently FIFA have rejected the Appeal raised by the Belgian FA5
-
Statement from Egg Head... Edit: Sorry I mean waffle from Egg Head“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance.“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.“What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”11
-
Trump inadvertently putting Infantino in more trouble - first interview, gloating, that he alone managed to persuade Infantino to let the player play.Next interview, presumably because he has been advised this would be construed as political influence and contrary to FIFA rules (possible penalty of exclusion), he now states he just recommended.Total travesty8
-
Cory Gibbs just fit enough for the USA bench against Belgium.7
-
None of that load of rubbish from Infantino explains why it needed to go to a disciplinary committee (if that's true). It was a definite red card and Balogun could have broken the other player's ankle. No grounds at all for an appeal.
Infantino, when you are in a hole stop digging. You are making an even bigger mess.
I hope that this isn't the end of the matter.
One thing for certain is that anyone with any sense of fair play will be rooting for Belgium. The USA becoming even more of a pariah state under the most corrupt President ever.3 -
Normally I'd want to see Spain lose and so be out of the way... But I'd rather see Portugal gone to avoid a Messi vs. Ronaldo Final - So come on Spain... Make Grandad cry again2
-
Several European FAs have issued trenchant statements in support of Belgium. “Our” FA have refused to comment on it. Sadly, not surprised in the least.
4 -
You’re right there mate Ben Sulayem is cut from the same cloth and would make a suitable successor of the FIFA crown. Until recently my BIL was in charge of World Rally at the FIA and he speaks very highly of the bloke… not !!!!ForeverAddickted said:Croydon said:Trump thinks he's helping Infantino out but that interview has got to be the final coffin in his tenure as FIFA bosslol!... As if anyone is going to ever run against him... Either that or we'll end up with someone like Ben Sulayem in his steadHas to be one of the worst aspect as FIFA President, seems to be a job for life whereas it should surely be for a number of terms2 -
Spain vs France would be a cracking semi final, but Portugal are a really good team also, albeit one held back by having to incorporate CR7 into everything.
1
