World Cup 2026

[bullcitygamer]

Any International Soccer fans in here? I am excited for this tournament to kick off tomorrow. This is the largest World Cup in History with 48 Countries being represented.

Will be rooting hard for Mexico and USA. Mexico is playing at a very high level right now. The US Men’s National Team is the most talented team in U.S. Men’s Soccer history with a lot of the guys playing overseas throughout their club seasons.

This will be the Final World Cup for many of this generation’s soccer legends:

Messi (Argentina)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Neymar (Brazil)
Neuer (Germany)
Modric (Croatia)
Ochoa (Mexico)

My Final 4:
Spain
France
Argentina
Belgium

Spain is my pick to Win the 2026 World Cup.

What is everyone else’s thoughts?

 

[DuckDevil]

There’s nothing like the World Cup. I think it’s time for the US “golden generation” to prove that they’ve always deserved that designation. I’m cautiously optimistic, but it’s been an up and down last few years. I hope they shock the world, though.

HBO released a documentary called U.S. Against the World covering the US Men’s National Team over the last few years. It’s very well put together and does a great job of highlighting many of the players on the squad. If you haven’t seen it, I’d highly recommend giving it a watch before the tournament kicks off. It provides some great insight into both the players and the expectations surrounding this group.

 

[GillJET]

I’m a little concerned about this expanded World Cup watering down the Group Stage.
Either way still pumped for the US game tomorrow night!

 

[bullcitygamer]

I believe USA will win 2-0 or 3-0 against Paraguay tonight. Chris Richards (USA’s best defender has been cleared to play in the World Cup).

I wasn’t happy with the way the U.S. performed against both Belgium and Portugal, but no team in USA’s group will be as tough as Belgium, Portugal, Sengal, nor Germany (USA’s last 4 opponents).

 

[DuckDevil]

The game between South Korea and Czechia last night was amazing. The level of play in the actual tournament is so much higher than in the friendlies. I feel good about the match against Paraguay. If we get a win tonight, it will make the group stage much more pleasant to watch, haha. For once, it would be nice to cruise into the knockout stage rounds.

 

[bullcitygamer]

Heck of a clinic put on by USA last night against Paraguay.

 

[GillJET]

Heck of a clinic put on by USA last night against Paraguay.

Yes it was, what an exciting game to watch with the USA goal explosion. My only complaint is why are we doing hydration breaks in a domed stadium?

 

[DuckDevil]

Yes it was, what an exciting game to watch with the USA goal explosion. My only complaint is why are we doing hydration breaks in a domed stadium?

I think they mandated it for all of the games because some of the locations are going to have terrible heat and humidity, at least by European standards haha. The U.S. got to pick where they wanted to be based, and that’s why they chose the West Coast. No humidity and great weather this time of year.

I still can’t believe they gave that guy a yellow card for taking a dive yesterday. That’s a game changer and a much needed change to the sport.

 

[denverexpat]

This is how to sing an anthem....Flower of Scotland...

 

[GillJET]

Let me ask you guys, why not a 64 teams in the World Cup instead of 48 teams?

 

[DuckDevil]

Let me ask you guys, why not a 64 teams in the World Cup instead of 48 teams?

I assume they figure it would lessen the importance of the qualifying tournaments and the general buildup to the World Cup itself. I don’t know that I necessarily agree with that, though. Looking at the “small” teams that got in this time around, like Scotland and Norway, and what they’ve brought to the table, such as the atmosphere around Scotland’s games and, for Norway, seeing arguably one of the world’s best strikers, Erling Haaland, finally get to play in the World Cup, makes it worth it.

All that to say, I would have no problem with 64 teams. Just build in byes that can only be earned through the other tournaments to keep them relevant.