2026 World Cup bollix

[redebreck]

FIFA are also banning fans bringing in reusable water bottles into the grounds. Despite claiming that water will be kept at regular prices, that still means that a bottle of water will still cost $5 on average, never mind the cost of any other beverages or cooling foodstuff that will be available.

Money, money, money, it's always sunny, in Infantino's world.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c302gelj8evo

USA has to be the most money-obsessed nation in the world, as far as I'm aware.

[fiordearg]

48 countries. A lot of shit matches until the knockout stages.

[Insidious]

First question has to be..
does anyone here give a shit?

I'll be amazed if I watch more than 2-3 matches.

[faridtoxteth]

I saw a video short that said Portugal have included Diogo Jota in their squad, as a symbolic gesture because he was part of the qualifying campaign. Is it a beautiful gesture, or is it just an AI slop video? Anyone know?

[Daffydd]

Something in the Irish Times caught my eye and my mood:

The headline said:
"You spend your life chasing the way the World Cup made you feel when you were 11."

"Someone told me once that the best World Cup you ever saw was the one you watched when you were 11 years old. Give or take a year or two either side, of course. The appreciation sweet spot is right at the beginning of adolescence, when you’re old enough to appreciate the magic of it, but young enough not to understand cynicism."

[Steveo]

Italia 90.... 17 years old...the summer was boiling hot. World in Motion...Barnes Rap... Only World Cup that got to me..


Go on watch that... anyone who remembers... can fast forward to 2 minutes...



Yeahh

[sydenham red]

Something in the Irish Times caught my eye and my mood:

The headline said:
"You spend your life chasing the way the World Cup made you feel when you were 11."

"Someone told me once that the best World Cup you ever saw was the one you watched when you were 11 years old. Give or take a year or two either side, of course. The appreciation sweet spot is right at the beginning of adolescence, when you’re old enough to appreciate the magic of it, but young enough not to understand cynicism."

For me, that was Espana 82. On holiday in Majorca watching the famous game being played in Valencia. And then singing the lyrics years later as i follow the team. Still never been to a WC, maybe NI can return to Espana in 2030 before i turn 60.

"Oh my eyes have seen the glory of the Spain at '82
When little Northern Ireland showed the world what we could do"

[Steveo]

One of the most Anti football sides ever witnessed. They had a face only a mother could love.

[teesred]

Italia 90.... 17 years old...the summer was boiling hot. World in Motion...Barnes Rap... Only World Cup that got to me..


Go on watch that... anyone who remembers... can fast forward to 2 minutes...



Yeahh

Awww mate what a tune. I was 12. I know every word of Barnsey's rap as I'm sure we all do. I loved that world cup too. I have memories of 86 too but fleeting.
I'm not usually an Englesi fan but during the tournaments I do like it purely for my kids. They're a bit older now but it was great when they were little.
I remember really enjoying the Japan/South Korea world cup too. Pre kids.

[teesred]

Something in the Irish Times caught my eye and my mood:

The headline said:
"You spend your life chasing the way the World Cup made you feel when you were 11."

"Someone told me once that the best World Cup you ever saw was the one you watched when you were 11 years old. Give or take a year or two either side, of course. The appreciation sweet spot is right at the beginning of adolescence, when you’re old enough to appreciate the magic of it, but young enough not to understand cynicism."

That's a great post. I think a lot of is can relate to that. Great age to be, before you realise how females can affect your life and before you realise how gruelling life can be as you get older.