World Cup 2026

[Gash]

Wouldn't be a huge controversy imo, Denmark only played in the Euros they won because another team withdrew (or were banned, can't remember the specifics... Actually might have been due to a war come to think of it).

If a qualified team doesn't play then they will understandably replace them with a play off loser.

It's a bit different though, Yugoslavia were banned as they had been sanctioned by the UN during the Yugoslav wars, Iran has been attacked by a rogue nation(s) with no justifaction who just happen to also be one of the hosts of the next world cup. Denmark got their place as they were group runners up to Yugoslavia so really it should be a country from the same group or region not a completely different continent. Italy, Trump, Infantino being of Italian decent and a dual national and the amount of Italian Americans would make the whole thing stink to high heaven if they were showhorned in.

[AjaxAndy]

It's a bit different though, Yugoslavia were banned as they had been sanctioned by the UN during the Yugoslav wars, Iran has been attacked by a rogue nation(s) with no justifaction who just happen to also be one of the hosts of the next world cup. Denmark got their place as they were group runners up to Yugoslavia so really it should be a country from the same group or region not a completely different continent. Italy, Trump, Infantino being of Italian decent and a dual national and the amount of Italian Americans would make the whole thing stink to high heaven if they were showhorned in.

Yeah I'm definitely not saying Iran not being there is their own fault or that Italy should get the spot... Just that's what will happen imo, and the reason they'll give is that they're the highest ranked team.

I think that reason will largely mitigate any major controversy in the media at least.

[Cantoffee]

As a Canadian it's been so disappointing to see us as a co-host and yet tickets are totally unreasonable. Absolutely impossible to actually attend a match as a regular person because the costs are astronomical.

Costs to the cities is going to be huge and we won't see much back from it honestly.

I do hope we play well, which is looking unlikely now given the injuries we've got. Definitely the most talented team we've ever had though and a couple of genuine match winners so probably our best chance ever to have a good run.

[Cods]

I think it will go to the highest...

Oh come on! You didn't need to click the spoiler to finish that sentence. Go back and read it again.
...the 'highest bidder' (reference to grubby Trump/FIFA/Italian politics)

[777Kidnappings]

Apparently the Italian prime minister has said they dont want it. They are 4 times winners and they play by the rules. They dont need a participation trophy

[Cods]

Integrity in Italian politics.
There is hope.

[AjaxAndy]

Oh come on! You didn't need to click to finish that sentence.
Go back and read it again.

I don't understand what you mean mate?

[Goaljira]

[blueToffee]

Honestly, I expected it to be terrible based on the thumbnail...but I enjoyed that.

Throwback to some of the classic random football ads.

[blueToffee]

[Audrey Horne]

What the fuck

[Cods]

Misprint?

Surely they mean WCW, or WWF? Not the WCF?

It's what the game is becoming though I suppose.

Narratives, wrestling in the box, dusty finishes, favourites, commentator drivel, over-egged tumbles, and confected results.

[Cereal Killer]

I’d hope anyone there would just start to boo and whistle after 15 minutes, but as it’ll be full of corporate twats and Trump & FIFA cronies, doubt any of them will even be interested in the football anyway

[bigmanbob]

Fuck that

[Gash]

Why does America feel the need to ruin everything? It's the World Cup final not the fucking Super Bowl.