2026 World Cup thread

[UPChip]

I'm about tired of qualifying every random filler stat with "men's WC."
I'm pretty sure any sensible person watching knows that's what we're talking about. If they don't, then they aren't sensible enough to be worried about.

I get it, but the reason that a lot of folks make a deal about it is because it frames one as normative and the other as a sideshow.

That said, World Rugby has started to simply call either tournament the (YEAR) Rugby World Cup and make you do the research as to which is which.

 

[tapintoamerica]

With all the "athletes busted for gambling" stories lately, I can't help but wonder if we'll see some of that come out - especially about the third group stage matches. There has always been suspicions about collusion between teams when, say, both teams can advance with a draw or a team thinks finishing second in the group would be better than winning and facing opponent X.

In Group B, for example, Canada and Switzerland are tied at 4 points entering their meeting next week. The others are tied at 1. If the Canadians and Swiss agree to kick the ball back and forth for 90 minutes, they both finish at 5 — free and clear of the others. Mutual Assured Advancement.

 

[tapintoamerica]

... and the walking health hazard is in Seattle ...

Almost enough to make me root against the USA.

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

It’s no longer a “hydration break,” it’s now a “match break.” Just another step toward four-quarter football.

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

Circati has a legit beef with that booking. His kit got pulled as he was challenging.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

Almost enough to make me root against the USA.

I despise him, but not enough to turn against this side or the country.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

It’s no longer a “hydration break,” it’s now a “match break.” Just another step toward four-quarter football.

Well, of course. Anything to jam in another shameless sponsor and cram in a couple of ads.

 

[brn623cl]

John Strong must get paid for each Pulisic mention, even in a match he isn’t playing in.

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

John Strong must get paid for each Pulisic mention, even in a match he isn’t playing in.

Be careful, you might create a Doug Ferguson meme!

 

[Sam Mills 51]

The wrong kind of head-to-head matchup ...

 

[Spartan Squad]

How is applying Vaseline checking for concussion symptoms?

 

[Sam Mills 51]

The answer is always "two."

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

I see the replay on the goal now. A straight own goal, not a deflection.

I still think a player should get credit for a goal if a defender other than the goalkeeper gets a toe on it.

 

[brn623cl]

How is applying Vaseline checking for concussion symptoms?

Coming to the NFL this fall.

 

[exmediahack]

For the degenerates (or those who want to be)...

Today is also why, if you think a game MIGHT finish 0-0, you never bet under 0.5 goals. Always bet the "no goalscorer". It pays out about 5-10% lower but it covers a 1-0 finish where its an "own goal".

Little tip from your Uncle 'Ex.

Because... that's what I did today with a $10 free bet at +700.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

How is applying Vaseline checking for concussion symptoms?

Uh, sliding them through protocol?

 

[Sam Mills 51]

For the degenerates (or those who want to be)...

Today is also why, if you think a game MIGHT finish 0-0, you never bet under 0.5 goals. Always bet the "no goalscorer". It pays out about 5-10% lower but it covers a 1-0 finish where its an "own goal".

Little tip from your Uncle 'Ex.

Because... that's what I did today.

Gambling thread.

 

[Huggy]

Canada’s national anthem is better than Australia’s.

Scotland's is better than both. (Says this Canadian with a Scottish old man.)

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

Freeman was onside. VAR wins. 2-0 to USA.

 

[UPChip]

TOUCHDOWN FREEMAN!