2026 World Cup thread

[Cosmo]

If UEFA withdraws, the World Cup ceases to mean anything.

 

[Huggy]

I've had the BBC on in the background today and this is all they have talked about for at least the last 90 minutes.

 

[Here me roar]

I've had the BBC on in the background today and this is all they have talked about for at least the last 90 minutes.

Don't blame them. This is a huge story, on make levels.

 

[dixiehack]

UEFA should shoot for more than FIFA backing down. It should call up CONMEBOL and set up their own organization with their own rules to cut FIFA out completely. No more bending over backwards to accommodate the Northeast Puddistans of the world so they will vote to support the kleptocrat du jour. No more farming out the tournament to the Middle East and going off cycle.

If the other confederations want in at that point on those terms, then welcome. Otherwise have fun staging the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

 

[Driftwood]

Not that UEFA or CONMEBOL - or CONCACAF - is any less corrupt, I'm all for them blowing FIFA to smithereens.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

Not that UEFA or CONMEBOL - or CONCACAF - is any less corrupt, I'm all for them blowing FIFA to smithereens.

When you make UEFA look principled, you've done F-ed up a major, major way.

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

 

[2muchcoffeeman]

Now it's serious.

 

[Webster]

You sell off pieces to PE when you need money or try to cash out. The WC needs neither of these things. Basically, Infantino is trying to set himself up for a deal bonus and a ridiculously high paying job

 

[Inky_Wretch]

CONCACAF is out!

Statement on behalf of Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations | Concacaf

 

[Spartan Squad]

The fact Europe is hosting the next Cup really is going to put FIFA in a bind if UEFA en masse refuses to participate. Does this mean Spain and Portugal would refuse access to their host venues?

 

[No Phonies]

At this rate, Brazil’s men have a 52% chance of a top-5 finish. Things are looking up.

 

[dixiehack]

The fact Europe is hosting the next Cup really is going to put FIFA in a bind if UEFA en masse refuses to participate. Does this mean Spain and Portugal would refuse access to their host venues?

Nah, this thing is about to be back off the table. Cue the head of lettuce.

 

[Driftwood]

I'd like to see UEFA take it a step further and say, "While we are at it, Gio gots ta go. Either he resigns and takes his bull**** peace prize with him, or we're done."

 

[Spartan Squad]

I'd like to see UEFA take it a step further and say, "While we are at it, Gio gots ta go. Either he resigns and takes his bull**** peace prize with him, or we're done."

I read somewhere they are beginning to put efforts behind someone who they want to replace Gio. I think it is an Italian

 

[Spartan Squad]

Nah, this thing is about to be back off the table. Cue the head of lettuce.

I figure. This will get figured out, one corrupt way or scooter. In the “what if” scenario, does UEFA tell FIFA to play somewhere else?

 

[Webster]

The structure of FIFA, where every country gets the same vote and same amount of money is ripe for nonsense. There are so many countries which will never sniff WC qualification where the powers that be are perfectly willing to be paid off (legally or otherwise) for their vote. That was the thing with CONCACAF — Jack Warner knew how to pay off the minnows to get their support.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

The fact Europe is hosting the next Cup really is going to put FIFA in a bind if UEFA en masse refuses to participate. Does this mean Spain and Portugal would refuse access to their host venues?

The next World Cup is technically in Brazil - for the women - and in 2027. So this is going to come to a head really quickly.

 

[ChrisLong]

Wrong thread, sure .... but: How come this is all happening when Trump got involved in the World Cup?

 

[Driftwood]

FIA, UCI, and IOC are all looking at FIFA and saying, "Damn, boy."