World Cup 2026

[Sanguine]

Minnows Moldova might still make it to the playoff round on the Nations League Group Winner path. Those spots currently held by Romania, Wales, Northern Ireland and Sweden. If one of those teams that isn't Wales* manages to make it into the playoffs as group runners-up, Moldova will go through. If two of them do, then San Marino join them.

*Wales would likely displace North Macedonia, who themselves are Nations League Group winners, and so would go through instead.

So complex!

[RG30]

I recommend the brilliant https://x.com/fmeetsdata account for following all the permutations.

[Stranded]

Yeah Norway are there bar a 4 goal defeat.

I for one am here for Italy failing to qualify again, a third time in a row.

Ekitike got his first goal for France last night, and it's a beauty.

https://x.com/UtdXQueku/status/1989239176064065840

Arne Slot take note - wide left is his best position. What's telling - and as noted on the link - is his footballing intelligence to play the one-two, when many strikers would have just shot from range. He's been a brilliant signing.

Of the 2 big name strikers to have left Eintracht in the last 18 months, I miss watching Ekitike more - fantastic player with a very high ceiling.

[From Despair To Where?]

Ireland are 2-0 up against Portugal at half-time. Would blow that group wide open going into the final round of fixtures if Ireland were to win.

Ronny sent off when Ireland already 2 up. Result unlikely to change much though in a group that’ll see Portugal and Hungary qualify. Ireland have basically kept their chance of finishing 2nd if they win in Hungary on Sunday. Would have to totally destroy Hungary and win by about 4 or 5 to get above Portugal in the table though.

I thought the sending off was quite harsh, but tbf, it was reviewed. However, once again Ronaldo's reaction shows how much of a graceless, petulant little bellend he is when things don't go his way.

[South Coast Royal]

How do others feel about our chances of winning next year?

I am getting a bit fed up with ITV commentators in most of what they say but in particular their going on and on and on about the expected high temperatures that we will face, forgetting that all the other countries will face the same issue.

It will though IMHO have an affect on our midfield if , as expected, we end up playing both Anderson and Rice as part of the 3-man midfield.
The game for both of these is about hard running so will they be as effective over there as they have been when playing internationals in Europe?
Do they have the guile and vision required?.

Also I still feel that whatever back 4 we put out is not that special and that neither Rashford nor Gordon are good enough and regular enough finishers when they are effectively played as wide strikers (rather than as wingers there to provide chances for others).
Personally, because of his better all round game I would pick Eze ahead of either of them and Saka on the other side who plays that wide striking role so well.

So, probably quarter finalists or semi finalists at best is my prediction as of now because I don't see us keeping clean sheets against the better teams and we lack a certain amount of flair when it comes to going forward and creating chances although I do expect some success with the long-throws and both corners and free-kicks but success from those might not be enough.

The qualification has been such that Tuchel won't have learned too much new about his players on the pitch as the opposition has been so weak but I do like his idea of building a team rather than try and fit in as many big names as he can, something that past managers have so often done.