2026 FIFA World Cup thread [R]

This was a topic on the Soccerwise broadcast - would Messi win the Ballon d'Or, as an MLS player, on the basis of his WC performance. The question is would the powers that be and pundits have any respect for MLS whatsoever. This post would indicate that the answer is "no".

 

Someone sounds bitter.

 

Word up = the only un-organized, pickup games I've ever seen are adult games. Back when I was younger I had a blast playing at places like the Junior High on Arastradero or at Mayfield, Stanford, Central Park in Santa Clara, etc. Once got a massive case of poison oak chasing a ball down to a creekbed. Glad I was shirts that day!

I never see kids just fvcking around with a ball and a couple of shoes or packs for goals.

 

Supposedly, experts and pundits have forever said that playing in MLS diminishes players skills.

At least when it comes to the national team.

I recall Bruce Arena when in charge of the USMNT stating how players need to get to Europe to play on Champions League teams.

Antonio Conte of Italy refused to pick Andrea Pirlo or Sebastian Giovinco when they were in MLS.

That was ten years ago and maybe a few things have changed.

At the time, Pirlo certainly didn't deserve to be picked but Giovinco merited a spot.

 

Watching the third-place game, France looks delated.

England 4- France 0 at halftime!

It reminds me of the 1982 third place game when they played Poland in the third-place game and when Michel Platini was benched in favor of his nemesis Jean-François Larios.

 

How long is that dumbass halftime show tomorrrow? It sounds like a million performers…

 

Watching the postgame of the 3rd place game won by England over France 6-4, I never understood how or why they would ask a 24-year-old, Bukayo Saka about the manager’s position.

He says its the nature of the game.

Honestly, what is he supposed to say?

That Thomas Tuchel sucks and deserves to get fired?

 

NBA all-star game vibes. "Let's just let the stars score".

 

What a deal!

 

Why wasn’t there any defending yesterday for England or France?

Is there no money involved in the bronze medal third place game?

 

Two words - Golden Boot.

 

That’s disgusting! We are living in another “gilded age.” $42,898 is an annual income for many. This is appalling.

 

Isn't that more or less the same as courtside tickets to Warriors games? No one has to attend the World Cup Final of all things.