World Cup 2026

[Sheilbh]

I normally like the Dutch

Had a very fun time at a previous World Cup or Euros outside the Dutch pub by Chinatown. Outside because it was rammed with people in orange with drums chanting "Holland!"

Are there hydration breaks in all games? I thought it was only when it was above a certain temperature?

[HVC]

I normally like the Dutch

Are there hydration breaks in all games? I thought it was only when it was above a certain temperature?

Gotta get those commercials in somehow

[Duque de Bragança]

Today we are all Japanese

 

The Selecção is the Batavians' Bête Noire.
Turkey, another good one in this role, already lost.

[HVC]

2-2

[HVC]

Today we are all Japanese

 

The Selecção is the Batavians' Bête Noire.
Turkey, another good one in this role, already lost.

There's always room for more Dutch tears

[jimmy olsen]

Not surprised by Japan and Dutch getting a draw. They're both strong teams.

Was surprised by Ivory Coast beating Ecuador.
https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/article/2026-world-cup-ivory-coast-stuns-ecuador-on-last-gasp-goal-in-group-e-upset-010603589.html

A bit surprised by how much Sweden beat Tunisia by.

Not surprised by the German blowout.

[Duque de Bragança]

Not that surprised by Ivory Coast; beat les Bleus in a friendly before the tournament.
Tunisia also got thrashed 5-0 in a friendly vs Belgium.

[Norgy]

The Ivory Coast has a solid team of pros from various European leagues. That Ibrahim Sangaré isn't a starter convinces me that it is a good side, as he was an unsung hero of Nottingham Forest's EPL revival in the latter stage of the season.

How many goals Cape Verde will concede against Spain remains to be seen, but I see a three goal minimum.

Think I might see both Spain and Belgium today.

[Josquius]

Been thinking. Japan have been boosted as a dark horse with a chance in the tournament....
Though given the weather conditions.... Their chances might actually be better than that.
Yesterday vs NL was in an air conditioned stadium I believe. Most aren't.

[Duque de Bragança]

The Ivory Coast has a solid team of pros from various European leagues. That Ibrahim Sangaré isn't a starter convinces me that it is a good side, as he was an unsung hero of Nottingham Forest's EPL revival in the latter stage of the season.

How many goals Cape Verde will concede against Spain remains to be seen, but I see a three goal minimum.

Think I might see both Spain and Belgium today.

Yes, Côte d'Ivoire has been an African powerhouse for quite some time, not just with Drogba.

Indeed, I am afraid it will be tough for Cabo Verde. I hope for them they can defend better than, say Tunisia vs Sweden during the previous night.

Rudi Garcia should be better than O Táctico Roberto Martínez and certainly better compared to Tedesco, for les Diables Rouges.

[Duque de Bragança]

For lusophones and anglophones (?), such as HVC, for instance:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18wiLehDCQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

FB link

[Sheilbh]

Been thinking. Japan have been boosted as a dark horse with a chance in the tournament....
Though given the weather conditions.... Their chances might actually be better than that.
Yesterday vs NL was in an air conditioned stadium I believe. Most aren't.

That's come up a lot on the commentary - it's less just heat than bowl stadiums with no roof. I think it's also FIFA's excuse for empty seats, they say that people are there just in the concourse to stay in the shade.

But does make clear the hydration breaks are just quarters if they're doing them in 20 degree air conditioned stadiums.

[Maladict]

Nobody likes the water breaks except advertisers and FIFA.

[Josephus]

Sweden...Tunisia, didn't see that coming.

So far it's been a pretty good WC. Today seems like it might be a bore fest though....some pretty obvious results, I think, but we will see.

[Threviel]

Go Cape Verde!