*****Official World Cup 2026 Thread*****

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Little Rock Ag
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In reply to TXAggie2011 • 10:49p, 6/20/26
AG
TXAggie2011 said:
Little Rock Ag said:
It would seem to me that the reason why there is no clock stoppage in soccer is that purists don't want to allow for ad breaks.


Do you have to be a "purist" to not like ad breaks? Do they enhance the experience either at the stadium or on the TV?

I think you misunderstand. I don't like ad breaks in soccer, but once you start allowing for clock stoppages, then you open the door for TV commercials. The purists object for good reason, actually.
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fig96
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In reply to YokelRidesAgain • 10:50p, 6/20/26
AG
I think a related "spirit of the game" talking point is the reviews we now have for offside offenses down to miniscule margins.

The offside rule was intended to make sure attackers weren't camping out behind the opposing team's defenders and gaining an unfair advantage, not measuring if an attacker leaned past a defender at the moment the ball was played.
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YokelRidesAgain
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In reply to fig96 • 11:21p, 6/20/26
AG
fig96 said:
The offside rule was intended to make sure attackers weren't camping out behind the opposing team's defenders and gaining an unfair advantage, not measuring if an attacker leaned past a defender at the moment the ball was played.

Absolutely. There's a clear "plus" to the rule in that promising attacks are much less likely to be halted by bogus offsides calls, but the mathematical precision of an imaginary plane doesn't add anything to the sport. Just because we can determine whether an attacker's hand was an inch farther down the pitch than a defender doesn't mean that we should.
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Gordo14
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12:44a, 6/21/26
I think they should stop the clock just for the hydration breaks not anything else. There's no reason to leave the clock running during a mandated stop. We're not gonna have any 28 minute goals this World Cup because of it! But seriously, stoppage time should be discretionary based on the events that randomly happened.
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Who?mikejones!
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In reply to Little Rock Ag • 6:45a, 6/21/26
I am not a purist and I dont want add breaks, which are clearly what these are.

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94chem
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 6:59a, 6/21/26
Zombie Jon Snow said:
agracer said:
Zombie Jon Snow said:
94chem said:
Does US have anything to gain from Turkey match, or is their seeding locked in?


They have the top seed from their group locked up. Paraguay or Australia with a win in their last match could tie the US on points (if the US loses to Turkey) but both lose out on the head to head tiebreaker for the group.

That's not how tie-breakers work in the group stages.

WC 2026 Groups
Quote:
Tie-breaking criteria for World Cup groups
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
Step one
  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
  • superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
  • greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned


Yes it is.

And you even quoted the one that applies. They very first tiebreaker:

  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
So between the US and Paraguay if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Paraguay 0 between the teams concerned.
And between the US and Australia if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Australia 0 between the teams concerned.


it doesn't say in all group matches, it says in the group matches between the teams concerned.

It's also meant to cover three way ties but in ties where it is 2 teams head to head matters if it was not a tie.



None of this is what I was asking. What I really meant is, "does a 3-0 group champion get to play a worse team in the round of 32 than a 2-1 group champion would play, you know, like in the NCAA basketball tournament, where the very best teams get geographical and match up advantages in the early rounds?"
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to 94chem • 7:11a, 6/21/26
AG
94chem said:
Zombie Jon Snow said:
agracer said:
Zombie Jon Snow said:
94chem said:
Does US have anything to gain from Turkey match, or is their seeding locked in?


They have the top seed from their group locked up. Paraguay or Australia with a win in their last match could tie the US on points (if the US loses to Turkey) but both lose out on the head to head tiebreaker for the group.

That's not how tie-breakers work in the group stages.

WC 2026 Groups
Quote:
Tie-breaking criteria for World Cup groups
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
Step one
  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
  • superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
  • greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned


Yes it is.

And you even quoted the one that applies. They very first tiebreaker:

  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
So between the US and Paraguay if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Paraguay 0 between the teams concerned.
And between the US and Australia if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Australia 0 between the teams concerned.


it doesn't say in all group matches, it says in the group matches between the teams concerned.

It's also meant to cover three way ties but in ties where it is 2 teams head to head matters if it was not a tie.



None of this is what I was asking. What I really meant is, "does a 3-0 group champion get to play a worse team in the round of 32 than a 2-1 group champion would play, you know, like in the NCAA basketball tournament, where the very best teams get geographical and match up advantages in the early rounds?"


It doesn't really matter how good your point total is, it only matters what your place is.

So group winners get better matchups but it is predetermined. I think I posted another thing showing the Group D winner plays the Group B/E/F/I/J 3rd place team. It is not known which because not all of those groups will have 3rd place team qualify. There is a giant table. showing the 495 possible combos and which 3rd place team plays which winner based on the specific combo that qualifies. At least one of B/E/F/I/J will because there are 5 listed and only 4 will not qualify at most.

There was a draw before the tourney. In other words the bracket is already set it is just a matter of filling teams in based on their finish. Other than 3rd place finishers and which spot they get.

Some group winners will play Group Runner-ups because there are only 8 3rd place teams and there are 12 groups.


Here is a pic of the bracket or as much as I could grab.





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JJxvi
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In reply to 94chem • 7:32a, 6/21/26
AG
94chem said:
Zombie Jon Snow said:
agracer said:
Zombie Jon Snow said:
94chem said:
Does US have anything to gain from Turkey match, or is their seeding locked in?


They have the top seed from their group locked up. Paraguay or Australia with a win in their last match could tie the US on points (if the US loses to Turkey) but both lose out on the head to head tiebreaker for the group.

That's not how tie-breakers work in the group stages.

WC 2026 Groups
Quote:
Tie-breaking criteria for World Cup groups
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
Step one
  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
  • superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
  • greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned


Yes it is.

And you even quoted the one that applies. They very first tiebreaker:

  • greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
So between the US and Paraguay if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Paraguay 0 between the teams concerned.
And between the US and Australia if they were tied at 6 points, the US would have 3 and Australia 0 between the teams concerned.


it doesn't say in all group matches, it says in the group matches between the teams concerned.

It's also meant to cover three way ties but in ties where it is 2 teams head to head matters if it was not a tie.



None of this is what I was asking. What I really meant is, "does a 3-0 group champion get to play a worse team in the round of 32 than a 2-1 group champion would play, you know, like in the NCAA basketball tournament, where the very best teams get geographical and match up advantages in the early rounds?"


3rd place teams are slotted in only based on which groups have teams advance, so it only matters which groups not which teams or their performance. Just like how winners and 2nds feed into certain games, it is based on trying to minimize travel probably mostly.
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JJxvi
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7:36a, 6/21/26
AG
For example, Bosnia has been our likely matchup for the last couple days, I believe its because they are also in a west coast group (only played in Toronto for Canadas opener)
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to JJxvi • 7:48a, 6/21/26
AG
JJxvi said:
For example, Bosnia has been our likely matchup for the last couple days, I believe its because they are also in a west coast group (only played in Toronto for Canadas opener)




So there is a table of 495 combinations of which 3rd place teams qualify.

There may be some travel reason accounted for in which groups they paired but also the reason Bosnia has been shown to be most likely is because they are in Group B and in every single scenario except for 1 in which Group Bs 3rd place team qualifies they are paired against Group D winner.

Although as of now Bosnia Group B 3rd place is on the outside looking in pending the rest of the 2nd round games of course. But they have 1 point and the worst GD among 1 point teams currently.

This link shows the giant table for which 3rd place teams play which group winners depending on the 8 qualified 3rd place teams (which groups they represent).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_knockout_stage#Combinations_of_matches_in_the_round_of_32

And here is the current 3rd place teams ranking.

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AgBQ-00
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10:08a, 6/21/26
AG
is Lalas Zlatan a bit or do they actually have beef
God loves you so much He'll meet you where you are. He also loves you too much to allow to stay where you are.

We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
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Enrico Pallazzo
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10:22a, 6/21/26
I think it's a bit of both. They each have egos that barely fit in the room, so I do think there is a bit of legit clash while at the same time Zlatan is the type to enjoy playing it up some.
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Tx_Aggie15
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10:42a, 6/21/26
AG
One thing is for sure. Those three are must watch TV
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Mathguy64
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10:47a, 6/21/26
AG
Ok. That fantasy island line was gold.
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AgBQ-00
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In reply to Mathguy64 • 10:56a, 6/21/26
AG
even Henri was cracking up about it.
God loves you so much He'll meet you where you are. He also loves you too much to allow to stay where you are.

We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
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oh no
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11:08a, 6/21/26
AG
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oh no
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11:09a, 6/21/26
AG
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oh no
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11:12a, 6/21/26
AG
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wangus12
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1:53p, 6/21/26
AG
Have to say one of my favorite things about this World Cup is the massive flags covering the field. Such a cool look to start the match
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94chem
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In reply to oh no • 4:24p, 6/21/26
oh no said:


It's like I'm back in 1994, when America fell permanently in love with soccer, amirite?
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Tx_Aggie15
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In reply to 94chem • 4:26p, 6/21/26
AG
That's when it happened for me!
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Kampfers
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4:33p, 6/21/26
AG
Belgium looks like **** and Egypt or even Iran or NZ could win the group. We'd get them in Seattle too, assuming we won our RO32 game in SF.

The US pathway to the QF looks wide open, where Spain most likely looms in LA.

I have tickets to the semis in Dallas, where the winner of that game would play. I won't allow myself to dream... yet.
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AgBQ-00
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In reply to 94chem • 5:11p, 6/21/26
AG
TBF before 94 there was no MLS. so that got the ball rolling for sure.
God loves you so much He'll meet you where you are. He also loves you too much to allow to stay where you are.

We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
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YokelRidesAgain
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In reply to Tx_Aggie15 • 5:17p, 6/21/26
AG
Tx_Aggie15 said:
One thing is for sure. Those three are must watch TV

I think they are very clearly trying to do the Inside the NBA bit:

Zlatan=Shaq
Lalas=Barkley
Henry=Kenny Smith

The show would be much better if they replaced Lalas with the actual Barkley.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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Tx_Aggie15
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In reply to YokelRidesAgain • 5:17p, 6/21/26
AG
Haha yup! Spot on!
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PatAg
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In reply to fig96 • 7:17p, 6/21/26
AG
fig96 said:
I think a related "spirit of the game" talking point is the reviews we now have for offside offenses down to miniscule margins.

The offside rule was intended to make sure attackers weren't camping out behind the opposing team's defenders and gaining an unfair advantage, not measuring if an attacker leaned past a defender at the moment the ball was played.

I agree with this, but I think what gets difficult to call is when is someone 'leaning' vs 'camping'.
What is they run through a second ahead?
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Zombie Jon Snow
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In reply to AgBQ-00 • 8:46p, 6/21/26
AG
AgBQ-00 said:
TBF before 94 there was no MLS. so that got the ball rolling for sure.


The men qualifying in 1990 after 40 years was key. And the women qualifying and winning it in 1991 helped too.

But yes the MLS started 2 years after we hosted (1994) in 1996 as a fledgling league with 10 teams.

Dismissing how far we have come is pretty naive or willfully just anti soccer.

The MLS is currently the 10th highest rated domestic league in the world. Its' not up there with the top leagues but only England, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Brazil are higher and the gap is closing. We are only decimal points off 7th highest.

There are now 30 teams in MLS and several cups they play in.

Revenue is now $2.5B or $83M per team. And that ranks the MLS 9th worldwide in revenue behind only the big four US sports and England, Spain, Germany and Italy in soccer.

The MLS put 45 players into this world cup also a record for the league.
That is 7th most of all domestic leagues.
9 play for Canada and 8 US so growing domestic talent and then
Argentina 2, Australia 3, Cape Verde 2, Columbia 1, Croatia 2, Haiti 3, Iraq 1, New Zealand 2, Panama 2, Paraguay 4, South Africa 2, South Korea 1, Sweden 1, Tunisia 1, Uruguay 1



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AgFrogfan
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 9:29p, 6/21/26
Zombie Jon Snow said:
AgBQ-00 said:
TBF before 94 there was no MLS. so that got the ball rolling for sure.


The men qualifying in 1990 after 40 years was key. And the women qualifying and winning it in 1991 helped too.

But yes the MLS started 2 years after we hosted (1994) in 1996 as a fledgling league with 10 teams.

Dismissing how far we have come is pretty naive or willfully just anti soccer.

The MLS is currently the 10th highest rated domestic league in the world. Its' not up there with the top leagues but only England, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Brazil are higher and the gap is closing. We are only decimal points off 7th highest.

There are now 30 teams in MLS and several cups they play in.

Revenue is now $2.5B or $83M per team. And that ranks the MLS 9th worldwide in revenue behind only the big four US sports and England, Spain, Germany and Italy in soccer.

The MLS put 45 players into this world cup also a record for the league.
That is 7th most of all domestic leagues.
9 play for Canada and 8 US so growing domestic talent and then
Argentina 2, Australia 3, Cape Verde 2, Columbia 1, Croatia 2, Haiti 3, Iraq 1, New Zealand 2, Panama 2, Paraguay 4, South Africa 2, South Korea 1, Sweden 1, Tunisia 1, Uruguay 1




This is an excellent post Zombie. If I may add to what you said, The 1990's was probably the last great decade for a kid to grow up. Not just the kids sports movies like The Sandlot, or Mighty Ducks, but we also had movies like The Big Green and no social media.

Globalization has played a significant role in the improvement of youth soccer in the U.S.A. Our high school had a few foreign exchange students from both Mexico and Brazil (along with many other nations) but the most famous from our school who advanced professionally in soccer was Bruno Guarda (FC Dallas).

That outside talent influx during those formative years no doubt helps to elevate our own talent from within. To your point, it certainly has not been an overnight process. And for those parents who do have a kid in the top 3% at a young age it can be a dizzying process to navigate. (i.e. ECNL, ODP, MLS Next, etc.)
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TRM
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11:34p, 6/21/26
AG
https://instagr.am/p/DZ23WiFooYe
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94chem
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 7:01a, 6/22/26
Zombie Jon Snow said:
AgBQ-00 said:
TBF before 94 there was no MLS. so that got the ball rolling for sure.


The men qualifying in 1990 after 40 years was key. And the women qualifying and winning it in 1991 helped too.

But yes the MLS started 2 years after we hosted (1994) in 1996 as a fledgling league with 10 teams.

Dismissing how far we have come is pretty naive or willfully just anti soccer.

The MLS is currently the 10th highest rated domestic league in the world. Its' not up there with the top leagues but only England, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Brazil are higher and the gap is closing. We are only decimal points off 7th highest.

There are now 30 teams in MLS and several cups they play in.

Revenue is now $2.5B or $83M per team. And that ranks the MLS 9th worldwide in revenue behind only the big four US sports and England, Spain, Germany and Italy in soccer.

The MLS put 45 players into this world cup also a record for the league.
That is 7th most of all domestic leagues.
9 play for Canada and 8 US so growing domestic talent and then
Argentina 2, Australia 3, Cape Verde 2, Columbia 1, Croatia 2, Haiti 3, Iraq 1, New Zealand 2, Panama 2, Paraguay 4, South Africa 2, South Korea 1, Sweden 1, Tunisia 1, Uruguay 1





The last American to win NBA MVP was James Harden in 2018. The Dream Team was in 1992. Exact same time frame. I suppose the next step for the US will be having an American Messi.
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AgBQ-00
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7:33a, 6/22/26
AG
if you're not watching the daily recaps this guy does you're missing out. The Mexico beer cup bridge and Norway in time square are hysterical
God loves you so much He'll meet you where you are. He also loves you too much to allow to stay where you are.

We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!
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Zombie Jon Snow
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9:37a, 6/22/26
AG

As it stands now we would get Sweden or Ecuador in the Round of 32 which is not great. Better teams I mean.

We get 3rd from B/E/F/I/J but currently B I and J are out.

For I and J they play their second matches today so we will know more.
I - Senegal plays Norway and needs points to get into the mix, Iraq will probably be out after losing to France
J - Algeria and Jordan play each other if one of them wins they become a possibility


Still a long way to go but not looking good for
B - Bosnia 1 point and -3 GD


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wangus12
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 9:50a, 6/22/26
AG
Hopefully Bosnia can turn up and beat a Qatar that will be without some starters
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THE_CHOSEN_ONE
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In reply to Zombie Jon Snow • 9:53a, 6/22/26
Bosnia plays Qatar next, and if either of them wins, then that is who we would play correct?
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AustinScubaAg
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In reply to THE_CHOSEN_ONE • 9:56a, 6/22/26
AG
That is the most likely scenario but is depends on which 8 3rd place advance.
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