Countdown to 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer

[Strawberry Man]

UEFA Play-offs Results
Finals

Path A
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 V 1 Italy AET Bosnia and Herzegovina win on pens 4-1

Path B
Sweden 3 V 2 Poland

Path C
Kosovo 0 V 1 Türkiye

Path D
Czechia 2 V 2 Denmark AET Czechia win on pens 3-1

Updated Groups
Group A: Mexico, Korea Republic, Czechia & South Africa
Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland & Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group D: United States of America, Paraguay, Australia & Türkiye
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden & Tunisia

Inter-Confederation Play-offs
Final Results

Path 1
Congo DR 1 V 0 Jamaica AET

Path 2
Iraq 2 V 1 Bolivia

Updated Groups
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq & Norway
Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan & Colombia

 

[Bingo]

FIFA has firmly stated that there are no plans to replace the Iranian national football team with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, despite suggestions made by a former envoy of President Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated last week that "the Iranian team is coming, for sure," affirming the organisation's position on the matter.

The suggestion for a swap gained some attention but was quickly dismissed by FIFA, which remains committed to ensuring the Iranian team competes in the tournament. This decision highlights FIFA's dedication to maintaining the integrity of the World Cup and supporting all teams that qualify for the event.

The situation brings to light the complexities of international relations and how they intersect with sports, especially in high-profile events like the World Cup. The Iranian team has faced various challenges, yet their participation is seen as a crucial aspect of the tournament's diversity and global representation.

Overall, FIFA's decisive stance reinforces the importance of inclusivity in sports, emphasising that all nations that qualify should have the opportunity to compete on the world stage.

 

[Black Sheep]

No. Iran should be allowed to play if they want to play. If they drop out on their own volition, the next best team in their group should be invited, NOT Italy. Or is this about putting in a team with more crowd appeal, i.e. money again?

 

[Dylan]

World Cup final tickets have gone on sale for more than $2 million each on FIFA's official resale website, with the organisation taking a 15% fee from both the seller and buyer

There are currently four seven-figure tickets available for the final on July 19th in New Jersey, meaning FIFA could earn almost $600,000 from just one of the sales

Should tickets be capped at face value, as in the previous World Cup?

 

[Strawberry Man]

Iran's football federation has announced that it will "definitely" participate in the upcoming World Cup. However, the federation has made it clear that they are seeking assurances from the host country, the United States, regarding visa arrangements for their team members.

 

[Black Sheep]

This is class

View attachment olddaysfootball__20260512_233340_778.mp4

 

[Tom]

This is class

Brilliant!

 

[Bad Gizmo]

That is too funny, Black Sheep.

Nick Nolte, Steven Seagal, and Michael Douglas