FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 - commentary and banter thread

Got myself two ours sleep before the game, interrupted by call from a previous colleague in the US (which I ignored so we texted), stayed up till 5am to hear all the post match interviews. Kane’s was interview of the tournament 😂

Defo red card, dubious penalty (against Kane) but technically correct I suppose. Crowd vibe played against Mexico imo, putting huge pressure on them towards the end and they lost their early fizz. I thought England looked less tired than Mexico although Gorden said he was feeling the altitude in his chest. Amazing performance: True Grit.

Poor Henderson at the end, broken wrist but still might come on a a sub in the final minute of the next game if we need someone due to everyone else being crocked at right back 😵

Nerves jangled but buzzing; what a game!

@YolandaBKL said
Brazil got worse with each sub. Norway, to your point, sublimely organised. Will take some beating regardless of who gets through Mexico England game.

@diver

After staying up, watching kick off after the expected hour delay, then falling asleep/waking up multiple times, I ruined a great game for myself. I should have just turned off my phone, gone to bed, and watched the replay. Ah well.

@Russ said
@diver

After staying up, watching kick off after the expected hour delay, then falling asleep/waking up multiple times, I ruined a great game for myself. I should have just turned off my phone, gone to bed, and watched the replay. Ah well.

@Very-Rusty said
Indeed, not the one sided game Trev said it would be.

I actually watched most of it!!!

I usually go to be around 11:30 but stayed up until close to 12:00. The game came on an hour later at 10:00 my time. Appeared England did much better than at least Trev had expected.

I didn't hear how the so called experts were calling that game. (like who had the better chance of winning)

-VR

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
You take things too literally. Trev was just displaying wishful thinking with his 8-0 prediction. (The Irish and Scots always want England to fall on their faces).

England are not seeded 4th in the tournament randomly. This rating is based on our performance in the last few competitions where we've either made it to the final or the semi finals. We are higher rated ...[text shortened]... the second half (forcing us to play defensively). England showed it's metal. England was victorious.

@Very-Rusty said
@Ghost,

Thank you for your explanation on the history of the Irish Scots and England.

Did you hear about the U.S. guy who go red carded and wouldn't be playing in the next game against Belguim I believe it is. Trump called the President of FIFA and got him reinstated.

Do you think Government should be getting involved? Also do you think Trump was right about the call if you indeed saw the game in question?

-VR

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
Yes, I watch the news.

Of course Trump shouldn't have got involved. FIFA have lost all credibility.

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
Cough cough, humble pie.


Mexican media (Excelsior) wrote:.

"The power of Jude Bellingham, the strength of Harry Kane and England's defensive prowess were like iron hammers that demolished Mexico's World Cup dreams, still unable to win the important matches.

"England won through sheer hard work and experience, with more talented players coming through when ...[text shortened]... w three opponents away. The Real Madrid attacker is an unstoppable force when he's facing the goal."

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
Yes, he really performed well. I know there is a lot of criticism about him, but I do rate him as a goalkeeper.

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
Yes, I watch the news.

Of course Trump shouldn't have got involved. FIFA have lost all credibility.

@Rajk999 said
Ok you win this one. I predict the Vikings will succeed where Montezuma failed.

@Drewnogal said
I don’t know anything about football but I like the excitement of the world cup.
I had the match playing on my ipad while I dozed through the night.
Great result, well done England 😀👍👏