World Cup 2026 Thread

[VinatieriDefinesClutch]

I didn't watch the match cause I kind of assumed it would be boring. It appears it was boring in a different way than expected. Obviously it means nothing, but it's kind of funny how so far the US has been the most impressive side.

 

[Leoghann]

It had that early March Madness, favorite lets scrappy underdog hang around and suddenly realizes, “oh, we’re actually going to have to play here“ vibe. Spain was throwing everything they had at Cape Verde, but it wasn’t quite enough to find the net,

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

The day's other results
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Iran 2-2 New Zealand

I didn't see much of the last match. Did see Chris Wood feature prominently in setting up the Kiwis' first goal, and the Iranian response.
The Belgium/Egypt and Saudi Arabia/Uruguay matches were both fairly entertaining. Always fun when the underdogs prove much more formidable than thought. Will say this about Belgium: they looked like a different (better) team once Romelu Lukaku subbed on. Within moments, he was directly involved in their goal with a determined run to get onto a cross that led to the own goal by Egypt.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

I really need the Stanley Cup to wrap up because it’s got me all wound up and I can’t watch these World Cup games with my normal level of detachment. I’m a mess.

I didn't have a dog in either scrap but was thankful both the NBA and Stanley Cup finals were concluded Sunday, so so as not to distract me to from my World Cup viewing.
CONGRATS CANES FANS! Especially thrilled for Jordan earning the Conn Smythe.

 

[Leoghann]

The no-call near the end of that Belgium-Egypt game was a nice tribute to NHL playoff officiating.

 

[VinatieriDefinesClutch]

The no-call near the end of that Belgium-Egypt game was a nice tribute to NHL playoff officiating.

The crazy thing was how unsurprising it was considering how poorly the entire match was officiated. You're usually guaranteed at least one ref shocker per international tournament.

 

[jeffbear]

The no-call near the end of that Belgium-Egypt game was a nice tribute to NHL playoff officiating.

My thought was … well, at least I know what Kelly Sutherland is doing this summer.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

The France/Senegal match was something else. After a scoreless first half where Senegal arguably had the better of the play, France's extra quality showed in the second half. Moving Olise to the #10 just opened things up for them. And he and they responded with three goals, two by Kylian Mbappe. They won 3-1, and Olise was MOTM.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

My favorite commentary of the day: Rebecca Lowe asking Thierry Henry if Kylian Mbappe (after he became France's all time leading goal scorer) is France's best ever player. Thierry's response? "Hey, leave me alone!"