World Cup 2026 is Ours!!!!

[Musicman1965]

How serious are we as a nation to win the world cup? The domestic and European competitions have taken over the title as the best in world. The problem we face is the countless and meaningless qualifiers against pub team nations that generate little or no interest imo. I would go out on a limb and say that England could have added to the tally of world cup wins if we prepared properly and made the World Cup a priority. Fast forward now to the present day and England have one of the best teams in world. From defence to Attack the players we have are just amazing and it just needs the right manager to organise the squad to realise our potential. We now have this in TT a German tactician that is a winner. Forget about hope and crappy world cup songs to bring the nation together. If we prepare properly the Jules Rimet Trophy is ours.

[Jammy 07]

England are definitely in with a good chance of WC glory this time around as finally we have enough technically adept players to compete with Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina etc.

In addition to that we actually have a decent coach in charge this time as well.

[BlackHillsPaul]

I would back England as one of the favorites. They certainly have enough talent to make a serious run. The problem with England, if you'll forgive my American perspective, has always been the mentality. They too often come together as a group of stars with each having their ego in hand. But IF they could have come together as a team....watch out!!

[Clacton White]

I never even think of England as contenders really . Something in the mentality that we seize failure and that in itself is seen as almost success . The semi against Croatia , the final ( Euro ) against Italy etc .....it's just ....England , it's what we do . I really don't see England beyond a quarter final again in 2026 .

[WestgateRun]

The weather conditions will not help England. Depends where we are based, but there could be some daytime matches with high heat and humidity.
For those conditions, you would fancy Brazil or Argentina. Or Spain, who keep the ball and can almost literally pass an opposition team to death in hot conditions.

[billysboots]

On their day they can match anyone, but the weather will affect them.

[Pullhard]

The weather conditions will not help England. Depends where we are based, but there could be some daytime matches with high heat and humidity.
For those conditions, you would fancy Brazil or Argentina. Or Spain, who keep the ball and can almost literally pass an opposition team to death in hot conditions.

Agreed. The weather will be a big factor and was very evident last time it was played there.

[lufc1304]

The problem for England, even with a very decent squad, is that they are rarely tested in qualifying competitions. Breeze through qualifying, expectations raise amongst fans and especially the media and the first time they are properly tested, they wilt. I'm not sure next year will be any different, despite the wealth of talent at Tuchel's disposal.

[Finnatic]

How serious are we as a nation to win the world cup? The domestic and European competitions have taken over the title as the best in world. The problem we face is the countless and meaningless qualifiers against pub team nations that generate little or no interest imo. I would go out on a limb and say that England could have added to the tally of world cup wins if we prepared properly and made the World Cup a priority. Fast forward now to the present day and England have one of the best teams in world. From defence to Attack the players we have are just amazing and it just needs the right manager to organise the squad to realise our potential. We now have this in TT a German tactician that is a winner. Forget about hope and crappy world cup songs to bring the nation together. If we prepare properly the Jules Rimet Trophy is ours.

The JRT is Brazil’s for keeps iirc but yes, we are in with a shout if we have the right mentality next year.

[Jaydog]

What about Bielsa & Uruguay. And Kennys bets.

[WestgateRun]

With all the play offs, it seems like every man and his dog has a chance of qualifying for the World Cup 2026 finals.
WC 2026 has 48 teams, compared to the usual 32 team format.
More games, more revenue for FIFA!

[Barlow Boy]

With all the play offs, it seems like every man and his dog has a chance of qualifying for the World Cup 2026 finals.
WC 2026 has 48 teams, compared to the usual 32 team format.
More games, more revenue for FIFA!

Personally, I hope as many home nations make the final as possible.

I’ll have much more interest watching them, than some obscure countries.

[The Subhuman]

With this in the States etc, not the biggest football loving country in the world, I can imagine a lot of empty stadiums for the likes of Curacao v New Zealand...

Where does football rank in the States as a spectator sport? 5th/6th?

[Irish Ian]

With this in the States etc, not the biggest football loving country in the world, I can imagine a lot of empty stadiums for the likes of Curacao v New Zealand...

Where does football rank in the States as a spectator sport? 5th/6th?

They did pretty well last time, although the expanded nature of the competition may cause a few low attendences.

What is good about the US is of course every yank has a second nationality so many will tap into that.
Canada is similar especially with a European and Far Eastern heritage among their populace.

[CUSSIE01]

The draw for the playoffs is at 12.00.

[CUSSIE01]

Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina

[CUSSIE01]

Italy v Northern Ireland

[CUSSIE01]

Czechia v RoI

[The Subhuman]

Is that win and in or is there another round ?

[CUSSIE01]

Is that win and in or is there another round ?

Semi finals then finals, outside chance of NI v Wales