2026 FIFA World Cup Finals

[Dave A]

Unfortunately, very few European soccer fans would respect the US no matter what the team did. The hate online right now is actually kind of impressive, especially for a team that European fans have frequently dismissed since the US isn't a "footballing nation".

I would say most of that is driven by this and the fact that most people online, specifically in relation to football, are the loud trolls who don't represent any kind of a majority. A lot of people over here have been impressed with how well the US team have been performing in this tournament. But incidents like this, don't help.

It's not the USMNT's fault here; they're going to roll with the best team that gives them the best chance. You would have to believe that if the player in question were Doku, Belgium wouldn't sit him. Even then, the Belgian team is ranked 9th; it seems weird they're so concerned about the US, which is ranked 16th with Balo. Belgium should be the better team and should win, even with Balo on the field.

You are correct, it's not the teams fault (assuming no Trump-esque interventions behind the scenes), and yes, other teams may choose to play their better players even in these circumstances, but that doesn't make it the right thing to do. The right thing to do would be not play him. If the USA win without playing him, there's zero issue of sporting integrity over the game (yeah despite everything, that still matters to some). If they win and he played, the win will be controversial and will never be respected.

FTAOD, I think he was unlucky to be sent off in the first place, but that's not the issue here.

My worry is that the Belgian team will attempt to injure Balo and knock him out of the game.

Whilst not impossible, I would say it's unlikely. The Belgian players aren't going to want to get sent off by playing too dirty, and with VAR, it's harder to get away with.

Weird, there isn't an uproar about Keir Starmer intervening:

Keir Starmer intervened in row over Mexico-England kick-off time

Fifa had been set to bring the match forward by six hours, due to a forecast of thunderstorms.

www.bbc.com

Sure, it's not as impactful, but if we're going to call out heads of state getting involved in FIFA, it seems like we should be consistent. If Trump is wrong for getting involved (and he is), then so is Starmer.

That's a completely different matter and doesn't warrant any uproar whether someone supports Keir or not. The fact he ended up being involved probably didn't help in the end . But it's nowhere near a comparable situation.

Mexican officials were also involved, because they were brought into the discussion, but importantly whether it was a good decision or not, well handled or not, there were no rules being broken, ignored or twisted.

At the end of the day, there was a rule that Balogun should have been suspended for the next game, and in an unprecedented manner, that suspension has been suspended. This has never happened before.

 

[Touring Mars]

What are Portugal doing??

Last seconds of the game, 1-0 down, and they're passing it around on the half-way line!!

And yet again the referee plays on too long and gives Portugal one last chance, but they're out...

Spain await the winners of Belgium v Trump FC.

 

[Famine]

That's a completely different matter and doesn't warrant any uproar whether someone supports Keir or not. The fact he ended up being involved probably didn't help in the end . But it's nowhere near a comparable situation.

Mexican officials were also involved, because they were brought into the discussion, but importantly whether it was a good decision or not, well handled or not, there were no rules being broken, ignored or twisted.

It's also about fans - predominantly citizens of both affected nations, and both FAs were involved in arguing against FIFA's proposal (not ruling) - not any playing matter. That's the kind of thing that FAs and ambassadors should be involved in.

 

[Joey D]

You are correct, it's not the teams fault (assuming no Trump-esque interventions behind the scenes), and yes, other teams may choose to play their better players even in these circumstances, but that doesn't make it the right thing to do. The right thing to do would be not play him. If the USA win without playing him, there's zero issue of sporting integrity over the game (yeah despite everything, that still matters to some). If they win and he played, the win will be controversial and will never be respected.

It is the right thing to do, though. You play the players you have; that's true of any sport. If the governing organization of the sport tells your team that your player is eligible, then you're going to play them.

UEFA would still throw a massive fit whether Balo plays or not. So play him. If Belgium is as good as their rankings suggest, they should have no problem beating the US with or without Balo. Hell, Belgium beat the US 5-2 in March with Balo on the field. They should be able to repeat that performance, I would think.

That's a completely different matter and doesn't warrant any uproar whether someone supports Keir or not.

It boils down to a head of state getting involved in FIFA. That's what the complaint about Trump is. If there's going to be consistency, then all heads of state should be called out regardless of why they are interfering. By all means, call out Trump; it's deserved, but don't act like he's the only one attempting to use his influence. Either we keep all political figures out of sports, or we don't. We shouldn't pick and choose.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Portugal vs Spain undoubtly one of the dullest games so far this tournament.

 

[Dreadmed]

I know there's that old adage about strikers being selfish but he's taken this to extremes, another tournament where him and his assistant Roberto Martinez have held back a team of real quality.

 

[Dave A]

It is the right thing to do, though. You play the players you have; that's true of any sport. If the governing organization of the sport tells your team that your player is eligible, then you're going to play them.

No, I'm talking about the moral thing to do.

UEFA would still throw a massive fit whether Balo plays or not. So play him. If Belgium is as good as their rankings suggest, they should have no problem beating the US with or without Balo. Hell, Belgium beat the US 5-2 in March with Balo on the field. They should be able to repeat that performance, I would think.

Yes, but their issue would squarely be at FIFA. The US team would avoid direct controversy and criticism. Especially if they won.

It boils down to a head of state getting involved in FIFA.

It really doesn't, that's neither new, nor controversial.

That's what the complaint about Trump is.

It isn't. Some people may be condensing matters and oversimplifying them as a result, but it isn't this.

If there's going to be consistency, then all heads of state should be called out regardless of why they are interfering. By all means, call out Trump; it's deserved, but don't act like he's the only one attempting to use his influence. Either we keep all political figures out of sports, or we don't. We shouldn't pick and choose.

The lack of consistency is ignoring the rule that Balogun should be suspended for the next game.

 

[CommanderBond]

Welp..... bye bye Portugal

 

[Dave A]

Welp..... bye bye Portugal

It gets a couple of players back to United unscathed. Assuming they don't get injured jumping over any advertising hoardings first.

Spain were the better team, Portugal just haven't have that quality up front. Ronaldo still can have moments, but it's only really moments.

 

[eran0004]

If Belgium is as good as their rankings suggest, they should have no problem beating the US with or without Balo.

The issue is that it's not fair if the US gets special treatment.

 

[Blitz24]

It gets a couple of players back to United unscathed. Assuming they don't get injured jumping over any advertising hoardings first.

Oh? You're not supposed to do that?

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Roberto Martinez wasted the Belgian golden generation and now he has wasted the Portuguese golden generation.

 

[Famine]

It boils down to a head of state getting involved in FIFA. That's what the complaint about Trump is. If there's going to be consistency, then all heads of state should be called out regardless of why they are interfering. By all means, call out Trump; it's deserved, but don't act like he's the only one attempting to use his influence. Either we keep all political figures out of sports, or we don't. We shouldn't pick and choose.

If a President can't get directly involved in reversing judgement on a sporting matter affecting a player against the regulations, a prime minister can't offer a solicited opinion on a proposed logistical matter affecting attending fans?

The proposed time-change was said to have been prompted by fears about the potential impact of lightning and flooding around the Azteca Stadium, which holds more than 87,000 spectators.

However, both the English and Mexican football associations objected to the time being changed less than 48 hours before kick-off, with concerns raised about the impact on fans' travel plans and the teams' preparations.

The Mexican football manager, Javier Aguirre, called the proposals a "kick in the gut".

The UK government's response is actually more interesting and relevant than you're giving it credit, as the fact it was communicated through the Foreign Office and the UK ambassador to Mexico somewhat gives away.

According to the general reporting, FIFA proposed the change in schedule, to account for the storms (which, as it turned out, happened). Everyone objected to the proposals, with the English and Mexican FAs making their objections known. This is what the purpose of a proposal is: to solicit opinion from interested bodies. FIFA received the opinion and decided not to go ahead with the proposal. No rules were bent, no decisions walked back, and no contradictions were made in the process; something was proposed for logistical purposes, [Everyone Hated That], and it didn't progress.

However, the original proposal to move the game was made to FIFA by... the Mexican government.

Reputedly due to the fact that three people were killed in "celebrations" after the Ecuador game, but helped along somewhat by a preference for the domestic broadcasters to have a nicer, more money-spinning early afternoon broadcast time on a Sunday, it was Mexican officials who suggested the change to FIFA. They are, of course, entitled to do that (it's part of the point of being the/a host).

A UK government response via the Foreign Office to a Mexican government proposal for something that affects Mexican and UK fans is thus appropriate, as it's a diplomatic matter.

Hopefully you see that this is not, in any way, an analogous situation.


In other, inevitable news:

World Cup 2026: FA could appeal after Jarell Quansah red card v Mexico

The Football Association is considering whether to appeal after England defender Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico.

www.bbc.com

Ooops, it's all precedent.

 

[Famine]

Also inevitably, Mauricio has screwed the Poch and picked birthright-Balogun to start.

USA vs Belgium LIVE: Watch World Cup 2026 last 16 stream, time & lineups as Balogun starts

Folarin Balogun starts as the United States face Belgium in the World Cup, plus get analysis, predictions, fan reaction, score updates and match stats.

www.bbc.com

I wonder which Belgium will show up for this one.

Meanwhile, Paraguay's politicians are seemingly ingracious in the face of their team's exit:

World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe condemns racist posts from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla

France forward Kylian Mbappe condemns a Paraguayan senator as "despicable" and unworthy of her position after she made a number of racist remarks mocking his origin and education.

www.bbc.com

 

[zaxs]

Let's go Belgium!

 

[Famine]

I wonder which Belgium will show up for this one.

 

[Blitz24]

And that should be game. US fought well to get to the round of 16 but they ran into a pissed off and irritated Belgian squad not the least helped by the doofus in chief.

 

[Famine]

While the Third Round is almost at an end now, I remember that I forgot to do a Second Round League Table of Eliminated Teams:

Pos	Country	P	W	D	L	G+	G-	GD	Pt
17	🇳🇱 Netherlands	4	2	2	0	11	5	+6	8
18	🇩🇪 Germany	4	2	1	1	11	5	+6	7
19	🇨🇮 Cote d'Ivoire	4	2	0	2	5	4	+1	6
20	🇭🇷 Croatia	4	2	0	2	6	7	-1	6
21	🇯🇵 Japan	4	1	2	1	8	5	+3	5
22	🇦🇺 Australia	4	1	2	1	3	3	0	5
23	🇨🇩 DR Congo	4	1	1	2	5	5	0	4
24	🇬🇭 Ghana	4	1	1	2	2	3	-1	4
25	🇿🇦 South Africa	4	1	1	2	2	4	-2	4
25	🇪🇨 Ecuador	4	1	1	2	2	4	-2	4
27	🇸🇪 Sweden	4	1	1	2	7	9	-2	4
28	🇦🇹 Austria	4	1	1	2	6	9	-3	4
29	🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina	4	1	1	2	5	8	-3	4
30	🇩🇿 Algeria	4	1	1	2	5	9	-4	4
31	🇸🇳 Senegal	4	1	0	3*	10	9	+1	3*
32	🇨🇻 Cabo Verde	4	0	3	1*	4	5	-1	3*
33	🇮🇷 Iran	3	0	3	0	3	3	0	3
34	🇰🇷 South Korea	3	1	0	2	2	3	-1	3
35	🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland	3	1	0	2	1	4	-3	3
36	🇺🇾 Uruguay	3	0	2	1	3	4	-1	2
37	🇹🇷 Turkey	3	1	0	2	3	5	-2	3
38	🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia	3	0	2	1	1	5	-4	2
39	🇨🇿 Czechia	3	0	1	2	2	6	-4	1
40	🇳🇿 New Zealand	3	0	1	2	4	10	-6	1
41	🇶🇦 Qatar	3	0	1	2	2	10	-8	1
42	🇨🇼 Curacao	3	0	1	2	1	9	-8	1
43	🇵🇦 Panama	3	0	0	3	0	4	-4	0
44	🇯🇴 Jordan	3	0	0	3	3	8	-5	0
45	🇭🇹 Haiti	3	0	0	3	2	8	-6	0
46	🇺🇿 Uzbekistan	3	0	0	3	2	11	-9	0
47	🇹🇳 Tunisia	3	0	0	3	2	12	-10	0
48	🇮🇶 Iraq	3	0	0	3	1	12	-11	0

*If taken at 90 minutes, Senegal and Cabo Verde have one more point, but of course that wouldn't account for the additional goals scored in Extra Time that knocked them out.

 

[zaxs]

So it's over!

No more hosts in tournament.

 

[Jezza819]

Get on the phone Donny.

 

[Akmuq]

Weird, there isn't an uproar about Keir Starmer intervening:

Keir Starmer intervened in row over Mexico-England kick-off time

Fifa had been set to bring the match forward by six hours, due to a forecast of thunderstorms.

www.bbc.com

Sure, it's not as impactful, but if we're going to call out heads of state getting involved in FIFA, it seems like we should be consistent. If Trump is wrong for getting involved (and he is), then so is Starmer.

Bro, Americans are hilarious

My worry is that the Belgian team will attempt to injure Balo and knock him out of the game.

Bad news, Balogun won't play again this tournament 😔

 

[DDK-Racing]

Belgium celebrating their 4th goal with the 'Trump-dance' is peak 🔥 🤣

 

[Famine]

Martinez the latest national manager to quit after being dumped out of the World Cup:

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears as 'pathetic' Martinez departs

BBC Sport looks at the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career as he fails to win football's biggest prize.

www.bbc.com

Far, far, far too late.

I make that... nine so far? Ten if you include Pochettino, whose contract only runs to the end of the World Cup (which has now, for him, ended) and I can't imagine it being renewed after that.

 

[Blitz24]

Martinez the latest national manager to quit after being dumped out of the World Cup:

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's World Cup career ends in tears as 'pathetic' Martinez departs

BBC Sport looks at the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career as he fails to win football's biggest prize.

www.bbc.com

Far, far, far too late.

I make that... nine so far? Ten if you include Pochettino, whose contract only runs to the end of the World Cup (which has now, for him, ended) and I can't imagine it being renewed after that.

He will be sacked, especially after last night.

 

[Dave A]

He will be sacked, especially after last night.

How? He's quit.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Who would've thought the Belgian squad would get this far after an abysmal showing against Egypt and Iran, and then literally winning the lottery against Senegal.

Mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned, everything from here onwards is bonus. I don't mind losing to Spain at all, as long as it's going to be a great match!

 

[Blitz24]

How? He's quit.

US coach, not Portugal.

 

[NAXEHT]

Who would've thought the Belgian squad would get this far after an abysmal showing against Egypt and Iran, and then literally winning the lottery against Senegal.

Mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned, everything from here onwards is bonus. I don't mind losing to Spain at all, as long as it's going to be a great match!

(please win)

 

[TheCracker]

Who would've thought the Belgian squad would get this far after an abysmal showing against Egypt and Iran, and then literally winning the lottery against Senegal.

Mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned, everything from here onwards is bonus. I don't mind losing to Spain at all, as long as it's going to be a great match!

You're just peaking at the right time. Spain didn't look great against Portugal, which isn't saying much as Portugal looked a shadow of what they have been in recent times and Belgium were certainly fired up against the US. Carry that against a not-on-top-form Spain and you have a decent chance.

 

[Dave A]

US coach, not Portugal.

Ah, my bad, I thought you meant Martinez would be sacked.