This was nothing if not predictable. May not be a done deal, yet, as they could always rearrange matches to have Iran play in Mexico and/or Canada. Just makes that asinine FIFA Peace Prize look even more f***ing ridiculous than it did when they gave it to President D**kface. I wasn't sure that was possible.
Hard to comprehend, since Italy had world class players for as long as professional football existed. But looking at their current squad, it's not so surprising anymore. Can't tell from distance what went wrong, why this generation failed so terribly. Maybe it's the decline of Serie A, maybe the wrong priorities are set for their youth squads... still think it's a bit unfair to see Curacao, Cabo Verde or Haiti enter the tournament, when Italy or Denmark would crush them in no time - only 16 spots out of 48 for Europe is a sad joke. But: If Iran drops out as announced, Italy would gain the open entry.
Thin on mids. I'm not surprised nor disappointed in Luna not making it. I don't think he's that good. Not sure what the thinking on Reyna is or why there are so many backs. Could've still used a Tessman or Aidan Morris. Going to really need Pulisic to pull his head out of his ass and play better than he has in literally the entirety of 2026 to this point.
Only one week until the opening match. Still feel no hype but let's try to get things going and copy a Twitter thing. Feel free to fill yours, everyone: Rooting for: Germany Rooting against: Spain, England, France, Brazil, USA, Portugal Won't mind if they win: Netherlands, Argentina Dark Horses/others I like: Japan, Mexico, Croatia, Colombia
I think there are a lot of reasons for the lack of hype. Some are obviously D&D material so I'll omit them here. The largest is cost: FIFA has enacted predatory pricing on everything from tickets to water bottles, which is unacceptable for a summer tournament in outdoor stadiums like Miami. Add in the fact that this is a huge country full of airlines, hotels, rental cars, and public transit that's been surge-priced to the teeth and you've got a recipe for a ho-hum tournament that only incredibly wealthy people can afford to attend. It's a shame because I was thrilled when the US was chosen as the host. Now I'm ashamed by the whole spectacle. I'll still watch, but from my own home. Rooting for: USA, Germany, Switzerland (I have family in the latter two countries) Rooting against: England (final only, it's the funniest outcome), Spain, Mexico Won't mind if they win: Netherlands, Uruguay Dark horses: Croatia
The cost is not feasible for the Joe Six Pack crowd anymore which sucks because I would love to go, but TBH, I can go to my local watering hole, hang out with my friends and we can party there for a fraction of the cost
The final group game between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston has cheap tickets. I know both teams will probably be eliminated by the time they play but it will be an opportunity to check out the WC. I may take my daughter.
