The newer footy thread

[dash]

Will say I'm kinda surprised they didn't give Vegas a few games. Feel like that would've been one fucking hell of a party.

Texas didn't really need two host cities, and I don't think anything's gained by playing in Atlanta or Philly.

I wonder if they're worried about it getting too hot in Vegas (which is likely the same reason Phoenix got snubbed).

/That said, I've spent summers in Hotlanta and Houston and the heat + humidity can be unbearable.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

I wonder if they're worried about it getting too hot in Vegas (which is likely the same reason Phoenix got snubbed).

/That said, I've spent summers in Hotlanta and Houston and the heat + humidity can be unbearable.

Allegiant's indoors at least. Wanna guess how Miami's gonna feel in late June? It's got a humidex of 38 C right now (and it probably feels worse).

 

[dash]

Allegiant's indoors at least. Wanna guess how Miami's gonna feel in late June? It's got a humidex of 38 C right now (and it probably feels worse).

I've never been to Miami, but I've been to Orlando in May and it was already cooking...I don't know how @dare2be makes it through summers in Jacksonville.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

judging by all the toronto dipshits who came out of the woodwork on twitter when Riccio tweeted Vancouver was getting 6 games, it will cause more inane whining if canada plays all games out of bc place than when Jim Hughson called leafs games.

and oh me oh my when they announce BC Place gets a semifinal game lmao

/regardless ... dont make them split games 2 and 1 in toronto and vancouver ... all 3 in either city if they want to have any chance at success

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Jesus this doesn't feel like it happened ten years ago. Legit might've been the best game of his career.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

 

[dash]

The beautiful game.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Higuita lmao

 

[dash]

Higuita lmao

He's 55 but looks 75. Just say no kids.

 

[StuUKWI]

Yes. They’re expanding the field to 48.

I don't think they've decided yet if all three hosts will automatically qualify. Says here it is expected but not for sure.

2026 World Cup venues: 16 host cities in USA, Canada and Mexico

16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico have been selected for the first-ever 48-team tournament.

soccer.nbcsports.com

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

That’s the plan right now, to 42000 I think.

It’s still the smallest amount. I get wanting a game in Toronto or Montreal, and I think the atmosphere around it and inside the stadium will still be great no matter who’s playing there, but it’s still kinda embarrassing.

That said, there isn’t a team in town to fill a bigger stadium regularly (nor is there any in Vancouver for BC Place) and Montreal’s infrastructure is even shittier so I guess this is the best they can do.

Just over 45,000. Stadium still looks bland in these official renderings they posted.

FIFA26 | BMO Field

www.bmofield.com

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Re: the above, if they're going to do that I really wish they would just fully enclose and put piers at the corners like Parken Stadium in Copenhagen:

 

[dash]

Well, the proof will be in the Yorkshire pudding, but certain folks seem to be excited about these Saints prospects...

 

[StuUKWI]

Interesting. I think Brazil are too high. Surprised that USA and Wales are both lower than Iran.

 

[dash]

I think both Spain and England are too high and the Dutch and Germans are too low.

 

[StuUKWI]

I would put Spain joint top with France personally. They maybe lack a world class CF but their midfield is unbelievable.

Based on current form England should be in the 20s but if they play to their potential I think that spot is about right.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

I would put Spain joint top with France personally. They maybe lack a world class CF but their midfield is unbelievable.

Based on current form England should be in the 20s but if they play to their potential I think that spot is about right.

Gavi, Rodri, Pedri etc. are exciting. I just don’t know if they’re ready to make the major impact right now.

They also have no backline really. Ok at FB but nothing there at CB.

Spot on re: England. Can’t really ignore that they cruised through quals and were SF and finalists at the last two majors. I do have a feeling like they’re probably near the end of this successful spell (it’s hard to stay good for over 5 years internationally) but I wouldn’t bet against them making a run.

Brazil should be solid definitively - Marquinhos and Militao in front of Alisson with Casemiro in front of them is going to be hard as fuck to get past. Vini and Rod and Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus up front does give them some fantastic options to score. Getting the ball to them could be a problem.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

This is either going to be a disaster or this kid is gonna FM this squad into Champions League winners lol

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Could use some of that Honduran rain lol

 

[jstewismybastardson]