World Cup 2026

[andy]

Absolutely painful viewing that draw ridiculouly awkward....could have had a worse group however definitely not a walk over...Panama won't be a problem but Ghana are always tricky and we always seem to get Croatia somewhere in a major tournament and they are always a threat...add to the fact we notoriously don't do well in hot conditions means it's a tricky draw that

[Durhamfootman]

hot conditions should only be a problem in the KO stages

Ghana have fallen dramatically in the FIFA rankings in the last few years. I think they are about 72nd or something and I think they were around about the top 20 mark, but yes, they could prove tricky if England don't play near their best. I think I'm right in saying that they didn't make it through to the AFCON finals which start in the New Year

Out of curiosity, is Modric doing a Messi/Ronaldo and sticking around into his dotage?

[mikesiva]

Iran says that they're withdrawing from the World Cup.

The right decision.

Other countries should follow suit.

The USA is a terrorist state.

[andy]

How have Italy failed to qualify for three world cups in a row?!

[Durhamfootman]

by being worse than England, presumably

yet if Italy played England tomorrow, they'd probably win it

[Durhamfootman]

Iran says that they're withdrawing from the World Cup.

The right decision.

now Infantile says they will be playing and they will be playing in the US

I'm glad somebody knows what's going on

[Durhamfootman]

Iran will be playing their matches in the US, but will be staying in Mexico

[Durhamfootman]

FIFA have reversed their policy of allowing fans to refill water containers within the stadium, citing risks to players from fans hurling bottles at them

instead, water can be purchased in the stadium for any fan who thinks water might be a good idea in 35o heat.

Sounds to me as though anything that can be used as a projectile, FIFA want to make a big profit on it... to protect the players, of course

[Durhamfootman]

FIFA backs down. factory sealed plastic water bottles can be brought into the ground, but not 'hard' water containers