14 Jun 2026 10:54:05
This World Cup is a shambles. So much has already been written in the mainstream press (Somali ref, Senegalise team searched, half time show) and I don't want to repeat all the issues here.
However, whilst we know football sold its soul to the devil some years ago, what we are seeing here is beyond parody.
Extending the competition to 48 teams is driven by two things. More games equals more money (who knew?), and more teams means Infantino can continue to count on the votes of the lower profile nations and consolidate his power base. But more teams will lead to some meaningless games, and only 16 teams will drop out after the group stage.
Then there is the cost of tickets and the cost within the grounds. The price of tickets is obscene and Infantino's indifference is staggering. We are already seeing lots of empty seats which shows the supply vs demand argument is deeply flawed, and FIFA's resale aproach is just another grubby money grabber.
And worst of all, we effectively now have 4 quarters due to the mandatory drinks breaks, whatever the temperature.
The beautiful game isn't looking too beautiful right now.
14 Jun 2026 11:23:13
Agree completely, AJH.
The water breaks are solely there for the US broadcasters to plug more commercials during the game. Thankfully, UK broadcasters know better. FIFA, as an organisation, is just corrupt, top to bottom. The World Cups are getting worse - thankfully, they are still 4 years apart.
I'm glad the seats are empty. Part of me hopes it's the same throughout the whole tournament, so it can expose them for what they are, as you said, grubby money grabbers.
But even still, it won't change anything.
This World Cup was always going to be like Coachella, fake fan influencers more interested in posting to Instagram than the actual games, whilst most real football fans are left out.
I would love to see England win the World Cup in my lifetime, but at the same time, I hate watching them because international football just isn't the same.
14 Jun 2026 11:29:49
The game looks beautiful for the people of Haiti or Qatar, or all the other minnows who get to play on a big stage with the elite ones every 4 years.
Perhaps we should only let any nation that's won it in the last 60 years enter.
Yes, the quality is diminished at this stage of the tournament, but why don't we stop non league teams entering the FA Cup while we are at it.
Those that can't afford to travel or see games live can see them on TV.
I agree that the prices of travel, accommodation and tickets are unreasonable, but they are unreasonable for the Premiership too.
When a captive audience is there, prices go up. Ever buy lunch at a watermark or zoo or festival? Captive audience means inflated prices.
Why are you desperate not to allow minnows the opportunity to play on the biggest stage of all? Are they not worthy?
England have won nothing for over 60 years, the epitome of a minnow.
It's a global game, let people enjoy it who don't get the opportunity too often. None of those teams have disgraced themselves so far. In fact, I bet they will exceed expectations, while England will fall short of their inflated expectations yet again.
14 Jun 2026 11:38:22
Of course they are worthy, Ken, if they qualify, but many would not have qualified if it hadn't been extended to 48 teams. Perhaps we should extend it to 96 teams to let more minnows play on the big stage.
I've lost all respect for you.
14 Jun 2026 11:56:57
??? Oh please, don't say that, you dirty rascal.
I take your point, AJH, but I think it's a good thing. Lots of bad things happening in the world, extending the wc to 48 teams is not one of them imo.
It brings joy and prosperity. The Irish still talk about the time we got to the 1/4 final, it was great times for our football loving nation, likely never to be repeated. Iceland in the 1/4 final recently too. Amazing scenery there when it happened.
I get the arguments against it for player welfare, etc., but what about the players' welfare, if you're from Haiti, do you not deserve a chance to play at the event. Extending it gives those countries a chance to experience something magical. Don't lobby to take it away from them. ? Embrace it.
Don't give up on us yet, AJH, I still think there is hope for us if you can just be a little more inclusive. God bless your soul. ??
14 Jun 2026 12:58:27
I quite like having so many teams involved, but, of course, it's all a cash cow.
More of a problem is 4th, 5th, 6th placed teams in their respective national leagues qualifying for a Champions' League each season.
Arsenal should be there next season for sure, and Carrick has worked wonders to rescue what was looking increasingly like another poor season, but I wouldn't say I'm proud to be United 3rd.
Anyway, I digress.
14 Jun 2026 13:10:51
I get it, I do. But it also extends the tournament and makes it a bit of a slog. And, despite what FIFA are saying, there are a whole lot of empty seats.
14 Jun 2026 13:41:49
Extending it to more teams is good, I think, but the lack of jeopardy at the group stage is a terrible decision. That three can progress from a group makes it almost pointless to tune in.
And the ticket pricing is a separate issue.
That's a stain on FIFA that is a disgrace. The organisation cannot say they are trying to make the game more inclusive whilst charging thousands for a match ticket.
14 Jun 2026 13:56:36
Virtually one win takes you through. I have no problem with minnows being there, but, as usual in any tournament, it is a bit of a joke and a bore until the knockout stage. Same with the Champions League; knockout football is always better.
What in life is not a rip off now? Everything is about money. My view is, if you want something you either pay its price or you do not have it, but today people just want it given to them, and if it is not, then they moan about it...
That is life 2026.
14 Jun 2026 14:14:44
I agree the structure is wrong for this many teams. Lack of jeopardy is a good phrase.
I see why they extended it and I also see the drawbacks, but it's a football tournament, why not enjoy it for what it is.
Great to see the minnows' fans and the colour they bring.
The Welsh, Scots and Irish have great times when they qualify. I'm sure it's the same for the fans from Haiti, Jordan and Qatar, for example.
I'd love my lads to experience a WC like I did as a young lad at Italia 90. You can't buy those sort of experiences.
The more that qualify, the better chance these fans have to go to such an event.
England usually qualify. I can only remember 1 or 2 WC that England didn't qualify for, so you take it for granted perhaps.
14 Jun 2026 14:31:45
Good shout, spenno. A European Super League by stealth, albeit with some qualifications as opposed to the suggested closed shop. Money talks.
14 Jun 2026 21:58:21
100% agree with Ken on inclusivity. And FIFA is a corrupt joke, but we already knew that.
15 Jun 2026 07:12:54
I like these new teams coming in and playing with heart. It's called the World Cup, and the more teams showcased at the highest level can only be a good thing for the sport.
It gets my vote, albeit with perhaps a better structure. But I am not qualified to say how!
15 Jun 2026 11:58:52
I do think expanding the World Cup has taken away a bit of the prestige that came with qualifying for it. Part of what made the tournament so special was how difficult it was to get there. Making it to a World Cup used to be a huge achievement, and with more teams involved, that exclusivity inevitably gets diluted.
That said, I can also see the positives. There are countries that would probably never have had the chance to experience a World Cup under the old format. Giving more nations the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage can only help grow the game globally and inspire the next generation of players and fans.
My bigger issue is the cost. Ticket prices, accommodation, travel, food - it's becoming ridiculously expensive for ordinary supporters.
The World Cup is supposed to be a celebration of football for fans from all over the world, but more and more it feels like it's becoming an event for those who can afford it.
If FIFA are going to keep charging these prices and bringing in record revenues, then they need to be completely transparent about where that money is going. If it's being invested into grassroots football, coaching, facilities, and developing the game in countries that need support, then fair enough. But fans deserve to know how the money is being used and whether it's actually helping football grow worldwide.
The World Cup should be about more than just making money. It should be about growing the game while keeping the tournament accessible and special for the supporters who make it what it is.
15 Jun 2026 13:28:11
Nearly every man and his dog qualified, but Wales & Ireland ... What's that say about them then...!
15 Jun 2026 20:38:52
And Northern Ireland. ?
We play in the European qualifying groups JSU, which are still a lot harder to get out of than those in Asia or CONCACAF, for countries of our size.