2026 FIFA World Cup Thread

[Who]

Penalty kicks are just so nerve-wracking and intense. I feel extremely nervous just watching, I can't imagine how the players and goalies feel

There's a lot of reports now that yesterday, a lot of the Germany players (I think 4 of them) were scared to take a penalty kick when asked, so they sent in someone (Jonathan Tah) who had never taken them before and he missed it.

So even the players feel the tension

I was listening to a stat / bit of triva:

Germany missed 3 penalties in that shootout. They had not missed a penalty in a shootout since the 1982 World Cup Semi-Final against France prior to this.

It is that rare to see a German miss a penalty. But 3 missed penalties? Shocking!

[Who]

That was a fantastic goal by France from the corner. Played it short, a bit of misdirection, little run by Mbappe in behind, great feint towards the touchline stepover back middle, bang! Goal.

Fantastic ability by Mbappe and clever setup play to help put him in a good position.

[Phantom255x]

Mbappe is phenomenal. Yes, the parity in the World Cup is awesome and it's nice seeing countries and teams get opportunities that they usually wouldn't, but it's still a loaded class with the likes of Mbappe, Messi, Haaland, Ronaldo, Yamal, etc. etc. that makes it incredible.

[SparzWizard]

Penalty kicks are just so nerve-wracking and intense. I feel extremely nervous just watching, I can't imagine how the players and goalies feel

There's a lot of reports now that yesterday, a lot of the Germany players (I think 4 of them) were scared to take a penalty kick when asked, so they sent in someone (Jonathan Tah) who had never taken them before and he missed it.

So even the players feel the tension

Wow. Too much pressure? I personally think guarding the penalty kick is much harder than kicking it

[ozgod]

Sweden, getting hammered by France now? 3?0 and there?s still 15 minutes to go, Mbapp? with a brace and barcola with another

[ozgod]

Sweden thrashed, France move on. Anything can happen, but it's looking like a France-Argentina final again.

[Phantom255x]

Sweden thrashed, France move on. Anything can happen, but it's looking like a France-Argentina final again.

I actually think there could be an upset. Yeah no one is challenging them before the quarterfinals, but Argentina will likely have to get past Colombia then Brazil/Norway, and France may have to get past Morocco then Spain. Not easy. Yes, it's the odds on favorite matchup, I would bet though that it won't be. Maybe it's one of them vs. someone else. If Spain and Yamal can get going, they are still very dangerous to me. Norway has a bit of a darkhorse feel to them with Haaland. Should be exiciting. But hey, if it is Argentina vs. France again, that'd be great theater too. Mbappe vs. Messi for the golden boot?

[Who]

Paraguay declared a national holiday after beating Germany.

[Amonkey]

Paraguay declared a national holiday after beating Germany.

Unfortunately, there's no stopping France at this point. Their next opponent is just happy to be there.

[Who]

Paraguay declared a national holiday after beating Germany.

Unfortunately, there's no stopping France at this point. Their next opponent is just happy to be there.

Paraguay almost knocked out France in 1998 when France won their 1st World Cup.

I kept thinking of that match during the Germany game. They kept it 0-0. Got to extra time. I couldn't remember if France won on penalties but when I looked it up it was the golden goal rule with Laurent Blanc popping up from defense. It was penalties in the next round vs Italy for France in 1998. Golden goal vs Paraguay.

Paraguay had that great defender Carlos Gamarra in 1998. He was named to team of the tournament in that World Cup. I kept thinking throughout the Germany game how proud Gamarra would be of the team's defending.

This 2026 France team is a much better attacking group than the 1998 France team ... but who knows. Maybe Paraguay can give them a scare once again.

[Who]

Oh my gosh. England down 1-0 to Congo. 15min in.

I missed the start of the match with the FA news. England could be in trouble. Congo are a good defensive team, right? They held Portugal to a draw. Stymied them.

[Who]

Oooh, great deep cross by D Rice for a Bellingham header. Too close to the keeper. Good attack.

[Kernewek]

Paraguay declared a national holiday after beating Germany.

Unfortunately, there's no stopping France at this point. Their next opponent is just happy to be there.

Well, you never know. 7-1 etc etc

[Who]

It is amazing how open this game.

Point blank opportunities for both teams.