World Cup 2026 starting today

[kansasdad]

The worlds largest football (soccer) tournament opens today and will run for a month with action taking place in Canada, Mexico and USA stadiums.

I will be at Arrowhead stadium for Algeria v Austria with 82,000 of my closest friends courtesy of @kansasson for a Father’s Day gift to remember.

A cultural phenomenon seems to be happening due to various international supporters reporting on their revelations of Americana, such as “Frank” a German football tourist commenting on his first WaffleHouse and Buccee’s experiences.

 

[JV842]

Let’s go RSA today at 1400 Central!!!

 

[JV842]

We had Senegal v the Saudis here in San Antonio for a friendly a couple days ago! My rehab therapist took his kids said it was impressive

 

[Bob-WY]

With more teams/groups there doesnt seem to be a group of death any more. Should be interesting

Hopedully politics stays out once it get going

 

[kansasdad]

With more teams/groups there doesnt seem to be a group of death any more. Should be interesting

Hopedully politics stays out once it get going

Sadly there have been problems already.

A Somali referee was questioned for 11 hours on entry to the country, and then told he had to return back from whence he came.

And according to one source, the Iranian national team (they've moved their base of operations twice before settling in to Mexico) will have to fly in, play their USA based game/s and fly out the same day as they will be granted 1 day entries into the US.

 

[kansasdad]

An article about both issues mentioned above:

Referee barred from entering U.S. for World Cup gets a hero’s welcome in Somalia

Omar Artan, 34, was meant to be the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. Instead, he says, he was questioned for hours about a militant group and then denied entry to the U.S.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[kansasdad]

And FIFA is wielding its power, making first time contestant Haiti change their "kit" as it had a famous image of the leader of the successful slave rebellion on their clothing.

Haiti forced to change kit by FIFA for 'political reasons'

Tournament debutants Haiti have been forced to alter their World Cup kit, due to what FIFA deemed 'political motives'.

www.caughtoffside.com

 

[Hem]

Im in Baja. Rooting for Mexico dont you know.

 

[Bob-WY]

And FIFA is wielding its power, making first time contestant Haiti change their "kit" as it had a famous image of the leader of the successful slave rebellion on their clothing.

Haiti forced to change kit by FIFA for 'political reasons'

Tournament debutants Haiti have been forced to alter their World Cup kit, due to what FIFA deemed 'political motives'.

www.caughtoffside.com

FIFA has approval of all uniforms. Political i.ages are not allowed

Watching now, as a former fairly high level ref, liking the views from "ref cam"