The 2026 World Cup

Christy Ring
1 Posted 06/07/2026 at 17:38:26

Balogun getting his red card rescinded so that he can play against Belgium, after Trump rings infantino to fix it, is probably the most corrupt ever.

He's worse than Blatter, a total disgrace. Belgium's appeal thrown out by FIFA. The remaining countries should make a stand and refuse to play.

Darren Hind
2 Posted 06/07/2026 at 17:48:51

Never heard so much hysteria over one player.

Hope he scores the winner.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:02:29

Right, Christy, like Andrew, you suggest every other country walk out of the World Cup over this. Ohhhhhh-kay.

I don't recall similar storms of outrage when Cristiano Ronaldo had his pre-tournament 3-match suspension magically vanished right before the group stage began so he could play.

FIFA waved its Article 27 wand and deferred his suspension for the same one-year probationary period applied to Balogun.

Cristiano has a long history of misconduct, with a red card record that makes Duncan Ferguson look like a Cub Scout, but hey, he's Cristiano, and some sponsor probably called Infantino to get him reinstated.

FIFA has been totally corrupt for as long as it has existed. Yet suddenly all this shock and fury because they did what they've done forever.

Ah, well, it should be interesting today when Belgium walks out on Balogan and Spain walks out on Cristiano.

Bill Hawker
4 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:03:13

Hope Balogun scores a hat trick and boils the absolute piss out of the Europeans crying about this. Never mind it was the incorrect intervention by VAR that saw the red card produced. That doesn't matter. What matters is that it was corrected.

Are Belgium really that worried about the USA, a team they absolutely tonked in a friendly earlier this year 5-2? Say it isn't so.

Andrew Ellams
5 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:12:00

Bill, FIFA rule 15. Government interference brings a 2-year suspension for that country from all FIFA competition.

Do you think the USA are above the rules, Bill?

Jeff Armstrong
6 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:14:47

Pochetino should not pick Balogun as a massive fuck you to Trump and Infantino.

He would be a hero for integrity and sportsmanship.

David West
7 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:17:00

I see Henderson has had a fall!!! Happens when you're an old fart!!!

I can't see England winning the World Cup now, unless he can massage Kane's balls one-handed! 🤔

Dale Self
8 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:19:31

Pochettino said he celebrates the reversal of the decision.

David West
9 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:23:34

Tainted an otherwise well backed USA team.

I heard even a few USA supporters saying it stinks.

Andrew Ellams
10 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:25:54

There is nobody lower in sport than cheats.

Liam Mogan
11 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:27:52

Henderson is a big loss, especially on the break.

Jeff Armstrong
12 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:28:10

Andrew @10, the good thing is they never prosper, come on Belgium. 🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪

Ronaldo's ban should also have stood, two wrongs don't make a right, so come on Spain. 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

Mike Gaynes
13 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:28:36

First involvement with international football, Andrew?

Mike Powell
14 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:30:13

Hope they get beat.

Come on, Belgium!

Andrew Ellams
15 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:30:36

Well, Congo are currently suspended by FIFA for Government interference so FIFA will surely show consistency here.

By the sounds of Trump's and Infantino's statements today, it's all bought and paid for.

David West
16 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:39:55

Lost alot of support that they had from neutrals who liked their attitude and how they played, wouldn't you rather go out fair and square, rather than go out having trying to cheat your way to it?

Trump talking about the World Cup like my nan trying to work out how my kids are playing Fifa on the Xbox.

Dale Self
17 Posted 06/07/2026 at 18:58:15

I think we should be talking about it as much as possible, whichever side you are on.

This kind of distraction is what Gianni bought with his boot-licking action.

Alan McGuffog
18 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:00:25

Presumably contentious issues will now bypass VAR and be decided in the White House?

Cheating bastards!

Bill Hawker
19 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:04:59

Andrew, give your head a wobble, mate. Trump said it was a bad call. It was a bad call. He (and every other person who saw that in real time) said FIFA should review it.

"Government interference." You're having an absolute laugh here. FIFA made the correct decision regardless of who asked for the call to be reviewed.

I doubt Evertonians will be complaining about any bad calls in the upcoming Premier League season and just accept the usual apology from the League and PGMOL every time it happens, eh?

Andrew Ellams
20 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:09:37

So Presidents are now making these calls are they, Bill?

And if you think the orange paedo has the first idea what went on, I've got a bridge to sell you.

You kind of contradict yourself in that last paragraph too.

Mark Ryan
21 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:10:47

Belgium will win, Balogun or no Balogun. It's good that it's happened because it simply exposes Infantino as Blatter Mk II and proves that power corrupts.

I would be happy for a USA win but I just hope that Infantino gets exposed as Blatter in disguise. It's cheating in plain sight.

Brent Stephens
22 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:14:39

Bill,

Trump said he (Trump) is an expert on fouls. Do we believe that?

And he also said he didn't know what a red card meant. Hmm.

Andrew Ellams
23 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:18:03

I'm also interested, Bill, how the President calling up his criminal pal to get this red card rescinded (the American football authorities did not) is not Government interference?

You know who he is right?

David West
24 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:23:08

Bill do you think Quansah will be getting his card and suspension suspended?

Do you think it was as clear and obvious as Balogun's?

Christy Ring
25 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:35:39

Mike #3,

I've no problem with the player, just the interference by ‘Trump'. Guys, it's a new low, and I'm not surprised by comments from No 2!

Darren Hind
26 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:44:46

I`m not in the least surprised by the stomach-churning hypocrisy of post Number 1.

Cheating is apparently okay when it favours the people he wants to win.

Les Callan
27 Posted 06/07/2026 at 19:59:25

Darren (and others),

I can't believe your defence of this government interference. It is absolutely outrageous.

And just for good measure, I think it was a dismissible offence. Right down the back of his Achilles. Could have done some real damage.

Raymond Fox
28 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:12:34

It was a bad decision, it never looked like a sending off offence, so because Trump asks for a review, it's a fraud etc.

I get the undue influence bit but, if a wrong was corrected, what's the problem?

Kevin Molloy
29 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:20:39

What's the problem? Trump just asked for a favour, that's all.

Just because corruption is now no longer in the shadows but in plain sight and being carried out by the leader of the free world, where's the harm?

Darren Hind
30 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:22:42

Not condoning this interference at all, Les. I just don't accept all this sanctimonious faux outrage.

Unlike some on here, I didn't need this story to discover Infantino and Trump were a pair of corrupt cunts. I didn't need this to tell me the American President doesn't know how to mind his own business. Nor did I just discover top class sport was crooked. That's because I wasn't born yesterday.

The fact remains, Pochettino and his team have no control over what goes on upstairs. They've done no wrong and, despite all the sanctimonious shite being spouted, I want them to win.

Matches are decided on the pitch, not in Downing Street, not in the Kremlin... and certainly not in the White House. Those of you who want to be attracted to the side show are perfectly at liberty to do so. I'm here for the footy.

Paul Hewitt
32 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:28:31

If America had any morals, they wouldn't play the player.

Fat chance of that happening, though.

Ged Simpson
33 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:32:15

Someone here for the footy should try talking about it?

Michael Kenrick
34 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:40:24

Not much to talk about yet, Ged.

Oh wait. Great shot deflected onto the bar.

Michael Kenrick
35 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:50:35

Typical cagey Iberian stalemate.

Paul Griffiths
36 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:51:35

"You never know when the first chance will come. If it comes in the first minute, you have to take it."

Brilliant Landon zzzzzzz Donovan.

Paul Griffiths
37 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:52:42

What is your view on England yesterday MK?

Paul Griffiths
38 Posted 06/07/2026 at 20:59:09

Bill Hawker - 19 - the ignorance and hypocrisy of that shallow post says it all for the rest of us who aint too happy with that phone call.

Bringing up Ronaldo does nothing to help. In my world and moral compass, two wrongs do not a right make.

Christy Ring
39 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:02:25

Darren 26,

I don't know where you're going with your 'stomach turning hypocrisy of no,1'? You are talking utter crap as usual.

How a president can ring the FIFA boss and get a red card rescinded for a USA player is extraordinary; which part of that is wrong?

Paul Griffiths
40 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:04:17

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked Fifa to review the decision because he "didn't think it was a foul".

He confirmed he had spoken to Fifa president Gianni Infantino but said "all" he did was ask for a review and added he did not tell the Swiss he had to suspend Balogun's ban.

As clear an admission of guilt as you could ever have. Unprecedented. Did Portugal's king call Fifa?

Unprecedented, just like the Fifa pimp allowing a government leader for the first time to present the trophy.

Paul Hewitt
41 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:06:16

And that bloody stupid countdown before kick-off.

Just stop it.

Michael Kenrick
42 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:15:11

Fell asleep, Paul.

Highlights were good. But falling asleep again watching this.

Paul Hewitt
43 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:18:46

If anyone wants to watch a proper game, instead of this crap, watch the Saints v Wigan game from yesterday.

I know rugby is tough, but that game was brutal. Bloody brutal. Proper men getting stuck in. And no crying.

Paul Griffiths
44 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:20:18

Cheers MK

Liam Mogan
45 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:20:58

This game shows that having the best technical players on the pitch, frequently results in slow unexciting games.

Speed it up please!!!

Liam Mogan
46 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:22:50

No one really likes Rugby League apart from polyester clad beefcakes on the M62 corridor.

Hence the masses of empty seats at our ground this weekend.

Paul Griffiths
47 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:23:21

PH getting a tad sick of hearing that all of the time.

By the way, who won; the mighty Warriors or the BrewDog crew?

Paul Griffiths
48 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:24:21

Brexit leave voting places, Liam.

Paul Hewitt
49 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:27:19

Wigan unfortunately

Paul Hewitt
50 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:28:36

Sorry PG.

But football isn't the game we grew up watching, mate. Think we can agree on that?

Michael Kenrick
51 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:28:55

The attendance was so embarrassing, Liam, they don't even give it on any of the games.

Liam Mogan
52 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:29:48

I don't mind the game mostly, I just find (and I'm not judging anyones preferences here, each to their own and all that) the homo-eroticsim of egg-chasing is just a bit too much for me.

As a gay (and Cas Tigers fan) friend of mine once said 'the problem with you straight fellas, you're just not man enough to deal with the sheer brutality of guy on guy bedroom action'

I had to agree

Paul Griffiths
53 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:32:29

It's different PH. I would rather not watch a mud-full Derby County pitch.

Don Wright
54 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:32:47

A record-breaking attendance of 82,925 -- the biggest crowd in the event's history -- watched the seven games over the two days of action this weekend.

I am a Rugby Union man but I check the facts.

Paul Hewitt
55 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:33:50

What the hell does 'egg-chasing' even mean?

Hate that comment.

Mark Ryan
56 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:36:35

This game has penalties written all over it. Ronaldo destined to miss his and bow out of International Football.

Bobby Brown Shoes' last game as their manager. Spain into the quarters.

Michael Kenrick
57 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:36:36

There were what? Eight games, so maybe 10,000 people there. And that's generous.

Jeff Armstrong
58 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:36:48

So an average of about 12,000 a game then.

Darren Hind
59 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:37:14

Christy Ring

The Scottish Premiership wasn't decided by one snide call last season. It was blighted by the most concerted series of wrong decisions and cheating I've seen in 70 years. Clearly, people inside Glasgow decided the league title was not leaving Glasgow and Hearts suffered daylight robbery after daylight robbery.

This was not just one creepy old fucker sneaking into the ear of another. It was blatant corruption taking place right there on the pitch. Did you rail against it? Did you fuck. You celebrated the fact that Celtic has stolen a crown that rightly belonged to Hearts.

You clearly don't mind a bit of cheating and corruption -- just as long as it goes in the favour of those you want to win.

Take your sanctimonous hypocrisy elsewhere. I'm not buying it.

Liam Mogan
60 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:37:18

Its an innocent term to describe men running around a pitch and into each other, after an egg-shaped ball?

Bloody brutal. Proper men getting stuck in. And no crying. My friend once said that to me also.

Paul Griffiths
61 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:38:21

10,000 empty seats each day Don - 54 - is not exactly great is it, really (and that's the kindest interpretation)? And, actually, probably many more depending on which teams were playing. I wonder why the authorities do not give attendance figures for each match.

'Record-breaking' by Rugby League standards but not by Everton v Burnley standards. And people did not need to erm 'check facts' the huge number of empties was evident to any eye.

What does a 'union man' mean? You like the TUC and all that. Good for you.

'You don't get me i'm part of the Union'.

Liam Mogan
62 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:40:15

On the positive side, living in Yorkshire, I know a few who went the ground this weekend and they were raving about the ground, the setting, the fan plaza, the bars around the Ten Streets etc.

Made Newcastle seem like a scruffy dump. Which is always nice.

Paul Hewitt
63 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:40:46

Rugby league is a proper northern man's game. Who cares about how many turn up.

Rugby fans are proper fans, not glory hunters.

Dave Lynch
64 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:41:36

I used to like rugby league but that 5 tackle rule has ruined it for me.

Union all the way for me.

Paul Hewitt
65 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:43:24

I love Rugby Union as well, Dave.

Paul Hewitt
66 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:44:16

God. This game is boring... zzzzz

Liam Mogan
67 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:45:59

Its absolutely rubbish. No intensity at all.

Michael Kenrick
68 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:49:06

This is just crap. Two of the best teams and the game is crap.

Or have I been spoilt by watching highlights?

Paul Griffiths
69 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:49:14

Do any women go to Rugby League, Hewey? Or is it too dead rough and gory for them?

The ones who go must be as rough as fuck.

Michael Kenrick
70 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:51:55

Hang on.

Something just happened!

Liam Mogan
71 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:52:18

Ronaldo couldn't play Rugby League.

Cries too much.

Michael Kenrick
72 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:54:11

Roberto: "Gutless manager", says Chris Sutton, for sticking with Ronaldo.

Paul Hewitt
73 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:54:21

Plenty go PG.

Dale Self
74 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:55:59

Phenomenal.

Tony Abrahams
75 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:56:34

Until football really stamps down on the gamesmanship, then some of us are always going to be completely dismayed by the lack of sportsmanship, that is getting worse and worse.

I love the game but I'm starting to think that I haven't got long left with regards having any real affinity left inside of me because of the way the sport has gone.

The lack of consistency is appalling, it used to upset me but I'm now starting to think that it would probably be much better if I just stopped getting emotionally involved because I absolutely fucking detest the lack of consistency in the officiating.

The lack of consistency leads me to think that the game is no longer straight (maybe it never completely was?) especially because we now live in an age where people will accept every single advantage but then have the audacity to feel cheated themselves once the boot goes on the other foot.

"Outraged at everything but ashamed of nothing" was something we used to associate with our neighbours; now it's fucking everywhere.

What a life Chris Sutton has made for himself now he gets paid for stating the obvious.

Paul Hewitt
76 Posted 06/07/2026 at 21:59:38

Glad Spain won.

Liam Mogan
77 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:00:17

Awful game. Both deserved to go out.

Dale Self
78 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:03:39

As Zappa once said, "Brown shoes don't make it".

Has anyone else noticed how Zappacosta of Italy looks like Frank? There must be a whole town of people who look like that, even the women.

Paul Griffiths
79 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:09:57

Chris Sutton predicted that Norway would beat Brazil. That was not obvious, Tony.

Pat Nevin and Chrissy are my two favourite British pundits because they have brains.

Mike Doyle
80 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:15:23

If the USA lose to Belgium later will FIFA discover a rule to reinstate them?

Paul Griffiths
81 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:17:33

It only takes a phone call in their world, Mike.

Liam Mogan
82 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:20:54

Jeez,

Danny Murphy looks like he's been grafting on the streets of Kenny the past month.

John Collins
83 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:22:00

"Clearly, people inside Glasgow decided the league title was not leaving Glasgow."

They did indeed Darren, the people in charge were hoping for it to go to Glasgow's other team, not the one who won it.

Don Alexander
84 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:23:17

I haven't read every post but I do agree, now for decades horribly, with Tony's scorn for playacting injuries.

I watched matches from our stadium this weekend and there is never any shirking or feigning injury in rugby league -- fact!

And the crowds mixed without incident, all ages enjoying the marvellous spectacle in front of them (and especially the stadium -- they said so!) amongst which were ladies of every age.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

Paul Hewitt
85 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:34:51

Spot on, Don. The fans mingle without trouble.

You could never do that in football. Brain-dead morons

Darren Hind
86 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:43:14

The people in Glasgow who were plotting the destination of the Champions trophy were not 'hoping' for anything. They were ensuring it.

Tony

Is right mate "Outraged by everything. Ashamed of nothing" now applies right across the football spectrum.

The team that doesn't seek an unfair advantage doesn't exist.

Christy Ring
87 Posted 06/07/2026 at 22:47:28

Darren #59,

I think you're a small bit paranoid towards all my comments. We can disagree over Coleman, but to call me a hypocrite because I thought it was despicable to question FIFA's integrity after Trump's intervention to get the red card overturned.

And you refer to me supporting Celtic because VAR decided to award Celtic a penalty against Motherwell, if Hearts had to draw at Celtic Park they would have won the league, but they lost?

Les Callan
88 Posted 06/07/2026 at 23:14:41

There was one or two dodgy decisions in that match as well, Christy.

And the home crowd didn't fill themselves with glory at the end either.

Tom Bowers
89 Posted 06/07/2026 at 23:17:40

There is so much corruption it's hard to comprehend.

Quansah's red card was totally justified and so was the red card given to Balogun who clearly came in from behind and strafed the back of his opponent's ankle.

Trump knows nothing about football because he says something stupid like the red card was totally unfair for Balogun.

Everything Trump has touched in the last 18 months has brought some kind of chaos.

In this instance, his ego tells him his action is making him a hero to the American people (at least the morons who support his antics).

It is sad that Infantino didn't have the guts to say "No way" when Trump approached him... but then most of Trump's staff and Congress don't have any guts. either.

I don't care who wins the game tonight as I don't think the players are to blame.

Darren Hind
90 Posted 06/07/2026 at 23:25:06

Christy,

I don't care about your comments. I try to skate over them because you don't have anything to say that interests me. I would never have responded if you didn't seek me out in your post @25.

You didn't just question Trump. You reacted with your usual hysteria calling for all the other counties to refuse to play. Did you really believe any of them would react to this idiotic notion?

What? Just because people like you calling for this action have just realised what Trump is? Breaking news..... Everybody else already knew. This guy has cost thousands of innocent lives and you want the World Cup to stop because he made one phone call about one average player?

And I've followed Celtic longer than you have but I know there was an awful lot more than a single VAR decision which handed them the title. You call for integrity but, by turning a blind eye to those disgusting decisions which robbed Hearts of the title, you show none. That's hypocrisy.

John Collins
91 Posted 06/07/2026 at 23:30:53

Darren, ask some of your Celtic mates for their thoughts on the establishment doing their utmost for Rangers to win the league.

They have a saying up there when anything controversial happens in any game: "Penalty, Rangers!"

Neil Tyrrell
92 Posted 06/07/2026 at 00:56:46

Time to crack open a Chimay Blue and stay up too late watching the Waffles v the Hot Dogs.

Nobody, not even Roy Keane, makes Dunc look like a Boy Scout.

Paul Griffiths
93 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:06:33

That US home crowd is like cuddly teddy bears compared to Mexico yesterday.

Neil Tyrrell
94 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:07:33

Lukaku would have buried that.

Neil Tyrrell
95 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:08:16

GOALLLLLLL!!!!

Paul Griffiths
96 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:09:58

Comical amateur US defending.

Trump is on the phone claiming offside.

Liam Mogan
97 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:17:45

Is this all the thanks we get for the Battle of the Bulge, guys?

Liam Mogan
98 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:23:00

I wonder if Donald J sees the irony in getting a red card rescinded for a player, who if he could have passed the legislation on being born on American soil not granting citizenship, would for future cases, be ineligible?

Paul Griffiths
99 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:26:27

This is so easy for Belguim right now. They are dominating midfield. The US defence has been nervy poor. Perhaps the hydration break will help. If not, there is always the 12th man on the phone.

Fantastic free kick x2!

Liam Mogan
100 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:28:10

Some of these Yanks look like they'd rather listen to Livin' On A Prayer on repeat for 90 minutes.

Neil Tyrrell
101 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:28:32

Been surprisingly (to me) one-sided so far, Paul.

Neil Tyrrell
102 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:30:19

Nice knuckleball free kick there

I didn't see the deflection in real time.

Liam Mogan
103 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:30:22

USA USA!

Make Balogun Great Again

Annika Herbert
104 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:31:27

Mike @ 3, you mention the Ronaldo incident but I don't recall the Portuguese government bring involved in that? But maybe you have inside information that others aren't privileged to?

If Trump is so knowledgeable about football, why did he not make any comments about previous sendings off?

Trump as usual throwing his weight around and probably being sucked off by Infantino at the same time.

This is a World Cup knockout game, not a qualifier.

Liam Mogan
105 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:32:35

Time Out! Time Out!

Call the Cops

Paul Griffiths
106 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:35:47

Get In! Yet more comical US defending. Freeman awful; centre-backs hapless and helpless. Two very suspiciously offside goals.

Awful tackle by McKennie. The Yanks need to watch discipline and stop looking so nervous and afraid. Is Pulisic actually on the pitch?

Liam Mogan
107 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:38:59

Chug! Chug! Chug! Spring Break Yeh!

Jocks v Nerds. In the Hole.

Neil Tyrrell
108 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:50:14

Is that Collina sitting behind Infantino?

Pair of ass cheeks there...

Liam Mogan
109 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:51:58

Collina -- the incorruptible paragon of refereeing virtue.

Neil Tyrrell
110 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:54:17

Can't imagine why he'd be a friend of Infantino, Liam. Integrity vs....

Oh wait.

Paul Griffiths
111 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:55:38

Do the words 'composed' or 'composure' exist in the US and 'confidence' while we're at it. Big talk coming up for Paunch Pouch Potch.

Infantino doing some serious half-time warm ups. Looks like he might come on for the Yanks for the second half.

The President might now be regretting making that call. Balogun has looked as threatening as the cutest ever Shih Tzu puppy.

Liam Mogan
112 Posted 07/07/2026 at 01:58:22

Infantino and Collina are a pair of second-rate Bond villains.

Dale Self
113 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:07:33

Rudy should have been an Everton manager at some time.

Liam Mogan
114 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:19:29

Ha ha ha

Neil Tyrrell
115 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:20:54

I think it's "composedness" in the US, Paul

Liam Mogan
116 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:23:20

Hail Mary or 2 required

Paul Griffiths
117 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:25:25

Cheers Neil!

First decent team that 'merica have faced and look what happens.

They need one-tenth of the guts, professionalism, and know-how that England showed yesterday.

The US should change their quarterback.

Bill Gall
118 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:28:31

Wonder how Trump will get this score absolved and changed to 1-nil for USA?

Liam Mogan
119 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:28:44

4th down and ten. Clutch required.

Liam Mogan
120 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:31:08

Stop the Steal

Paul Griffiths
121 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:32:10

Will Trumpo cancel the tournament now?

Liam Mogan
122 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:33:14

Super Size Poch fuming with Tim not so Ream

Paul Griffiths
123 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:45:08

And Phone Balogun shoots it straight at the keeper. Courtois first save, 80th minute

Paul Griffiths
124 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:48:28

To be fair, the USA have been unlucky in having to face a decent team.

Paunchy Potchy's last 10 minutes as USA manager.

Don't be surprised if there is 69 minutes added on...

John Collins
125 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:51:14

Justice prevailed. I'm happy USA are out.

Countries on Donald's list should prepare themselves for a tantrum or two.

Paul Griffiths
126 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:53:54

Keep believing 'mericans, it's not over until the call is made.

Liam Mogan
127 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:55:36

Comedy defending.

Liam Mogan
128 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:56:16

Belgium 90% Tarriff

Paul Griffiths
129 Posted 07/07/2026 at 02:57:06

Ha Ha Ha... Rom 4-1.

The USA defence is woeful; dreadful mistake x2 and put it on a plate for the big fella!!

Paul Griffiths
130 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:02:23

Chris Richards 'Superiour Player of the Match'?

Neil Tyrrell
131 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:04:49

Congratulations USA on making it as deep in the tournament as Canada.

Jack Convery
132 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:10:18

Trump: "I said to JD, when I heard the Ref was from the Middle East, I've sent a message to my bessie Infantino and told him to review who the ref was and get him changed or we would deport him back to Jordania. Unfortunately Infantino was busy fighting fires with LUFA the commy bastards."

Trump: "How come we have an Argentvirginian as the Manager? Anyway, arrest anyone attending matches involving those commy loving Belginns and deport their Marxist manager. Say I saw him at an Epstein Party."

Advisor: "I thought we we're keeping quiet about Jeff?"

Trump: "Why? I'm innocent. It's all fake news. Ask Andrew -- he was with me all the time."

Paul Griffiths
133 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:10:37

349 million people and that's the best team the US can put out?

Belgium 11.8 million.

The US have had decades now to build a team that can compete at what Thierry Henry called 'levels'. They are still nowhere near.

But CONCACAF kicks off in the autumn.

Mike Gaynes
134 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:16:47

A weak, passive, timid performance by the USA, bereft of intensity and commitment. Didn't win a 50-50 battle until early in the second half.

I didn't know if they'd win or lose, but I never for a moment thought they'd bottle it. Never showed up at all.

Ironically the only one who played up to the level required was Balogun.

Paul Griffiths
135 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:21:53

That's the most disappointing thing for USA supporters, Mike - the not showing up. That defence needs major surgery: Belgium were gifted three goals. Pulisic went off injured right, I missed 10 minutes?

At least England got rid of the Mexicans and the phone lines are buzzing at The White House.

The Belgian FA just put on their website -- 'Overturn this'.

Jamie Sweet
136 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:24:51

I actually think the Balogun thing backfired because Belgium started like a team who had an injustice to avenge. They looked far more up for it.

USA were surprisingly bad though, never looked in the game.

Derek Thomas
137 Posted 07/07/2026 at 03:50:07

The other day I was trying to explain to my Aussie Mrs what 'Fannying About (especially) in the Box' was.

Then up pops Lukaku with the 4th: "That!", I said after she'd watched the replay, "is 'Fannying About in the Box'!"

Ah, right -- got it.

Jim Bennings
138 Posted 07/07/2026 at 05:32:07

Football, or rather soccer, will never be the prevailing sport in America.

Try as they may to promote it, and somehow they've hosted two World Cups in 32 years, it'll never come through in the DNA or the USA.

We have been fortunate to have some decent American players with us, such as Howard, McBride, Donovan etc but in the main the Americans haven't ever produced.

Belgium have slipped under the radar as the last few games have gone by and based on Spain last night, I wouldn't be too surprised to see the Belgians get to the Semi-Finals.

Jeff Armstrong
139 Posted 07/07/2026 at 05:35:50

Ah well, ….cheats never prosper.

And all 3 hosts out in the last 16, nice choice there Infantino, bit like Qatar, where he now lives.

Jim Bennings
140 Posted 07/07/2026 at 05:41:53

Does anyone know why almost a year on since ToffeeWeb's radical changeover, why the edit button has still not been sorted??

Site has really gone down the shitter from what it used to be.

Darren Hind
141 Posted 07/07/2026 at 07:13:20

Wow...I didn't see the game but, despite Belgium having better players, I didn't expect the USA team to crumble like that!

Still, silver lining and all that. Hopefully the side show and the hysteria surrounding the ridiculous President will now go away and footy will prevail.

Andrew Ellams
142 Posted 07/07/2026 at 07:32:54

Annika @ 104.

Re Ronaldo, this happened 3 days before his red card was suspended.

Ronaldo dines with Donald for glamour portion of grotesque Saudi-funded spectacle

Paul Griffiths
143 Posted 07/07/2026 at 07:44:37

Works fine for me, Jim. What browser are you on or do you use your phone mate?

Crumble they did, Darren. Feel sorry for Mike as they did not even turn up. First decent team they faced and that was that. Simple.

Martinez gone tonight -- resigned; expect Potch to be gone soon; nor can I see Don Carlo hanging on...

Andrew Ellams
144 Posted 07/07/2026 at 07:47:24

All 3 ex-Everton bosses gone before the quarter-finals...

Tony Abrahams
145 Posted 07/07/2026 at 07:53:29

The pressure was all on America, who were not helped by their President getting involved, even if the player who was allowed to play was one of their few performers.

Perfect for Belgium, who played the game and not the occasion, which is so much easier when you have got a squad full of talent and players with so much more experience.

The Yanks will just have to take it on the chin and learn from it because there is simply no other option if they eventually want to succeed.

Mick O\\\'Malley
146 Posted 07/07/2026 at 08:22:05

I love Rugby League, prefer it to football now. I haven't watched one game of the World Cup; to be honest, it bores me to tears. I can't wait for it to be over. The only team I watch now are Everton.

Darren, I agree about Celtic, they even got preferable fixtures when they done that ridiculous mini league thing at end of season, plus the dodgy penalty they got. I felt sorry for Hearts, top all season til the last knocking.

Christy Ring
147 Posted 07/07/2026 at 08:37:31

Darren @90,

Your memory must be going when you said you didn't seek me out. In what part of ‘The Stomach churning hypocrisy of post No 1' did I mention your name?

No, you're the one who jumped in straight away to have a go at me... I didn't know your name was Trump?

Jeff Armstrong
148 Posted 07/07/2026 at 09:48:17

Apparently Trump got involved because he thought the USA were going to have to start the game with 10 men!😂😂😂

Totally believable.

Darren Hind
149 Posted 07/07/2026 at 10:07:55

Christy,

Why do you persistently try to lie your way out of everything? You were never adressed.

I hadn't even read your post. The hysteria is nationwide. On every news channel, in every newspaper and on every sports station.

Contrary to your opinion of yourself, it's not all about you. It's never all about you. You don't ever post anything original enough for it to be about you.

You didn't have to mention my name. You pointed directly to my post. It never ceases to amaze me that you don't understand that people can scroll back and know you are telling porkies.

Andrew Merrick
150 Posted 07/07/2026 at 10:09:49

Surely not Jeff, but with that guy who knows??

Paul Griffiths
151 Posted 07/07/2026 at 11:00:06

This USA team would be relegation favourites in the Premier League with Ipswich and Hull.

Since 2002, when US 'soccer' was developing, the record has been... well, really poor. Potchettino has failed except for fast food. He needs to leave today to regain credibility for himself after his crazy decision to manage the USA.

Everton would beat the USA six games out of ten.

Raymond Fox
152 Posted 07/07/2026 at 11:15:38

Jim @ 140,

It's there and works for me, mate, maybe they think it's needed in my case. No, it is there now.

Dave Abrahams
153 Posted 07/07/2026 at 11:21:29

I don't know how Portugal were given a walkover with Ronaldo being allowed to play in the World Cup.

He was definitely a handicap to the squad and the manager who really must have been leaned on to play him.

Annika Herbert
154 Posted 07/07/2026 at 11:29:08

Andrew @ 142, have to admit that does sound extremely dodgy. I have no idea why any politician is allowed to have a say in football matters.

It would appear the corruption runs a lot deeper than we ever thought.

Christy Ring
155 Posted 07/07/2026 at 13:03:04

Darren you are embarrassing yourself with your lies, listen to yourself? You never addressed me or read my post, isn’t it unbelievable then for you to say ‘ the stomach churning hypocrisy of post no.1, which I wrote and then you mention me supporting Celtic? Check the dictionary to see what the word LIAR means??

Steve Brown
156 Posted 07/07/2026 at 14:32:22

Shady business when Sepp Blatter condemns it!

Comedy when Lukaku copied the Trump dad dance after he scored, and Trump’s claim that he was a good sportsman in his younger days had the whole world laughing.

Fortunately, the USA defended like 7 year olds.

Mark Ryan
157 Posted 07/07/2026 at 14:33:20

Sky Sports Transfer news. They state that Everton have a long held interest in Jedd Spence but that these discussions are just held within the boardroom at Everton and no actual contact or approach has yet been made. How thoroughly embarrassing. Can't Everton pick the phone up to Sky and say please don't run that story because we are just mulling it over and looking at bank loans at the moment or words to that effect. Such a none story but makes us look desperate. Journalism at its worst

Darren Hind
158 Posted 07/07/2026 at 14:34:43

Christy

Your lying through your teeth again. Post 26 was in direct response to your post 25. It's still up there for you to check

You were not even mentioned until you decided to attack. Its your proven cowardly way. You attack then when you are pulled up you whine and bleat that you are being bullied.

I know you and your bigoted views. So know this to be fact;... The only time I will ever address you, is when you think you can get away with your repeated personal attacks. Otherwise. You get completely blanked by me.

You made a Cheshire cat of yourself by thinking post two was aimed at you. You thought it was all about you as usual. Now you have been shown up, you revert to your usual lies.

Ian Bennett
159 Posted 07/07/2026 at 14:47:52

151 - Paul, I think it goes to prove, a good coach can do fairly little once the lads cross the white line.

Chris Richards and Co, aint doing jot when the level steps up.

Eric Myles
160 Posted 07/07/2026 at 15:02:45

Jim #140, it's because the site is formatted for viewing on a PC, not on a 'phone.

Turn your 'phone / tablet landscape and the edit button magically appears, or use your PC.

Kevin Molloy
161 Posted 07/07/2026 at 15:04:33

Spurs surely aren't letting one of their players who is in the England team go for less than a king's ransom. Not when they've been spending like a drunken sailor.
it's very disappointing that our list of potential fullbacks either seem completely unrealistic or meh level AWB. Cant' we just get a good effing player FFS.

Ged Simpson
162 Posted 07/07/2026 at 15:07:30

Darren and Chris. Just go and create your own podcast. Think on. Whole show fearuring just you two. You might get on if you met and even enjoy footy again.

Though stay here and may become a 2-man show in time

"No"

"Yes"

"No"

Zzzz

Raymond Fox
163 Posted 07/07/2026 at 16:42:20

I see they are making us 8/15 to go though against Norway, the problem is they have that big galoot at centre forward.

Brent Stephens
164 Posted 07/07/2026 at 18:20:44

What a dribble. What a pass.

Brent Stephens
165 Posted 07/07/2026 at 18:21:50

Disallowed.