# FIFA World Cup 2026 - discussion etc **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-soccer-fifa\ **Created:** [October 14, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962 "2025-10-14T15:43:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 220
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4381 "2026-07-15T15:39:46Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > Bloody hell England. If Wednesday is like that I may not make it through the match! Tell me about it. I happened to ne on holiday and have access to unlimited free mojitos during this match, I have no idea how I’ll make it through the game against Argentina. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4382 "2026-07-15T15:50:56Z")
> [@Snarky\_Kong](#): > > Norway had a goal called back due to a flop A _flop_? Haaland put both his hands on that guy and shoved him away. That was a very clear foul. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4383 "2026-07-15T15:56:24Z")
I want to clarify that sequence a little. There is always jostling in the box, sometimes even people getting shoved down, but referees will do what they can to avoid a call on a foul like that (or at least Bundesliga referees, with whom I’m most familiar). In this case, Anderson was getting pre-corner jostling from Haaland, called it to the referee’s attention, and then when the kick came in, Haaland shoved him with extended arms, and Anderson went to ground rather easily. In my mind, Haaland gets a call for not seeing this obvious and very common sequence to its end, when he could have just lowered a shoulder given he was cutting right. I’d feel outraged too if I were a Norway fan, and yet I also think it’s a valid call. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4384 "2026-07-15T16:05:43Z")
I can’t stop thinking about Messi and his strange fate. The man fought for years to be worthy and more than worthy of being called (since he was 17!) the Heir of Diego. With that impossibly heavy weight on his shoulders he battled bad luck, bad teams, bad coaching, bad football confederations, a bad economy making his parents unable to pay his treatment… And finally, in 2022 he beat it all, he was done, nothing more could be asked of him, destiny: fulfilled, Diego: happy in heaven, Incredibly demanding Argentinians: At his feet. But he had never played against England… And now he will, at 39 years old, the memory of 1986 is raised, everybody here agrees that he’s done enough, nobody can ask him for more… and yet… and yet… Couldn’t we have a semi against France or Spain? it would’ve been a very important match, of course but not THIS. I cannot understand if it’s incredible bad luck, good luck or just fate, the hand of god if you will. For my part and in the name of all right thinking people here, Leo, you have nothing to demonstrate, we love you and are more than grateful for everything. But we know, deep inside, how _you_ feel, it’s not just a game, it _cannot_ be just a game, it’s the last thing in The List you must’ve made for yourself so many years ago. Every time you get the ball in the middle of the field and start going towards their goal the English will feel a chill down their spine, we will feel our hearts beating faster… “what if It happens again?”… We hereby exempt you of all responsibility, try to do the same for yourself too, hard as it is, and just enjoy the game, it may be the most lethal thing you can do. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4385 "2026-07-15T16:21:01Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > I’m very much in favor of automation and reviews of adjudication in sports. It lets the players play with less concern about how to deal with the officiating. And the fans can’t properly celebrate a goal any more, now they have that interminable wait while VAR does its thing and tries to find a reason to disallow the goal. It’s crap. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4386 "2026-07-15T16:21:51Z")
THIS ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4387 "2026-07-15T16:22:52Z")
On the subject of Messi, today I heard an interesting reason why he never played England. The last time the two sides met, in a friendly in 2005 which England won 3-2, he was suspended. Because he got sent off in a previous friendly! Apparently he was fending off an opponent who was trying to pull him back, his arm or hand went vaguely in the direction of the opponent’s face,… you know the rest. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4388 "2026-07-15T16:25:52Z")
It’s weirder than that (as was to be expected at this point), the previous friendly was his first game with the senior team, against Hungary, he was red carded only seconds after entering the pitch. There was another player whose first game was against Hungary and was red carded only seconds after entering the pitch… Do I need to specify His name? ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4389 "2026-07-15T16:26:04Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > And the fans can’t properly celebrate a goal any more, now they have that interminable wait while VAR does its thing and tries to find a reason to disallow the goal. It’s crap. I disagree. They get to celebrate a legitimate goal twice. And they now get the added celebration of the recall of an illegitimate goal as well. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4390 "2026-07-15T16:32:27Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > The argument that IFAB (the international governing body for the Laws of the Game) has always used against more than one referee is that the referee is the FINAL ARBITER (emphasis mine) of deciding what happens within the Laws and what breaches those Laws. Except that they get essentially second guessed by VAR now. In any case, the two refs just talk it out and determine the right call, just like they do in hockey and the NFL. And, as for the players crowding the refs, whining and complaining, well, that should obviously stop, too. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4391 "2026-07-15T16:33:29Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > And they now get the added celebration of the recall of an illegitimate goal as well. As an Arsenal fan the one highlight of this past season that will stand the test of time is almost certainly: “After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free kick”. Won us the league, it did. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4392 "2026-07-15T16:34:56Z")
> [@iamatractorboy](#): > > > [@Pleonast](#): > > > > I’m very much in favor of automation and reviews of adjudication in sports. It lets the players play with less concern about how to deal with the officiating. > > And the fans can’t properly celebrate a goal any more, now they have that interminable wait while VAR does its thing and tries to find a reason to disallow the goal. It’s crap. Hence: > [@Pleonast](#): > > But there’s always room for more accuracy, more precision, and more timeliness in the automation and reviews. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4393 "2026-07-15T16:39:40Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > VAR gives but VAR taketh away too, sooner or later the idiot faking a foul will be Argentinian, the invalidated goal will be from a player with a light blue and white shirt, it’s just a matter of time. And if so, your team will deserve to have the goal taken away, no? I don’t think that having a bad call that went against you fixed and having a bad call that went for you fixed are comparable. A bad call that went against you and was fixed is purely a good thing. There was a bad call, and it was fixed; AND you benefited. A bad calm that goes for you and is fixed is bittersweet, in that you were harmed, but the game is fairer for it. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4394 "2026-07-15T16:39:52Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > But there’s always room for more accuracy, more precision, and more timeliness in the automation and reviews. Perfect, fix that and then we can talk about VAR, until then remove this thing from my sport please. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4395 "2026-07-15T16:40:56Z")
> [@Frodo](#): > > And meanwhile we STILL can’t scream our heads off when our team scores because may be the grandfather of the player who scored had an invalid driving license when he drove his father’s mother to the hospital to give birth… I disagree. You can scream your head off when there’s a goal, groan if it goes to VAR, and scream your head off again when the VAR results come in. It’s all part of the drama. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4396 "2026-07-15T16:41:21Z")
The final effect is the same, controversial calls are inevitable, VAR or no VAR, I prefer to suffer some technically imperfect calls and stop having the game constantly interrupted and not being able to celebrate the goals the moment they are scored. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4397 "2026-07-15T16:41:55Z")
I’ll add that in live play, the crowd roars for every home goal even when the linesman’s flag has already gone up. It’s not like they’re not used to the disappointment. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4398 "2026-07-15T16:42:37Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > Won us the league, it did. 😆 🎉 🎆 ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4399 "2026-07-15T16:47:33Z")
I’m going to make a ruling. People who like VAR and don’t like VAR are both right. They prioritize different aspects of the game, neither is wrong, and no one is going to be convinced of the rightness of the others’ arguments because _everyone is right_. This is the final ruling, there will be no review. Play on. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962/4400 "2026-07-15T16:48:17Z")
I agree with this ruling, so mote it be. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962.md?page=219) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962.md?page=221)