# \#football-soccer-fifa **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/football-soccer-fifa/41.md [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) --- ## [Omnibus World Football Thread 2020-2022 (edited)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-world-football-thread-2020-2022-edited/918264)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 1983\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-world-football-thread-2020-2022-edited/918264 "2026-09-26T22:55:36Z")
Im starting this now because my favorite club, Borussia Dortmund is already playing their second friendly and looks offensively spectacular (2 straight friendlies scoring eight+ goals). There are so many amazing storylin… --- ## [Premier League 2026/27](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/premier-league-2026-27/1032492)
**Author:** [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/premier-league-2026-27/1032492 "2026-09-26T15:32:49Z")
Well the season is underway. My side Spurs spent 300m this summer to lose 3-0 today. Man Utd lost to newly promoted Hull and Arsenal look in good shape to go back to back. In general this could be the most open season i… --- ## [The United States hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2038 and beyond](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-hosting-the-fifa-world-cup-in-2038-and-beyond/1032756)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-united-states-hosting-the-fifa-world-cup-in-2038-and-beyond/1032756 "2026-09-02T03:20:09Z")
The United States is looking extremely likely to be the host of the 2038 FIFA World Cup, mainly due to confederation-hosting-rotation rules. Since Africa+Europe+South America are hosting the 2030 Cup together, and Asia i… --- ## [FIFA World Cup 2026 - discussion etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 5245\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-etc/1023962 "2026-08-23T21:16:08Z")
June, 2026 is approaching! This will be the first global sports event to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and (probably) the US, and the first round of tickets has already gone on sale and hit the official FIFA resale sit… --- ## [The Malvinas/Falklands in Argentine culture and politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-malvinas-falklands-in-argentine-culture-and-politics/1031774)
**Author:** [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-malvinas-falklands-in-argentine-culture-and-politics/1031774 "2026-08-14T01:47:49Z")
In this post FIFA World Cup 2026 - discussion etc - #4653 by Frodo I said I would like to explain how the Malvinas/Falklands claim works in Argentine culture and politics, I’m no longer so sure that I will like it (it’s … --- ## [PKs in Football/Soccer Shouldn't Count Towards the Goal Count for that Player](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pks-in-football-soccer-shouldnt-count-towards-the-goal-count-for-that-player/1031455)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pks-in-football-soccer-shouldnt-count-towards-the-goal-count-for-that-player/1031455 "2026-07-08T05:35:46Z")
There, I’ve said it. They’re just too easy (for top-level professionals). OK, if FIFA changed the rules so that whoever actually drew the foul would have to take the kick, then I could consider allowing it. That way, … --- ## [On the three-letter codes that identify the countries participating in the World Cup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-three-letter-codes-that-identify-the-countries-participating-in-the-world-cup/1030898)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-three-letter-codes-that-identify-the-countries-participating-in-the-world-cup/1030898 "2026-07-03T20:43:27Z")
They seem to be pretty straightforward and utilitarian: Mexico is MEX, Scotland is SCO, Haiti is HAI, etc. The ones that aren’t the first three letters of the country’s name also make sense: USA for United States of Amer… --- ## [The first non-European, non-South American World Cup winner will be from where? North America? Oceania? Asia? Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-non-european-non-south-american-world-cup-winner-will-be-from-where-north-america-oceania-asia-africa/1030947)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-first-non-european-non-south-american-world-cup-winner-will-be-from-where-north-america-oceania-asia-africa/1030947 "2026-06-19T20:07:43Z")
Obviously the Europeans and South Americans have dominated the World Cup since its inception, and indeed, soccer has traditionally been bigger and better on those continents than it has elsewhere. But the rest of the wor… --- ## [What English league level is the MLS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-english-league-level-is-the-mls/1030946)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-english-league-level-is-the-mls/1030946 "2026-06-17T14:23:06Z")
In the FIFA WC thread, @Maserschmidt mentions “the five major leagues plus the MLS”. I know that the MLS is well below the big Euro leagues, but England, at least, has many levels. Where would you slot them in? I thin… --- ## [World Cup Squad Announcement Videos: Do the USMNT have one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-squad-announcement-videos-do-the-usmnt-have-one/1030243)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-cup-squad-announcement-videos-do-the-usmnt-have-one/1030243 "2026-05-20T18:05:51Z")
The Mysterious and Arcane YouTube Algorithm today recommended (and I actually enjoyed) a couple of videos of World Cup Squads announcing their team rosters. Here’s Scotland’s and here’s New Zealand’s. Speaking of teams … --- ## [Other examples of big refereeing calls that both sides hate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-big-refereeing-calls-that-both-sides-hate/1027755)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-big-refereeing-calls-that-both-sides-hate/1027755 "2026-02-17T18:56:14Z")
There was a fairly bonkers end to last week’s English premiership match between Man City and Liverpool…. tl:dr(ish) version the Liverpool were losing 2-1 and their goalkeeper came forward for a set piece leaving the g… --- ## [Make up a football formula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-up-a-football-formula/1027204)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-up-a-football-formula/1027204 "2026-02-01T02:04:42Z")
In Europe, the top football club competition is the Champions League. It’s very popular, both in countries entering and spectators watching. 36 clubs from 17 countries qualified for the initial group stage, as shown he… --- ## [You are the CEO of an MLS expansion team; how do you handle things (name, fan culture, etc.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-the-ceo-of-an-mls-expansion-team-how-do-you-handle-things-name-fan-culture-etc/1026120)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-the-ceo-of-an-mls-expansion-team-how-do-you-handle-things-name-fan-culture-etc/1026120 "2025-12-31T12:29:11Z")
It looks like the next MLS expansion franchise is probably going to go to Indianapolis. Imagine you are the CEO, Grand Poobah, and God-King of the franchise; meaning, you have 100% control over everything. First, how do… --- ## [What does this gesture by a soccer player mean? (both pinkies extended vertically, under eyes)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-gesture-by-a-soccer-player-mean-both-pinkies-extended-vertically-under-eyes/1026097)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2025, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-gesture-by-a-soccer-player-mean-both-pinkies-extended-vertically-under-eyes/1026097 "2025-12-27T17:39:11Z")
This Sheffield United player scored against Wrexham and then made this gesture. Based on context, it appears as if he’s mocking Wrexham’s players and/or fans by acting is if they’re crying – as in, “haha, waah! waah! I s… --- ## [What's the minimum I should expect to pay for a world cup ticket in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-minimum-i-should-expect-to-pay-for-a-world-cup-ticket-in-the-us/1025515)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2025, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-minimum-i-should-expect-to-pay-for-a-world-cup-ticket-in-the-us/1025515 "2025-12-18T13:47:11Z")
Looking for a (possibly educated) opinion on the ticket prices, not anything else about the World Cup or the heads of state of the countries hosting it. I’m interested in US ticket prices for group matches, either Phila… --- ## [Trump awarded Peace Prize](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-awarded-peace-prize/1025452)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-awarded-peace-prize/1025452 "2025-12-09T04:36:01Z")
The made up, farcical FIFA peace prize: --- ## [In soccer, what happens if a defender is fouled in his own goal area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-what-happens-if-a-defender-is-fouled-in-his-own-goal-area/1025157)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2025, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-what-happens-if-a-defender-is-fouled-in-his-own-goal-area/1025157 "2025-11-29T06:24:53Z")
Let’s say that Smith, attacking for the Reds, has the ball in the Blues’ goal/penalty area. The Blues’ defender, Jones, gets fouled by Smith - red card-worthy- in the Blues’ penalty area. Does Jones now get an unobstruct… --- ## [Huge - HUGE - Changes Coming to Major League Soccer (schedule shift, divisional table shift)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-huge-changes-coming-to-major-league-soccer-schedule-shift-divisional-table-shift/1024938)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2025, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-huge-changes-coming-to-major-league-soccer-schedule-shift-divisional-table-shift/1024938 "2025-11-18T23:54:58Z")
So Major League Soccer (MLS) is making some gigantic changes in the next couple of years, both of which might, just might, make our league competitive with the English Premier League, La Liga, and other top European leag… --- ## [Soccer moms and dads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-moms-and-dads/1024508)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2025, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-moms-and-dads/1024508 "2025-11-05T16:36:05Z")
I have two grandkids, Jack 10 and Maia 12. Both play youth soccer, Jack competitively for his age. My daughter and son-in-law are very involved in their leagues. Also much of their social life revolves around after game… --- ## [In soccer, can a team get a red card for fan misbehavior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-can-a-team-get-a-red-card-for-fan-misbehavior/1023996)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2025, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-can-a-team-get-a-red-card-for-fan-misbehavior/1023996 "2025-11-02T13:15:35Z")
The NFL can and does penalize teams for unacceptable crowd behavior. Do soccer leagues do the same? If a supporter of FC Higgontonbottomshire ran onto the pitch and kicked the Chudleytown SC goalkeeper in the nuts, does … --- ## [My soccer team appears to have picked up a nickname (and it sucks)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-soccer-team-appears-to-have-picked-up-a-nickname-and-it-sucks/1021700)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2025, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-soccer-team-appears-to-have-picked-up-a-nickname-and-it-sucks/1021700 "2025-10-24T15:08:03Z")
So St. Louis City SC has only been in the league for a few seasons, and I guess they’ve been copying the Euro model and waiting for their nickname to develop organically. Well, it appears they have one: I heard an announ… --- ## [Soccer Question: Scoring an Own Goal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-question-scoring-an-own-goal/1022858)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2025, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-question-scoring-an-own-goal/1022858 "2025-09-13T01:28:20Z")
Let’s say that Abbott, from the Ypsilianti team, is in Duluth’s half of the field and sends the ball towards the back of the net. Costello, from the Duluth team, tries to kick it away and gets a foot on it, but it goes i… --- ## [In soccer friendlies, do players give it their all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-friendlies-do-players-give-it-their-all/1020772)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2025, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-soccer-friendlies-do-players-give-it-their-all/1020772 "2025-08-09T02:23:15Z")
Aston Villa are crossing The Pond and playing a few international friendlies against MLS teams, to include one against my club, St. Louis City SC. For Aston Villa, the stakes are low, as preseason friendlies are just war… --- ## [In European soccer, are sponsorship deals for one season only?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-european-soccer-are-sponsorship-deals-for-one-season-only/1021696)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2025, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-european-soccer-are-sponsorship-deals-for-one-season-only/1021696 "2025-08-05T11:19:55Z")
Let’s say MegaCorp buys a sponsorship package for Upandcoming FC. Since there’s a very real possibility that Upandcoming FC may be playing in a lower-tier league next season (with fewer viewers, less TV coverage, and les… --- ## [How often are non players (fans, equipment people, media, etc.) injured in soccer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-non-players-fans-equipment-people-media-etc-injured-in-soccer/1020612)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-non-players-fans-equipment-people-media-etc-injured-in-soccer/1020612 "2025-07-08T11:16:46Z")
I’ve seen a few sportsmanship related videos on YouTube where a soccer player will kick the ball, unintentionally of course, in such a way that it conks the ball boy, or the camera operator, or a fan, or whatever, right … --- ## [I just watched a British football coach exchanged rude banter with an opposing fan; is this a thing that happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-watched-a-british-football-coach-exchanged-rude-banter-with-an-opposing-fan-is-this-a-thing-that-happens/1020597)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-watched-a-british-football-coach-exchanged-rude-banter-with-an-opposing-fan-is-this-a-thing-that-happens/1020597 "2025-07-07T22:41:07Z")
Watching Welcome to Wrexham, I saw an exchange where Wrexham AFC were playing … their opponents … on the road, and the Wrexham coach got into some rude banter with a fan (who appeared to be in her teens but I admit I’m a… --- ## [Is the football (soccer) world taking the Club World Cup seriously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-football-soccer-world-taking-the-club-world-cup-seriously/1019726)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-football-soccer-world-taking-the-club-world-cup-seriously/1019726 "2025-07-07T13:23:57Z")
I got the sense before the tournament that this is all a big cash grab, so FIFA can make money on the backs of already-overworked players. The crowds I’ve seen at the games so far have been enthusiastic but rather small.… --- ## [Soccer: on getting a second card (either color) after a yellow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-on-getting-a-second-card-either-color-after-a-yellow/1020536)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-on-getting-a-second-card-either-color-after-a-yellow/1020536 "2025-07-06T17:12:17Z")
Let’s say Messi gets a yellow card in the 49th minute. Then in the 69th, he’s given a second card and automatically sent off. Ok, so if his second offense would have been worthy of a yellow card were it not for the firs… --- ## [Soccer pitch dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-pitch-dimensions/1020165)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2025, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soccer-pitch-dimensions/1020165 "2025-06-27T13:27:36Z")
It came to my attention that soccer pitches are not all one size, there is a range they must fall in. Are there any pitches that players don’t like because they are too wide, too short or whatever? Or are the size differ… --- ## [How can Inter Miami advance to the Knockout Stage (FIFA Club World Cup)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-inter-miami-advance-to-the-knockout-stage-fifa-club-world-cup/1019898)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-inter-miami-advance-to-the-knockout-stage-fifa-club-world-cup/1019898 "2025-06-23T13:42:45Z")
After all teams in Group A have played two matches, Inter Miami and Palmeiras have four points and occupy spots #1 and #2 in group standings. They play Palmeiras next, while the remaining two teams play each other. I ge… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/football-soccer-fifa/41.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=football-soccer-fifa)