World Cup 2026 FIFA World Cup (Qualifiers)

[TubbsFarquhar]

I don't think that was ever in doubt. NZ are practically guaranteed a spot in every WC for the foreseeable future.

 

[happy_eagle]

Is it too late for us to return to Oceania

 

[giggler99]

Is it too late for us to return to Oceania

The more logical solution would be for Oceania to merge into Asia than split the AFC into East/West. But a lot of politicking needs to happen before that could even be considered. atm I don't think either confederation have any interests in each others matters unless FIFA force it.

 

[chef]

REECE.

 

[Frank Bunn]

REECE.

What a great free kick! Strangely he didn't celebrate his first international goal. In fact he looked a bit miserable all game.

England mostly huffed and puffed. Bellingham tried to beat his man 5 times before putting a ball in. He should have received a 2nd yellow card. Rashford made a lot of good runs with the ball but his final ball was poor. They looked better when Rogers, Eze and Foden came on. I was sceptical of Henderson's selection but he's looked handy coming on for a few minutes at the end.

 

[chef]

What a great free kick! Strangely he didn't celebrate his first international goal. In fact he looked a bit miserable all game.

Looks happier here.

 

[terrybull]

The more logical solution would be for Oceania to merge into Asia than split the AFC into East/West. But a lot of politicking needs to happen before that could even be considered. atm I don't think either confederation have any interests in each others matters unless FIFA force it.

Or FIFA should try to make Oceania stronger.

Bring back Australia (and maybe Israel).

Invite Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

 

[Zidane98]

Or FIFA should try to make Oceania stronger.

Bring back Australia (and maybe Israel).

Invite Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Oceania doesn't have a future as a confederation. Vast area, small population, next to no geopolitical power.

It was viable with Australia in it but now that Australia's gone for good the only real long term solution is Oceania to continue as a sub association of AFC.

 

[Zidane98]

What a great free kick! Strangely he didn't celebrate his first international goal. In fact he looked a bit miserable all game.

England mostly huffed and puffed. Bellingham tried to beat his man 5 times before putting a ball in. He should have received a 2nd yellow card. Rashford made a lot of good runs with the ball but his final ball was poor. They looked better when Rogers, Eze and Foden came on. I was sceptical of Henderson's selection but he's looked handy coming on for a few minutes at the end.

With the amount of midfielders England has I just don't see the point in bringing Henderson back going on 35 years old. The chances of him playing at USA 26 must surely be low. Play young players instead.

 

[Frank Bunn]

With the amount of midfielders England has I just don't see the point in bringing Henderson back going on 35 years old. The chances of him playing at USA 26 must surely be low. Play young players instead.

England have lots of attacking mids. Defensive mids not so much. Jones and Lewis-Skelly played both games. Stones and Mainoo are injured. I don't think Tuchel rates Gallagher.

Hendo got in the squad on his character and experience, and he was fine for 2 x 10 minutes against poor opposition when the games were already won. But suppose Rice was unavailable for a big game in the WC? Would you want a 36 yo mid starting against Germany or Brazil? It looks like Ajax will qualify for next season's CL League phase so we will see how his fitness holds up against good teams.

 

[terrybull]

So what new nations will make their World Cup debut in 2026?

Uzbekistan probably just needs one win to qualify, but against tough opponents.

Jordan needs to beat Iraq, so I doubt it.

Venezuela looked strong early but looks tough now.

There might be a good chance for a debut in the CONCACAF group but to early to tell.

Should be least one African nation making its debut. Strongest contenders - DR Congo,
Cape Verde, Gabon.

The European group just started and probably no country will make it’s debut, but as a betting man I would tip Montenegro or Finland.

Also in Group B Europe there is no clear favourite. Any team can win this group.

 

[ioppolo]

So what new nations will make their World Cup debut in 2026?

Uzbekistan probably just needs one win to qualify, but against tough opponents.

Jordan needs to beat Iraq, so I doubt it.

Venezuela looked strong early but looks tough now.

There might be a good chance for a debut in the CONCACAF group but to early to tell.

Should be least one African nation making its debut. Strongest contenders - DR Congo,
Cape Verde, Gabon.

The European group just started and probably no country will make it’s debut, but as a betting man I would tip Montenegro or Finland.

Also in Group B Europe there is no clear favourite. Any team can win this group.

Sorry to burst your bubble but DR Congo were at the 1974 world cup as Zaire back in the day.

 

[terrybull]

Sorry to burst your bubble but DR Congo were at the 1974 world cup as Zaire back in the day.

Thanks for that.

I didn’t do a background check, but tried just to remember, knew there were name changes like Indonesia but totally forgot about Zaire.

I was most unsure about Jordan though.

 

[TubbsFarquhar]

Qatar are currently sitting 4th in their group and cannot qualify directly. Along with their pitiful home WC performance, it really makes you wonder about the legitimacy of their back to back Asian Cup wins.

 

[Zidane98]

Qatar are currently sitting 4th in their group and cannot qualify directly. Along with their pitiful home WC performance, it really makes you wonder about the legitimacy of their back to back Asian Cup wins.

Qatar fielded multiple players at the Asian Cups that their mothers magically had Qatari nationality at birth to get around the 5 year naturalisation / residence requirement. There were protests but these were always destined to fail up against corrupt oil money.

According to their documents they were born in Qatar with Qatari citizenship and decided to migrate to Africa. Which is a steaming pile of BS as Qatar doesn't give nationality to anyone automatically at birth unless their parents are Arabic.