2026 FIFA World Cup

[Carl Yagro]

I don't think I've ever seen this many draws in a entire World Cup, much less at the group stage.

Are the top teams not that good, is it greater parity, defensive tactics and goaltending or just plain luck?

Pretty awesome to watch the games outdoors on the big screens with other fans around Van.

[Per]

I don't think I've ever seen this many draws in a entire World Cup, much less at the group stage.

Are the top teams not that good, is it greater parity, defensive tactics and goaltending or just plain luck?

Pretty awesome to watch the games outdoors on the big screens with other fans around Van.

I'd say better parity and better defensive tactics play a great part.

The best leagues attract talent from all over the world, who then develop skills they would not have achieved at home.
Then you have eg Mohamad Salah playing for Egypt in this tournament, who just shook Belgium.

And the weaker teams play solid denense and have one or two guys who can run fast on the counterattacks.
It can be really tough to beat those teams even when there is a huge difference in overall skill.

[Per]

Btw, love the new rules regarding eg throw-ins or injuries. Five seconds for a throw-in, or it transfers to the other team. If a player doesn't get up when the ref tells him and gets medical assistance, they have to leave the pitch and can only get on in the next stop of play that occurs at least one minute later.

It has really made it harder for teams that want to delay the game.

[2Fingers]

I think a lot of teams underestimated their opponents and did not come out with the same intensity and that gave the weaker team more confidence. I really hate the pass/pass/pass kick to goalie and then go up the field. There should be a shot clock

Definitely a year were an upset could occur.

Good for soccer but sucks for my pool at work.