FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 - DISCUSSION AND WATCHALONG THREAD ⚽️. Part 4

[placemats]

Follow on from the last thread.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/world-cup-2026/5549045-fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-and-watchalong-thread-part-3?page=10&reply=153357111

I do now after what they've been saying about us!

Ronaldo does a lot for charity it’s true. I’ve heard good things about him too. I’m sure that Portugal are proud of him and his had long career, but I just can’t warm to him and all that’s gone on historically.

Agree with his shitty attitude with us in the past. Can't remember if it was Rooney he got sent off and he was smirking.

Me too!

Yes it was Rooney.

Against the grain, I'm team Portugal. For Bruno (and Ronaldo). And I guess I should include Dopey Dalot too!!!!

Also Team Belgium :)

So come on Portugal and Belgium

I remember reading a piece some years back that pointed out that Messi was always portrayed as the 'good guy' compared to CR, but in fact it was CR who pays his taxes and does much for charity. Mud doesn't stick to Messi, though. It's funny how these memes come to life. it's a bit like way back when we were told that John Lennon was the working-class hero and McCartney was the untalented twat. It's certainly not seen in that light these days.

He did get a lot of hate from England fans and his club colleagues at the time and said he regretted it. But we have long memories.

In the past when some of the Mediterranean and South/Central American countries played dirty tricks with us (Oscar winning performances) which weren’t caught by VAR as it wasn’t around then, then we disliked those countries players for those reasons. Thank F a lot of that is out of the game now though.

Yes he just doesn’t have a likeable vibe about him. He’s always come off as a bit smarmy. The wink certainly didn’t help matters. Luckily all that was caught on camera so it wasn’t as if he could deny doing it.

A lot of American Mexican posters wanted Mexico to win last night/today. Who’d have thunk it?!

According to info on Messi his dad handles his tax side and either did it wrong or defrauded the tax people. I think they both appeared in court for this. I do think Messi would be less likely to defraud tax people though his dad maybe not. You can’t always police what your family do.

Spain and Belgium for me . Am absolutely knackered today so shall be browsing the first match from my bed and will miss the US /Belgium match ! Trump is an absolute disgrace to the point I am actually quite embarrassed for him 🤦‍♀️

Spain for me as I think they have an exciting team.

I'm tempted, I had a few naps today after staying up last night so it's likely my sleep routine is fucked anyway!

portugal and Belgium for me. Hopefully will be asleep for the second of those.

Although I have just taken prednisolone for my asthma so may now be awake until the England game on Saturday.

Is Infantino attending this game?

Seen him at a few of ours, sadly. He’ll pop up if he’s there

It’s been dull so far. Maybe conserving energy ? Just too cautious ?

What a save!

Yes it's a cautious match so far but it's how these two teams play each other.

I’m sure it’ll warm up.

Dull is good. Not sure my nerves could take much else after last night!

No, those sitting up last night must be frayed! That was action packed.

Dull or not, one team is going to win the match.

Ha ha mine couldn’t either after last night!