FIFA World Cup 2026 discussion and watchalong thread part 6

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Follow on.

Previous thread here. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/world-cup-2026/5551650-fifa-world-cup-2026-discussion-and-watchalong-thread-part-5

Yeah, maybe France were a bit of a paper tiger all along.

Interestingly, while much of the media and general public seemed to think France were hot favourites, the bookies never agreed, and had France as joint favourites with Spain from the start, with England not far behind. So perhaps it was hype over substance.

But last night's match really was incredible to watch. The mighty France looked resigned to defeat about halfway through. It was almost like they'd been drafted in to play a meaningless friendly which they couldn't be arsed about, rather than a World Cup semi final.

Bet france wouldn't have played like that against us. Just our luck.

I said that I thought the French defence looked vulnerable in some of the earlier matches.

Yesterday Spain stepped it up a gear and France couldn't follow.

Ok time to get organised so some teenage potential heartbreak counselling can be levered into the build-up!

And what is this about a half hour half time in the final?

It’s barely football, soccer to distinguish, as it is, with hydration breaks and then 50 minute more or less guaranteed halves.

H reckons the only way out of this mess is for the individual federations to revolt en masse and build a new FIFA from the ground up.

Who is in charge of the Euros ? I hope they drop a lot of this and go back to basics with the games
It is hot in Europe and Morocco though , so the hydration stops may stay. Certainly the music snd countdown and half time things won’t be around I bet.
Be interesting to see how different the Euros will be.

Yes, I remember the French teams of 1998 and 2018, they were incredible. But I suppose it ebbs and flows, just disappointed the game lacked excitement because it was so one sided.

I agree with that. It has been quite a dull tournament. God knows what tonight is going to bring.

UEFA

But FIFA is the top of the hierarchy

I'll be watching it at the pub tonight - yikes!

In fairness the last 2 England games have been really exciting, teams much more evenly matched and no lack of effort on either side, despite the appalling heat.

Have fun daps!
We haven't decided what to do re tonight's match 😬
Last night's atmosphere was brilliant but then, we are on Spanish soil!

Spaniard here. I loved last night game specially because so many pundits thought France were the favourites and forgot Spain is a hell of a team. Spain doesn't have great player names coping international headlines, but technically is almost impossible to play against.

Best wishes to England tonight. It has not played exceptionally well but it's a young dangerous team with exceptional players like Jude (I adore him) that can win Argentina. I admit I don't like Argentina - their players are dirty, racist and are in the semis thanks to some questionable refereeing.

Hope I can post again before a Spain v England final. Good luck tonight.

Thank you for your good wishes. Yes, Spain are an awesome team.

Hope it's good. I've had some of the best times watching England down the pub, esp the time they beat Colombia in 2018, finally breaking their jinx on the penalty shootout. What a night that was.

Me too 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Well done to Spain! I am so excited for tonight, seems like anything can happen!

It is really exciting. Despite my username (chosen for the Switzerland game) I believe England can win tonight and beat Spain on Sunday.

I think last night France played how everyone anticipated England to play against Mexico. Lacklustre! DH scoffed at me when before the game I called it for Spain ...

Well, I wasn't expecting that. Spain played really well, great passing and finishing, but France didn't turn up. Mbappe was on his own, Olise and Dembele were a mere shadow of their usual selves. I hope England get the job done tonight, but it will be tough if they make the final.

I was rooting for Spain but would have taken France. If we do get through and lose to Spain I'll take it - they have class unlike Argentina.

I am really 50/50 about tonight. I'm a Liverpool fan so have seen us beat Messi 4-0 when he was 6 years younger, with no Mo Salah. He isn't unbeatable. But I wouldn't be surprised if Harry Kane sneezes at someone and gets sent off.

I don't care what the score is tonight so long as England wins.

C'mon England!

I think we are going to need a new thread for tonight.

Me too

I'm so embarrassing though. I really shouldn't be out in public for England games. I scream and might swear 🙈

Will set one up when it gets to 900 comments.

Football experts, for the totally uninitiated, what are our realistic chances tonight?