World Cup 2026. The Infantino/Trump love fest

[SaddVillan]

So, the bloated Infantego World Cup approaches.

3 host countries
16 venues spread cross 3 time zones,
48 participating countries.
104 games over 39 days, 11 June - 19 July

Quarter finalists will play 6 games
Semi finalists will all play 8 games - either as finalists or in the 3rd/4th place play-off mstch

There will be lots of travelling by, tricky weather conditions and players will come back knackered. This will surely have a knock-on effect in terms of form and fitness next autumn.

From a totally selfish Villa point of view, I'd be happy for the countries with Villa players in their squads to go out in the early rounds, so we can get them home and properly rested for next season.

And as the competition runs from just shy of 6 weeks, it'll also affect the transfer window

Here's who could be on their way to the competition - some more likely than others.

England - Konsa, Rogers, Watkins, Abrahams
Scotland - McGinn
France - Digne
Belgium - Tielemans, Onana
Netherlands - Maatsen, Bizot
Argentina - Martinez, Buendia
Brazil - Luiz

Play-off teams:
Sweden - Lindelof
or
Poland - Cash

Jamaica - Bailey

[exigo]

Bizot is Dutch

[SaddVillan]

Bizot is Dutch

Arrrrghh!

Confused him with Olsen!
Error corrected.

Thanks for pointing it out

[Dave]

Given DL last played for Brazil two years ago and Tammy last played for England four years ago, if you're including them you might as well include Pau, Sancho, Mings, Barkey etc.

[cdbearsfan]

Probably fair to say Abraham has a better chance than them as they don't have too many options after Kane. If he replaces Watkins as Villa starter and scores, maybe, ten goals, he has a very good chance of getting called up. Neither of those is impossible. The others all look much more unlikely for various reasons.

[Pete3206]

This is Other Football surely?

[TheToffnar]

Konsa and Rogers will get absolutely ran into the ground

[Toronto Villa]

Just seeing that fat orange ****** name in a thread title makes me want to vomit.

[Pete3206]

Yeah, World Cup 2026 is sufficient. Can you change the title?

[German James]

This is Other Football surely?

Seconded!

[Somniloquism]

This is Other Football surely?

I think it was here because it was about our players who might go, but I agree, tuck it in other football, then move back for the competion itself rather then using the other games thread which could be 25/26 or 26/27 confusion.

[olaftab]

This should be about football so I agree no need for use of bad language in the title.
Having said it's an awful tournament, far two big played two weeks longer than necessary.

[eamonn]

This is Other Football surely?

This could be heaven for everyone