World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup  (for men) is certainly the biggest global sporting event.  For the most part, the best players and managers are on display for our enjoyment.  For some it is an opportunity for corruption and for others a platform for political action.  The audience is there as they love the competition.

In the preliminaries to the event Gianni Infantino decided to cater to the vanity of Donald Trump by awarding him a peace prize.  Trump had openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize that had been rejected for obvious reasons. 

Donald Trump was on display taking advantage of photo opportunities and chances to impose policies.  Their immigration program is racist and political.  Iran qualified and the luck of the draw scheduled their 3 games at American stadiums, but were only allowed to compete in America for the games and forced to stay overnight in Mexico.  Disadvantaged they were eliminated by a late goal scored by Algeria.  The mother of the Cape Verde goalie was at first refused admission.

Somalia was one of the countries not allowed to come to the U.S., but a Somali referee was considered one of the top referees from Africa.  He was not allowed at all by the Trump government.  

A top American player, Faloran Balogun was given a red card, meaning not eligible for the next game.  Trump decided to use his influence and managed to have the red card disregarded.  The result was disastrous for the U.S. as they made critical mistakes and lost 4-1.  Faloran Balogun, the suspended player approached the Belgian coach to apologize, but the Belgian coach did not blame him, the decision was made by others.  

To give Trump some credit he had one interesting idea.  American football should be renamed so that soccer can be called football.  It is confusing for English (and French) speaking North Americans as our football is mostly running and passing.  Unfortunately this idea is not going far as the N.F.L. is well entrenched with the American (and Canadian) public.  

Impossible not to notice that many of the European players were African in origin, but still the African nations barely barely made it for the knockout rounds.  It seemed that colonizers did better than the colonized.  Morocco was an exception in that 19 of their 26 players were born outside Morocco and they did advance to the knockout round.  Al Jazeera pointed out that minority players are subject to racist remarks such as with the Netherlands public after three minority players failed in a shoot out

Another political element was regarding Palestine.  The Egyptian coach displayed a Palestine flag and advocated for them--During the first half of the Egypt/Argentina knock out game the Egyptian team scored 2 goals.  However in the second half Argentina overcame with input from Lionel Messi and won the game 3-2.  Egyptians claimed the ref was unfair.  There always seems to be room for criticism.  FIFA, itself has long recognized the Palestine football club and allowed them to take part in qualifying rounds.

Argentina fans made a protest about the Falklands, better known to them as Les Malvinas.  The Argentine government was pro Israel, but the general population was more sympathetic to the Palestinians.

The decision to increase the teams from 32 to 48 countries was beneficial.  Small countries got a chance to play as everyone got 3 games and a few surprised experts.  Cape Verde was perhaps the biggest surprise.  The second smallest population in the tournament, but in group games they were all  draws including against eventual winner, Spain.  In the first knockout Argentina came from behind to win in injury time.  Another surprise was when Paraguay defeated Germany in a shootout.

I would love to see my Canadian team do better, but not too surprised, being eliminated in their first knockout game.  They put on a fair show, but have a long way to go. 

There were lots of interesting facts.

The Japanese, following their example from the previous World Cup cleaned up their seats after game setting a good example picked up by Paraguay.  The Japanese goalie Zion Suzuki was born in the U.S. with a Japanese mother and a Ghanian father.

Lionel Messi setting all time World Cup scoring record until Kyrian Mbappe of France (with a Cameroonian father) broke some of them.

Erling Haaland was a likable star for the Norwegian team whose fans had developed a crowd cheering motion with rowing simulation.

For the first time hydration breaks were part of each game.  Many fans were annoyed and suggesting the purpose was for tv. ads.  Personally I felt over time better for the game. An acknowledgement of climate change and an adjustment we will see more of.  As the World Cup wound up Canada and part of the United States were dealing with some serious forest fires.  Trump blamed Canada, but he is an example of not acknowledging climate change.

Another innovation was a half time show for the final game.  To get in some headliners the break time was extended.  The headliners included Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna, BTS and Gustavo Dudamel.  Seemed well received by the fans.  On television the action started inside the stadium, but was visible by big screens.

As with all sports there is an element of flukiness in football such as the position of the ref, the bounce of the ball, position of light and shadow, etc while the better teams manage to their benefit.  As a low scoring game, football can sometimes be decided by a fluke.

In the game to decide 3rd place, England beat France, 6-4, the highest scoring game of the tournament.  Saku for England had 3 goals duplicating a feat of Messi.

Spain deservedly won the trophy defeating Argentina in the final, but I would say France was second best.  I realize Trump wanted Argentina to win as he is cosy with their leader and was upset with Spain over some military issues (refusing to help his Iran attack).  He did get booed when getting ready to present the trophy and medals.  He had to be pulled off the stage while the Spanish players were celebrating.

It still amazes me that the World Cup draws more attention than the Olympics, but it definitely is a massive fan favourite.  I would like to think I will get to indulge in my love for athletic excellence, drama and international good will.

see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/09/fiba-world-cup.html

the 2022 World Cup

The World Cup is one of the very most popular global events.  The competition is well managed to provide maximum excitement.  Unfortunately it is controlled by some with money interests.

My notes are a bit random as for me it was hard to sort such a wide assortment of noteworthy things.

 Qatar came out on top of the bidding process.  Normally the World Cup is run in the summer months and leagues around the world cater to that.  The temperature would be unbearable in the summer months and so they offered a schedule for November and December.   They assured everyone would be welcome.  They even made accommodation for alcohol consumption.  Check this expose of corruption inside
FIFA:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/11/fifa-uncovered.html

It is a mammoth task for construction and they promised a timely completion.  They accomplished it at the expense of several hundred dead foreign workers.  Locally I was surprised that here in Ontario they are allowing alcohol in some bars as early as 7:00 in the mornings of games.  No doubt this will help increase attendance and boost profits for those who were able to get the rules bent.  Irony is that the weekend before the games start it was declared that after all there would be no alcohol served at the Qatar games despite a contract.  It has been pointed out that many stadiums have forbidden alcohol in total or for certain times of the game.

 Now as it turned out, although they did not check for gays, they forbade open displays of affection for either heterosexuals or homosexuals.  The German starting team posed with their mouths covered to protest the ban on One Love arm bands.  The Netherlands invited some migrant workers to a practice plus promised to auction off uniforms at end with money going to migrant workers.  The Netherlands invited some migrant workers to a practice plus promised to auction off uniforms at end with money going to migrant workers.

One limited effect was with Iran that was suffering from riots back home regarding restrictions against women.  Many of the players sympathized and early indicated their support for the world to see.  Iranians refuse to sing their national anthem.  Put their arms on each other rather that their tradition with hands on heart.  Declined to celebrate their goals as had been a habit, that had  been curtailed during league play after riots started.  They entered the stadium with Persian flags.  Some of their fans booed the Iranian national anthem.  T shirts with the protest slogan "Women, Life, Freedom"  Other T Shirts had names of female protesters on them.  It must  be added that many were dressed conservatively.  Many players, guests and journalists  were reprimanded or stopped from entering the stadiums.  However we are told that threats were made to their families and they desisted. Similarly some of the fans also supported the protests and eventually Iranian agents were brought in to curb disturbances.  FIFA and traditional Iranians have tried to lock down Iranian protests.   

One cause that was allowed was for the Palestinians.  A lot of visitors had not seen their issues expressed.  They displayed banners inside stadium.  

Feminism was boosted as more female referees than in previous games  For the third game of the group section, Germany vs. Costa Rico there were four females forming the referee team--Stephanie Frapart of France will the head referee and Neuza Back of Brazil and Karn Diaz of Mexico will call the offsides.  Kathryn Nesbitt will deal with video calls.  From Rwanda and Japan are two more females included.

Not paid a lot of attention to soccer in the off years pleased to see advances in coverage making it easier for non fans to be converted.  Tv. coverage had a few embellishments new to me.  Injury time had a separate spot.  Injury time was presented as a minimum of letting us know the referee had some discretion.  Offsides were visually presented and easily understood.

Stadium architecture really beautiful.  

The Japanese set a trend.  They started as a group to clean up stadium after a game, including ones they were not part of. This trend was picked up by Tunisia and then Saudi Arabia.

Fans put on displays, but I think Senegal deserves top honors.  They had a well coordinated dance, costume and drums routine that made me wish they had gone further in the knock out rounds. Many national visitors took to wearing Arabic head gear.

Argentina allowed Saudi Arabia a colossal upset in their first game.  The knockout formula does up the intensity, but the World Cup format allows for ties and even defeats to not be eliminated.  This upset illustrates that good teams can have off games and go on to learn.  All teams are guaranteed at least three games which gives them a chance to play against international competition.  More visitors have a reason to stay longer.

First game with host Qatar, outclassed by Ecuador--several yellow cards trying to contain Ecuador players.  Good cheering section, but all men.  Women a little more evident with Ecuador.

Upsets to create new excitement:  Saudi Arabia over Argentina, Japan over Germany, and Spain, Morocco over Belgium and Portugal.  More goals than ever.

A prominent Danish player Christian Eriksen  had had a heart attack 18 months previous and played in all the group games.

Embolo playing for the Swiss team became the first player to score against his birth country, Cameroon

Canada was highly promoted nationally, but I feel expectations were not realistic.  They played fairly well could conceivably have won against Belgium.  In reality they were in a group where the other teams all were more highly ranked.  Their group also included Morocco and Croatia who ended playing for third spot.  Perhaps we need to take consolation in just making the 32 finalists.  Alphonso Davies did well.  The head coach, John Heard felt that Canada needed to get more Canadians in the elite leagues.

Morocco provided a significant breakthrough beating Belgium and Portugal and finishing fourth.  They had boisterous fans, not all African, Arab or Muslim.  Learned that the Moroccan goalie, Yassine Bounou, who won the game in the shootouts was born in Montreal.  Japan and Korea showed some competitiveness.  Still it seems Europe and South America dominate.

Shootouts to decide winners in the knockout round are criticized by some commentators.  After 90 minutes of vigorous competition is already a wearying task and not just for the players, but also the referees and even the fans.  Skills are what are expected and the shootouts provide some of that.  Many sports have concluded fans do not enjoy entertainment that is too long.  Sudden death as in hockey is one option that might be considered, but that might shift emphasis even more to defense.

Milan Borjan, goalie from Hamilton--family had fled from Knin, Croatia to Belgrade Serbia during wars of independence--came to Canada in 2000 when Milan was 8 years old, ending up in Hamilton, but was recognized as talented goalie--  was offered a goalie  position with Belgrade Red Star and rose to be their captain.  He could have chosen to play with Serbia or Croatia for World Cup, but felt gratitude to Canada and chose them--prior to their game against Croatia, coach John Herdman in an effort to boost team morale was quote as saying "fuck Croatia" a quote that Croatians used to motivate themselves. Unfortunately some of the fans decided to taunt Boran at the game with posters that pointed out his family had fled Knin on John Deere tractors.  Milan was quoted in our local Spectator as wishing Croatia success in their next games as he had friends on the team--FIFA who is supposed to be against ethnicism and racism claim, but in 2016 FIFA dropped a special task force that dealt with racism. 

Speaking of goalies.  During the knock out game between France and England, Harry Duke was confronted by his Tottenham team-mate for a penalty kick.  They both knew each other very well.  Harry actually kicked the ball slightly over the net.

Heartbreaks common in third group games.  Tunisia from a fourth position needed to beat #1 France and have Denmark and Australia tie.  Australia led 1-0 near the end as Denmark applied a lot of pressure to tie the game, while Tunisia had a goal.  As Denmark failed to tie, that eliminated Tunisia, but they were still winning when France apparently scored in injury time, but after a small delay the referee was called to see a replay and disallowed the goal letting Tunisia at least claim victory over France.

Human nature was revealed a bit by the reaction of Ronaldo to be taken out of a game and then put as a substitute for the quarter final game.  He displayed disappointment and a little anger.  Recognized as one of the top players in the world he likely wanted to add to his legacy by scoring more goals in the World Cup.  In the first instance, the game didn't affect the next step and Ronald as a critical asset would help his team more by resting.  In the second instance I am not sure how his coach evaluated Switzerland, but it turned out they were not a difficult opponent.  Although flukes could decide a game, the coach did have Ronald available as a substitute should the game turn the wrong way and in fact he did let him after the game was under control.  As it happened his substitute scored three goals and proved he deserves time.   Someday Ronaldo will retire and memories of this behavior will not help unless he learns from it.

The death of Grant Wahl an American journalist convert to football during a game from an aneurism.  Mourned by LeBron James who knew him from his high school basketball career.  Grant had been stopped at one game for wearing a One Love T shirt.

The game for 3rd place which I missed because I misread the schedule could use a boost to make it more meaningful.  Some have pointed out that the two teams are coming tired off a big disappointment and probably just want to go home.  The organizers no doubt want to maximize their profits with a captive audience.  Extra money for the winning players is at best a partial solution.  An idea might be to let the winner an automatic entry for the next World Cup.

An important deal overlooked for many years.  It is not "Lye on Nel", but rather "Lee o Nel" Messi.

The final was very exciting.  France were down two goals at half, but tied it in regulation.  Then two goals in extra time.  During the shoot out the Argentine goalie stopped one and benefited with one wide shot.  President Emmanuel Macron cheering on France and after consoling Mbappe helped give out medallions. The Golden Boot went to Kylian Mbappe having scored three goals to pull ahead of Messi who only score two goals in the finals game,  The Golden Ball trophy symbolizing the best overall player went to Lionel Messi,with Mbappe second and the last Cup winner, Croatian Luka Modric third.  The Golden Glove award for the top goalie when to Argentine Emilian Martinez.  To cap off the Argentine awards, Enzo Fernandez won the Youth Award.  An irony is that Messi and Mbappe will be team mates at Paris St. Germain.

At the final game the FIFA team trophy was unveiled by a favorite actress Deepika Padukone.

Several countries, including Denmark have discussed leaving FIFA.   My wish is that it be cleaned up, but the lure of money is overwhelming.

I would like to end by paraphrasing a quote I heard from Ismaila Alfa which he attributed to a Uruguayan poet, (I think it must have been Eduardo Galeano).  "When football is well played it is like a dance with a ball."

Two previous blogs on World Cup might illustrate some evolution of appreciation.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/07/world-cup-2018.htm and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/07/what-world-cup-means-to-me.html

Some thoughts on Women's World Cup;   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/07/womens-world-cup.html