r/popculturechat • u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth • Jun 13 '26
MEGATHREAD! 🤯 The 2026 FIFA World Cup Megathread ⚽🏟️
The world’s biggest sporting event has arrived!
For the next month, superstars, heartbreaks, underdog stories, and questionable referee decisions will take centre stage as the FIFA World Cup kicks off.
🌎 Hosted by the United States, Canada & Mexico
🏆 48 nations competing for football’s biggest prize
⚽ Match discussion, reactions, highlights, predictions, and tournament drama all belong here
📺 Check the schedule, results, and broadcast information to follow along
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or just here for the chaos, welcome to the World Cup!
As always, please keep discussions civil, respect fellow users, and follow all community rules.
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u/NoMorePosting2026 I live inside my own heart, Matt Damon Jun 13 '26
Let’s go Scotland! 🏴 After 28 years of no men’s WC appearances, I am finally ready for you to break my heart (on goal difference) again.
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u/domeach I want to go to there Jun 13 '26
I live in Boston and it has been sooooo fun to see the Scottish takeover of the city the last couple of days! The fans are DEDICATED
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u/NoMorePosting2026 I live inside my own heart, Matt Damon Jun 13 '26
So many of them won’t even have match tickets, we’re just about the vibes 🤣
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u/b00m_cat trench coat buttoned to the TOP Jun 13 '26
I went to Scotland a while ago and loved it so whenever they’re in a tournament I always root for them
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u/Chihiro1977 Jun 13 '26
No Scotland, No Party! 🏴🏴🏴🥃🥃🥃
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u/dollrussian Jun 13 '26
As a resident of Rhode Island, I’m so excited to be hosting the Tartan Army!!!
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u/Stargirlx20 Jul 19 '26
Maybe a unpopular opinion but I don't think they should've added Justin Bieber. I feel like his performance really brought the vibes down.. dynamite to dai dai would've kept the energy up
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u/RoseGoldRedditor breaking my silence Jul 19 '26
The Beliebers will be after us for this, but I 100% agree!
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u/captainwondyful Jun 13 '26
For those with peacock, Telemundo has all the games commercial free (or basically free, you get the ad before the game starts and during half time).
Also, the USMNT actually looked like a cohesive unit last night. It was shocking. I couldn’t tell if they were good, or Paraguay was just terrible.
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u/Significant_Ad_1138 Jun 13 '26
They’re only in Spanish but it’s 10x better. Way more excitement and less blatant ad breaks
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u/Nkosi868 Jul 19 '26
Bieber went in there and gave us Christian Nationalist.
That was a choice.
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u/RoseGoldRedditor breaking my silence Jul 19 '26
Yeah either that or they were trying for another viral TikTok moment? Weird either way
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u/Low_Two_1988 Lower my Wikifeet score, I dare you Jun 13 '26
Love how the Bosnian team visited my hometown St. Louis ahead of the Cup! Really meant a lot to our Bosnian community. ❤️
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u/makoshark281 why am i gasping, i already knew that Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
After watching the halftime, my fictional performing list would’ve been Shakira and her guest, BTS, Pitbull, and Ricky Martin. The upbeat vibe would’ve stayed consistent
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u/Electronic_Snow_4685 Jun 13 '26
I'm happy with Canada's draw but we really could have had a win. Qatar is a must-win now and it's also the match I have tickets for so I'm at dangerous levels of excitement. I'm most excited to watch Ali Ahmed in-person again. He was electric out there yesterday, hopefully he's fit enough to start.
Also, I hate to say it but the US looked scary last night. It was only Paraguay but those guys are in form now. Balogun especially.
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u/TheTwistedBlade Can I quiz you on ocean facts? Jul 19 '26
Justin Bieber has so many catchy songs that would have fit the vibe of the final so well, why did he chose that song out of everything he could have chosen????
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u/Nkosi868 Jul 19 '26
To promote Christian Nationalism as he has been doing for the past few years but nobody wants to comment on it.
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u/Iwannastoprn Jul 19 '26
That was my main issue, specially because he performed between BTS and Shakira. You can't have a song like that between two dance songs. I don't understand the guy at all, it was clearly a personal choice.
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u/h0neybl0ss0m29 Not parasocial enough for this Jul 19 '26
Disgraceful
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 19 '26
The same team that will do 10000 signs of the cross before coming on to the pitch 😭💀
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 19 '26
Incredibly disgusting and disrespectful. And people wonder why so many people were cheering for Spain.
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Genuinely what the fuck?! Can there be consequences for this? This is disgusting
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u/h0neybl0ss0m29 Not parasocial enough for this Jul 19 '26
He could receive a ban but idk if that’ll actually happen. I’m surprised he didn’t get red during the game. Even the ref can’t stand him lol. He’s a prick through and through.
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u/XxxGoldDustWomanxxX “Mia Farrow’s black child” Jun 13 '26
Where was this for the first few matches?! 😭😩 can’t wait for the Brazil v. Morocco match!
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 19 '26
This is so not it. But loving the young dancers with Shakira.
Really should have just been Shakira.
Not a dig to the other artists but there’s something about her and the World Cup that just vibes.
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Going from a somber Justin to Shakira is sending me lmao
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u/yolatingy Jul 19 '26
Why was Madonna in the basement for 90% of her performance 🥲
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u/RoseGoldRedditor breaking my silence Jul 19 '26
I’m guessing that was pre-filmed right?
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u/Chihiro1977 Jun 14 '26
It's 1.44 am and the last time Scotland were in a world cup I was 20. HWFG!!! 🏴🏴🏴
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team (Leopards), returning to the World Cup after 52 years 🐆
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Bieber and the Ted Lasso thing are sticking out like a sore thumb
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Who came up with this whole half time?! This isn’t all gelling together lmao
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u/plantmamamia she made Sombr unfollow me Jul 19 '26
Was thinking this was giving Coldplay vibes and seeing he was behind it now makes sense 😂
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u/Intrepid-Energy7285 Jun 13 '26
I’m so curious how the US is gonna react if they actually make a deep run lol. Like are we getting spontaneous parades and people calling in “sick” to watch group stage games or what. Also fully expecting at least three insanely cursed referee moments that live rent free on TikTok for the next decade.
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u/jooleerene Jun 13 '26
I think we can make it to the round of 16, but then we are most likely facing Argentina or Uruguay …. That seems like the farthest we could go but then again miracles happen!
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u/DesperateInCollege Jun 13 '26
My guess exactly. They played great yesterday, but their group isn't exactly a tough one to come out of
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 06 '26
I sound like a broken record, but can they do what Love Island does and allow eliminated teams to return? Bring Cape Verde back 😭
Also, Haaland is a monster! I can’t believe how casually he scored those two goals today
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u/wut_it_is Jul 19 '26
feel like the different acts do not go together - why is this the performance JB decided on?
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u/Bigassbird Chastity Unitard Jul 19 '26
Shakira has her revenge. She’s been to more World Cup finals than Pique.
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u/OldDream1010 Jun 13 '26
USA’s performance facing Paraguay really impressed me yesterday!! They were rapid, precise and plenty of energy and will!! This World Cup will rock!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸!!
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u/vegalucyna Jul 05 '26
Wow I didn’t think fifa could get more corrupt but there you go.
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 06 '26
I’m still astonished at Fifa letting him take Chelsea’s trophy at the Club World Cup final last year. The way he barged into their celebration is still mind-boggling
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
MUPPETS SEVEN NATION ARMY?!
https://giphy.com/gifs/9SIqGto42x4oHpkS5z
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u/Blueribbon246 Jul 19 '26
What is happening 😅
From the obvious lip syncing to the broadcaster deciding to just play the songs over the recording without the crowd atmosphere? I'm confused
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 20 '26
Ferran Torres receiving the fan-voted Player of the Match Award from Shakira 🇪🇸🏆
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u/babyrothko baby rothko spice Jun 13 '26
really excited for the wc and will be rooting on France! still can't believe the us mens team actually doing so well last night. the south korean vs mexico match is going to be wiiiiilld. can't wait
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 01 '26
France are so fun to watch. Just an entire team of demons. Mbappe is FAST. Olise too!
As someone who knows next to nothing about football, the difference between their game and the Ivory Coast/Norway one was night and day. They’re just too good
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 09 '26
Apparently Chris Martin has now added Miss Piggy and Kermit to the already crowded half time show. It’s 11 minutes long and there are 9 performers … sure some are doubling up (Shakira & Burna Boy), but WTF. Why not just add the Rockets for good measure. 😵💫
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
That was cringy. 😬
Possibly the worst half time show I have ever watched.
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/l0MYt5jPR6QX5pnqM
Spain had an extra day off and the trend continues!!! THANK GOD!!!
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u/IfatallyflawedI Big is moving to Paris Jul 19 '26
Should’ve been 2-0 but I’m so happy the cheaters lost
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 20 '26
https://reddit.com/link/oylayot/video/clfahihofaeh1/player
Messi trying to get Cucurella sent off
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
When your captain is doing underhanded nonsense like Messi, it’s no wonder the Argentinian team move the way it does. Like they could just play well, instead of actively undermining the sportsmanship of the game. I genuinely don’t understand how players like Messi don’t feel profoundly embarrassed acting like this. This is not a desire to win, it’s just entitled nonsense with no regard for the integrity of the game, or oneself. Super corny!
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u/b_12563 Jun 13 '26
I’m not a huge soccer fan - huge disappointment for a Brazilian, I know. But after group phase things become fun even for someone who doesn’t like soccer
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 02 '26
As a west African, I should have known better. I trick myself into thinking there’s a chance every time. Senegal, you were the best bet! It hurts even more after the afcon situation. WHY did you relax?! Not west, but RIP Congo as well.
Ghana and Cape Verde, I will be watching with my face in my hands. 🫣
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u/Acceptable_Dinner228 Jul 03 '26
I Can’t Believe What Literally Just Happened In That Portugal Vs Croatia Match For A Second I Couldn’t Believe What I Was Watching
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 06 '26
The fact that a lot of Americans (on other social platforms) don’t seem to understand why the world is pissed at the red card being overturned says a lot about how narrow minded and selfish some Americans are. If your team wins, it won because it cheated, your Cheeto Fanta Fascist made the call to get it overturned.
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u/passionicedtee Jul 06 '26
Sooooo fuck the Paraguayan Senator for insulting Mbappé that way. Idk why racism in sports is so normalized!!! Same with the French reporter who insulted Jeremy Baku for going to the hospital with his wife as she gave birth.
Anyway, I am excited for US vs. Belgium!!
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u/drieduprosepetals i’m not a furry, you guys are gross 😾 Jul 19 '26
Also that must’ve been one hell of a expensive halftime especially with BTS
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Yes that annoying ass player is RED CARDED OUT
https://giphy.com/gifs/llWNzBdbCGi3jnysxi
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u/drieduprosepetals i’m not a furry, you guys are gross 😾 Jul 19 '26
VAMOS ESPAÑAAAAAA Felicidades a tu victoria ❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛💛💛
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
This is the second time Rihanna has shown up to a World Cup final and watched Argentina lose. As long as this team is this dirty, whiny, and entitled, I will hope she keeps showing up if they’re in the finals
https://giphy.com/gifs/26n7937SwZkal2Oju
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u/Parakeet0112 Jun 13 '26
Just found out New York Times have released a football/soccer daily edition of the puzzle Connections for the World Cup! Took me a min to play and is quite fun - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/connections-soccer-edition/
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u/DefinitionCharming48 go girl, give us nothing Jun 14 '26
I’m here eating and everytime i turned around to look at the screen i’m like ANOTHER ONE?!
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u/m00mie Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Germany has been getting so much shit ever since 2018, most of it from our very own people. I was so glad they did well , I hope they can keep it up so people will stop doubting them. Some are still unimpressed with today's results. Man.
Undav's assist for Brown (5:1) was chef's kiss!!! 5 players made their first ever World Cup goals!!! Musiala being subbed scared me for a second, but Nagelsmann just wanted to give other players a chance. May he heal and get back to his original form. Also Sané my darling I need you to score SO bad!!!
ETA: Curacao greeting their fans made me tear up. I'm actually glad they were able to score. May they come far!
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u/passionicedtee Jun 18 '26
I'm trying to get more into soccer this year to connect with the kids I work with. I work somewhere where French is the main language and the kids are from cultures that love soccer. Some of them even travel to play in junior leagues. How can I learn the basics before watching some of the matches?
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u/Electronic_Snow_4685 Jun 18 '26
If you're into gaming I would suggest playing a soccer game (or a free mobile one). If not, just watch some highlights, either game ones or skill compilations. That's how I got into it when I was an impatient kid who didn't want to sit through the full 90. Or, if reading is your thing there's probably some good books out there.
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jun 21 '26
https://reddit.com/link/ot15hi7/video/au9oqokn0q8h1/player
🗣️🗣️🗣️ AFTER REVIEW 🗣️🗣️🗣️ NUMBER 10 🗣️🗣️🗣️ PARAGUAY 🗣️🗣️🗣️ COVERED HIS MOUTH 🗣️🗣️🗣️
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u/echoesandripples What It's Like to Go Through Life As a Really Beautiful Woman Jun 29 '26
CA-RA-LHO
me and my entire neighborhood are screaming crying throwing up post Brazil win with the bonus of paraguay eliminating fucking germany
what a fucking day, what a beautiful day to have off work with sunshine and game day starting at 2 and celebrations still
gracias a dios nací en latinoamérica indeed, amigos
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u/46esmirna Jul 01 '26
The joy of being in Mexico for a World Cup win (as a host country, mind you) walking the streets with hoards of people with my little girl and American husband in their Mexico jerseys celebrating a Round of 32 win after 40 years of not making it will be a core memory for me forever.
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u/m00mie Jul 07 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/iiDipW55ZH1rpkmzSh
The Cheeto tainted the USMNT. Thank you, Belgium.
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 12 '26
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 15 '26
Lamine Yamal, you’re my shayla now. Congratulations on the new job role
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u/m00mie Jul 15 '26
In 5 days we will never have to think about Messi again!!! Yes yes, he is the goat but I am TIRED OH LORD!
Jesus Christ, I can't believe I have to root for Spain. Cucurella better be at his worst.
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u/echoesandripples What It's Like to Go Through Life As a Really Beautiful Woman Jul 16 '26
i can't wait to watch the female world cup next year so that i can root for non evil goats
(and i'm fucking upset he broke the record)
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u/Maester_Bates Wherein he encourages a woman to sit on his face Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
So happy that they played Asereje before the match. It's the real Spanish national anthem.
Edit: they're playing La Macarena now, also a contender for national anthem.
If Spain win I hope they play Mi Gran Noche.
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u/Dazzling-Pangolin827 Jul 19 '26
Argentina are allowed 5 free fouls before their first card, don’t be pissed, that’s just the rules.
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 19 '26
did anyone see why the Argentina manager pushed away Lamine??
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
I hate these violent, sore losers
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Some of these players look so young - I know a few are teenagers.
Edit
OK, so did Trump maybe have like a baby stroke or something because he’s smiling really weird like only one side of his face.
Oh my God did I just see Mark Carney are there a whole bunch of world leaders there? I’m very confused.
Right - as co-hosts, Canada and Mexico leaders are there.
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u/SiobhanRoy1234 Big is moving to Paris Jun 14 '26
Has anybody seen the video’s of the Dutch going to the stadium while partying lol. Curious to see if they’ll play as well as they party
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jun 14 '26
wow Japan!!!! 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵 amazing goal by Kamada
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jun 25 '26
Disappointed there was no alien invasion like the psychic promised.
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jun 29 '26
Neymar warming up like he still has the capacity to jog for more than 6 minutes
https://giphy.com/gifs/BYul6RujgoRCryuCdL
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u/melbslove26 Jul 02 '26
As an (Aussie/)American, I was not expecting the US to go this far but I’m thrilled nonetheless. Now come onnnn, Socceroos!
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 02 '26
amazing match!! but I am worried about the red card for Monday
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 04 '26
If it went to penalties, Messi and his fellow divers would have been packing their bags. I hope they can hold their heads high knowing that literally the entire world was rooting for them
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 05 '26
The words I’d like to use about the “people” playing the American anthem at the Canada vs Morocco game would get me kicked off Reddit. Shame on those “people”. 🤬🖕🏻
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u/melbslove26 Jul 07 '26
All my teams are out ❤️🩹❤️🩹 sooooo I’ve officially adopted Norway, let’s gooooooo.
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u/echoesandripples What It's Like to Go Through Life As a Really Beautiful Woman Jul 15 '26
i don't think i have words to express my annoyance at argentina. even if i usually hate england a bit more, I guess I hoped for a last minute fuckup for argentina and yet, no matter how much i hope, they keep flipping the score
(I wish it had gone into penalties)
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 18 '26
Deeply pleased France stopped sulking and allowed their egos to check back into this game
https://giphy.com/gifs/K5R7631qr1qa10JA0D
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
Bellingham scoring in the last 20 seconds or so was just so satisfying. Very chef’s kiss of him…
I was actually laughing out loud during the first half. I wish I could hear what the coach told the Frenchies during half time. Also I wish this were the real final. Tomorrow’s isn’t going to be as fun 😑
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
I know this isn’t the Jonas Brothers… but I still hear Nick Jonas
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u/drieduprosepetals i’m not a furry, you guys are gross 😾 Jul 19 '26
Weird combination of singers but I still liked it , eveyone at work seemed hyped
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 19 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/J6ctgPvnDpDi0
yep right on schedule there's the rescinded goal
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u/Applemers Jul 19 '26
Whenever I think of the World Cup, I think Shakira. She should headline every one of them
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26
Argentina are sore losers on top of being sore winners, jee, who could have seen that coming? Clowns
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u/h0neybl0ss0m29 Not parasocial enough for this Jul 19 '26
I just knew one of them was gonna wave their damn finger in someone's face again as soon as it was called.
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u/IfatallyflawedI Big is moving to Paris Jul 19 '26
Why the fuck is there a halftime show in the World Cup and why is it so cringe
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u/DefinitionCharming48 go girl, give us nothing Jun 14 '26
Germany showed no mercy 😭
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u/Beginning-Passion676 Jun 16 '26
Tahsin Mohammed was frist indian origin player who joined qatar football team
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jun 19 '26
looks like Ismaël Koné’s leg was broken during the match ☹️
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u/vegalucyna Jul 01 '26
I only want Belgium to lose because I don’t want to deal with more bs media criticizing Jeremy Doku for wanting to be with his wife when she gives birth to their first child tbh
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 03 '26
My shayla blocked a government mandated Messi penalty 😩
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u/melbslove26 Jul 04 '26
I AM LOSING MY SHIT OVER THAT CABO VERDE EQUALISER OMGGGG LETS GOOOOOOO
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u/echoesandripples What It's Like to Go Through Life As a Really Beautiful Woman Jul 04 '26
now i'm sad! the city exploded in fireworks with the tying goal but alas, argentina ugh
that said, holy shit, holding their own against the defending champions until the end of overtime is amazing
essa copa do cabo verde foi sensacional, eu amo quando times aleatórios surgem pra quebrar um pouco o ego de jogadores
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u/vegalucyna Jul 05 '26
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2ky2x52kwlo
I’m dead that the bbc posted an entire article about this
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u/surfjams the mbappé special Jul 09 '26
Only slightly WC related, but I love the Mbappe special meme so much. It’s go girl, give us nothing’s younger brother 😭
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u/nizaad THEE Princess Of Nazareth Jul 09 '26
our French dictator will destroy corrupt FIFA & VARgentina 🤲🏾
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u/NewtRipley_1986 Jul 19 '26
According to online sources - Threads - each artists gets 1 min and 45 seconds to perform a song and apparently all the songs will tie into each other to tell a story.
Anyhoo - GO SPAIN!!!!!! Please for all the good in the world win today.
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u/Cold_Breadfruit_9794 Beyoncé 🐝🐝 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Now why did Tom Cruise give a pre-speech? This isn’t the WWE, please lmao
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u/[deleted] Jun 13 '26
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