FIFA 2026 A.D. MEN'S WORLD CUP:OFFICIAL THREAD

[jusplay4fun]

I'm surprised golf is that low, with 3 of the majors and the Masters in particular.

I wouldn't put too much weight into some random 15 best article online

US soccer barely beat golf purely in terms of TV viewership in 2025 for the first time ever, but golf is still much larger in terms of US participants (50 million vs 24 million), total revenue of pro leagues (MLS vs PGA,LPGA, seniors tours, PGA of America, college level ect), way way larger in terms of overall revenue as a sport given the high cost of entry (clubs,balls,gloves,$100s greens fees ect for a single participant vs the cost of a single soccer ball spread across 20+ players lol).

Golf TV viewership has really struggled in the US since LIV, not because LIV has been all that successful but alot of the biggest names weren't even playing majors there for a few years and it's always hard to bring people back once they've left.

The random article quoted stats, on viewerhip and revenue and participation.

Here is another article with LOTS of stats on # of fans: Football still #1, baseball #2, soccer #12, golf #5

https://theenterpriseworld.com/most-pop ... n-the-usa/

and another article; why NOT?

If you’re interested in American sports or simply curious about the most popular sports in the United States, you’ve come to the right place! The country boasts several prominent sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, often called America’s “big four” sports. But what exactly are the most popular sports in America? This survey will provide an in-depth look at the most popular sports in the United States.

A recent poll conducted by CEOWORLD magazine in partnership with the COSMOS Analytica revealed that American football is the most popular sport among adults in the United States, with 36% of respondents selecting it as their favorite to watch. Baseball and basketball came in second and third place, with 12% and 11% respectively. The survey was carried out from 5 January to January 24 and asked 240,000 Americans to name their preferred spectator sport. No [other? sic?] sport is named by more than 5% of U.S. adults. Soccer is at 4%; ice hockey and auto racing are at 3%; and figure skating is at 2%. 11% of U.S. adults do not name any sport.

Soccer is #4 (4%) here and edged out ice hockey (3%). Of course the time of year may have SOME bearing, giving Football a HUGE lead, but I doubt that the order will change appreciably.
https://ceoworld.biz/2025/05/13/most-po ... ates-2025/

[Apatheist]

I'm surprised golf is that low, with 3 of the majors and the Masters in particular.

Golf and tennis are (or at least were) considered here in the US, as sports of gentlemen, played a country clubs and the like. As such, fewer typically PLAY those games and watch those games and the sport. Note that loud cheering and jeering during the game is NOT allowed.

In the USA, loud cheering for the Team, jeering of opponents and even officials (referees and umpires and the like) are all part of the game. The games that appeal to the masses and the more "common man" are football (American style), basketball (most men's), and baseball. Such loud cheering is part of the game so that everyone yells at an 18 year old college freshman on the foul line during a basketball game, but everyone is quiet when a golf veteran of 30+ years old goes to putt (same for tennis, especially during the serve). I suspect that in England that yelling, cheering, and jeering is part of the norm for soccer (or football) there and throughout the UK. (I cannot speak intelligently about cricket, rugby, polo, or other sports in the UK.)

To me, the sports that appeal the masses will have a bigger viewship (live and TV and now streaming) and bigger money, usually.

Perhaps you could have a word with the Ryder Cup crowds about yelling and jeering during the game? They're the most unruly bunch. Also that idiot who shouts "Get in the hole!" regardless of how far or difficult the shot being played, which is particularly stupid when teeing off on a 500 plus yard hole.
FYI Rugby crowds cheer, although there is usually respectful silence when someone is taking a kick at goal (either a penalty or conversion). Cricket isn't played in silence, but as in tennis, the crowd has to keep still in the line of sight of the players (specifically the batter, or as they say, "behind the bowler's arm") during the active play.
One thing you will see pretty faultlessly observed everywhere is a minute's silence (or sometimes applause) for a recently deceased player, particularly a well-liked and respected one. When Bobby Moore died - who was captain when England won the World Cup - there were 90000, possibly inebriated, otherwise loutish hooligans inside Wembley stadium, and one could have heard a pin drop.
Polo - haven't got a clue. I'm not posh enough to have been invited. That's definitely the preserve of the very top classes.

[jusplay4fun]

Spain vs. Argentina for the FIFA world Cup this coming Sunday.

Any predictions?

[mookiemcgee]

I'm surprised golf is that low, with 3 of the majors and the Masters in particular.

I wouldn't put too much weight into some random 15 best article online

US soccer barely beat golf purely in terms of TV viewership in 2025 for the first time ever, but golf is still much larger in terms of US participants (50 million vs 24 million), total revenue of pro leagues (MLS vs PGA,LPGA, seniors tours, PGA of America, college level ect), way way larger in terms of overall revenue as a sport given the high cost of entry (clubs,balls,gloves,$100s greens fees ect for a single participant vs the cost of a single soccer ball spread across 20+ players lol).

Golf TV viewership has really struggled in the US since LIV, not because LIV has been all that successful but alot of the biggest names weren't even playing majors there for a few years and it's always hard to bring people back once they've left.

The random article quoted stats, on viewerhip and revenue and participation.

Here is another article with LOTS of stats on # of fans: soccer #12, golf #5

https://theenterpriseworld.com/most-pop ... n-the-usa/

and another article; why NOT?

If you’re interested in American sports or simply curious about the most popular sports in the United States, you’ve come to the right place! The country boasts several prominent sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, often called America’s “big four” sports. But what exactly are the most popular sports in America? This survey will provide an in-depth look at the most popular sports in the United States.

A recent poll conducted by CEOWORLD magazine in partnership with the COSMOS Analytica revealed that American football is the most popular sport among adults in the United States, with 36% of respondents selecting it as their favorite to watch. Baseball and basketball came in second and third place, with 12% and 11% respectively. The survey was carried out from 5 January to January 24 and asked 240,000 Americans to name their preferred spectator sport. No [other? sic?] sport is named by more than 5% of U.S. adults. Soccer is at 4%; ice hockey and auto racing are at 3%; and figure skating is at 2%. 11% of U.S. adults do not name any sport.

Soccer is #4 (4%) here and edged out ice hockey (3%). Of course the time of year may have SOME bearing, giving Football a HUGE lead, but I doubt that the order will change appreciably.
https://ceoworld.biz/2025/05/13/most-po ... ates-2025/

Idk what the point is of following up one random ranking list you googled, by adding more random clickbait lists but ok. The second one you posted showing golf has 12 times as many US fans as soccer is so far off your other two sources it seems to just reinforce that you can't put much weight into random lists you find online after you google something.

[jusplay4fun]

I'm surprised golf is that low, with 3 of the majors and the Masters in particular.

[size= I wouldn't put too much weight into some random 15 best article online [/size]
US soccer barely beat golf purely in terms of TV viewership in 2025 for the first time ever, but golf is still much larger in terms of US participants (50 million vs 24 million), total revenue of pro leagues (MLS vs PGA,LPGA, seniors tours, PGA of America, college level ect), way way larger in terms of overall revenue as a sport given the high cost of entry (clubs,balls,gloves,$100s greens fees ect for a single participant vs the cost of a single soccer ball spread across 20+ players lol).

Golf TV viewership has really struggled in the US since LIV, not because LIV has been all that successful but alot of the biggest names weren't even playing majors there for a few years and it's always hard to bring people back once they've left.

The random article quoted stats, on viewerhip and revenue and participation.

Here is another article with LOTS of stats on # of fans: soccer #12, golf #5

https://theenterpriseworld.com/most-pop ... n-the-usa/

and another article; why NOT?

If you’re interested in American sports or simply curious about the most popular sports in the United States, you’ve come to the right place! The country boasts several prominent sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, often called America’s “big four” sports. But what exactly are the most popular sports in America? This survey will provide an in-depth look at the most popular sports in the United States.

A recent poll conducted by CEOWORLD magazine in partnership with the COSMOS Analytica revealed that American football is the most popular sport among adults in the United States, with 36% of respondents selecting it as their favorite to watch. Baseball and basketball came in second and third place, with 12% and 11% respectively. The survey was carried out from 5 January to January 24 and asked 240,000 Americans to name their preferred spectator sport. No [other? sic?] sport is named by more than 5% of U.S. adults. Soccer is at 4%; ice hockey and auto racing are at 3%; and figure skating is at 2%. 11% of U.S. adults do not name any sport.

Soccer is #4 (4%) here and edged out ice hockey (3%). Of course the time of year may have SOME bearing, giving Football a HUGE lead, but I doubt that the order will change appreciably.
https://ceoworld.biz/2025/05/13/most-po ... ates-2025/

Idk what the point is of following up one random ranking list you googled, by adding more random clickbait lists but ok. The second one you posted showing golf has 12 times as many US fans as soccer is so far off your other two sources it seems to just reinforce that you can't put much weight into random lists you find online after you google something.

And what do you provide, Mookie, other than questions, speculations, spelling errors, and almost NO FACTS? More participants in Golf vs. Soccer in the US? Really?? I guess kids don't count, huh? Mookie. But we cannot check your source(s) since you provide NONE.

Random clickbait? did you look at my sources?

and btw: it is etc and not ect.

etcetera; noun
and others especially of the same kind : and so forth —abbreviation etc.

and
A lot is an adverb or pronoun that means “a large quantity,” while allot is a verb that means “to set aside for a specific purpose.” Alot is a misspelling of a lot.

[mookiemcgee]

More participants in Golf vs. Soccer in the US? Really?? I guess kids don't count, huh?

Well first of all it's supported by basic statistics. Kids may be playing soccer, but old people golf.

There are approximately 64 to 67 million baby boomers still alive in the United States.

Source: The US census

There are approximately 38 to 39 million individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 in the United States.

Source: The US census

A similar ratio is reflected in the stats that come from the largest industry associations for each sport...

48.1 million people in the US played golf in 2025

25.5 million people in the US played soccer in 2025

Sources:
https://www.ngf.org/the-clubhouse/golf- ... -research/
https://sfia.org/u-s-soccer-participation-data/

These things aren't hard to find JP, they just require ignoring 'Top 10' lists written by Ai or unknown randoms trying to get dollars from search clicks and instead going towards sources that you know... are actually sources that compile information directly on a subject they have a vested interest in representing accurately.

Or you could just ask your AI you are constantly copy pasting from questions that are direct and intelligent like "How many people in the US played golf vs soccer last year?" Then you wouldn't be here asking me if 'kids don't count' like your Jeffrey Epstein or something.

[Apatheist]

Spain vs. Argentina for the FIFA world Cup this coming Sunday.

Any predictions?

It won't finish with 22 players on the pitch.

[ConfederateSS]

---------------OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL........CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (SPAIN) WHO STARTED IT ALL...AMERICA 250 ...vs JUAN PERON...MESSI(ARGENTINA)......Messi could retire in Style.......... ConfederateSS.out!(The Blue and Silver Rebellion)...
------------------------Today's WHITEHOUSE Presser........RIGHT OFF THE BAT....TRUMP WILL BE AT THE WORLD CUP FINAL....HOST AN EVENT AT HIS BUILDING....

[jusplay4fun]

More participants in Golf vs. Soccer in the US? Really?? I guess kids don't count, huh?

Well first of all it's supported by basic statistics. Kids may be playing soccer, but old people golf.

There are approximately 64 to 67 million baby boomers still alive in the United States.

Source: The US census

There are approximately 38 to 39 million individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 in the United States.

Source: The US census

A similar ratio is reflected in the stats that come from the largest industry associations for each sport...

48.1 million people in the US played golf in 2025

25.5 million people in the US played soccer in 2025

Sources:
https://www.ngf.org/the-clubhouse/golf- ... -research/
https://sfia.org/u-s-soccer-participation-data/

These things aren't hard to find JP, they just require ignoring 'Top 10' lists written by Ai or unknown randoms trying to get dollars from search clicks and instead going towards sources that you know... are actually sources that compile information directly on a subject they have a vested interest in representing accurately.

Or you could just ask your AI you are constantly copy pasting from questions that are direct and intelligent like "How many people in the US played golf vs soccer last year?" Then you wouldn't be here asking me if 'kids don't count' like your Jeffrey Epstein or something.

Yes, I could; it is not worth my time, tbf. Sports are supposed to be FUN. There is no need to try to insult me, mookie.

This is for me not a deep dive into sports; this topic is NOT that important to me to do such a deep dive. My comments in this thread are for those interested and to prompt discussions. Discuss what you want.

[Apatheist]

---------------OLD WORLD MEETS NEW WORLD IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL........CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (SPAIN) WHO STARTED IT ALL...AMERICA 250 ...vs JUAN PERON...MESSI(ARGENTINA)......Messi could retire in Style.......... ConfederateSS.out!(The Blue and Silver Rebellion)...
------------------------Today's WHITEHOUSE Presser........RIGHT OFF THE BAT....TRUMP WILL BE AT THE WORLD CUP FINAL....HOST AN EVENT AT HIS BUILDING....

America was already visited by Vikings and populated by people who came across the Bering Strait, long before Columbus visited the West Indies. He never went to what is now the USA; in South America, he went to Venezuela, never Argentina.
What he also "started" was the genocide carried out by Hernan Cortes, who owned 3000 slaves. People are so keen and quick to jump on the British colonial failings, they seem to forget about what the Spanish and other colonising western European powers did.
Anyway, Spain have seen what England did to keep Argentina quiet for 85 minutes, I'm sure they'll do the same and not make the same tactical error if they go 1-0 up.

[jonesthecurl]

Also, Columbus was not Spanish...

[mookiemcgee]

Yes, I could; it is not worth my time

This is for me not a deep dive into sports; this topic is NOT that important to me to do such a deep dive. My comments in this thread are for those interested and to prompt discussions. Discuss what you want.

To be clear, I never addressed you in my initial post. I was responding to Apatheist saying he was surprised golf was so low, and I responded because golf isn't 'so low' it was just a silly clickbait list. You chose to respond with more silly lists to 'prompt discussion' but now that you've been presented with accurate information from native sources (that you requested) you don't have time for it...

You have loads of time to correct my spelling errors busy guy... is that because it's "prompting discussions"?

Thanks for your permission to 'discuss what i want', you now have my permission to do so as well.

[Apatheist]

Also, Columbus was not Spanish...

Nor was that his name:
His birth name in 15th-century Ligurian dialect was Cristoffa Corombo, which translates to Cristoforo Colombo in Italian and Cristóbal Colón in Spanish.

[riskllama]

lol, mook wins this thread....

also, feel really bad for England - they really needed something like this as a nation right about now...

[riskllama]

Also, Columbus was not Spanish...

LOL, jonesey wins this thread...

[DirtyDishSoap]

Mook wins this thread by a landslide.

Why? He didn't use AI to summary a bunch of shit that has a nasty habit to get just as much wrong as the clowns peddling around a subject they're not versed in to begin with.

I'd like to think people that are going into the profession of being a teacher would tell you that using AI is as close to plagiarism/ not your own thoughts but here we are, again proving that J4 just uses the laziest form available and gives it an A anyways.

I'm not versed in soccer anyways, and truth be told, glanced over the AI garbage, but anyone, apparently Mook our wine president who I'd vote in any day of the week is making a clear case that he is of the soundest of minds that chooses to even grace us. Thank you Mook. You win at life.

[Dukasaur]

Also, Columbus was not Spanish...

Nor was that his name:
His birth name in 15th-century Ligurian dialect was Cristoffa Corombo, which translates to Cristoforo Colombo in Italian and Cristóbal Colón in Spanish.

Actually, I read an article not too long ago that presented a fairly coherent argument that in fact, he was Spanish. The whole "sea captain from Genoa" story was made up, to make him seem more exotic. It's the "expert from out of town" effect -- people are more likely to believe in a project presented by a gentleman from a foreign land than by a fisherman from their own country.