I wasn't sure where to put this and I know you have more important things to focus on this week (best wishes in your matches btw), but a reputable source had a brief leak today that the All Whites could be involved in a four-team tournament in Toronto this June involving Canada, Ukraine and the Ivory Coast.
Reading between the lines, I think they would set it up as a mini tournament with New Zealand facing Ivory Coast and Canada playing Ukraine and then the winners meeting and the losers meeting three days later.
I don't think anything will be announced until after this FIFA window, but I thought the rumour might be of interest.
"President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup. The White House says the task force – which will be chaired by President Trump — will oversee preparations for the Club World Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S. this summer, as well as the World Cup, which takes place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada next year. Vice President JD Vance will act as vice chair and an as yet unnamed executive director will oversee day-to-day operations.....
However, the upcoming tournament comes amid the backdrop of the Trump imposing tariffs on co-hosts Canada and Mexico, as well as his derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants and rhetoric about Canada becoming America’s “51st state”.... Asked about whether the threat of trade tariffs being imposed on fellow co-hosts would impact the World Cup, Trump replied: “I think it’s gonna make it more exciting. Tension is a good thing.”
The Athletic reported in February that Trump’s 2018 commitment that “all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination” is also at significant risk of being unfulfilled, given concerns over visa wait times..... FIFA, however, have substantial challenges to overcome for the 2026 tournament. Host cities, for example, are eager to secure federal funding to guarantee security during the tournament in order to avoid dipping excessively into the pockets of state taxpayers or donors, and hardline visa and immigration policies have sparked fears that a number of people who legitimately acquire tickets for the tournament could be refused visas altogether.
Trump: "I recently called you 'The King of Football' - I'm not so sure. You could actually be 'The King of Clowns' - and I should know! " FIFA moving into Crypto fraud: "Following the meeting in the Oval Office, Infantino then joined Trump for the White House’s first “Crypto Summit”. Infantino said: “FIFA is very, very interested under my presidency to develop the FIFA coin to do it from America and conquer the five billion soccer fans in the world. So if there is anyone interested in teaming up with FIFA, we’ll conquer the world of soccer with the FIFA coin.”
Trump replied: “That coin may be worth more than FIFA in the end. It may be quite a coin.”
"President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup. The White House says the task force – which will be chaired by President Trump — will oversee preparations for the Club World Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S. this summer, as well as the World Cup, which takes place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada next year. Vice President JD Vance will act as vice chair and an as yet unnamed executive director will oversee day-to-day operations.....
However, the upcoming tournament comes amid the backdrop of the Trump imposing tariffs on co-hosts Canada and Mexico, as well as his derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants and rhetoric about Canada becoming America’s “51st state”.... Asked about whether the threat of trade tariffs being imposed on fellow co-hosts would impact the World Cup, Trump replied: “I think it’s gonna make it more exciting. Tension is a good thing.”
The Athletic reported in February that Trump’s 2018 commitment that “all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination” is also at significant risk of being unfulfilled, given concerns over visa wait times..... FIFA, however, have substantial challenges to overcome for the 2026 tournament. Host cities, for example, are eager to secure federal funding to guarantee security during the tournament in order to avoid dipping excessively into the pockets of state taxpayers or donors, and hardline visa and immigration policies have sparked fears that a number of people who legitimately acquire tickets for the tournament could be refused visas altogether.
Trump: "I recently called you 'The King of Football' - I'm not so sure. You could actually be 'The King of Clowns' - and I should know! " FIFA moving into Crypto fraud: "Following the meeting in the Oval Office, Infantino then joined Trump for the White House’s first “Crypto Summit”. Infantino said: “FIFA is very, very interested under my presidency to develop the FIFA coin to do it from America and conquer the five billion soccer fans in the world. So if there is anyone interested in teaming up with FIFA, we’ll conquer the world of soccer with the FIFA coin.”
Trump replied: “That coin may be worth more than FIFA in the end. It may be quite a coin.”
If president blowarse has any hand in staging things the WC may be hosted by Canada and Mexico, with the 11th province of canada (formerly the USA) maybe being allowed to host some pool games
I remember seeing a list of countries who are on the visa ban list, what the hell is going to happen if they qualify?? Fanta Fuhurer is going to ruin this tournament.
I remember seeing a list of countries who are on the visa ban list, what the hell is going to happen if they qualify?? Fanta Fuhurer is going to ruin this tournament.
it'll be great to see an influx of Iranians into the US who are not connected to the Shar. I wonder how the clown will take it?
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites
Looks like foreign tourists are already giving the US a swerve. That will impact the FIFA Club World Cup in June and the World Cup next year.. https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/other/waves-of-flight-cancellations-as-tourists-fear-trump-s-wrath/ss-AA1BknAF#image=1 "Chinese visitors down 11%....Canadian land travel to the US fell by 23% and air travel by 13% in February 2025 alone. In fact, international travel from Canada is set to cause an over US$3 billion loss in tourism for the US in 2025 alone, amounting to a projected 15% drop. In March 2025, the German government issued new travel advice to its citizens following what appears to be the arbitrary denial of three German nationals to the US who were also detained." ________________________________________________ NO GUARANTEE OF ENTRY TO USA FOR COUNTRIES LIKE NZ WHO ARE IN THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM: "The ESTA program is a visa waiver that allows nationals of certain countries, the majority of which are European, to travel to the US. The catch is that while the program allows for visa-free travel, there is no guarantee of entrance to the country. Visitors can still be denied upon entry, which is what happened to the German nationals in question. One of the German nationals denied entry is also a legal permanent resident of the United States, which is creating anxiety for many residents about the power of the government to revoke such status without due process. Fabian Schmidt, the German national with US residency, was not only held in detention, but was also allegedly interrogated, stripped, and forced to take a cold shower by airport border officials. Jessica Brösche, one of the other German nationals recently denied entry to the US, attempted to enter the country via the Tijuana-Mexico crossing. She was denied entry and detained. In an unbelievable turn of events, Brösche was kept at the Otay Mesa Detention facility for over six weeks, including nine days in solitary confinement." __________________________________________________--- TRUMP'S NEW PROPOSALS FOR ENTRY RESTRICTIONS ON 42 COUNTRIES: (including, bizarrely, Vanuatu): https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/extensive-executive-orders-mark-trump-s-first-day-in-office/ss-AA1xAkK8 and: Full List of Countries That May Face Donald Trump's Travel Bans and Curbs - Newsweek Some countries with a chance of World Cup qualification are on the new list of countries whose citizens will face severe restrictions or a complete ban on entering the USA, especially affecting African countries. Venezuela, on Trump's list, are in with a chance of qualification after some great results including draws home and away against Brazil, a home draw with Argentina etc. (CONMEBOL gets six direct places with one inter-confederation play-off). "The draft categorizes countries into three levels of restrictions—red, orange, and yellow—based on the severity of the limitations. The red list includes 11 countries whose citizens would be completely barred from entering the US: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The orange list names 10 countries whose citizens will face stricter entry requirements but won’t be entirely banned. Travelers from Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan will be required to attend in-person interviews to obtain a visa.
For its part, the yellow list consists of 22 countries—mostly in Africa—given 60 days to address US concerns over alleged security shortcomings. Nations that fail to comply could be moved to the orange or red lists." Africa gets nine direct places at the 2026 World Cup and one inter-continental play-off spot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_(CAF) There have been a lot of upsets in qualifying matches so far e.g. Madagascar and Comoros sit above Ghana in their group. Many traditional powers are faltering e.g. Nigeria are winless after four qualifiers with Benin and Rwanda atop their group. There's a lot of qualifiers left, but many of the African countries on Trump's travel restriction list could qualify: Angola
My US travel tip would be try fly into Dallas, rather than LAX or San Fran. Immigration just seemed so much friendlier in Dallas/Fort Worth. Just my recent experience, with the ESTA
I remember seeing a list of countries who are on the visa ban list, what the hell is going to happen if they qualify?? Fanta Fuhurer is going to ruin this tournament.
My preferred lineup and squad at the moment assuming everyone is available: IMG_8117.jpeg493.13 KB Supposedly will be 23 man squads so add Sims or Tzanev as the 3rd keeper. Real toss up between Waine, Mata and Kosta for the Wood back up spot.
To me it is currently more likely that Howieson is the last midfielder to make the cut for the squad than Thomas or Dibley-Dias. Dibley-Dias has done NOTHING in senior football and Thomas has yet to prove he can retain fitness long term. Thomas has to be in if he can stay fit & and is willing to play for us, but he may decide that it is too much of a risk and officially retire from the national team to protect his livelihood.
But it's possible that none of them make the squad (or that Thomas takes Rufer's spot and he drops out) as we are probably going to have to sacrifice a midfielder to accommodate Tommy Smith.
My US travel tip would be try fly into Dallas, rather than LAX or San Fran. Immigration just seemed so much friendlier in Dallas/Fort Worth. Just my recent experience, with the ESTA
As an airline employee that frequently gets grief in the US (accused of overstaying in a year I didn't even go to the US by a customs official with a strong central/south American accent in the LAX holding room where they ban phones etc.) I completely agree.
Avoid customs at the following: - Los Angeles - San Francisco - JFK - Chicago - Atlanta - Newark - Dallas
A number of the above are hubs like Dallas (American Airlines base) so while we might think it will be quiet, a lot of international traffic goes through there meaning customs will be a pain.
San Diego, Vagas, Orlando, Honolulu, Minneapolis, Denver, Austin and the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto (taking a train/bus/car over the boarder) are better bets, the airport staff and citizens are friendlier, more polite and these cities are generally nicer places to visit.
Supporter world's best and worst football teams: Waikato/WaiBop, Kingz, Knights, Phoenix, The Argyle, The Whites & the All Whites
Someone (I forget whom) told me they always have a 1-2 day layover in Honolulu, enroute mainland USA. Just much more chilled arriving in Hawaii, and onwards from there is of course a domestic flight.
Alot of the cities you mention above Marto won't be an option if arriving from NZ/Australia. From Europe yes. Being interesting to see what happens at the US-Canadian land border in the next 12 months. May get more difficult there.
Again arriving from Brisbane late last year, I found the customs desk guy at Dallas/Fort Worth friendly & welcoming.
I had a really bad experience at LAX in 2018. Detained for no reason. Just seemed a random selection on the arrivals area. Some buzz cut mid west farm boy yelling at folks not to turn on their phones. Immigration staff chatting away about what hand guns they had purchased recently. A beaming President Trump (Term 1) photo on the wall. Some young Kiwi girl in the room in tears, as she was being denied entry.
My brother went through Miami one time and got a whole lecture about 'this is the best god damn country in the world'. My brother and his Guyanese partner (she holds a Green Card) had had the cheek to have their baby in Georgetown. 'Why would you do that'? he got asked over and over. Because it would cost them $US50K stateside, and the private clinic in Guyana with it's Cuban doctors was a top class facility, that's why.
I think there is a reasonable % of Americans in any sort of uniform who are just cods. Just everyday average IQ nobodies outside their job, but in uniform they hold all the cards, and they love it.
To me it is currently more likely that Howieson is the last midfielder to make the cut for the squad than Thomas or Dibley-Dias. Dibley-Dias has done NOTHING in senior football and Thomas has yet to prove he can retain fitness long term. Thomas has to be in if he can stay fit & and is willing to play for us, but he may decide that it is too much of a risk and officially retire from the national team to protect his livelihood.
But it's possible that none of them make the squad (or that Thomas takes Rufer's spot and he drops out) as we are probably going to have to sacrifice a midfielder to accommodate Tommy Smith.
Agree someone is most likely to be sacrificed for Tommy, personally I’d like to see him brought in as a coach/mentor rather then a player but he’s made it clear he wants to be a player at the WC so I’d be personally be dropping Nando, Bindon has got the left LCB locked and boxall and Surman will be fighting for the RCB so Tommy and who ever doesn’t get the starting RCB spot can be the back ups. Just my opinion.
FYI - Dibley-Dias is back playing for Fulham U21s. You never know he might get in a Fulham EPL squad before season's end. He's done it before.
But at the moment he doesn't deserve to be in the AWs. I'd have Mata in for Waine, and Rogerson or Kosta in for MD-D.
Time is running out, but if Clayton Lewis is found innocent he immediately comes into the frame.
I can’t see him making it even if he is cleared, he hasn’t been playing and I think he might struggle to find a team to take him….. the nix might throw him a life line, but I think even they would be cautious
Welcome to the world NZ again at last !! . Best player today was Bell motm. I watched the march, today Is our memorial Day in rainy Argentina , a day to condemn against all the mess the Military Junta did when they killed the young peronists followers, the union people and the students from secundary schools and universities, so I could watch you live at 3 am since it is a holiday. The team needs Ryan Thomas and Old. In my opinion NZ was nervy but 1 St half the team played better had chances but couldn't concrete them out. So the clock was ticking. I thought McCowatt was very lively, didn't know why was hauled off. Garbett seemed not match-sharp as a natural thing. Kosta B. got his football a revenge after that weird unfair red Vs Costa Rica. Got a goal and a world class assist. Phoenix is the reason today NZ has qualified again, you gave been taking care of NZ football and its hot prospects for the last 12 years. So Kudos to Wellington Phoenix as a social team and as a people's football institution almost a foundational football brand for NZ football!!! Cheers
A 0-0 against England to kick things off and cause angst in England, a late 95th goal to beat Ausi 1-0 and a high scoring 4-3 loss against Brazil to conclude the group and go through.
A 0-0 against England to kick things off and cause angst in England, a late 95th goal to beat Ausi 1-0 and a high scoring 4-3 loss against Brazil to conclude the group and go through.
Nominated for post of the day!
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
A 0-0 against England to kick things off and cause angst in England, a late 95th goal to beat Ausi 1-0 and a high scoring 4-3 loss against Brazil to conclude the group and go through.
why not leading England 1-0 until 80th minute, they win penalty and the taker slips over and slices it over bar or past post. Lose 1-0, english papers and fans go feral....4 more years, football not coming home, not good enough, over paid primadonnas etc etc
England go 3 - 0 up in 15 minutes, Boxall floors Harry Kane, over-juiced English fans riot, match abandoned, All Whites awarded match 3-0.
We pull a New Caledonia and hold them scoreless for the first 60 mins. Tim Payne clatters young Myles Lewis-Skelly and he limps off injured, replaced by Ben Chilwell.
Chilwell lines up to take the free kick from their own half, but locks eyes with Chris Wood, who slowly raises his hand, before giving the mana wave signal. Chilwell’s eyes darken, he turns and strikes the ball… towards his own net.
Pickford flaps but can’t prevent the inevitable. 1-0 New Zealand, we’re through to the knockouts, Chilwell becomes a kiwi legend.
