Since hosting the Polla 2026 application costs money, I created a static archive which now lives at https://polla2026.kirsch.mx and decomissioned the original polla.
I could have just taken it down, but I like keeping the historical tournament around. The original URL https://polla2026.com will redirect until I get tired or renewing it.
Back in Dallas. In what turned out to be a low scoring game between titans, we got to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s last ever World Cup match.
Canada the host faced Morocco for Round of 32 in Houston. They were beaten 3-0. This was a fun one, 4th of July and lots of friends.
July 3 in Dallas, Round of 32. Egypt made it through lead by Mohamed Salah.
Yesterday in Houston. Tight game, Brazil came back from 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 in injury time. Our first Round of 32 match this year was a very good one.
People kept asking me in the last months if I was “ready for the World Cup”.
But I wasn’t.
The polla wasn’t ready. We hadn’t gotten our sticker album… Of course I got “ready” on time. But all the questions made me think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs so I made this. Share if you feel similarly!
We arrived to this Houston game ready to see Portugal – a favorite to win the tournament. They didn’t look good, especially Cristiano Ronaldo; but the kids got to see him in person which they really wanted.
This marks the end of the first phase for me. At least as far as attending matches in person is concerned.
We attended Sweden vs Tunisia at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey aka the most beautiful stadium in the world home of the best team in the planet. Lots of goals: the game ended 5-1 to Sweden.
I was incredibly lucky to kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup by attending the opening match on Thursday. Getting to the Azteca was a nightmare. Everything else was incredible: the stadium, the crowd, the company, the cheers, the view, the opening musical show with the exception of the that 🤮 band from Guadalajara. The game itself was alright – Mexico should have scored one more and that undeserved red card to Montes may prove costly; but three points is three points.
I happened to be in Mexico City the weekend of the re-opening of the Azteca Stadium prior to the World Cup 2026, for the México vs Portugal friendly. I happened to be sitting very close to Gianni Infantino. So of course I got close to him to snap a photo.
A week later, my buddy Chore sent me this screenshot:
While I am no longer featured in FIFA’s front page, the note persists. Unfortunately they cut off the top of my head.
This is the photo we snapped from a slightly different angle.
