FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[Weawant]

I'm going to share an opinion that most people don't agree with, but I believe that the next coach of the Brazilian national team (or the current one) should already cut Neymar from the squad to work on the team for the 2024 America's Cup and the 2026 World Cup
Technically, Neymar was a an awesome player, comparable to the best I've ever seen play, but off-field factors have always prevented him from having a good sequence of games and seasons
I still find it impressive how he loses his mind on the field. A player who's made a lot of money, played for the best teams in Europe, played a lot of games for Brazil, and still can't calm down on the field

For the 2026 World Cup, Brazil has the most important thing, which is excellent players, but the other factors are very prejudicial, such as the recent wait for coach Ancelloti, which has already caused a lot of discussion in Brazil

I agree with you, Neymar is now in injury pron player, with a high probability of getting injured at any time will definitely be a problem to Brazil if they are so reliant on this player not minding how this could affect their team on the long run in the world cup.  Neymar is a very good play no doubts, he can be seen as an excellent player at that but Brazil should keep a better substitute in place for hi if they must go-to the world cup with him


Brazil should rather focus on getting their team fixed and getting ready for the world cup then thinking of getting Neymar to be in the squad, although it's still a long time from now maybe by then he should be fully recovered and ready to played well for the team but he's still prone regardless, so Brazil should see if possible they can do with out him and focus on developing younger talents on their team.

[Docnaster]

I'm going to share an opinion that most people don't agree with, but I believe that the next coach of the Brazilian national team (or the current one) should already cut Neymar from the squad to work on the team for the 2024 America's Cup and the 2026 World Cup
Technically, Neymar was a an awesome player, comparable to the best I've ever seen play, but off-field factors have always prevented him from having a good sequence of games and seasons
I still find it impressive how he loses his mind on the field. A player who's made a lot of money, played for the best teams in Europe, played a lot of games for Brazil, and still can't calm down on the field

For the 2026 World Cup, Brazil has the most important thing, which is excellent players, but the other factors are very prejudicial, such as the recent wait for coach Ancelloti, which has already caused a lot of discussion in Brazil

I agree with you, Neymar is now in injury pron player, with a high probability of getting injured at any time will definitely be a problem to Brazil if they are so reliant on this player not minding how this could affect their team on the long run in the world cup.  Neymar is a very good play no doubts, he can be seen as an excellent player at that but Brazil should keep a better substitute in place for hi if they must go-to the world cup with him


Brazil should rather focus on getting their team fixed and getting ready for the world cup then thinking of getting Neymar to be in the squad, although it's still a long time from now maybe by then he should be fully recovered and ready to played well for the team but he's still prone regardless, so Brazil should see if possible they can do with out him and focus on developing younger talents on their team.

Neymar over the years has constantly put Brazil on the world football map with his magical feet and winning many trophies with both his different clubs as well as the Brazilian national team. Neymar is well loved in his country of Brazil and there's no way the national team is gonna plan for next edition of the FIFA World Cup without putting Neymar in the mix unless it's been confirmed that he's not gonna be fit for the tournament.
It's absolutely fine if Brazil national team coach wants to work plan with his current player but I think he's very much aware that Neymar is a very important member of the squad

[shogun47]

On FIFA World Cup Qualifier CONMEBOL zone Argentina have impressive performance, won 4 of 4 matches seems they will easily get placed in World Cup 2026 with Lionel Messi still most important player in their squad.

There are almost no doubts about Argentina because they are still supported by the same squad as when they won the World Cup last year, but it is quite impressive how they are consistent, have not shown any decline, perhaps also because the team they are facing can be said to be below their strength and when they face Uruguay and Brazil in November, it will be a real test, whether they will still be able to win the match, especially when they face Brazil later, even though Brazil will not be defended by Neymar because it is reported that he will need quite a long time to recover from injury but Brazil will still be Argentina's toughest opponent.
And regarding Messi's role, he will still be the focus for Argentina in this qualification and the 2026 World Cup is still a question regarding his participation.

Having won the four matches they've played in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil is surely gonna find it difficult to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Out of the 10 countries that make up CONMEBOL, the Argentine national team is the highest ranked team as well as the number 1 ranked team in FIFA rankings.
They Argentine national team is in the form of their life as they're yet to lose a football game since last year's world cup.

Brazil is going to find it difficult to qualify for the World Cup 2026? This means you think that Brazil has doubt that they will make it into the top 6 of their group in the World Cup qualifiers? Even rank 7 could be enough as there are some play-off games depending on the various statistics of the cut-off teams in other groups. If that is what you think, it would mean that I think for the first time since their existence they would fail to qualify for the World Cup. With all due respect, but I doubt that anyone at Brazil is afraid to miss the qualification for this tournament. With so many starts from their group and the play-off backdoor, I am sure we will see Brazil there.

[FanEagle]

I agree, Neymar missing isn't really a big deal for Brazil team because he was already causing them to spend one spot for an injured player. Not that in 2026 he will still be injured for the same reason, but he might be close to retiring at that age, and yes he may look young but that dude battled with injuries all his life long and I do not think that it is going to change now. The best thing to do right now would be to make sure they are spending some time on what they are doing without him, that would be better.

I think it would be something that would benefit them on the long run if they could just be a good team without him. After all, even if they get him to the squad, whose to say that he would not be injured again and end up being terrible? We are going to end up with something that would be half decent, and should be a good team without him as well. This is why I believe they will get used to the idea of not having Neymar on the team nowadays.

[Jody.Drummer]

I agree, Neymar missing isn't really a big deal for Brazil team because he was already causing them to spend one spot for an injured player. Not that in 2026 he will still be injured for the same reason, but he might be close to retiring at that age, and yes he may look young but that dude battled with injuries all his life long and I do not think that it is going to change now. The best thing to do right now would be to make sure they are spending some time on what they are doing without him, that would be better.

I think it would be something that would benefit them on the long run if they could just be a good team without him. After all, even if they get him to the squad, whose to say that he would not be injured again and end up being terrible? We are going to end up with something that would be half decent, and should be a good team without him as well. This is why I believe they will get used to the idea of not having Neymar on the team nowadays.

Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

[nullama]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

[Rampagoe004]

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

When a player is over 30 years old, of course his physical and performance will decline. Neymar needs to be consistent and work hard in maintaining his body fitness and be disciplined in training so that he can reach CR7 or LM10 level where they can still compete well in the world cup even though they are 35 years or older. So it is possible that Neymar will still play in the 2026 World Cup but I will still question his performance when that time comes.

[Jody.Drummer]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

Yes of course, I also don't rule out the chance for him to be able to play in the WC, it's just that I speculate that injury will be a real threat for him.
I think he has to change his playing style and whatever is considered to be the cause of his youth injury. I'm sure he knows very well what he has to do so that he can avoid this kind of thing. Because as someone who feels it he must realize why he gets injured repeatedly.

Unlike Messi or Ronaldo they are players who are not often injured, and that makes them able to survive so far.

[Leviathan.007]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

Neymar is a good palyer even when he gets old. But because of the playing style he has, Neymar can't have the performance we saw from him during all these years because he usually tries to dribble players and this needs a strong and young body which is not something a palyer can have when he gets old and that's why I said Brazil shouldn't rely on him for the next world cup.

[Docnaster]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

Neymar is a good palyer even when he gets old. But because of the playing style he has, Neymar can't have the performance we saw from him during all these years because he usually tries to dribble players and this needs a strong and young body which is not something a palyer can have when he gets old and that's why I said Brazil shouldn't rely on him for the next world cup.

Neymar Jnr is currently 31 and would be 35 when the FIFA World Cup will be played in 2026 which means that there's every possiblity of seeing the Brazilian super star in the biggest football competition in the universe with the Brazil national team when the FIFA World Cup next edition kicks off.
That being said, the constant injury of Neymar I think will be his biggest challenge in making it to the finals in 2026. Without injuries, Neymar is actually a great footballer anyday but we can't shy away from the fact that he's an injury prone player and that's why I think he's unlikely to participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup

[Hispo]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

Neymar is a good palyer even when he gets old. But because of the playing style he has, Neymar can't have the performance we saw from him during all these years because he usually tries to dribble players and this needs a strong and young body which is not something a palyer can have when he gets old and that's why I said Brazil shouldn't rely on him for the next world cup.

Neymar Jnr is currently 31 and would be 35 when the FIFA World Cup will be played in 2026 which means that there's every possiblity of seeing the Brazilian super star in the biggest football competition in the universe with the Brazil national team when the FIFA World Cup next edition kicks off.
That being said, the constant injury of Neymar I think will be his biggest challenge in making it to the finals in 2026. Without injuries, Neymar is actually a great footballer anyday but we can't shy away from the fact that he's an injury prone player and that's why I think he's unlikely to participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup

I believe he still has a good chance to participate in the world cup if he takes anough care of himself. If I recall correctly, he missed the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2014?, he was because he was injured.
Assuming he manages to stay healthy and in well share for this next edition, it could be one of his last chances to shine in such high category competition, after 2026 he will likely retire.
It is not a secret that as players accumulate age, they become more prone to suffer injuries (and with more severity), in his case it would be more serious, keeping in mind he is already prone to hurt himself during matches.

[babygun]

~snip~
Yes I agree with you, that Neymar may not be plying anymore when the 2026 WC is held. The reason is quite basic and one of them when he often suffered injuries throughout his career and that alone made him give up and decide to retire.
Brazil we know that they are the creators of a very potential young seed, and it would be nice now that they are looking in that direction. Maybe in the last few years they have declined a little bit and can't compete anymore, they have to realize that.
Next year they will also have a new coach, the one who is in charge of Real Madrid now, Anceloti C.

I'm not that sure, Neymar is only 31 years old, so he will still be in a reasonable age to play the next world cup.

The thing is that he of course might get injured, but I don't think there is a higher chance of injury right now than what there was a few years ago, so I reckon he might still play.

We've seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in a world cup with many more years, so it can definitely be done.

I think the chances that we will see Neymar at the next world cup are very high. As you mention, right now he is only 31 so he got a couple of years left. He might not be as good anymore as he was, but he can still make the difference.

[armanda90]

Neymar Jnr is currently 31 and would be 35 when the FIFA World Cup will be played in 2026 which means that there's every possiblity of seeing the Brazilian super star in the biggest football competition in the universe with the Brazil national team when the FIFA World Cup next edition kicks off.
That being said, the constant injury of Neymar I think will be his biggest challenge in making it to the finals in 2026. Without injuries, Neymar is actually a great footballer anyday but we can't shy away from the fact that he's an injury prone player and that's why I think he's unlikely to participate in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Possibilities or not for Neymar get chance for participating in FIFA World Cup 2026 depend on his current condition, due bad historical with injured I doubt Neymar on the top performed actually he will over 35 years old. Not playing with top European teams looks not problem for Neymar because still has chance get Brazil national called and he has played on several matches in FIFA World Cup qualifier CONMEBOL zone, but will he not injury when close with World Cup 2026 match begin?

Currently, he will absent until 9 months later after getting injury on qualifier match but I all possibilities happening for Neymar get chance for playing or not depend his condition.

[el kaka22]

I would say there is a possibility of Ronaldo and Messi playing in 2026 world cup more than Neymar being able to play. Two of them may or may not play based on their age, and Messi wouldn't be even that old, he would be around the same age as Ronaldo was on the last one, so it is not really that weird and could happen, and Ronaldo is inhuman and still looks like he is on top form so another 2 or so years for him to keep playing is not shocking, it may happen, not saying it will because it also depends on if the manager will pick him and if manager dislikes him personally then even if he deserves it, he may not get called up.

However, Neymar keeps getting injured all the time, sure this one will heal by then, but maybe he will get injured again?

[nullama]

I would say there is a possibility of Ronaldo and Messi playing in 2026 world cup more than Neymar being able to play. Two of them may or may not play based on their age, and Messi wouldn't be even that old, he would be around the same age as Ronaldo was on the last one, so it is not really that weird and could happen, and Ronaldo is inhuman and still looks like he is on top form so another 2 or so years for him to keep playing is not shocking, it may happen, not saying it will because it also depends on if the manager will pick him and if manager dislikes him personally then even if he deserves it, he may not get called up.

However, Neymar keeps getting injured all the time, sure this one will heal by then, but maybe he will get injured again?

Messi and CR7 are probably going to be retired by the time the next world cup comes.

They are now just trying to get as much money as they can before retirement. It's not like they are playing for the fun of soccer, it is just money for them.

They could also stop playing and they would be earning more in ads. Pirlo and others are making a lot of money appearing in ads in Dubai for example.

[Sithara007]

Messi and CR7 are probably going to be retired by the time the next world cup comes.

They are now just trying to get as much money as they can before retirement. It's not like they are playing for the fun of soccer, it is just money for them.

They could also stop playing and they would be earning more in ads. Pirlo and others are making a lot of money appearing in ads in Dubai for example.

All the players, in their last 2-3 years of the career try to amass as much as money as possible. It is their retirement package. In case of Messi, he has a deal with Inter-Miami and for Cristiano Ronaldo, the contract is with Al Nassr. Both of them are still taking part in world cup qualifiers at the moment, so we can't accuse them of ignoring the national duty. But 2026 World Cup is a long way off. I am not sure either of these two will be included in the national squads for that tournament (irrespective of whether they are interested or not).

[Juggy777]

Messi and CR7 are probably going to be retired by the time the next world cup comes.

They are now just trying to get as much money as they can before retirement. It's not like they are playing for the fun of soccer, it is just money for them.

They could also stop playing and they would be earning more in ads. Pirlo and others are making a lot of money appearing in ads in Dubai for example.

All the players, in their last 2-3 years of the career try to amass as much as money as possible. It is their retirement package. In case of Messi, he has a deal with Inter-Miami and for Cristiano Ronaldo, the contract is with Al Nassr. Both of them are still taking part in world cup qualifiers at the moment, so we can't accuse them of ignoring the national duty. But 2026 World Cup is a long way off. I am not sure either of these two will be included in the national squads for that tournament (irrespective of whether they are interested or not).

@Sithara007 for now both Argentina and Portugal coaches have to include them in their squad because their citizens will revolt if these player’s say that they wanted to play but they were not allowed to play and I believe if they’re fit then sadly the coach will have no option but to add them to their World Cup squad.

@nullama now they’re only playing to increase their tally of goal’s because both have earned crazy money already and even when they will retire they’ll keep earning from sponsorship deal’s hence money is not the factor in their desire to play at the international level.

[Sithara007]

@Sithara007 for now both Argentina and Portugal coaches have to include them in their squad because their citizens will revolt if these player’s say that they wanted to play but they were not allowed to play and I believe if they’re fit then sadly the coach will have no option but to add them to their World Cup squad.

Even if these two are included in the world cup squad, there is no guarantee that they will figure in the starting XI. Take the case of Cristiano Ronaldo. He was dropped by Fernando Santos during Qatar 2022. Things didn't worked out well, and the younger players who replaced him were unable to perform well. So he was reinstated shortly after. But this can repeat during the FIFA World Cup of 2026. In case of Messi, the chances are even higher. Argentina is not overdependent on any one player, and there are a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks.

[borovichok]

Messi and CR7 are probably going to be retired by the time the next world cup comes.

They are now just trying to get as much money as they can before retirement. It's not like they are playing for the fun of soccer, it is just money for them.

They could also stop playing and they would be earning more in ads. Pirlo and others are making a lot of money appearing in ads in Dubai for example.

2026 World Cup is around the corner, it might seem to be a long duration but I'm certain both players will reach their peak. Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo chances of playing in the World Cup is slightly 80% and that could possibly happen. Checking their perspective stats in games, they're both doing brilliantly good and have pull a doubt of them meeting up the high demands of team's expectations and ultimate primary goals executions. I'm pretty confident about both players playing again in forthcoming World Cup, they're exceptionally outstanding and always ready to exhibits their very best.

[Rampagoe004]

Checking their perspective stats in games, they're both doing brilliantly good and have pull a doubt of them meeting up the high demands of team's expectations and ultimate primary goals executions. I'm pretty confident about both players playing again in forthcoming World Cup, they're exceptionally outstanding and always ready to exhibits their very best.

I don't think people will have high expectations of the two of them at the 2026 World Cup. I hope people no longer expect them to compete against each other. Their era is over. And I think their presence at the 2026 World Cup will be a motivation and increase the young players' confidence in their respective national teams. They both also have a winning mentality and specialize in free kicks, which of course will be an important point for them. They will still be called upon to strengthen the national team at the 2026 World Cup.