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

[slackovic]

Football has become more globalized. Previously we had 8 to 10 teams who were capable of entering the semi-final stage of the world cup. But that has changed. Now almost all the participants are capable of doing so, proven by Morocco during the last edition. European teams are till dominating, but I can notice hints of their upcoming weakness. Younger players are not emerging from club football sector, especially for teams such as Germany and Italy. This time, during Qatar 2022 we had at least a dozen upsets. That proves that the gap between "stronger" teams and "weaker" teams is narrowing.

That said, UEFA qualifications are always complicated. Always there will be a few deserving teams that lose out. Italy attracted a lot of attention when they failed to qualify. But some of the other deserving teams also failed to make the cut, such as Iceland, Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia. FIFA is trying to address this issue by increasing the number of participants from 32 to 48.

I wouldn't say that a team deserved to play in the World Cup if they didn't qualify. The problem is that all the countries you mentioned are from Europe where most "strong" teams come from. I'm sure that those three countries would have qualified if they played the qualifications on some other continent like Asia. Maybe it would be more fair that countries from all over the world compete in the same confederation so that European teams play against teams from other continents. But that would be more expensive and less teams from outside of Europe would qualify for the World Cup. That's why I think this is the best format because even weaker teams gets to play in the World Cup.

[Synchronice]

Football has become more globalized. Previously we had 8 to 10 teams who were capable of entering the semi-final stage of the world cup. But that has changed. Now almost all the participants are capable of doing so, proven by Morocco during the last edition. European teams are till dominating, but I can notice hints of their upcoming weakness. Younger players are not emerging from club football sector, especially for teams such as Germany and Italy. This time, during Qatar 2022 we had at least a dozen upsets. That proves that the gap between "stronger" teams and "weaker" teams is narrowing.

That said, UEFA qualifications are always complicated. Always there will be a few deserving teams that lose out. Italy attracted a lot of attention when they failed to qualify. But some of the other deserving teams also failed to make the cut, such as Iceland, Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia. FIFA is trying to address this issue by increasing the number of participants from 32 to 48.

Historically, South Americans were the best in football. I want to highlight Brazil and Argentina. It's pretty curious but these two countries produce the world's best forwarders. But recently European teams are definitely dominating the football and we have a great forwarders too but definitely other countries have improved because the competition is constantly increasing, quality of life is increasing, countries and football training academies are getting able to buy better equipment, to train their trainers in Europe, etc, and that's very good.

But I find it funny how host countries are sometimes able to somehow beat favorite teams. Russia played so well that they were eliminated in quarter-finals while almost beat Croatia, that went into finals and Qatar beat Argentina, a team that defeat all the other teams and won Fifa World Cup.
Russian players were definitely on steroids because they were running like horses but idk about Qatar.

[Sithara007]

Historically, South Americans were the best in football. I want to highlight Brazil and Argentina. It's pretty curious but these two countries produce the world's best forwarders. But recently European teams are definitely dominating the football and we have a great forwarders too but definitely other countries have improved because the competition is constantly increasing, quality of life is increasing, countries and football training academies are getting able to buy better equipment, to train their trainers in Europe, etc, and that's very good.

But I find it funny how host countries are sometimes able to somehow beat favorite teams. Russia played so well that they were eliminated in quarter-finals while almost beat Croatia, that went into finals and Qatar beat Argentina, a team that defeat all the other teams and won Fifa World Cup.
Russian players were definitely on steroids because they were running like horses but idk about Qatar.

South America (CONMEBOL) is still regarded as the strongest confederation. But now only Argentina and Brazil are among the stronger teams. Look at Qatar 2022. Apart from these two teams, Ecuador and Uruguay also managed to qualify, but they were kicked out in the first round itself. I was surprised by the downslide from Uruguay, because this is a team that reached the semi-final stage of the tournament back in 2010. Other teams like Chile and Colombia couldn't even manage to qualify for the main event.

But I agree that there should be more teams from CONMEBOL. This time there was only 4 (after Peru lost the inter-continental playoff to Australia). For the 2026 edition, there will be 6 guaranteed slots, plus another possible slot from the playoffs. But it is a fact that quality of football in this region has gone down (outside Brazil and Argentina).

[slackovic]

/snip

But I find it funny how host countries are sometimes able to somehow beat favorite teams. Russia played so well that they were eliminated in quarter-finals while almost beat Croatia, that went into finals and Qatar beat Argentina, a team that defeat all the other teams and won Fifa World Cup.
Russian players were definitely on steroids because they were running like horses but idk about Qatar.

Qatar didn't beat Argentina in the World Cup. They played really badly and it was evident that they don't have the quality to play against top teams of the world. They played four games in the group stage and managed to score only one goal against Senegal.

But I see your point. Playing at home often makes players give an extra effort for the fans and then surprises can happen. But sadly that didn't work out for Qatar.

[rahmad2nd]

But I find it funny how host countries are sometimes able to somehow beat favorite teams. Russia played so well that they were eliminated in quarter-finals while almost beat Croatia, that went into finals and Qatar beat Argentina, a team that defeat all the other teams and won Fifa World Cup.
Russian players were definitely on steroids because they were running like horses but idk about Qatar.

In 1998, France hosted it for the second time. however, they were not the favorites at that time. but in the end, they were able to win the world cup trophy for the first time by defeating Brazil with a score of 3-0. meaning, we never know anything that will happen in the 2026 world cup later. maybe the home team, will work extra to prepare everything to build a squad that is very solid, strong and sturdy. we never know, although the probability they have is very small. however, reflecting on previous world cups, there were several home teams that succeeded in winning the championship even though they were not the seeded teams.

Related to Russia and even Qatar, they are very aware even though they are not the favorite team for the champion candidate. but as the home team, at least they will appear all out and work hard for their country and their pride. the rest, let luck decide.

[Japinat]

/snip

But I find it funny how host countries are sometimes able to somehow beat favorite teams. Russia played so well that they were eliminated in quarter-finals while almost beat Croatia, that went into finals and Qatar beat Argentina, a team that defeat all the other teams and won Fifa World Cup.
Russian players were definitely on steroids because they were running like horses but idk about Qatar.

Qatar didn't beat Argentina in the World Cup. They played really badly and it was evident that they don't have the quality to play against top teams of the world. They played four games in the group stage and managed to score only one goal against Senegal.

But I see your point. Playing at home often makes players give an extra effort for the fans and then surprises can happen. But sadly that didn't work out for Qatar.

Not that kind of advantage really that will boost the team's morale, I strongly think that it is the other way around where most of them are already feeling the pressure because they are the host and the people, and their federation are expecting that they can at least defeat some teams along the way so that the host team, for example Qatar, will still be relevant and won't get embarrassed in the early phase.

[BitcoinAccepted]

The home team always has the advantage. But whether there is often a world champion is also questionable. At least not in the last few editions. Brazil should of course have had a dream World Cup in 2014 because all matches were played in Brazil. But from a tournament in Mexico, Canada and the United States you cannot expect miracles from the organizing countries. They could of course go one round further with the support of the public. What about the division of the groups? Normally, the organizing country then ends up in Pot 1, like Qatar at the last World Cup. Does that mean that all 3 countries will end up in Pot 1? That would actually be unfair

[KTChampions]

South America (CONMEBOL) is still regarded as the strongest confederation. But now only Argentina and Brazil are among the stronger teams. Look at Qatar 2022. Apart from these two teams, Ecuador and Uruguay also managed to qualify, but they were kicked out in the first round itself. I was surprised by the downslide from Uruguay, because this is a team that reached the semi-final stage of the tournament back in 2010. Other teams like Chile and Colombia couldn't even manage to qualify for the main event.

But I agree that there should be more teams from CONMEBOL. This time there was only 4 (after Peru lost the inter-continental playoff to Australia). For the 2026 edition, there will be 6 guaranteed slots, plus another possible slot from the playoffs. But it is a fact that quality of football in this region has gone down (outside Brazil and Argentina).

  Are you constantly posting this to troll? The superiority of the European region is undeniable. First comes Europe and then a few floors below the rest of the regions. Look at the statistics for probably any period (adequate and not "50 years ago") and you will see that Europe dominates. This is a statistical fact and not a matter of personal preference.

[freedomgo]

Seems a long way away but it’ll likely fly by & we’ll be here before we know it. Too early to start predicting who will in it, Messi won’t be playing nor Ronaldo. So much can happen in football in that amount of time. The US actually have a good, young team. They could surprise a few people with home advantage.
France will be there, Mbappe should be in his peak, Spain have some real stars too.
I won’t make any solid predictions though.

You just said it yourself mate, it's still too premature to say anything towards the upcoming FIFA World Cup this 2026 and saying that Messi nor CR7 not playing is still a speculation as both superstars haven't hung their boots/cleats yet. Although, there's been a wide rumor already that CR7's last dance is in Euro 2024 but that will remain a mere speculation as of now because people are still believing that both superstar will still play in the FIFA as it will heavily boost their comrades confidence especially Messi as they are the defending champs.

From what I've heard outside this forum, it is widely believed that both Messi and Ronaldo won't be playing in the 2026 world cup because by then, both of them must have retired from football, I actually believed it, but then all the same, I still think you are right, non of them both have come out to make an official announcement that he is retiring at a certain time or year, so the current argument whether they wil play or not in the 2026 world cup is indeed all speculations currently, let see what happens going forward.

That's true and given that we're still in the year 2023, we are still quite away from the next World Cup that will happen in 2026 and both said superstars are now busy on their own career thus there's still a lot of things that will happen in the future as well. Let's just wait for their official announcement as arguing whether Messi and CR7 are retired by then is nonsense for now because even if there's a big rumor, only them can answer the big question.

That is normal that only them can answer this question but I doubt Cristiano will be able to play in the next World Cup,in the Euro Cup I know that this is highly possible because just 1.5 years from now it should be taking place and 1.5 years is not that big of a time to feel a radical change in the body of a super athlete like Cristiano.

For the World Cup though,in 2026 he should be well over 40 which makes it highly unlikely for him to be playing for the World Cup of 2026 for the Portugal team.Maybe Messi will be playing as he is a bit younger but also I have many doubts for him too.

I honestly had the same thought mate, but lately, I realized that maybe the can still play and be with their respective teams because even if they're not on the height of their prime anymore. Their experience and presence will somehow help the team because they are there supporting them as a player, not just a spectator that doesn't have any roles for the team. Especially Messi because aside from the fact that he is a bit younger than Ronaldo, he will gladly play with the team again as they are the defending champs.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Seems a long way away but it’ll likely fly by & we’ll be here before we know it. Too early to start predicting who will in it, Messi won’t be playing nor Ronaldo. So much can happen in football in that amount of time. The US actually have a good, young team. They could surprise a few people with home advantage.
France will be there, Mbappe should be in his peak, Spain have some real stars too.
I won’t make any solid predictions though.

You just said it yourself mate, it's still too premature to say anything towards the upcoming FIFA World Cup this 2026 and saying that Messi nor CR7 not playing is still a speculation as both superstars haven't hung their boots/cleats yet. Although, there's been a wide rumor already that CR7's last dance is in Euro 2024 but that will remain a mere speculation as of now because people are still believing that both superstar will still play in the FIFA as it will heavily boost their comrades confidence especially Messi as they are the defending champs.

From what I've heard outside this forum, it is widely believed that both Messi and Ronaldo won't be playing in the 2026 world cup because by then, both of them must have retired from football, I actually believed it, but then all the same, I still think you are right, non of them both have come out to make an official announcement that he is retiring at a certain time or year, so the current argument whether they wil play or not in the 2026 world cup is indeed all speculations currently, let see what happens going forward.

That's true and given that we're still in the year 2023, we are still quite away from the next World Cup that will happen in 2026 and both said superstars are now busy on their own career thus there's still a lot of things that will happen in the future as well. Let's just wait for their official announcement as arguing whether Messi and CR7 are retired by then is nonsense for now because even if there's a big rumor, only them can answer the big question.

That is normal that only them can answer this question but I doubt Cristiano will be able to play in the next World Cup,in the Euro Cup I know that this is highly possible because just 1.5 years from now it should be taking place and 1.5 years is not that big of a time to feel a radical change in the body of a super athlete like Cristiano.

For the World Cup though,in 2026 he should be well over 40 which makes it highly unlikely for him to be playing for the World Cup of 2026 for the Portugal team.Maybe Messi will be playing as he is a bit younger but also I have many doubts for him too.

I honestly had the same thought mate, but lately, I realized that maybe the can still play and be with their respective teams because even if they're not on the height of their prime anymore. Their experience and presence will somehow help the team because they are there supporting them as a player, not just a spectator that doesn't have any roles for the team. Especially Messi because aside from the fact that he is a bit younger than Ronaldo, he will gladly play with the team again as they are the defending champs.

How come i never knew that Ronaldo is older than Messi, and yet, Ronaldo looked younger while Messi looked older, ive always thought that Messi was older,  , how wrong i was..\

Anyways, if both of them are still going to play in the coming world cup, much shouldn't be expected from them since they are no longer as strong as they used to be, on a normal circumstance, they should just retire and let the younger players take over the field, because it will never be possible for them to play for ever, no matter how good they are, and their individual team should start to learn to play well with out Messi and Ronaldo in their midst, because, at some point, they will  have to play without this people, so why not start now?.

[gagux123]

South America (CONMEBOL) is still regarded as the strongest confederation. But now only Argentina and Brazil are among the stronger teams. Look at Qatar 2022. Apart from these two teams, Ecuador and Uruguay also managed to qualify, but they were kicked out in the first round itself. I was surprised by the downslide from Uruguay, because this is a team that reached the semi-final stage of the tournament back in 2010. Other teams like Chile and Colombia couldn't even manage to qualify for the main event.

But I agree that there should be more teams from CONMEBOL. This time there was only 4 (after Peru lost the inter-continental playoff to Australia). For the 2026 edition, there will be 6 guaranteed slots, plus another possible slot from the playoffs. But it is a fact that quality of football in this region has gone down (outside Brazil and Argentina).

Historically, South Americans were the best in football. I want to highlight Brazil and Argentina. It's pretty curious but these two countries produce the world's best forwarders. But recently European teams are definitely dominating the football and we have a great forwarders too but definitely other countries have improved because the competition is constantly increasing, quality of life is increasing, countries and football training academies are getting able to buy better equipment, to train their trainers in Europe, etc, and that's very good.

Well, responding your posts.
Currently, as incredible as it may seem, European teams are better than those in South America (generally speaking), I believe that the only teams that stand out and are a reference the world level they are Brazil and Argentina. A long time ago, Uruguay was a strong team that was always standing out.

What I was able to perceive is, currently, several countries around the world are investing in football, this is a fact, and the response we had about this is, small teams winning against big teams in the 2022 World Cup and also in 2018 and that will be the trend, I believe that in 2026 we will have other surprises!

Another factor I would like to share with you guys, is that the technical level of several teams around the world has been decreasing, for example Germany, Brazil, Uruguay, Italy and others, are one of the examples.

Mainly Brazil, which in my point of view has reduced its technical level compared to previous cups.

I believe that the Brazil team in 2002 was a perfect team, we had Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Kaka and others. Several of those players I mentioned won several significant awards in their careers, I have no doubt that the 2002 Brazil team scared the whole world, that team was literally a dream team.

And currently, Brazil only has Neymar as a reference, and I have no doubt that he unbalances the team, that is a fact, because he is an excellent player, but unfortunately only Neymar cannot carry the Brazilian team on his back

[Sithara007]

Are you constantly posting this to troll? The superiority of the European region is undeniable. First comes Europe and then a few floors below the rest of the regions. Look at the statistics for probably any period (adequate and not "50 years ago") and you will see that Europe dominates. This is a statistical fact and not a matter of personal preference.

The two strongest teams in Qatar 2022 were Argentina and Brazil. No one will deny that. All the other teams (including European teams such as France and Spain) would rank much below them. I agree that France managed to reach the finals, but they were lucky to avoid good opponents during the knockout phase. And one more thing. European teams perform well only when the tournaments are staged in Europe. This time the tournament was being held in Qatar, and teams such as Germany and Belgium had a horrible run.

[slackovic]

The two strongest teams in Qatar 2022 were Argentina and Brazil. No one will deny that. All the other teams (including European teams such as France and Spain) would rank much below them. I agree that France managed to reach the finals, but they were lucky to avoid good opponents during the knockout phase. And one more thing. European teams perform well only when the tournaments are staged in Europe. This time the tournament was being held in Qatar, and teams such as Germany and Belgium had a horrible run.

You do know that Brazil was kicked out of the World Cup in quarterfinal game by Croatia? I'm not saying that Croatia has a better team than Brazil, but saying that Brazil was one of the two strongest teams in the World Cup is ridiculous. Your other statement that France managed to get to the finals by avoiding good opponents goes into the same category. They beat England in the quarterfinal and you are saying that they avoided good opponents? England isn't a good opponent?

[FatFork]

The two strongest teams in Qatar 2022 were Argentina and Brazil. No one will deny that. All the other teams (including European teams such as France and Spain) would rank much below them. I agree that France managed to reach the finals, but they were lucky to avoid good opponents during the knockout phase. And one more thing. European teams perform well only when the tournaments are staged in Europe. This time the tournament was being held in Qatar, and teams such as Germany and Belgium had a horrible run.

You do know that Brazil was kicked out of the World Cup in quarterfinal game by Croatia? I'm not saying that Croatia has a better team than Brazil, but saying that Brazil was one of the two strongest teams in the World Cup is ridiculous. Your other statement that France managed to get to the finals by avoiding good opponents goes into the same category. They beat England in the quarterfinal and you are saying that they avoided good opponents? England isn't a good opponent?

He is probably referring to the FIFA World Rankings table post-World Cup in Qatar, where Brazil and Argentina hold the top two spots, making them the two highest-ranked teams in the world.



As for the second part of his statement about France and the European teams, I fully agree that it's ridiculous. Luck does indeed have a role in these competitions, but suggesting that a team had better luck in facing a specific opponent in the knockout phase is irrelevant. In the same vein, one could argue that Argentina was lucky in the final as they defeated France only through penalty kicks and not through regular play. Furthermore, there hasn't been a World Cup without at least one European team in the final since 1950.

[Zackgeno96]

I think the list is about right with the balance of powers at issue at the moment. But the Netherlands was the worst of all teams together with Belgium. Belgium has had its golden age and now a new batch will be ready to take over. Brazil has often been number 1 in the ranking together with France for years, but has not won anything for a long time. Croatia actually did very well, a final in 2018 and a semi-final in Qatar. And eventually finished 3rd. For England it is still not possible to win a major prize. Maybe at the upcoming championships.

[Strongkored]

I think the list is about right with the balance of powers at issue at the moment. But the Netherlands was the worst of all teams together with Belgium. Belgium has had its golden age and now a new batch will be ready to take over. Brazil has often been number 1 in the ranking together with France for years, but has not won anything for a long time. Croatia actually did very well, a final in 2018 and a semi-final in Qatar. And eventually finished 3rd. For England it is still not possible to win a major prize. Maybe at the upcoming championships.

I will count England also not so good, maybe they can be in the European Cup final but I see it is not that impressive and the worst thing is that fourth place Belgium has not shown any achievements and it is quite disappointing, the most impressive are Croatia quite stable even though they have never won any throphy, but for the next World Cup will show another impressive? still be awaited.

[mm2543363580]

The two strongest teams in Qatar 2022 were Argentina and Brazil. No one will deny that. All the other teams (including European teams such as France and Spain) would rank much below them. I agree that France managed to reach the finals, but they were lucky to avoid good opponents during the knockout phase. And one more thing. European teams perform well only when the tournaments are staged in Europe. This time the tournament was being held in Qatar, and teams such as Germany and Belgium had a horrible run.

You do know that Brazil was kicked out of the World Cup in quarterfinal game by Croatia? I'm not saying that Croatia has a better team than Brazil, but saying that Brazil was one of the two strongest teams in the World Cup is ridiculous. Your other statement that France managed to get to the finals by avoiding good opponents goes into the same category. They beat England in the quarterfinal and you are saying that they avoided good opponents? England isn't a good opponent?

He is probably referring to the FIFA World Rankings table post-World Cup in Qatar, where Brazil and Argentina hold the top two spots, making them the two highest-ranked teams in the world.



As for the second part of his statement about France and the European teams, I fully agree that it's ridiculous. Luck does indeed have a role in these competitions, but suggesting that a team had better luck in facing a specific opponent in the knockout phase is irrelevant. In the same vein, one could argue that Argentina was lucky in the final as they defeated France only through penalty kicks and not through regular play. Furthermore, there hasn't been a World Cup without at least one European team in the final since 1950.

Fifa world ranking Is bit contradictory to recent wrd Cup performances , may be they ranked according to overall performances . Argentina is definitely strongest of all but this time Brazil were really unlucky as they were knocked out by Croatia in quarter-finals in penalty shootout.  And Belgium didn't even made it to quarter-finals.

[FatFork]

Argentina is definitely strongest of all but this time Brazil were really unlucky as they were knocked out by Croatia in quarter-finals in penalty shootout. 

So, according to you, Brazil was unlucky for losing in a semi-final penalty shootout, but at the same time, Argentina is the strongest for winning the final, also in a penalty shootout? That's absurd!

And Belgium didn't even made it to quarter-finals.

And Italy didn't even qualify for WC 2022. But that doesn't mean it's a weak team.

[l3pox]

isn't it a bit too early to start a thread about the next world cup? it's 4 years away

Brazil will face Argentina in the finals, craziest game ever ending 2x1 for Brazil with a goal in the last 5 minutes.

tuff story


jokes apart
do we already know where the world cup will take place?

[Naficopa]

Argentina is definitely strongest of all but this time Brazil were really unlucky as they were knocked out by Croatia in quarter-finals in penalty shootout. 

So, according to you, Brazil was unlucky for losing in a semi-final penalty shootout, but at the same time, Argentina is the strongest for winning the final, also in a penalty shootout? That's absurd!

And Belgium didn't even made it to quarter-finals.

And Italy didn't even qualify for WC 2022. But that doesn't mean it's a weak team.

Many good teams who were able to perform well in the previous World Cup did not qualify for this World Cup. But it is expected that the rest of the teams will be well prepared for the next World Cup.