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

[Ruttoshi]

We are having one thing interesting during his six years contract with PSG he never played complete season with the PSG due to his injuries now his first season with Al Hilal were worst ever because he was able to play just three games and now uncertainty around his arrival for the next season is also having setback for both Neymar and Al Hilal but most chances all will be clear in just few days because now we have few days left in start of new season.

There were many mixed news about the Neymar contract termination with Al-Hilal but it seems that those were fake propaganda and his contract may not have been terminated. We thought that since he is unable to play for the club, his contract will be terminated but it seems that Al-Hilal is happy to keep him and hopes he will be available for them in the next season. This have been told by the leading journalists Al Saif and Fabrizio Romano and therefore we need to trust these sources.

If it is true that Al-Hilal is keeping Neymar to remain as their player despite the long injury, it means that they so much value him and believes in him because if it is some clubs, they will terminate his contract.

One thing that I see with the Saudis is that they appreciate a player no matter his state and they believe that standing by your side during your turbulent times is the best because that is what will motivate you when you are back from injury to put in your best for the club since no condition is permanent. Neymar is very luck that he moved to SPL and will be happy he made the right choice.

[criptoevangelista]

We are having one thing interesting during his six years contract with PSG he never played complete season with the PSG due to his injuries now his first season with Al Hilal were worst ever because he was able to play just three games and now uncertainty around his arrival for the next season is also having setback for both Neymar and Al Hilal but most chances all will be clear in just few days because now we have few days left in start of new season.

There were many mixed news about the Neymar contract termination with Al-Hilal but it seems that those were fake propaganda and his contract may not have been terminated. We thought that since he is unable to play for the club, his contract will be terminated but it seems that Al-Hilal is happy to keep him and hopes he will be available for them in the next season. This have been told by the leading journalists Al Saif and Fabrizio Romano and therefore we need to trust these sources.

If it is true that Al-Hilal is keeping Neymar to remain as their player despite the long injury, it means that they so much value him and believes in him because if it is some clubs, they will terminate his contract.

One thing that I see with the Saudis is that they appreciate a player no matter his state and they believe that standing by your side during your turbulent times is the best because that is what will motivate you when you are back from injury to put in your best for the club since no condition is permanent. Neymar is very luck that he moved to SPL and will be happy he made the right choice.

It is probably very advantageous to keep a player like Neymar injured, it brings a lot of visibility to the team and the Saudi Arabian league, from what I understand, has the goal of being one of the biggest leagues in the world in a few years, so for that it is important to have players with world-class knowledge as part of the squad.

[Docnaster]

We are having one thing interesting during his six years contract with PSG he never played complete season with the PSG due to his injuries now his first season with Al Hilal were worst ever because he was able to play just three games and now uncertainty around his arrival for the next season is also having setback for both Neymar and Al Hilal but most chances all will be clear in just few days because now we have few days left in start of new season.

Series of injuries have been a major setback to Neymar Jr's football career and the bad thing about it is that he can't do much to stop it or control the incessant injuries. Last season he didn't enjoy playing for his new club Al Hilal but we're hopeful he'll return back to fitness ahead of next season. The truth is there's no way we can see a better Neymar Jr than his best we've seen in the past and that I think should be the worrying issue for his new club. Neymar was signed last summer to help the club compete for the biggest trophies but injury stopped him from living up to the expectations of the club but it still didn't stop Al Hilal from having a great season so with or without Neymar, I think Al Hilal can still retain the league title

[Lidger]

We are having one thing interesting during his six years contract with PSG he never played complete season with the PSG due to his injuries now his first season with Al Hilal were worst ever because he was able to play just three games and now uncertainty around his arrival for the next season is also having setback for both Neymar and Al Hilal but most chances all will be clear in just few days because now we have few days left in start of new season.

There were many mixed news about the Neymar contract termination with Al-Hilal but it seems that those were fake propaganda and his contract may not have been terminated. We thought that since he is unable to play for the club, his contract will be terminated but it seems that Al-Hilal is happy to keep him and hopes he will be available for them in the next season. This have been told by the leading journalists Al Saif and Fabrizio Romano and therefore we need to trust these sources.

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

[joniboini]

The recents discussion is mostly about Neymar and Al-Hilal, wouldn't be more appropriate to post that on the Saudi League discussion thread? I thought I misclicked this thread at first when I read the recent discussion. I understand it comes from discussing Neymar and Brazil, I just feel that it gets a bit off-topic if it switch to discussing his chance to win the Saudi Leage with Al-Hilal.

Btw, I tried to search recent news related to the next world cup, and it seems some people are trying to push FIFA and other governing bodies to prepare sufficiently following the latest chaos at Copa America[1]. It's a fair criticism I guess, although it's unclear we can rely on FIFA to improve quickly. CMIIW.

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/16/this-copa-america-was-scorching-chaos-will-world-cup-2026-be-different

[dezoel]

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

Saudi Pro League is having many targets, and they are doing things as they are feeling comfortable as we have Neymar situation in last season if we have any European club surely things gone on wrong side for the player because these clubs mean business and currently situation at this league is completely different because after rejection of Messi Saudi League organizers were looking for big name from South America, and they found Neymar as good so they are doing this for having the good number of fans in this region.

Now as we are heading for the new season things are looking again good for Neymar hopefully he will be able to give his contribution for the Al Hilal with his performance not off the field issues and clubs will be also able to sorted out things which hurt them in last season due to injury.

[criptoevangelista]

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

[Sg4j1n3ll0]

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

Simply for the fact that Neymar made the money he wanted to get a pension for 3 his future generations and it was what he was interested, but now he will now find some teams that hires him, we always talk about top club so the choice for him is Almost obliged to his possible return to Brazil on some teams, so his possible participation in the modials could be possible, it is always Neymar!

[Hanadawa]

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

Neymar has earned a lot of money from Al Hilal. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented him from performing optimally with Al Hilal. However, I think Neymar has also made a significant impact on the Saudi Arabian Pro League and as you said Al Hilal can get many other business benefits from Neymar. Playing in the Brazilian League with Flamengo is his choice. And it would be even better if Neymar could inspire and help many Brazilian children as the future of Brazilian football.

Btw, I tried to search recent news related to the next world cup, and it seems some people are trying to push FIFA and other governing bodies to prepare sufficiently following the latest chaos at Copa America[1]. It's a fair criticism I guess, although it's unclear we can rely on FIFA to improve quickly. CMIIW.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/16/this-copa-america-was-scorching-chaos-will-world-cup-2026-be-different

The link you shared shows that FIFA learned from their experience during the Copa America because the United States will host the 2026 World Cup. As far as I can remember, Qatar did a great job. FIFA should work with the host country to solve the logistics and accommodation issues for fans during the World Cup.

[Distraction]

Btw, I tried to search recent news related to the next world cup, and it seems some people are trying to push FIFA and other governing bodies to prepare sufficiently following the latest chaos at Copa America[1]. It's a fair criticism I guess, although it's unclear we can rely on FIFA to improve quickly. CMIIW.

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/16/this-copa-america-was-scorching-chaos-will-world-cup-2026-be-different

I understand those people. Those things happened during Copa America were a big disgrace. How can you be this bad at making an organization? People's life was in danger after the Colombia - Uruguay match. 

FIFA should take their precautions for the upcoming World Cup by seeing this as a good example. Fans come to matches to support their teams and have fun. Not to deal with this kind of incidents. Security level should be strengthened more in this tournament and every other one. Can we rely on FIFA to do so? It is a good question and I'm not sure about the answer. They will need to earn our trust for that first.

[Forsyth Jones]

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

This is a fact, I'm worried about Neymar staying out of action for so long due to his injury and when he returns, he won't be able to play like he used to. But on the other hand, Ronaldo Phenomenon also got injured, everyone thought he would stop there, but he won the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.

[Hirose UK]

~snip~

Btw, I tried to search recent news related to the next world cup, and it seems some people are trying to push FIFA and other governing bodies to prepare sufficiently following the latest chaos at Copa America[1]. It's a fair criticism I guess, although it's unclear we can rely on FIFA to improve quickly. CMIIW.

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/article/2024/jul/16/this-copa-america-was-scorching-chaos-will-world-cup-2026-be-different

There is still time of about 2 years and in the remaining time I think it is more than enough for FIFA to fix everything and make the 2026 World Cup held in 3 different countries, one of which is the United States, run better.
All preparations have of course been well designed and arranged in structured manner to create this most prestigious championship event can be completed without any problems, moreover so far in every World Cup championship has always shown increasingly good improvements.
In addition, the Copa America also has quite difference from the World Cup championship so that all preparations will also be different and show that later the 2026 World Cup will not be as bad as some people worry.

[Rampagoe004]

This is a fact, I'm worried about Neymar staying out of action for so long due to his injury and when he returns, he won't be able to play like he used to. But on the other hand, Ronaldo Phenomenon also got injured, everyone thought he would stop there, but he won the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.

I think those are two different cases. Ronaldo Nazario played in the 2002 World Cup when he was around 25 years old and he still had the physical fitness to be able to recover from injury. Ronaldo Phenomenon also has extraordinary skills in football that make him able to perform impressively even though he has just recovered from injury. Here Neymar is already 32 years old and this is the retirement age for a footballer. Neymar has experienced several serious injuries.

[tygeade]

Just like in other countries when a child is born they dream of becoming a doctor or an engineer, if a child is born in Brazil he dreams of becoming a world class footballer from childhood. Family helps children to become world class footballers and he was obsessed with football from an early age. It is natural that world-class footballers will be produced in such a country. Brazil has world class footballers and Brazil football team is the most expensive football team in the world but despite having such an expensive football team they are always unsuccessful. The major reason behind this is the lack of a good quality manager. If an experienced manager had taken charge of this team, the mission of this team would have been fulfilled long ago.

Brazil may have realized this but of late, Brazil have been looking for a manager at a time when they can't find an experienced manager to lead this team which is why they are slowly falling behind the competition.

I read somewhere that even though there are places in Brazil that is known for criminal activities (every nation has one place that's famous for it, not just Brazil) in that place they still do not touch kids at the football grounds, like keep the criminal activity away from those places.

Meaning that, if there is a kid with some talent, they would actually actively help that kid and the family. Imagine it, like a lot of thugs, drug dealers, murderers end up making sure that they bring in food, soup, whatever items they may need to the house of the kid who is good at football. They are actively seeking out to help those kids get out of there because they are not criminals just because they are born bad people, they were just not given anything else, and they want better life for those kids.

[Blitzboy]

We are having one thing interesting during his six years contract with PSG he never played complete season with the PSG due to his injuries now his first season with Al Hilal were worst ever because he was able to play just three games and now uncertainty around his arrival for the next season is also having setback for both Neymar and Al Hilal but most chances all will be clear in just few days because now we have few days left in start of new season.

There were many mixed news about the Neymar contract termination with Al-Hilal but it seems that those were fake propaganda and his contract may not have been terminated. We thought that since he is unable to play for the club, his contract will be terminated but it seems that Al-Hilal is happy to keep him and hopes he will be available for them in the next season. This have been told by the leading journalists Al Saif and Fabrizio Romano and therefore we need to trust these sources.

Al-Hilal wants to look good, and Neymar helps. But Neymar's not the player he used to be. Each injury has taken its toll. They're trapped with him. They cant sell him for top price, so they're trying to maximize his name worth. Gamble, but thats the game. They're counting on him becoming fit and creating noise on the field. Seeing how that goes.

They'll keep fans engaged via social media updates. Smart marketing, I'll admit. But at the end of the day, it's about what happens on the pitch. Thats a major question mark now.

[hyudien]

This is a fact, I'm worried about Neymar staying out of action for so long due to his injury and when he returns, he won't be able to play like he used to. But on the other hand, Ronaldo Phenomenon also got injured, everyone thought he would stop there, but he won the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.

I think those are two different cases. Ronaldo Nazario played in the 2002 World Cup when he was around 25 years old and he still had the physical fitness to be able to recover from injury. Ronaldo Phenomenon also has extraordinary skills in football that make him able to perform impressively even though he has just recovered from injury. Here Neymar is already 32 years old and this is the retirement age for a footballer. Neymar has experienced several serious injuries.

The problem is that this is not the first time Neymar has been injured and it is quite serious, he has had repeated injuries and that is what is worrying when he returns he will be different from before. There is indeed a record where he did not decline so much when he returned from injury, he only needed a while to find his game again. But still that does not guarantee that the same thing will happen to him after he returns from injury now.
I agree with you, that this is a different case, when the players you mentioned returned from injury at a fairly young age, so with a younger age they usually recover quickly and also quickly return to their best performance. But now Neymar is over 30 years old, that is an age that is considered quite old in football. Even some players who are not far from Neymar's age have now decided to retire.

[dezoel]

I read somewhere that even though there are places in Brazil that is known for criminal activities (every nation has one place that's famous for it, not just Brazil) in that place they still do not touch kids at the football grounds, like keep the criminal activity away from those places.

Meaning that, if there is a kid with some talent, they would actually actively help that kid and the family. Imagine it, like a lot of thugs, drug dealers, murderers end up making sure that they bring in food, soup, whatever items they may need to the house of the kid who is good at football. They are actively seeking out to help those kids get out of there because they are not criminals just because they are born bad people, they were just not given anything else, and they want better life for those kids.

Brazil is fifth largest in area and seventh-biggest by population and having huge part of land covered by jungles just because of this we are having crime ratio is also very high in many cities even if few are rated world's most dangerous cities but still we are having too many big names in soccer and many academies are working for the development of this game in recent times we are having serious downfall into their game but this happening due to their system which is not able to bring changes as they needed.

Usually many big players founded agents on roads and beaches as they are also doing jobs for living and having their passion about soccer because I also read in few articles life is not easy and things are getting the worst day by day overall in South America we are having life is not easy for common peoples due to increase in criminal ratio as law and order is not handling properly by authorities.

[indah rezqi]

This is a fact, I'm worried about Neymar staying out of action for so long due to his injury and when he returns, he won't be able to play like he used to. But on the other hand, Ronaldo Phenomenon also got injured, everyone thought he would stop there, but he won the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.

I think those are two different cases. Ronaldo Nazario played in the 2002 World Cup when he was around 25 years old and he still had the physical fitness to be able to recover from injury. Ronaldo Phenomenon also has extraordinary skills in football that make him able to perform impressively even though he has just recovered from injury. Here Neymar is already 32 years old and this is the retirement age for a footballer. Neymar has experienced several serious injuries.

The problem is that this is not the first time Neymar has been injured and it is quite serious, he has had repeated injuries and that is what is worrying when he returns he will be different from before. There is indeed a record where he did not decline so much when he returned from injury, he only needed a while to find his game again. But still that does not guarantee that the same thing will happen to him after he returns from injury now.
I agree with you, that this is a different case, when the players you mentioned returned from injury at a fairly young age, so with a younger age they usually recover quickly and also quickly return to their best performance. But now Neymar is over 30 years old, that is an age that is considered quite old in football. Even some players who are not far from Neymar's age have now decided to retire.

Age does affect a player performance, especially since Neymar has a reputation for frequent injuries and has had to undergo surgery several times, to find his best game again certainly takes a little time. From his social media uploads, Neymar looks focused on undergoing physical training, and seems ready to make a comeback to play the new season with Al Hilal. The Saudi Pro League is not very competitive and also does not rely too much on physicality, unlike the top European leagues, so I think it will be easy for Neymar to find his best game again.

So far, Neymar has only played for Al Hilal a few times, and I think Neymar can be an important player next season. Indeed, without Neymar presence, Al Hilal was able to go undefeated throughout the season, most likely with the return of the Brazilian star Al Hilal can retain the trophy. Statistically, Neymar has only scored one goal and three assists in five matches for Al Hilal, we must admit that it is not at all comparable to the budget spent when recruiting him from PSG. It is possible that if injuries continue to haunt him, retirement is the path that Neymar is forced to choose.

[Lidger]

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

Every team in the Saudi league has a lot of financial support so when buying a player they don't think much about how much money they are spending due to buying that player.  Therefore, club owners will not spend money on such players who will take money from their club just by sitting and will not play any role for their team. You can be sure if Neymar gets injured this season and if he is out for most of the season then they will release Neymar next season. 
Buying a player, the player is fit for the whole season but he doesn't perform well, so the club can rely on him for the next season, but if he is injured every season, there is no chance to rely on him. 

Neymar is a racehorse but he is sick and sick horses are underrated. Neymar will have to play the full season next season with utmost caution, only then will he be able to play at Al Hilal until the 2026 World Cup.

[criptoevangelista]

Looking at Al Hilal's social media, it doesn't look like they want to cancel Neymar's contract. On social media they have been posting one after another about Neymar and they are waiting for Neymar to return and in various posts they have hinted that Neymar will be available in their starting XI from the start of the season. Looking at these posts, it doesn't seem like Al Hilal is going to let Neymar go. However, there were some such rumors before the transfer window opened but now it seems that those rumors are baseless.

If Neymar can play a full season for Al Hilal then I believe Al Hilal management will be very happy with his performance and will be interested in extending his contract. 
Now the only prayer for Neymar is that he stays injury free and plays the full season fit for Al Hilal and Brazil

From what I can see, the Saudis have so much money, so much money that continuing to pay an injured player will never be a problem. As I said before, the marketing return that Neymar brings makes up for the lack of games... His contract ends next year, and by Neymar's choice he will return to Brazil to play for Flamengo, I'm almost certain of that. It won't be for lack of renewal offers, but rather by the player's choice.

Every team in the Saudi league has a lot of financial support so when buying a player they don't think much about how much money they are spending due to buying that player.  Therefore, club owners will not spend money on such players who will take money from their club just by sitting and will not play any role for their team. You can be sure if Neymar gets injured this season and if he is out for most of the season then they will release Neymar next season. 
Buying a player, the player is fit for the whole season but he doesn't perform well, so the club can rely on him for the next season, but if he is injured every season, there is no chance to rely on him. 

Neymar is a racehorse but he is sick and sick horses are underrated. Neymar will have to play the full season next season with utmost caution, only then will he be able to play at Al Hilal until the 2026 World Cup.

I believe that if he returns, it will take a few more months to acquire the ideal conditioning and playing rhythm. The injury he had was very serious and even the player himself was discouraged by the slow recovery. Maybe he will play out the last year of his contract but he probably won't want to renew it. He has plans to return to Brazil... His destination will probably be Flamengo.