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

[Sithara007]

I still reiterate...
If Brazil continues with this same team and fails to make a drastic change in players, coaches and staff, it will not win the next world cups.

Brazil's level has dropped a lot compared to previous world cups (example, 1998, 2002, 2006),
At that time, Brazilians had several players who were the best in the world in each position, we had goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker.

And today, unfortunately, we only have Neymar, in which he is the team's star player.

I have no doubt that Brazil will need to hone young talents from childhood to adulthood, so after that, Brazil may be able to be world champions again.

Well.. I find this strange. We see these arguments only after Brazil got kicked out of the world cup (lost to Croatia during Quarter-finals). Till that point, Brazil was having the best odds for any teams and they were considered as the favorites to lift the trophy (Argentina's odds were much worse). No one was complaining about the team balance before the tournament started. And let's not forget the fact that they scored a big win in their opening match, against one of the strongest teams from the UEFA confederation (Serbia). Things somehow didn't worked out for them in the knockout phase. But I still don't want to criticize them for that.

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[slackovic]

Well.. I find this strange. We see these arguments only after Brazil got kicked out of the world cup (lost to Croatia during Quarter-finals). Till that point, Brazil was having the best odds for any teams and they were considered as the favorites to lift the trophy (Argentina's odds were much worse). No one was complaining about the team balance before the tournament started. And let's not forget the fact that they scored a big win in their opening match, against one of the strongest teams from the UEFA confederation (Serbia). Things somehow didn't worked out for them in the knockout phase. But I still don't want to criticize them for that.

Oh no... You didn't just say that Serbia is one of the strongest team in Europe. Or did you? Where did you come up with that conclusion? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they are a bad team. They played OK in the World Cup, but to say that they are one of the best European teams is a bit too much. Don't you think?

[Sithara007]

Oh no... You didn't just say that Serbia is one of the strongest team in Europe. Or did you? Where did you come up with that conclusion? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they are a bad team. They played OK in the World Cup, but to say that they are one of the best European teams is a bit too much. Don't you think?

UEFA is such a tough confederation and almost all the teams competing there are quality teams. I posted that Serbia is one of the strongest teams, because they topped their respective group in the UEFA qualifiers (out of the group of 5 teams, they managed to finish ahead of Portugal and the Republic of Ireland). But if you look at the rankings, then they are much below other teams such as England and France (Serbia is currently ranked #29). Anyway, IMO Serbia is a strong team and Brazil easily got past them without much difficulty.

[slapper]

Qatar has shown their potential in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It has been the best World Cup in history so far. You hope that the 2026 World Cup will write more chapters in history than this World Cup.

Indeed, at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar showed that they managed to make history by becoming the best host in the history of this prestigious football event.
However, if the 2026 World Cup, which will host the United States, is chosen to host, then I am sure that I can compete with Qatar as the best host. America is a developed country and belongs to the most advanced economy in the world, so it will be easy for America to make the World Cup the best and the most luxurious, So maybe in 2026 America can write a new history in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

The US, Mexico, and Canada will make the 2026 World Cup a great sporting and cultural event. Imagine these countries doing well and their vast stadiums ready to welcome tens of thousands of ardent supporters from around the world. Because of their passion, commitment, and strong bid, they can run a major foreign event.

Look, most of the games are in the US, which is revered for its technology and business. The 2026 World Cup will be well-run and full with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with so many resources. The game will be colored by each host country's culture. I'm eagerly anticipating the 2026 World Cup! I'm excited and hope it exceeds my expectations

[rahmad2nd]

~snip~

I still reiterate...
If Brazil continues with this same team and fails to make a drastic change in players, coaches and staff, it will not win the next world cups.

Brazil's level has dropped a lot compared to previous world cups (example, 1998, 2002, 2006),
At that time, Brazilians had several players who were the best in the world in each position, we had goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker.

And today, unfortunately, we only have Neymar, in which he is the team's star player.

I have no doubt that Brazil will need to hone young talents from childhood to adulthood, so after that, Brazil may be able to be world champions again.

I have a different point of view than you, I think not only Neymar. in the Qatar world cup, Brazil has enough players. there, there are several names that are shining and also Neymar as a star. Tite has some good players, also quality. there is Vini Jr, G.Jesus, Rodrigo, Raphina, Martinelli, Richarlison, only one is missing, namely Firmino. in the midfield sector, Tite can place Casemiro, even Antony can be rotated to become a midfielder, Fabinho, Fred is not included. for the defense, there are several names of senior players as well as quality players including Militao, Marquinhos, who are not too old. for goalkeepers, there's Alisson and Ederson.

Strength-wise, I think this is quite a formidable team. the problem is in the coach. yes, Tite. he didn't have a good enough system to take his team, go any further. I think the problem with the Brazilian national team is not in the players, but in the patterns, systems and strategies that are implemented. IMO, Brazil is too inclined to rely on individual action and not playing as a solid team. if Brazil had a brilliant coach, I'm sure Brazil would be much better.

And it's important to remember, that teams from other countries have developed as well. in particular, the squads of European countries. we can refer to England, how they played very solidly. unfortunately, The Theree Lions had to give up on France. one more, in modern football. not only about how a player has his individual skills, but how they play together as a team. and that has been proven by Argentina.

[bitgolden]

I still reiterate...
If Brazil continues with this same team and fails to make a drastic change in players, coaches and staff, it will not win the next world cups.

Brazil's level has dropped a lot compared to previous world cups (example, 1998, 2002, 2006),
At that time, Brazilians had several players who were the best in the world in each position, we had goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker.

And today, unfortunately, we only have Neymar, in which he is the team's star player.

I have no doubt that Brazil will need to hone young talents from childhood to adulthood, so after that, Brazil may be able to be world champions again.

Well.. I find this strange. We see these arguments only after Brazil got kicked out of the world cup (lost to Croatia during Quarter-finals). Till that point, Brazil was having the best odds for any teams and they were considered as the favorites to lift the trophy (Argentina's odds were much worse). No one was complaining about the team balance before the tournament started. And let's not forget the fact that they scored a big win in their opening match, against one of the strongest teams from the UEFA confederation (Serbia). Things somehow didn't worked out for them in the knockout phase. But I still don't want to criticize them for that.

Isn't that logical? I mean a team that looks like be good enough to get the title ends up losing to Croatia and you are wondering why people do not like the way they are right now and want to see somethings changed?

I personally think that it is exactly because of that, they had a team who should have fought for a title and unluckily they lost some players and that's bad, I get that, but at the end of the day they lost anyway while expected to be one of the best teams, which shows that quarter final elimination equals to doing something about that. A new manager, some changes in the roster, and somehow a better way to organize later on for the future.

[Sithara007]

Isn't that logical? I mean a team that looks like be good enough to get the title ends up losing to Croatia and you are wondering why people do not like the way they are right now and want to see somethings changed?

I personally think that it is exactly because of that, they had a team who should have fought for a title and unluckily they lost some players and that's bad, I get that, but at the end of the day they lost anyway while expected to be one of the best teams, which shows that quarter final elimination equals to doing something about that. A new manager, some changes in the roster, and somehow a better way to organize later on for the future.

No matter how good a team is, they can't guarantee winning matches 100% of the time they play. No one expected that Brazil would lose to Croatia, but it happened as a result of the combination of several adverse factors. I still believe that Brazil had the most skilled players and better team balance compared to other teams during Qatar 2022. From round of 16, it is knockout phase and no one can actually predict the outcome of the matches with guarantee. Croatia had a great day and didn't had anything to lose and eventually they won the match. That said, I didn't found too many negatives in the team strategy for Brazil, or the team balance and bonding.

[nullama]

~snip~
No matter how good a team is, they can't guarantee winning matches 100% of the time they play. No one expected that Brazil would lose to Croatia, but it happened as a result of the combination of several adverse factors. I still believe that Brazil had the most skilled players and better team balance compared to other teams during Qatar 2022. From round of 16, it is knockout phase and no one can actually predict the outcome of the matches with guarantee. Croatia had a great day and didn't had anything to lose and eventually they won the match. That said, I didn't found too many negatives in the team strategy for Brazil, or the team balance and bonding.

Absolutely agree.

At the end of the day it was just an unlucky match for Brazil and a lucky one for Croatia. These things happen, that's why football is so entertaining.

Brazil is still ranked number one at the FIFA ranking, and they hold the amazing record of being the only country in the world to have been qualified to every single edition of the world cup, ever. Plus, they have won it 5 times, also a record.

They qualified to Qatar undefeated, and went to the next stage undefeated. That means that they only lost one time in the entire thing, qualifications and the world cup itself.

Argentina also lost a single time in the entire thing(also qualified undefeated), against Saudi Arabia. But they were lucky that it was at the group stage.

Luck is always needed to win the world cup.

[alegotardo]

No matter how good a team is, they can't guarantee winning matches 100% of the time they play. No one expected that Brazil would lose to Croatia, but it happened as a result of the combination of several adverse factors. I still believe that Brazil had the most skilled players and better team balance compared to other teams during Qatar 2022. From round of 16, it is knockout phase and no one can actually predict the outcome of the matches with guarantee. Croatia had a great day and didn't had anything to lose and eventually they won the match. That said, I didn't found too many negatives in the team strategy for Brazil, or the team balance and bonding.

In fact, there is an explanation for why Brazil lost to Croatia....

That defeat represented the continuation of a fast that has lasted since the 2002 World Cup in which Brazil is unable to overcome European opponents in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Take a good look: They lost to France in 2006, then lost to the Netherlands in 2010, then lost to Belgium in 2018.
The only exception to this rule was in 2014, when he advanced to the quarterfinals, but was also eliminated by another European team.
If Europe has bigger teams, then I don't know, what I do know is that they are the worst nightmare for Brazilians in the world cup.

[Sithara007]

In fact, there is an explanation for why Brazil lost to Croatia....

That defeat represented the continuation of a fast that has lasted since the 2002 World Cup in which Brazil is unable to overcome European opponents in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Take a good look: They lost to France in 2006, then lost to the Netherlands in 2010, then lost to Belgium in 2018.
The only exception to this rule was in 2014, when he advanced to the quarterfinals, but was also eliminated by another European team.
If Europe has bigger teams, then I don't know, what I do know is that they are the worst nightmare for Brazilians in the world cup.

You are being selective here. Brazil had a disadvantage to start with, as Neymar was not 100% fit. And these defeats that you have mentioned here, they were unexpected. If Brazil plays against Netherlands, they would win 4 out of 5 times. But then they can't win 5 out of 5, because that is the beauty of football. But even if they lose, that doesn't mean that they are less skilled. During the last world cup, Croatia and Cameroon defeated Brazil. Now can anyone claim that these two teams are better than Brazil?

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Well.. I find this strange. We see these arguments only after Brazil got kicked out of the world cup (lost to Croatia during Quarter-finals). Till that point, Brazil was having the best odds for any teams and they were considered as the favorites to lift the trophy (Argentina's odds were much worse). No one was complaining about the team balance before the tournament started. And let's not forget the fact that they scored a big win in their opening match, against one of the strongest teams from the UEFA confederation (Serbia). Things somehow didn't worked out for them in the knockout phase. But I still don't want to criticize them for that.

Oh no... You didn't just say that Serbia is one of the strongest team in Europe. Or did you? Where did you come up with that conclusion? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they are a bad team. They played OK in the World Cup, but to say that they are one of the best European teams is a bit too much. Don't you think?

LOL, you don't to blame him bud, maybe Serbia is his home country, and as I understand, some times, or maybe for most people, it is difficult to to the acceptance their home country team is not good enough when it come to football.
Take me for example, As a Nigerian, I've always wished that super eagles were a team I can proudly talk about in the global football discussion forum as this, but then, I cant just see my self saying their are the best, or even close to it, when deep inside of me, I know they aren't.

[gagux123]

I have a different point of view than you, I think not only Neymar. in the Qatar world cup, Brazil has enough players. there, there are several names that are shining and also Neymar as a star. Tite has some good players, also quality. there is Vini Jr, G.Jesus, Rodrigo, Raphina, Martinelli, Richarlison, only one is missing, namely Firmino. in the midfield sector, Tite can place Casemiro, even Antony can be rotated to become a midfielder, Fabinho, Fred is not included. for the defense, there are several names of senior players as well as quality players including Militao, Marquinhos, who are not too old. for goalkeepers, there's Alisson and Ederson.

Strength-wise, I think this is quite a formidable team. the problem is in the coach. yes, Tite. he didn't have a good enough system to take his team, go any further. I think the problem with the Brazilian national team is not in the players, but in the patterns, systems and strategies that are implemented. IMO, Brazil is too inclined to rely on individual action and not playing as a solid team. if Brazil had a brilliant coach, I'm sure Brazil would be much better.

And it's important to remember, that teams from other countries have developed as well. in particular, the squads of European countries. we can refer to England, how they played very solidly. unfortunately, The Theree Lions had to give up on France. one more, in modern football. not only about how a player has his individual skills, but how they play together as a team. and that has been proven by Argentina.

Yes, I understand you.
Well, I have no doubt that the Brazil team is excellent, I won't deny it, but I cited the example of Neymar to clarify what I meant.

Unfortunately, Brazil only has Neymar as an elite player, that is, one of the best in the world.
There are currently no players Brazilians who are at his level, Casemiro? G. Jesus? Paquetá? Militantao? they are excellent players, but they are below Neymar's level.

If we search the squad of the Brazilian World Cup team in 1994, 1998, 2002 and even 2006.
Literally, in every position Brazil had a player who was one of the best in the world at that time, Rivaldo, Kaka, Cafu, R. Carlos, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Romario and others.

I have engraved in my mind the comments and videos of different people and players from around the world saying they were afraid to play against the Brazilian team, literally Brazil spread terror around the world!
One of the teams that I have remembered clearly are the 2002 and 2006, literally, the person who watched the Brazilian team watched a show/concert, a spectacle of team, chemistry and quality between the players.

Brazil will hardly have a team as good as the ones I mentioned earlier.

[nullama]

~snip~
In fact, there is an explanation for why Brazil lost to Croatia....

That defeat represented the continuation of a fast that has lasted since the 2002 World Cup in which Brazil is unable to overcome European opponents in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Take a good look: They lost to France in 2006, then lost to the Netherlands in 2010, then lost to Belgium in 2018.
The only exception to this rule was in 2014, when he advanced to the quarterfinals, but was also eliminated by another European team.
If Europe has bigger teams, then I don't know, what I do know is that they are the worst nightmare for Brazilians in the world cup.

It's not that European teams are the worst nightmare of Brazil, it's just that for Brazil there's no one else to lose against at that stage.

Brazil just happened to lose at the quarter finals, the other side is most probably going to be from Europe, because Argentina is probably the only team from South America at that stage, so Brazil has more chances of playing against an European team there.

Who else would be in the quarter finals?, Morocco made history being the first African nation in the semi finals. It's usually only Europe and South America.

[Sithara007]

LOL, you don't to blame him bud, maybe Serbia is his home country, and as I understand, some times, or maybe for most people, it is difficult to to the acceptance their home country team is not good enough when it come to football.
Take me for example, As a Nigerian, I've always wished that super eagles were a team I can proudly talk about in the global football discussion forum as this, but then, I cant just see my self saying their are the best, or even close to it, when deep inside of me, I know they aren't.

I stated that Serbia is one of the strongest teams in Europe and I stand by that statement. As I posted previously, Serbia finished ahead of Portugal in their world cup qualifier. Do you need a better proof? I agree that their performance in the main tournament (Qatar 2022) was quite disappointing. They lost against Switzerland and Brazil, then got a draw against Cameroon. Anyway, I don't want to divert the topic here. I was just saying that Brazil did everything right till that shock defeat against Cameroon. Then they destroyed South Korea by a massive margin before losing to Croatia in the quarter-finals.

[slackovic]

LOL, you don't to blame him bud, maybe Serbia is his home country, and as I understand, some times, or maybe for most people, it is difficult to to the acceptance their home country team is not good enough when it come to football.
Take me for example, As a Nigerian, I've always wished that super eagles were a team I can proudly talk about in the global football discussion forum as this, but then, I cant just see my self saying their are the best, or even close to it, when deep inside of me, I know they aren't.

I stated that Serbia is one of the strongest teams in Europe and I stand by that statement. As I posted previously, Serbia finished ahead of Portugal in their world cup qualifier. Do you need a better proof? I agree that their performance in the main tournament (Qatar 2022) was quite disappointing. They lost against Switzerland and Brazil, then got a draw against Cameroon. Anyway, I don't want to divert the topic here. I was just saying that Brazil did everything right till that shock defeat against Cameroon. Then they destroyed South Korea by a massive margin before losing to Croatia in the quarter-finals.

I'm not saying that Serbia is not a good team. But they are definitely not one of the strongest teams in Europe. Maybe if you count 15 European nations as the strongest teams in Europe, then Serbia can be considered as one of the best 15 teams in Europe.

But OK... Everyone has the right to an opinion and to express their opinion.

[rdluffy]

Some news:


Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-confirms-us-mexico-canada-automatically-26-world-cup-2023-02-15/

Only yesterday, February 14th, Fifa made an announcement that the 3 host countries for the 2026 World Cup will automatically qualify for the event.
It may seem obvious, but it is the first time that the World Cup will take place in 3 different countries, so the official announcement was still missing.
It would be very problematic to have a World Cup in a country that is not participating in it itself.

Canada will participate in their second consecutive cup, and it will be very good for the team to gain more experience, they played well in the Qatar cup, even without qualifying. I hope they can at least make it to the round of 32 in 2026.
Mexico and USA are already more used to participating in the cups, but anyway they are already qualified.

In my opinion the fact of not participating in the qualifiers can leave the team without playing important matches during all this time until it gets to the World Cup.
The 3 teams will have to play friendly matches with other teams to keep up the rhythm of the game and train with the team thinking about the World Cup.

[Leviathan.007]

I'm not saying that Serbia is not a good team. But they are definitely not one of the strongest teams in Europe. Maybe if you count 15 European nations as the strongest teams in Europe, then Serbia can be considered as one of the best 15 teams in Europe.

But OK... Everyone has the right to an opinion and to express their opinion.

Regarding Serbia's national football team, I'm not sure how strong this country but from what I can see they have been in 13 world cups total since 1930 and the last time was in the 2022 world cup where Ljubiša Tumbaković replaced Dragan Stojković so here Dragan Stojković can have the chance to show better performance with their national teams considering this and even if Stojković start doing magic I even don't expect to see Serbia better the teams fighting for the world cup first place in 2026

[Japinat]

Some news:


Source: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fifa-confirms-us-mexico-canada-automatically-26-world-cup-2023-02-15/

Only yesterday, February 14th, Fifa made an announcement that the 3 host countries for the 2026 World Cup will automatically qualify for the event.
It may seem obvious, but it is the first time that the World Cup will take place in 3 different countries, so the official announcement was still missing.
It would be very problematic to have a World Cup in a country that is not participating in it itself.

Canada will participate in their second consecutive cup, and it will be very good for the team to gain more experience, they played well in the Qatar cup, even without qualifying. I hope they can at least make it to the round of 32 in 2026.
Mexico and USA are already more used to participating in the cups, but anyway they are already qualified.

In my opinion the fact of not participating in the qualifiers can leave the team without playing important matches during all this time until it gets to the World Cup.
The 3 teams will have to play friendly matches with other teams to keep up the rhythm of the game and train with the team thinking about the World Cup.

That is somehow expected considering that the countries stated above will be hosting the upcoming World Cup '26 but indeed, this is the first time that 3 countries has qualified automatically as this is the first time too that a 3 country has joined the bid together. In the past, there are only 2 countries had the same thing, namely Japan and South Korea way back 2002.

As for the qualifying team, they really need to have a consecutive warm up to keep themselves ready and hot because of that fact that they are already qualified because if they won't, I'm afraid that their advantage will just be in vain.

[Pierre 2]

I wonder what Argentina can achieve in next world cup in 2026. Their main players were already old at world cup in Qatar. In past Argentina squad was far better mix of young talents with experienced star players. I don't deny they will still be competitive but their squad quality may drop drastically. Brazil will always be candidate to title on the other hand. South America continent may be dominated by Brazil in coming years.

[Daniel91]

I'm not saying that Serbia is not a good team. But they are definitely not one of the strongest teams in Europe. Maybe if you count 15 European nations as the strongest teams in Europe, then Serbia can be considered as one of the best 15 teams in Europe.

But OK... Everyone has the right to an opinion and to express their opinion.

Regarding Serbia's national football team, I'm not sure how strong this country but from what I can see they have been in 13 world cups total since 1930 and the last time was in the 2022 world cup where Ljubiša Tumbaković replaced Dragan Stojković so here Dragan Stojković can have the chance to show better performance with their national teams considering this and even if Stojković start doing magic I even don't expect to see Serbia better the teams fighting for the world cup first place in 2026

In fact, you are not right, because until 1990, only the national team of Yugoslavia participated in the world cups, with players from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Macedonia, and the successes of that national team were the joint successes of all Yugoslav nations, not only Serbia.
Since Serbia, Croatia and other former Yugoslav republics have been participating in the world football cups, only Croatia managed to pass the group stage of the competition at the world cups and win three medals, one silver and two bronze.
From that side, it is completely clear which national team is currently the best and the level is higher compared to national teams from other former Yugoslav republics.
The Serbian national team was good in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and even won first place in the group ahead of Portugal and directly qualified for the World Cup, but their old problems reappeared in Qatar, namely the unity of the team and the relationship between the coach and the players.