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

[LUCKMCFLY]

I also remember the great Brazilian generation from the 1982 World Cup led by Zico, Socrates, Falcao... they were really football artists and not football players.
We were all convinced that they would be world champions in 1982, but then they unexpectedly lost to Italy.
It was shown that ''dying in beauty'' is not enough for success, but that you need to play solid and organized football and especially be strong in defense.
The generation of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo... was at its peak in 1998-2002 and I don't understand how they lost the final in 1998.
Such players appear once in a generation and it is obvious that today Brazil does not have such players and team anymore.

Yes, exactly, you are correct!
Some players think they are gods and that they are indestructible!

And that's the worst thought a player can have is, "thinking he's indestructible"!
They are still human and make mistakes, he's not perfect

I believe that every football "ERA" had a player like that, for example Brazil, they had great chances of being champions in 1982, and that didn't happen, the same happened in 1998, but they lost to France, Brazil was champion in 2002 and I had no doubt that they would be champions again in 2006, but that didn't happen.
By the way, I had no doubts that the 2006 Brazil team was excellent, I even dare to say that it could be better than the 1998 or 2002 team.

Some players from Brazil have already made these mistakes, when they were younger, over time they gained experience and realized that things don't work as they imagined... an example I can cite was Neymar, he is an excellent player, but he could have been even better if he had a different "mindset" when he was younger

Well, those were golden times, for that year it had not been born yet, but the way they describe it sounds like it was a very good football demonstration, now football is going in another direction, I don't know, but I think that before football had In another sense, it was more focused on team plays, now there are many stars, each country develops many players who are almost geniuses and the countries that have been powers since the start of the World Cup have always had the same relevance, we cannot Denying that some teams have also become powerful, football in general has improved, and that is remarkable.

Soccer in the USA has grown a lot, I do not deny it, the MLS is one of the leagues that are famous, but when we refer to Mexico things can change, I have never been to that beautiful country, but some friends tell me that since children, there is a lot of activity with a soccer ball, children play in the streets, in the parks, I cannot deny that Mexicans also have baseball as a powerful sport, but when it comes to soccer, it identifies them even more, so it can be That is one of the reasons why they have allowed them to have those matches, because they are very fanatical, and if we compare it with US soccer, I think the Mexicans are superior in technique.

Latin America as a whole is crazy about football, and it is not just Mexico. In case of Mexico, they are located close to the United States and therefore they were included in the combined bid to host FIFA 2026. The situation is entirely different in the United States and Canada. In the US, baseball (MLB), American football (NFL), basketball (NBA) and ice-hockey (NHL) are far more popular when compared to soccer. The same can be said in Canada as well, where NHL is the most popular league. But during the recent years, MLS has gained popularity (especially among the new immigrants).

We know the Latin countries are crazy about football in their country but this time the world cup will be hosted in America and all the teams hosting the tournament will be from America. In my opinion, Mexico is more popular with football fans than the United States and Canada. As you have mentioned, football is not the first favorite sport in north America, so I hope the Mexican people and Mexican fans are more interested in football than their northern counterparts.

Of course it is like that, they have had very good players who have stood out, I don't know if you remember that goalkeeper who was short but very good and popular, he excelled in the USA94 World Cup, his name is Jorge Campos or as they called him "Campitos", also other legendary players like "Rafa Marquez" or like the popular "chicharito" who played for Real Madrid, due to this Mexico has a very good history in terms of soccer, what happens is that they are from Concacaf and that tie is much easier than CONMEBOL, which is where Argentina and Brazil are, which is something else.

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[keyscore44]

~snip~
 I think FIFA Know what they are doing by making two countries to host the world cup. This might be the first time this is happening but we need to understand that there are many countries that are very ready to host the world cup and due to the competition, I think FIFA has the option or power to decide who will host the next world cup entire.
 Whether there are two countries hosting the world cup, we will need to try this out if it is going tobe a better option foe  peopl.

It's actually going to be three countries hosting the next world cup, USA, Canada, and Mexico.

They have never done this before, only two teams have hosted it before, Korea-Japan 2002.

It will definitely be a tricky world cup to organize, so we'll see how it goes. It's probably going to bring more money to FIFA though...

I think it would be better to host the World Cup in one country. Because even if there is no problem with the player or the team, the travel cost will be high for football lovers to watch the game. These aspects need to be considered by FIFA.

[gagux123]

Well, those were golden times, for that year it had not been born yet, but the way they describe it sounds like it was a very good football demonstration, now football is going in another direction, I don't know, but I think that before football had In another sense, it was more focused on team plays, now there are many stars, each country develops many players who are almost geniuses and the countries that have been powers since the start of the World Cup have always had the same relevance, we cannot Denying that some teams have also become powerful, football in general has improved, and that is remarkable.

Yes, you remembered a subject that was not previously discussed.
I also believe that football these days has changed compared to football in the past.
Nowadays, it is not just football that is involved, but there are other aspects that are also used, for example publicity/merchandising, several top players, from time to time appear on TV, participating in some commercial of products or other things like that.

Unlike football in the past, where basically the main objective is become a winner.

[Naficopa]

Well, those were golden times, for that year it had not been born yet, but the way they describe it sounds like it was a very good football demonstration, now football is going in another direction, I don't know, but I think that before football had In another sense, it was more focused on team plays, now there are many stars, each country develops many players who are almost geniuses and the countries that have been powers since the start of the World Cup have always had the same relevance, we cannot Denying that some teams have also become powerful, football in general has improved, and that is remarkable.

Yes, you remembered a subject that was not previously discussed.
I also believe that football these days has changed compared to football in the past.
Nowadays, it is not just football that is involved, but there are other aspects that are also used, for example publicity/merchandising, several top players, from time to time appear on TV, participating in some commercial of products or other things like that.

Unlike football in the past, where basically the main objective is become a winner.

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

[death69]

I totally agree with you, most especially on the part you said if we the competition a world cup, then there should be room enough for every continent to be represented, African football is indeed growing, just look at what the Moroccan team played in last year's world cup, they amazed the entire world, no body expected them to make it to the semi finals but they did, it, like you said, shows that even the so called small teams are now waking up and are prepared to shock the world.
2026 world cup would be so interesting to watch.

Nowadays football has become more globalized. A lot of players from Asia and Africa are participating in European leagues such as the English Premier League, Ligue 1, Serie A and La Liga. Here they are competing against the best in the sport and gaining valuable experience. Even back home in these Asian and African countries, the level of infrastructure and training has gone up. Quality of local football is also improving in these two continents. In the end, Africa and Asia are where the population still remains young. So the future belongs to them.

It's crazee how soccer is blowin' up worldwide, espeshally with all these sik players comin' outta Asia and Africa makin' moves in top Euro leagues. Im tellin' ya, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved. These players get invaluabel experience while they're home countries get a boost in infrastructure and trainin'.

But, lemme tell ya, the real kicker is the uniqe style and perspective these players bring to the game. You got the technical prowess of African players mixed with the tactical disciplin of Asian players? Bro, that's a recipe for some next-level soccer.

As a huge soccer fan myself, I've been witnessin' the rise of Asian soccer for a minute. I still remeber when my home team, South Korea, made it to the semis of the 2002 World Cup. That was a game-changer for our country, and it's inspired a new generation of ballers. Now we got players like Son Heung-min tearin' up the Premir League.

[gagux123]

Well, those were golden times, for that year it had not been born yet, but the way they describe it sounds like it was a very good football demonstration, now football is going in another direction, I don't know, but I think that before football had In another sense, it was more focused on team plays, now there are many stars, each country develops many players who are almost geniuses and the countries that have been powers since the start of the World Cup have always had the same relevance, we cannot Denying that some teams have also become powerful, football in general has improved, and that is remarkable.

Yes, you remembered a subject that was not previously discussed.
I also believe that football these days has changed compared to football in the past.
Nowadays, it is not just football that is involved, but there are other aspects that are also used, for example publicity/merchandising, several top players, from time to time appear on TV, participating in some commercial of products or other things like that.

Unlike football in the past, where basically the main objective is become a winner.

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

I have no doubt, in the next World Cup we will have several tools and improved technology! Especially when it comes to an extremely significant and important event that is the World Cup.

Oh, I almost forget ... get ready guys, because I'm sure that several teams will be prepared for the next World Cup, and I have no doubt that some small and unknown teams will surprise many people!

[Gosgosking]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

[Leviathan.007]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

The last world cup in 2022 was amazing for Morocco and people in this country will always remember this year because they had their team, Morocco international team perfect matches, in the end, they lose the games agist France while they could even been in the final match. I think we are already planning for 2026 and maybe they can have an even better performance this time.

[sovie]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

The last world cup in 2022 was amazing for Morocco and people in this country will always remember this year because they had their team, Morocco international team perfect matches, in the end, they lose the games agist France while they could even been in the final match. I think we are already planning for 2026 and maybe they can have an even better performance this time.

Agree with you, Morocco was able to perform exceptionally well. But the 2022 World Cup will be even more historic as a living legend like Lionel Messi will complete all the achievements of his football career by winning this World Cup title.

[Strongkored]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

We know that it is only at the 2022 World Cup that teams from Africa can advance to the semifinals because previously the highest achievement was the quarterfinals and this should be even more motivation for teams from continents other than Europe and America to be able to reach a better round and not impossible to get to the final but that can happen if the competition on these continents is good and competitive.

[Daniel91]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

We know that it is only at the 2022 World Cup that teams from Africa can advance to the semifinals because previously the highest achievement was the quarterfinals and this should be even more motivation for teams from continents other than Europe and America to be able to reach a better round and not impossible to get to the final but that can happen if the competition on these continents is good and competitive.

In fact, the Asian team, South Korea, played in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2002 and ended up fourth in the world, just like Morocco now.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ghana played in the quarter-finals against Uruguay and in the last minute of the game did not use the penalty to win and advance to the semi-finals.
So, it was obviously only a matter of time before an African national team played in the semi-finals of the World Cup and finally Morocco managed to do it last year at the World Cup in Qatar.
In the future, I expect that the difference in quality between national teams from different continents will decrease even more and we will see even better results from African and Asian national teams.

[n0ne]

Every World Cup we see something new. In this world cup as we got to see the world cup trophy in the hands of the best Lionel Messi in history, it is very lucky for our generation. We expect to see more innovations in the next World Cup, and everyone wants the new team to make a big splash and take home the next World Cup.

Apart from Messi winning the trophy.  We saw an African team for the first time to getting into the semi-finals which is the Morocco team, it was surprising and very interesting to Morocco having that impressive performance in the competition.  The next World cup will definitely come with something new.

We know that it is only at the 2022 World Cup that teams from Africa can advance to the semifinals because previously the highest achievement was the quarterfinals and this should be even more motivation for teams from continents other than Europe and America to be able to reach a better round and not impossible to get to the final but that can happen if the competition on these continents is good and competitive.

In fact, the Asian team, South Korea, played in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2002 and ended up fourth in the world, just like Morocco now.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ghana played in the quarter-finals against Uruguay and in the last minute of the game did not use the penalty to win and advance to the semi-finals.
So, it was obviously only a matter of time before an African national team played in the semi-finals of the World Cup and finally Morocco managed to do it last year at the World Cup in Qatar.
In the future, I expect that the difference in quality between national teams from different continents will decrease even more and we will see even better results from African and Asian national teams.

It was like Western nations dominating the world cup. Now everything have changed as national teams have begun to perform better. We used to have players from different countries playing for a club and that way clubs looks strong. When we see as nation the number is low. In recent years the importance of national teams were prioritised. With time football is getting spread around as well as the quality of football between the continents have come closer. With the contract of Ronaldo with Saudi Club the league have gained more importance. The same have made more Asian people watch the league. This way the viewership of football too increased.

[rahmad2nd]

In fact, the Asian team, South Korea, played in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2002 and ended up fourth in the world, just like Morocco now.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ghana played in the quarter-finals against Uruguay and in the last minute of the game did not use the penalty to win and advance to the semi-finals.
So, it was obviously only a matter of time before an African national team played in the semi-finals of the World Cup and finally Morocco managed to do it last year at the World Cup in Qatar.
In the future, I expect that the difference in quality between national teams from different continents will decrease even more and we will see even better results from African and Asian national teams.

For South Korea, there was a lot of buzz as to how they got to the semifinals. Rumor has it that there was cheating that allowed South Korea to reach the semifinals at the 2002 World Cup. Even so, I don't dare to assume too much because after all this rumor has been around for a very long time.
In the 2010 world cup, Ghana was able to advance to the quarter-finals against Uruguay and the score ended 1-1 which in the end had to be resolved through a penalty shoot-out. whereas, at that time Uruguay was filled with several stars such as Suarez, Cavani and Diego Forlan.

For Maroco, the underdog team that was initially underestimated. but in fact, they were able to advance to the semifinals. uniquely, Morocco is not too strong. but they have a spirit of nationalism that makes it able to overthrow the leading team.
In the future, it looks like the African continent has good prospects for the development of its football. maybe, in the 2026 cup some countries from Africa can surprise us. for Asia, the development of Asian football is far behind. in particular, asean. I don't think it's time for Asian countries, the ASEAN division to appear in the world championship competition.

[Leviathan.007]

In fact, the Asian team, South Korea, played in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2002 and ended up fourth in the world, just like Morocco now.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ghana played in the quarter-finals against Uruguay and in the last minute of the game did not use the penalty to win and advance to the semi-finals.
So, it was obviously only a matter of time before an African national team played in the semi-finals of the World Cup and finally Morocco managed to do it last year at the World Cup in Qatar.
In the future, I expect that the difference in quality between national teams from different continents will decrease even more and we will see even better results from African and Asian national teams.

During the last world cups usually, we had at least one Europian team in the final match and most of teams they played in semi-final and above were Euopian teams but this time, and in last world cup in 2022 Argentina won the cup as an American team and it was signal to say teams from America are still powerful and we can hope on them like this new world cup which is going to be in America. But we didn't see a lot from Asia and being south Korea in the semi-final can be just an expectation.

[Bobrox]

During the last world cups usually, we had at least one Europian team in the final match and most of teams they played in semi-final and above were Euopian teams but this time, and in last world cup in 2022 Argentina won the cup as an American team and it was signal to say teams from America are still powerful and we can hope on them like this new world cup which is going to be in America. But we didn't see a lot from Asia and being south Korea in the semi-final can be just an expectation.

European national team always dominance on every FIFA World Cup edition except last time edition although France success lead until to final stage but Argentina superior and success broken the several time history with FIFA World Cup tittle got by European national teams. I don't really sure with Asian teams because every edition time most great achievement on 16th rounds before eliminating by European team.

Next edition World Cup held on in American and potential for Argentina or Brazil continues the best achievement in World Cup, but European national team from France, Netherland, France and Germany has potential can lead to the final stage.

[Vaskiy]

In fact, the Asian team, South Korea, played in the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2002 and ended up fourth in the world, just like Morocco now.
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ghana played in the quarter-finals against Uruguay and in the last minute of the game did not use the penalty to win and advance to the semi-finals.
So, it was obviously only a matter of time before an African national team played in the semi-finals of the World Cup and finally Morocco managed to do it last year at the World Cup in Qatar.
In the future, I expect that the difference in quality between national teams from different continents will decrease even more and we will see even better results from African and Asian national teams.

During the last world cups usually, we had at least one Europian team in the final match and most of teams they played in semi-final and above were Euopian teams but this time, and in last world cup in 2022 Argentina won the cup as an American team and it was signal to say teams from America are still powerful and we can hope on them like this new world cup which is going to be in America. But we didn't see a lot from Asia and being south Korea in the semi-final can be just an expectation.

There is no big progress from the Asian teams, Saudi Arabia won an unexpected win. As an African team Morocco reached the semifinals. Argentina finally won the finals. The involvement of Asian teams isn't that high, but the 2022 world cup hosted by Qatar have made more Asian people watch it. The same have made them follow football later on. This is positive thing and the same could reflect in the future.

[sana54210]

It was like Western nations dominating the world cup. Now everything have changed as national teams have begun to perform better. We used to have players from different countries playing for a club and that way clubs looks strong. When we see as nation the number is low. In recent years the importance of national teams were prioritised. With time football is getting spread around as well as the quality of football between the continents have come closer. With the contract of Ronaldo with Saudi Club the league have gained more importance. The same have made more Asian people watch the league. This way the viewership of football too increased.

I think Mexico was added exactly for this reason. There is an increasing interest towards football in Canada and USA, and they are getting fairly decent teams into world cup as we have seen on the last one, which means that they are getting closer but they are nowhere near the levels of European teams, but they are pretty rich.

So, what can they do? They added Mexico, a nation that is not as rich, and can't provide much financially, but can provide immense amount of football fans, both in Mexico, and even in USA and Canada if required, because they are huge fans. So, the only reason they were added was to make it a bit more like football fans wanted this.

[Vaskiy]

It was like Western nations dominating the world cup. Now everything have changed as national teams have begun to perform better. We used to have players from different countries playing for a club and that way clubs looks strong. When we see as nation the number is low. In recent years the importance of national teams were prioritised. With time football is getting spread around as well as the quality of football between the continents have come closer. With the contract of Ronaldo with Saudi Club the league have gained more importance. The same have made more Asian people watch the league. This way the viewership of football too increased.

I think Mexico was added exactly for this reason. There is an increasing interest towards football in Canada and USA, and they are getting fairly decent teams into world cup as we have seen on the last one, which means that they are getting closer but they are nowhere near the levels of European teams, but they are pretty rich.

So, what can they do? They added Mexico, a nation that is not as rich, and can't provide much financially, but can provide immense amount of football fans, both in Mexico, and even in USA and Canada if required, because they are huge fans. So, the only reason they were added was to make it a bit more like football fans wanted this.

Maybe that's the real reason behind the venues in Mexico and Canada. As mentioned USA is the richest country and it can host the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the need of fan support had made them go for a choice of hosting the World Cup along with Mexico and Canada. European teams are incomparable with the USA team but they've got the source to develop football. Maybe after the 2026 World Cup USA might emerge as a big team in football. Anything can happen.

[shogun47]

The FIFA World Cup is about to get lit! With the expansion to 48 teams, we're gona see some seriouss excitement, diversity, and unpredictability up in here! Can you imagin the group phase with even more teams battling it out for a spot in the knockout roundss? It's gonna be off the hook!

I'm especially pumped to see how the teams from Asia and Afrika represent on the world stage. It's their time to shine and show us what they're made of. And let's not forget the impact this could have on the growth of football in those regions. Majorr moves, people!

Of coursee, with more teams, there's a higher chance of mediocrity creeping in. FIFA better makes sure they're selecting the best of the best from each region so we dont have any snooze-fests. And let's not forget the logistical challenges that come with hosting more teams. But hey, we'll cross that bridge when we get to itt.

If you remember, some of the most exciting matches during Qatar 2022 involved teams from Africa and Asia. One of the African teams (Morocco) even managed to reach the semi-final stage. There is no point in giving half of all the slots to Europe, when the difference in quality between European teams and the rest of the world is now negligible. BTW, UEFA fans have nothing to worry. In absolute numbers they are getting the largest increase as the quota for that confederation increases by 3 for the 2026 edition (for CONMEBOL it is only +2).

I think FIFA Know what they are doing by making two countries to host the world cup. This might be the first time this is happening but we need to understand that there are many countries that are very ready to host the world cup and due to the competition, I think FIFA has the option or power to decide who will host the next world cup entire.
 Whether there are two countries hosting the world cup, we will need to try this out if it is going tobe a better option foe  peopl.

There is a reason that Europe has the largest lobby when it comes to international tournaments. I am not saying that I like that, but all these tournaments must be financed one way or another and you need countries that are able to stem the task. This is no easy endeavor.

Many African countries don't have the resources and also not the infrastructure to stem a World Cup. Qatar was an exception for one specific reason: they had the money and the access to make it happen.Whether it was right to have a World Cup in Qatar? No, in my opinion. But they could do it and they did. This is the difference to some countries around the world that are amazing countries but don't have the resources to pull it off.

[nullama]

~snip~
There is a reason that Europe has the largest lobby when it comes to international tournaments. I am not saying that I like that, but all these tournaments must be financed one way or another and you need countries that are able to stem the task. This is no easy endeavor.

Many African countries don't have the resources and also not the infrastructure to stem a World Cup. Qatar was an exception for one specific reason: they had the money and the access to make it happen.Whether it was right to have a World Cup in Qatar? No, in my opinion. But they could do it and they did. This is the difference to some countries around the world that are amazing countries but don't have the resources to pull it off.

Yeah, at the end of the day money talks. You actually need lots of resources to organize a world cup, and actually make it a reality. It's a gamble that many countries take hoping to get a better return from their investment.

And then FIFA of course gets a cut from it all as well.

At the end of the day, anything that is popular will attract lots of people that want to control it.