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

[ndutndut]

In my opinion, Ancelotti has the ability to restore Brazil to its true form, a team that is always a favorite at every World Cup event. However, Brazil playing style might change slightly to fit Ancelotti preferences. Meanwhile, the loss to Bolivia is understandable, as Ancelotti appeared to rotate most of his key players and give a chance to the second string players.

I am confident that over time, Ancelotti will succeed in improving the quality of the Brazilian national team in various aspects. With the squad depth he has, Ancelotti will eventually be able to do his job well. I hope that in the future, players like Neymar will get a chance to return to the squad, and it seems that Ancelotti will call him back.

Ancelotti alone can't do much. Brazil used to dominate global football a decade or two ago, but that is not the case now. They have progressively deteriorated over the years. And there is no quick fix for this. First of all, domestic leagues are not of a good quality and therefore the players exclusively rely on European leagues. And this means that there is a lack of team bonding and cohesion. Neymar definitely strengthens the team when he is in, but at the same time overdependence on one player is not good.

Ancelotti is an experienced coach and will certainly be able to improve Brazil's future, with a squad boasting many star players. It's important to note that Ancelotti only took over as Brazil coach in May 2025 meaning most of Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifying matches were led by other coaches, which is why Brazil currently sits in fifth place.

Currently Ancelotti is still piecing together the puzzle and reassembling it. The current Brazil squad is largely a legacy of the previous coach. This is Ancelotti's first time coaching a national team, and the difficulty of coaching a national team is that the coach rarely meets the players; when they do, they meet for a short time and then immediately compete. Therefore, I believe Brazil will remain a favorite in next year's World Cup because Ancelotti has extensive experience and a long history in football so he can certainly handle this.

[KTChampions]

Norway for sure are going to win the group and, as Italian, the only thing I can say is kudos to them, they absolutely deserve to win the group: they always played well, they are hungry, and they are the best generation Norway has seen in a long time. I hope we'll make it to the playoffs, we are so unpredictable at this point...

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

[Victorybit1]

Norway for sure are going to win the group and, as Italian, the only thing I can say is kudos to them, they absolutely deserve to win the group: they always played well, they are hungry, and they are the best generation Norway has seen in a long time. I hope we'll make it to the playoffs, we are so unpredictable at this point...

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

The Italian team doesn't have the same  as they once did and that's why we are even thinking about their qualifications because if this team has the strength and ability they once did before it would be a whole safer to say they would for sure qualify. I mean there are a 5 five winner of the competition and that's some heritage that you don't joke with but recent times haven't being the same with this team.

[bitcoin_mining]

In my opinion, Ancelotti has the ability to restore Brazil to its true form, a team that is always a favorite at every World Cup event. However, Brazil playing style might change slightly to fit Ancelotti preferences. Meanwhile, the loss to Bolivia is understandable, as Ancelotti appeared to rotate most of his key players and give a chance to the second string players.

I am confident that over time, Ancelotti will succeed in improving the quality of the Brazilian national team in various aspects. With the squad depth he has, Ancelotti will eventually be able to do his job well. I hope that in the future, players like Neymar will get a chance to return to the squad, and it seems that Ancelotti will call him back.

Ancelotti alone can't do much. Brazil used to dominate global football a decade or two ago, but that is not the case now. They have progressively deteriorated over the years. And there is no quick fix for this. First of all, domestic leagues are not of a good quality and therefore the players exclusively rely on European leagues. And this means that there is a lack of team bonding and cohesion. Neymar definitely strengthens the team when he is in, but at the same time overdependence on one player is not good.

Brazil has had good footballers every year but due to the lack of a good manager, they have not been able to put those good footballers to good use. I think Brazil will not have to fail in the next World Cup for the same reasons that they have failed in previous World Cup tournaments. Carlo Ancelotti is definitely one of the best managers in Brazilian football history, so he will definitely want to play the right players in the right positions. Brazil lost to Croatia at the last minute due to the manager's mistakes in the last World Cup, at least we will not see those mistakes from Carlo Ancelotti. Since Brazil has good footballers, the dream of winning Mission Hexa may be fulfilled in the next World Cup.

[retreat]

Norway for sure are going to win the group and, as Italian, the only thing I can say is kudos to them, they absolutely deserve to win the group: they always played well, they are hungry, and they are the best generation Norway has seen in a long time. I hope we'll make it to the playoffs, we are so unpredictable at this point...

Norway's performance is indeed excellent, they managed to accumulate so many points that it will be very difficult for Italy to surpass them. So, the playoffs are more likely for Italy and Israel. But I'm more confident that Italy will get that spot, but they just need to sweep the remaining matches, and they should be able to do that.

I just hope they can qualify for the playoffs this time. It's been quite a while since I last saw Italy play in the World Cup.

[LUCKMCFLY]

It's always the next generations that make the difference, we must always hope in them, I know it's a shame not to be able to do things for your country but unfortunately this is the cycle of life and if your generation doesn't manage to make the team great, the next one will think about it

Well, things turned out that way, it depended on us and it also depended on Brazil drawing at least in Bolivia , but the least likely result happened, I think it's a matter of luck that Venezuela doesn't go to a World Cup , a restructuring of everything has to be done, for me there Needs to be more heart when playing football, you don't feel that passion like the one you put into playing anymore , they are professionals, their only job is to do their best and they can't , this is the Second time that Ancoelotti has Disappointed me.

[snipie]

Brazil lost to Croatia at the last minute due to the manager's mistakes in the last World Cup, at least we will not see those mistakes from Carlo Ancelotti. Since Brazil has good footballers, the dream of winning Mission Hexa may be fulfilled in the next World Cup.

I am not pessimistic about Brazil in reality but I don't share your optimism. I know Carlo Ancelotti is a good coach and maybe one of the best but I don't see a real impact in terms of results so far in Brazil games. It might take a while before seeing the difference but I don't see Brazil advancing a lot in FIFA World Cup if It was played right now. Maybe after several months things will improve, hopefully!

[Ale88]

Norway for sure are going to win the group and, as Italian, the only thing I can say is kudos to them, they absolutely deserve to win the group: they always played well, they are hungry, and they are the best generation Norway has seen in a long time. I hope we'll make it to the playoffs, we are so unpredictable at this point...

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.

[Tonimez]

Norway for sure are going to win the group and, as Italian, the only thing I can say is kudos to them, they absolutely deserve to win the group: they always played well, they are hungry, and they are the best generation Norway has seen in a long time. I hope we'll make it to the playoffs, we are so unpredictable at this point...

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.

You have a point here but I feel the FIFA new interest in increasing the Spot is definitely a good strategy to foster world peace. It has always been same set of people featuring in the world cup, including these unknown countries could help bring them to limelight and let people know their existence. Thanks goodness for the game of football, most countries would have remained irrelevant always till infinity. There's nothing absurd about watching Uzbekistan Vs New zealand as it's part of the game. It would even be so good for we gamblers, at least you would see a sure odd straight win or over 4.5 even though the game of football starts and ends with surprises.

[Sithara007]

You have a point here but I feel the FIFA new interest in increasing the Spot is definitely a good strategy to foster world peace. It has always been same set of people featuring in the world cup, including these unknown countries could help bring them to limelight and let people know their existence. Thanks goodness for the game of football, most countries would have remained irrelevant always till infinity. There's nothing absurd about watching Uzbekistan Vs New zealand as it's part of the game. It would even be so good for we gamblers, at least you would see a sure odd straight win or over 4.5 even though the game of football starts and ends with surprises.

If the name of the tournament is "World" Cup, then you need to have representation from all around the world. When you reduce the number of participants to just 32, it is being reduced to a Latin American and European competition with little relevance to the other regions. This time, there will be adequate representation from all the regions, including Oceania. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Jordan will participate for the first time ever. And that is the way to go.

[mikel_012]

You have a point here but I feel the FIFA new interest in increasing the Spot is definitely a good strategy to foster world peace. It has always been same set of people featuring in the world cup, including these unknown countries could help bring them to limelight and let people know their existence. Thanks goodness for the game of football, most countries would have remained irrelevant always till infinity. There's nothing absurd about watching Uzbekistan Vs New zealand as it's part of the game. It would even be so good for we gamblers, at least you would see a sure odd straight win or over 4.5 even though the game of football starts and ends with surprises.

If the name of the tournament is "World" Cup, then you need to have representation from all around the world. When you reduce the number of participants to just 32, it is being reduced to a Latin American and European competition with little relevance to the other regions. This time, there will be adequate representation from all the regions, including Oceania. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Jordan will participate for the first time ever. And that is the way to go.

Most of the time the teams from countries like Jordan ans Uzbekistan will just lose out very easily, wasting a slot for nothing. I understand that world cup means teams for all over the world, but if you have USA, Europe, South America, Saudi Arabia, and a few Asian teams, isn't that enough to represent the world? We want to see the best team between the best around the world, so even Europe, Saudi, and South America would be enough to decide who is the actual best.

[m4r1o]

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.
I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.

Yes, it's true, I couldn't bear another World Cup without Italy. I think that a team like that, given what they won, should automatically go through to the next group stage. They have a great history to respect and the players must absolutely carry the name of Italy high.

[banana33]

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.
I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.
You have a point here but I feel the FIFA new interest in increasing the Spot is definitely a good strategy to foster world peace. It has always been same set of people featuring in the world cup, including these unknown countries could help bring them to limelight and let people know their existence. Thanks goodness for the game of football, most countries would have remained irrelevant always till infinity. There's nothing absurd about watching Uzbekistan Vs New zealand as it's part of the game. It would even be so good for we gamblers, at least you would see a sure odd straight win or over 4.5 even though the game of football starts and ends with surprises.

Italy must deserve to access the World Cup, and to do so it must play well, as it is doing now. I understand that Italy is a great national team, it has won a lot, but now it must prove it on the pitch and do what a great national team must do, without excuses.

[KTChampions]

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.

Yes, this is the main criticism of the new format. When the number of teams was increased for each region, Europe, despite being the heart of the football world, received the smallest increase in the number of teams, while teams from obscure (with all due respect, haha) regions received a significant increase in representation. Accordingly, even given the fact that a larger number of teams from Europe will play in the final part of the World Cup, it does not quite compensate for the fact that the group stage of the final part of the World Cup will be a real farce.

[bitcoin_mining]

Brazil lost to Croatia at the last minute due to the manager's mistakes in the last World Cup, at least we will not see those mistakes from Carlo Ancelotti. Since Brazil has good footballers, the dream of winning Mission Hexa may be fulfilled in the next World Cup.

I am not pessimistic about Brazil in reality but I don't share your optimism. I know Carlo Ancelotti is a good coach and maybe one of the best but I don't see a real impact in terms of results so far in Brazil games. It might take a while before seeing the difference but I don't see Brazil advancing a lot in FIFA World Cup if It was played right now. Maybe after several months things will improve, hopefully!

If Brazil had appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their team manager just before the World Cup, I would have said with great confidence that Brazil would not have done well from that time until the World Cup tournament. But Brazil appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their national team manager almost a year ago, so Carlo Ancelotti has had enough time to work with the Brazilian players and make decisions about important positions for different players. Before taking charge of Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti was the Real Madrid manager and there were about four Brazilian players in that team, but Carlo Ancelotti knows them very well.

There is still a lot of time left before the World Cup starts, so if they plan well and if the players can play according to that plan, then Brazil will achieve something good in the 26th World Cup.

[Roseline492]

If Brazil had appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their team manager just before the World Cup, I would have said with great confidence that Brazil would not have done well from that time until the World Cup tournament. But Brazil appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their national team manager almost a year ago, so Carlo Ancelotti has had enough time to work with the Brazilian players and make decisions about important positions for different players.

He would have still given Brazil what he has already given them all this while he has been with them because he is not a learner or someone whom has not coached before so definitely he would have still get his hand on what would bring effectiveness to his team, though even at this early appointment of him, Brazil did not do as the squad they have because if you count Brazilian players one after another you would no the quantity and quality they have as players but there is no good utility of those players in there national team because even as Carlo Ancelotti is an experience person but they still didn't please well because if there qualifying was something from the 4th position then they wouldn't have qualified from the group.

[cande86]

I don't even want to think about the 2026 World Cup without Italy. And not because I'm a huge fan of Italy or because it will be their third consecutive appearance. The new format, with a huge crowd of teams playing in the final stage, is absurd. But it's logical to assume that by paying this price, we at least get all the strongest and most decorated teams in the final stage. If it turns out that Italy is not there again, it will be a loss for the tournament and refutation for this assumption.

I am more than happy to participate at the World Cup if we actually deserve our spot. The only thing that bothers me is that these new qualifications and bigger tournament is simply helping to qualify countries that are not so relevant in the football world. In Europe there are many groups where we know that one important nation won't make it because there are two big nationals in that group, and only the first qualifies directly. In other parts of the world now they got way more spots but for Europe is always the same. I understand it's exciting for those nations to finally participate at the World Cup but do we really want to see Uzbekistan vs New Zealand at the World Cup? And, again, the main reason they participate is simply because now they have more spots, not because they actually managed some sort of miracle.

Yes, this is the main criticism of the new format. When the number of teams was increased for each region, Europe, despite being the heart of the football world, received the smallest increase in the number of teams, while teams from obscure (with all due respect, haha) regions received a significant increase in representation. Accordingly, even given the fact that a larger number of teams from Europe will play in the final part of the World Cup, it does not quite compensate for the fact that the group stage of the final part of the World Cup will be a real farce.

I don't think there's an adequate quota for all that Europe gives to world football. The best talents are in Europe, real football is played in Europe, everything else is a copy that tries to do what we've been doing for many years, so I don't think it's right, we need more teams.

[$weetne$$]

Most of the time the teams from countries like Jordan ans Uzbekistan will just lose out very easily, wasting a slot for nothing. I understand that world cup means teams for all over the world, but if you have USA, Europe, South America, Saudi Arabia, and a few Asian teams, isn't that enough to represent the world? We want to see the best team between the best around the world, so even Europe, Saudi, and South America would be enough to decide who is the actual best.

That is not them wasting slots for nothing but been given a fair chance to attempt the tournament just like every other countries got provided they met with the requirements, they only do not have skilful and talented young players which I do not see to be their fault neither can you blame them for it, they can only hope to keep improving and some day in the future they will get pass the stage where they keep crashing out so easily.

[babo]

Italy must deserve to access the World Cup, and to do so it must play well, as it is doing now. I understand that Italy is a great national team, it has won a lot, but now it must prove it on the pitch and do what a great national team must do, without excuses.

Honestly, I don't think he deserves it at all. He doesn't have players who are committed and who care about the shirt.
It seems to me a tasteless and colorless team, grey and lifeless
perhaps the only one a little more vital is Gigio Donnarumma, the others are like pieces of worn out coal.

[m4r1o]

If the name of the tournament is "World" Cup, then you need to have representation from all around the world. When you reduce the number of participants to just 32, it is being reduced to a Latin American and European competition with little relevance to the other regions. This time, there will be adequate representation from all the regions, including Oceania. Countries such as Uzbekistan and Jordan will participate for the first time ever. And that is the way to go.

Yes, I agree, but there are teams that don't realize that when they go to participate in these competitions they will challenge much stronger national teams and will end up becoming teams that will only be there to make up the numbers, they will take place away from those who deserve it more.