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

[KTChampions]

I'm not sure, but if your concern is the visa... as far as I'm aware, people only need to acquire a visa for the USA (which is more "complicated") and automatically they have a "free pass" to watch the games on the Mexico and Canada.

I don't agree with this. Getting a visa for Mexico or Canada may not be a big deal for US/EU citizens. But if someone from China or India want to visit these countries, in order to watch the world cup matches, they still need to go through a lot of formalities. And getting a US visa is entirely at another level. For people from the third world, it is next to impossible to get a tourist visa to the US. In short, I guess the fans will be mostly comprised of EU/US citizens for the 2026 event. Very few of those from Asia or Africa are likely to travel in order to watch the matches.

Wealthy people from third world countries will probably find ways to solve the problem, but of course the bulk of the tourists will be people with a high level of wealth - from wealthy countries such as Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc.
By the way, probably scammers who "guarantee" obtaining visas and the absence of problems in obtaining them, get rich at this World Cup, since people will always look for workarounds 

[Botnake]

I'm not sure, but if your concern is the visa... as far as I'm aware, people only need to acquire a visa for the USA (which is more "complicated") and automatically they have a "free pass" to watch the games on the Mexico and Canada.

I don't agree with this. Getting a visa for Mexico or Canada may not be a big deal for US/EU citizens. But if someone from China or India want to visit these countries, in order to watch the world cup matches, they still need to go through a lot of formalities. And getting a US visa is entirely at another level. For people from the third world, it is next to impossible to get a tourist visa to the US. In short, I guess the fans will be mostly comprised of EU/US citizens for the 2026 event. Very few of those from Asia or Africa are likely to travel in order to watch the matches.

Yes, the US is already expecting a lot of tourists application because of the upcoming World Cup and they already know that people from 3rd world countries are already applying at a much earlier phase because the people are also expecting that it will be not that easy to get a visa to fly and step foot in any US soil and they know as well that it will take a few couple of months before they can have a schedule.

I think it's already agreeable that people from EU and first world countries will not have that much struggle just to secure a visa because having a passport is already a perk and some of the countries don't even need a tourist visa to visit US, Canada and Mexico.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

I'm not sure, but if your concern is the visa... as far as I'm aware, people only need to acquire a visa for the USA (which is more "complicated") and automatically they have a "free pass" to watch the games on the Mexico and Canada.

I don't agree with this. Getting a visa for Mexico or Canada may not be a big deal for US/EU citizens. But if someone from China or India want to visit these countries, in order to watch the world cup matches, they still need to go through a lot of formalities. And getting a US visa is entirely at another level. For people from the third world, it is next to impossible to get a tourist visa to the US. In short, I guess the fans will be mostly comprised of EU/US citizens for the 2026 event. Very few of those from Asia or Africa are likely to travel in order to watch the matches.

Wealthy people from third world countries will probably find ways to solve the problem, but of course the bulk of the tourists will be people with a high level of wealth - from wealthy countries such as Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc.
By the way, probably scammers who "guarantee" obtaining visas and the absence of problems in obtaining them, get rich at this World Cup, since people will always look for workarounds 

You are very right, most especially in third world countries where the average citizens are seeking for cheaper and easier means of leaving their country, no doubt, many will fall prey to this scammers who either dissappear immediately after they collect money supposedly meant for visa, or will disappear after issuing a fake visa to their client, I thought such things as this only happen in my country, kind of surprised to realize that this bad eggs also operate in other countries as well.

[Japinat]

I'm not sure, but if your concern is the visa... as far as I'm aware, people only need to acquire a visa for the USA (which is more "complicated") and automatically they have a "free pass" to watch the games on the Mexico and Canada.

I don't agree with this. Getting a visa for Mexico or Canada may not be a big deal for US/EU citizens. But if someone from China or India want to visit these countries, in order to watch the world cup matches, they still need to go through a lot of formalities. And getting a US visa is entirely at another level. For people from the third world, it is next to impossible to get a tourist visa to the US. In short, I guess the fans will be mostly comprised of EU/US citizens for the 2026 event. Very few of those from Asia or Africa are likely to travel in order to watch the matches.

Wealthy people from third world countries will probably find ways to solve the problem, but of course the bulk of the tourists will be people with a high level of wealth - from wealthy countries such as Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc.
By the way, probably scammers who "guarantee" obtaining visas and the absence of problems in obtaining them, get rich at this World Cup, since people will always look for workarounds 

Wealthy people from wealthy countries including poor countries, will literally have no struggles in flying towards US and watch the upcoming World Cup just like what everyone wanted. And in the first place, considering their wealth and connections, it is already safe to assume that it will not be their first time traveling towards America which also means that they already have the requirement such as passport and everything.

[virasog]

Football fans will benefit the most from the next World Cup. Because maybe the next World Cup will not make the countries as difficult as the Qatar World Cup. This allows football fans to watch and enjoy every match with freedom.

Bold of you to assume football fans did not enjoy the last world cup. The Qatar world cup was among the best world cups ever. I have watched different world cups and the 2022 world cup was the best for me. A lot of controversies, yes we know, but that did not stop anybody from enjoying the world cup. Most of the controversies where just propaganda. What's best was to just block out the negative energy and just enjoy the sport.

To be honest, the world cup 2022 was not as bad as some people are trying to project it. Yes, it was hosted in Asia this time and also in one of the Islamic countries but this not at all means that it was a failure. There were many good takes from this world cup and of course, the Asians also deserved to host the most prestigious football event.

I think having a world cup in this region will encourage many new countries to have a serious approach toward football. Asia is a big continent but here we do not have any strongest teams like in South America or the European region.

[Leviathan.007]

Yes but although I have never been to South America, I feel like the fans can contribute a lot to their teams' successes. I know that this didn't work out very well in 2014 against Germany, but still the crowds are amazing there. But I still think that even in three years from now France is probably still the dominating force in world soccer. It is unbelievable how many young outstanding talents are spread all over European soccer. England and Spain also have quite a few, but France is all set for several years to go.

France is the same team that failed to qualify for the 1990 and 1994 editions of the FIFA World Cup. Their recent success has a lot to do with the migrant origin players. France has a very large immigrant population (10-15 million) and that gives them a bigger advantage when compared to other European teams like Spain and Germany. Also, Ligue 1 has emerged as one of the top European leagues, partly due to huge amounts of money being spent by teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille, which has allowed them to recruit top players from all around the world.

France is one of the strongest teams in the world and they won the world cup two times in 1998 when Brazil had an amazing performance and in 2018 but the last time when they face Argentina they failed to win the game and even with a player like Mbappe who is one of the strongest players and young talent they failed.
This time in 2026 I guess France can have a better chance because of having more experience.

I am not completely sure that saying that a team is going to do better next time because an  increase in experience is a valid point in this context. Because in the end all the teams who participated in Qatar and did not win the cup have ended managed to earn experience, that does not mean they will do better next time.

Experience is nothing if we do not learn from it.

If someone asked me,.the biggest experience earning a team recently had was Brazil during the infamous 7-1 match against Germany. They learn about humbleness and that to be champions they cannot just depend on home advantage and their previous record, this is an sport which demands constant improvement.

In the two last World Cups France had amazing results and they were champions in Russia in 2018 while next time in 2022 they couldn't win the final match and this can show us France is on good days for years in the world cup and if we see then winning the World Cup or being in the final match in 2026 it's not surprising at all.
Here you can see the performance of France in the World Cups:



https://olympics.com/en/news/how-many-fifa-world-cup-titles-france-football-team-win#:~:text=So%20far%2C%20France%20have%20won,the%20penalties%20on%20both%20occasions.

[romero121]

~
In the two last World Cups France had amazing results and they were champions in Russia in 2018 while next time in 2022 they couldn't win the final match and this can show us France is on good days for years in the world cup and if we see then winning the World Cup or being in the final match in 2026 it's not surprising at all.
Here you can see the performance of France in the World Cups:

The good thing about France football team, it have got set of players that could play any position. Also the games weren't of particular player centric. In most of the teams, the matches used to be much dependent on particular player. The performance of France in World Cups were really good. In the upcoming season of world cup I expect more small countries to be highly progressive same as what we saw in the Qatar World Cup.

[Sithara007]

To be honest, the world cup 2022 was not as bad as some people are trying to project it. Yes, it was hosted in Asia this time and also in one of the Islamic countries but this not at all means that it was a failure. There were many good takes from this world cup and of course, the Asians also deserved to host the most prestigious football event.

I think having a world cup in this region will encourage many new countries to have a serious approach toward football. Asia is a big continent but here we do not have any strongest teams like in South America or the European region.

In terms of infrastructure and facilities, you maybe right. They were top class. What I don't like about Qatar 2022 is the fact that despite spending $250 billion on conducting the tournament, Qatar never compensated the families of 6,000 or so migrant workers who died during the construction of world cup stadiums. FIFA also went silent on this matter. And the fans were not happy about a lot of things. Although visa was not an issue, there was discrimination against LGBT people and unmarried couples, and then there was this last minute ban on alcoholic drinks including beer. 

[nullama]

~snip~
In terms of infrastructure and facilities, you maybe right. They were top class. What I don't like about Qatar 2022 is the fact that despite spending $250 billion on conducting the tournament, Qatar never compensated the families of 6,000 or so migrant workers who died during the construction of world cup stadiums. FIFA also went silent on this matter. And the fans were not happy about a lot of things. Although visa was not an issue, there was discrimination against LGBT people and unmarried couples, and then there was this last minute ban on alcoholic drinks including beer. 

We're now seeing more and more examples of this, for example recently in the Golf merger.

Basically, money talks. That's the summary of all these things. People really don't care about morals or ethics as long as the pay is high enough.

[borovichok]

In terms of infrastructure and facilities, you maybe right. They were top class. What I don't like about Qatar 2022 is the fact that despite spending $250 billion on conducting the tournament, Qatar never compensated the families of 6,000 or so migrant workers who died during the construction of world cup stadiums. FIFA also went silent on this matter. And the fans were not happy about a lot of things. Although visa was not an issue, there was discrimination against LGBT people and unmarried couples, and then there was this last minute ban on alcoholic drinks including beer. 

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was fraught with tension. There were various limits and poor displays that did not match the expectations of those who traveled to see the competition live. The prohibition on alcoholic beverages was excessive; how can a country prohibit drinks, including beer, simply because they do not fit their tradition and practice? It is preposterous to witness a celebration without smoking and gushing drinks; that is the way of modern celebration, and everyone is acquainted with it. Finally, the deaths of migrant laborers were merely a disregarded problem by FIFA and Qater; they are simply concerned with the competition, which they view as more important than any other matter.

[Strongkored]

Football fans will benefit the most from the next World Cup. Because maybe the next World Cup will not make the countries as difficult as the Qatar World Cup. This allows football fans to watch and enjoy every match with freedom.

Bold of you to assume football fans did not enjoy the last world cup. The Qatar world cup was among the best world cups ever. I have watched different world cups and the 2022 world cup was the best for me. A lot of controversies, yes we know, but that did not stop anybody from enjoying the world cup. Most of the controversies where just propaganda. What's best was to just block out the negative energy and just enjoy the sport.

They judged it based on the number of prohibitions made by the organizers and that was done by the hosts to respect the culture of their country while those who witnessed live at the stadium were from many countries and that was definitely more than 32 countries because every World Cup always attracts many people even though the country was not a participant. It was this regulation that finally led to speculation that the spectators were not so happy to be a world cup 2022 witness because there was no freedom and people always think without freedom there is no fun, but in the next World Cup everything will be back to normal where liquor and everything else will be free to do.

[Sithara007]

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was fraught with tension. There were various limits and poor displays that did not match the expectations of those who traveled to see the competition live. The prohibition on alcoholic beverages was excessive; how can a country prohibit drinks, including beer, simply because they do not fit their tradition and practice? It is preposterous to witness a celebration without smoking and gushing drinks; that is the way of modern celebration, and everyone is acquainted with it. Finally, the deaths of migrant laborers were merely a disregarded problem by FIFA and Qater; they are simply concerned with the competition, which they view as more important than any other matter.

If Qatar is allowed to ban beer in 2022, then if some other conservative country is hosting the world cup in 2030, they will also implement similar laws. Let's say India is hosting the 2030 World Cup. They will claim that non-vegetarian food is against their beliefs and will prohibit such food for the visitors. What FIFA can do about it? And FIFA along with Qatar is responsible for the deaths of these migrant laborers. If the tournament was not awarded to Qatar, then these deaths would have been avoided.

[Zlantann]

I'm not sure, but if your concern is the visa... as far as I'm aware, people only need to acquire a visa for the USA (which is more "complicated") and automatically they have a "free pass" to watch the games on the Mexico and Canada.

I don't agree with this. Getting a visa for Mexico or Canada may not be a big deal for US/EU citizens. But if someone from China or India want to visit these countries, in order to watch the world cup matches, they still need to go through a lot of formalities. And getting a US visa is entirely at another level. For people from the third world, it is next to impossible to get a tourist visa to the US. In short, I guess the fans will be mostly comprised of EU/US citizens for the 2026 event. Very few of those from Asia or Africa are likely to travel in order to watch the matches.

What @alegotardo was explaining is that the most important Visa for the 2026 world cup is the US visa. Any fan that is fortunate to get it will have free access to watch games in both Canada and Mexico because there will be no restrictions. @Sithara007 I totally agree with your observation about getting a US Visa as a citizen of a developing nation. In my country, if you apply for a US Visa it will take close to one year and six months to get a Visa interview appointment because the process is slow and there are backlogs of applications. I also suspect that the government intentionally made it slow to reduce the number of people that might be fortunate to get Visas. The US is already a rich country so I don't think they have plans to monetize the world cup, so I don't expect this strict immigration policy to change because of the world cup.

[shogun47]

Yes but although I have never been to South America, I feel like the fans can contribute a lot to their teams' successes. I know that this didn't work out very well in 2014 against Germany, but still the crowds are amazing there. But I still think that even in three years from now France is probably still the dominating force in world soccer. It is unbelievable how many young outstanding talents are spread all over European soccer. England and Spain also have quite a few, but France is all set for several years to go.

France is the same team that failed to qualify for the 1990 and 1994 editions of the FIFA World Cup. Their recent success has a lot to do with the migrant origin players. France has a very large immigrant population (10-15 million) and that gives them a bigger advantage when compared to other European teams like Spain and Germany. Also, Ligue 1 has emerged as one of the top European leagues, partly due to huge amounts of money being spent by teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille, which has allowed them to recruit top players from all around the world.

France is one of the strongest teams in the world and they won the world cup two times in 1998 when Brazil had an amazing performance and in 2018 but the last time when they face Argentina they failed to win the game and even with a player like Mbappe who is one of the strongest players and young talent they failed.
This time in 2026 I guess France can have a better chance because of having more experience.

That's true but finals or knockout games sometimes have their own laws to a certain degree. The game between France and Argentina could have also ended differently. There we so many minor things that in the ended went in favor of Argentina, but I do think that they are the deserved winner. France was too passive for too long during that final game.

At the World Cup 2026 I expect a French national team that is more awake and focused on the moment. In 2022 they also slowed down in the game against Morocco where it didn't really look like a typical France game. They were behind or even in all statistics except for goals. Morocco had 62% ball possession and higher passing accuracy. Since we are talking about France here, that is not quite normal.

But with this loss in the back of their heads they are now looking forward to their next chance and avoid the mistakes they made last time.

[Litzki1990]

Football fans will benefit the most from the next World Cup. Because maybe the next World Cup will not make the countries as difficult as the Qatar World Cup. This allows football fans to watch and enjoy every match with freedom.

Bold of you to assume football fans did not enjoy the last world cup. The Qatar world cup was among the best world cups ever. I have watched different world cups and the 2022 world cup was the best for me. A lot of controversies, yes we know, but that did not stop anybody from enjoying the world cup. Most of the controversies where just propaganda. What's best was to just block out the negative energy and just enjoy the sport.

I feel lucky because I got to watch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2022, Qatar hosted the best World Cup tournament in history. Those who say they didn't enjoy the World Cup in Qatar, then they dislike Qatar, not the beauty of football. Many people have spread various misinformation about this Middle Eastern country that how the World Cup will be hosted in a desert country but Qatar has taken all the channels and organized the World Cup in the most modern way in the world. Qatar has done more than what was required to host a World Cup tournament. I don't think any country will host the World Cup in the future like Qatar did in the 2022 World Cup.

[Sithara007]

I feel lucky because I got to watch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2022, Qatar hosted the best World Cup tournament in history. Those who say they didn't enjoy the World Cup in Qatar, then they dislike Qatar, not the beauty of football. Many people have spread various misinformation about this Middle Eastern country that how the World Cup will be hosted in a desert country but Qatar has taken all the channels and organized the World Cup in the most modern way in the world. Qatar has done more than what was required to host a World Cup tournament. I don't think any country will host the World Cup in the future like Qatar did in the 2022 World Cup.

Well.. this is strange. What sort of misinformation was spread about the tournament in Qatar? The concern from the fans was regarding the following topics:

1. 6,000 migrant workers died during the construction of stadiums and other infrastructural facilities and Qataris never bothered to compensate their families
2. LGBT and unmarried couples were threatened with adultery laws
3. Hotel prices were spiked just before the tournament
4. Beer ban was announced just two days before the first game was played
5. Women fans were asked to wear covering attire

Which of these points look like misinformation for you?

[Litzki1990]

I feel lucky because I got to watch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2022, Qatar hosted the best World Cup tournament in history. Those who say they didn't enjoy the World Cup in Qatar, then they dislike Qatar, not the beauty of football. Many people have spread various misinformation about this Middle Eastern country that how the World Cup will be hosted in a desert country but Qatar has taken all the channels and organized the World Cup in the most modern way in the world. Qatar has done more than what was required to host a World Cup tournament. I don't think any country will host the World Cup in the future like Qatar did in the 2022 World Cup.

Well.. this is strange. What sort of misinformation was spread about the tournament in Qatar? The concern from the fans was regarding the following topics:

2. LGBT and unmarried couples were threatened with adultery laws
3. Hotel prices were spiked just before the tournament
4. Beer ban was announced just two days before the first game was played
5. Women fans were asked to wear covering attire

Which of these points look like misinformation for you?

Qatar is a Muslim country and they clearly stated that they cannot change their Muslim culture for this one month tournament. So in their country, drinking beer in the studio or homosexuality, like the European countries, they also put some restrictions on girls' clothing so that they can retain their Muslim culture. I don't see anything wrong with what they have done as a Muslim dominated country. How they will change their culture for one month which they have been following since ancient times.

1. 6,000 migrant workers died during the construction of stadiums and other infrastructural facilities and Qataris never bothered to compensate their families

First of all, those who lost their lives to build these big structures, may God grant their families the ability to cope with their grief. But this is not the first time that workers have died in the construction of such a large structure in Qatar. Starting from Burj Khalifa, many people have lost their lives in other large buildings, so Burj Khalifa is closed? A group of people spread such news to stop the World Cup in Qatar.

[Sithara007]

Qatar is a Muslim country and they clearly stated that they cannot change their Muslim culture for this one month tournament. So in their country, drinking beer in the studio or homosexuality, like the European countries, they also put some restrictions on girls' clothing so that they can retain their Muslim culture. I don't see anything wrong with what they have done as a Muslim dominated country. How they will change their culture for one month which they have been following since ancient times.

There are Muslim countries such as Turkey and Morocco as well. But they never try to impose their culture on visitors.

First of all, those who lost their lives to build these big structures, may God grant their families the ability to cope with their grief. But this is not the first time that workers have died in the construction of such a large structure in Qatar. Starting from Burj Khalifa, many people have lost their lives in other large buildings, so Burj Khalifa is closed? A group of people spread such news to stop the World Cup in Qatar.

First of all, accidents happen everywhere. But the difference between Qatar and other countries is that Qatar refused to provide a single penny in compensation for the families of the victims. Most of the workers were from poor countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh and their children are starving now since the income earner is gone. If this same thing had occurred in any other country, the families would have been compensated. It is very simple. Qataris doesn't consider these migrant workers as human. For them they are much less important.   

[Zlantann]

I feel lucky because I got to watch the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In 2022, Qatar hosted the best World Cup tournament in history. Those who say they didn't enjoy the World Cup in Qatar, then they dislike Qatar, not the beauty of football. Many people have spread various misinformation about this Middle Eastern country that how the World Cup will be hosted in a desert country but Qatar has taken all the channels and organized the World Cup in the most modern way in the world. Qatar has done more than what was required to host a World Cup tournament. I don't think any country will host the World Cup in the future like Qatar did in the 2022 World Cup.

I am glad you enjoyed the competition but some people didn't and they have the freedom to express their views. Their criticism might not be because they hate Qatar but because of their unpleasant experiences. You enjoyed the tournament because the laws were consistent with your religion or customs. Many fans didn't enjoy it because some of the entertaining parts of world cups were hampered or distorted due to the restrictions placed on certain activities. Yes, Qatar performed beyond my expectations in the organization of the world cup but there were many hitches.

1. 6,000 migrant workers died during the construction of stadiums and other infrastructural facilities and Qataris never bothered to compensate their families

First of all, those who lost their lives to build these big structures, may God grant their families the ability to cope with their grief. But this is not the first time that workers have died in the construction of such a large structure in Qatar. Starting from Burj Khalifa, many people have lost their lives in other large buildings, so Burj Khalifa is closed? A group of people spread such news to stop the World Cup in Qatar.

6000 people lost their lives because Qatar want to host a one-month competition and you are making a comparison between Burj Khalifa and the stadium constructions. If you have lost a relative or a friend you wouldn't make this comparison. Nobody deserves to die because of mere competition. These construction workers have families that have been subjected to grief and suffering and deserve to be compensated. Qatar took advantage of the poor economic and political conditions of some countries and used their citizens as slaves. Qatar should pray for forgiveness of sin for refusing to compensate the families of people that died.

I love Islam and I know the religion promotes love and equality.

[slapper]

Yes but although I have never been to South America, I feel like the fans can contribute a lot to their teams' successes. I know that this didn't work out very well in 2014 against Germany, but still the crowds are amazing there. But I still think that even in three years from now France is probably still the dominating force in world soccer. It is unbelievable how many young outstanding talents are spread all over European soccer. England and Spain also have quite a few, but France is all set for several years to go.

France is the same team that failed to qualify for the 1990 and 1994 editions of the FIFA World Cup. Their recent success has a lot to do with the migrant origin players. France has a very large immigrant population (10-15 million) and that gives them a bigger advantage when compared to other European teams like Spain and Germany. Also, Ligue 1 has emerged as one of the top European leagues, partly due to huge amounts of money being spent by teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille, which has allowed them to recruit top players from all around the world.

France is one of the strongest teams in the world and they won the world cup two times in 1998 when Brazil had an amazing performance and in 2018 but the last time when they face Argentina they failed to win the game and even with a player like Mbappe who is one of the strongest players and young talent they failed.
This time in 2026 I guess France can have a better chance because of having more experience.

Not going to lie, the trajectory of France's football feats resembles a tumultuous joyride, doesn't it? They've scaled grand summits, courtesy of their triumphs in the World Cup sagas of '98 and 2018. Yet, they've also traversed rocky terrains, distinctly those subpar shows in '90 and '94. You hit the bullseye regarding their immigrant populace serving as a springboard. It's akin to a buffet of sheer aptitude!

Now, shifting gears to the Argentina face-off, it was a letdown, no? Even armed with Mbappe, who's essentially a gaming hack, they failed to seize victory. But that's the allure of the beautiful game, isn't it? Any team, any time, isn't it?

Here's the tea: the 2026 World Cup sets the stage for their redemption story. They've savored defeat and it's infused a sour note. Recall the Morocco standoff? France was as swift as a tranquilized tortoise! They were outmatched in possession and their supposed passing precision was a travesty of misplaced kicks. But errors lead to evolution, right? They're gearing up for a forceful comeback, more invigorated than ever.