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

[Epaper]

Maybe he is doing this because he still wants to play as the main striker of Portugal in the next World Cup. But that is still a long way away and who knows, Portugal might find a replacement for him who will be able to provide better results!

Portugal have Rafael Leao, Diego Jota, Joao Felix. So there is a very good chance that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be definitely replaceable in the next World Cup.

Ronaldo has confirmed that he wants to retire in 2027 with Al Nassr, its a sign that he still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, because that is the only trophy he has never won.

The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo last chance to win a trophy so he can beat his eternal rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is very ambitious to win the world cup trophy because that way he deserves to be called one of the best players of all time.

[Strongkored]

Portugal have Rafael Leao, Diego Jota, Joao Felix. So there is a very good chance that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be definitely replaceable in the next World Cup.

For the 2026 World Cup? It seems that Roberto Martinez will not want to take the risk of not including Ronaldo's name in Portugal's squad for the World Cup, because the bad results that Portugal may get without Ronaldo's presence will only expose Martinez to sharp criticism, so Martinez will still include this player even in two next year Ronaldo will be more than 41 years old, but my prediction is that he will not get a full playing portion, he will be a reserve player because it is impossible at 41 years old for him to remain as fit as he is now. Or he won't be on the list if he decides to retire from his international career, but will that happen with the ambition that always dominates Ronaldo? I mean he seems like a player who doesn't want to lose opportunities even though difficult to achieve.
The three players you mentioned are quite good players except for Diogo Jota who is often hit by injuries so he doesn't look optimal at Liverpool, but it cannot be denied that Ronaldo's skills are above those three players, Ronaldo will be replaced but in terms of quality Ronaldo is still the best.

[Rampagoe004]

Just to qualify for the group phase of the 2026 World Cup, it can be said that there is a lot for the teams in the Asian region. However, the problem is that in terms of surviving in the world cup itself, there are still more doubts because considering that other teams entering the 2026 world cup also have more qualified squads of players, so it is a bit more difficult for teams in the Asian region to compete until world cup ends. But anything is still possible because considering the time is still quite long even though the qualifying matches have started now.

When teams in Asia have become better, teams on other continents have also become better. Europe and South America are still the best in the world cup, followed by Africa in third. But looking at how local Asian leagues and teams in Asia have started to learn European football tactics, I think that in the 2026 World Cup, Asia will be at least at the same level as Africa. Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the semifinals, but the Asian team, namely South Korea, did it first in 2002. So in terms of quality, Asia is still far behind South America and Europe, but at least they can compete with Africa and America.

[Webetcoins]

Some Asian national teams have build up good training center but the development of young players is still far behind both Europe and America. Most of youth European and America players success make senior debut on young age around 16 to 17 years old and become regular player for their teams. I think difficult to find any top Asian players success make debut on senior teams with European clubs and most of them playing for European teams above 24 years old.

For the next world cup edition although many youth star players but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo keep become the most interested for watching, I believe both of them still has opportunity for next World Cup but looking their performance with each their team keep consistent or make them will announce retire from national team after Euro 2024 and Copa America.

For the long time we are having two continents are dominating in soccer with European teams are having advantage as they are having the best soccer system which is giving them strong backup, and they are doing things with well mature level even South Americans are also doing good but still they are having no things like we are having in European soccer which is their strength after these two now African soccer is also having good development, and we can expect better results as their many players are now having good mark into European Leagues and things are going positive.

But, Asian soccer is having never been strong system and things are also never been well organized as we need which is the biggest problem for them with they needed good improvement and changes but sadly nothing positive coming which is really awful for them even they are having few countries which are spending Billions of USD for the organizing World Cup but still things are not favourable as they needed.

[Leviathan.007]

Maybe he is doing this because he still wants to play as the main striker of Portugal in the next World Cup. But that is still a long way away and who knows, Portugal might find a replacement for him who will be able to provide better results!

Portugal have Rafael Leao, Diego Jota, Joao Felix. So there is a very good chance that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be definitely replaceable in the next World Cup.

Ronaldo has confirmed that he wants to retire in 2027 with Al Nassr, its a sign that he still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, because that is the only trophy he has never won.

The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo last chance to win a trophy so he can beat his eternal rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is very ambitious to win the world cup trophy because that way he deserves to be called one of the best players of all time.

When Ronaldo was much younger and could have had a much better performance when he was playing for Real Madrid he tried hard to make his team, Portugal, win the World Cup title but he failed and he couldn't win this title with Portugal. However, he was the only good player at this level for Portugal while the other players were not at the same level and they couldn't have good performances like Ronaldo.
Now Portugal has some other good players as you said but Ronaldo is old and until 2026 he will even get older and this means he can't have a good performance anymore for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.
  

[Lidger]

The best team from Asia based on the 2023 FIFA rankings is Japan in 18th place in the world, followed by Iran and South Korea. The best team from Africa, Morocco is ranked 13th in the world according to the FIFA rankings. I agree with you but I think football in Asia will become more developed in the coming years. For now it is difficult to imagine they can go further in the world cup. I think there will be many Asian teams who will successfully qualify from the group phase at the 2026 World Cup.

Just to qualify for the group phase of the 2026 World Cup, it can be said that there is a lot for the teams in the Asian region. However, the problem is that in terms of surviving in the world cup itself, there are still more doubts because considering that other teams entering the 2026 world cup also have more qualified squads of players, so it is a bit more difficult for teams in the Asian region to compete until world cup ends. But anything is still possible because considering the time is still quite long even though the qualifying matches have started now.

Asian teams have always fought hard to qualify for the World Cup, but very few teams from Asia have qualified for the main stages of the World Cup, and the teams that have qualified for the main stages of the World Cup do not do well compared to European teams. There are many countries that are still far behind in the FIFA rankings but they still have enough effort and willpower to one day qualify for the main stage of the World Cup. 

Among the Asian teams, Korea Republic, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and some other teams play in the main stage of the World Cup regularly. Apart from that, we do not see any other team participating in the World Cup.

[Kavelj22]

Coaching any local team differ in many aspects from coaching a national team . With a local team, the coach has the opportunity to work with players he knows well, has good communication with and understands each player's abilities as well. While when training a national team, the coach needs to deal with players from different clubs (So from different cultures as well), and must work to encourage the national spirit by integrate players to achieve the best possible performance. A national team coach has additional pressure from the fans and the media, while the coaching pressure in local teams is relatively less.

Ultimately, and either for Ancelotti or any other coach, coaching a national team requires strong motivational and leadership skills as well as a deep knowledge of the game and playing strategies. It's not an easy task by all means.

It is not purely like that. Training a national team may on the one hand be a burden, but frankly, they earn a load of money and know that the pressure only comes sporadically during the month, or even the year. It is not that dramatic

It is assumed that the large financial returns equal the level of pressure that the coach will be exposed to, and if Ancelotti was only thinking about the money he would receive, he certainly would not have renewed his contract with Real Madrid and missed this opportunity. I do not think that it is easy to manage a team with the strength of Brazil, especially in a global event where Brazil is accustomed to winning titles, and therefore the task of maintaining this position is very difficult.

The same level of pressure also varies among players, and if you ask them, I assure you that they will admit that they are exposed to great pressure in the matches in which they participate with their teams, compared to the matches with their clubs. In addition, the players play in different clubs and it is not easy to coordinate between them during a short training period. Can't imagine the great responsibility that the entire training team will assume.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Cristiano Ronaldo was pretty devastated after his team lost the King Cup of Champions against Al Hilal. I can tell that he really wanted to win this match. Maybe he even deserved to win at least something in this season because he has performed really well in this season. Probably that's why he has actually contacted with Casemiro and Nacho to join Al Nassr. It is really great to see a man who is 39 years old still be so much competitive.

Well, he had two options after the whole world tried to defame him. He could either give up or die trying. And looks like he has chosen the second option. Maybe he is doing this because he still wants to play as the main striker of Portugal in the next World Cup. But that is still a long way away and who knows, Portugal might find a replacement for him who will be able to provide better results!

Portugal have Rafael Leao, Diego Jota, Joao Felix. So there is a very good chance that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be definitely replaceable in the next World Cup.

Without a Doubt it is like that, I do not deny the ability of the new players of Portugal who have a lot of talent, the thing is that CR7 is a Legend, he has a tradition that practically leaves in diapers the experience of all of them plus Bruno, so he is a guy who thanks to the poor Management of the Previous Portugal coach or could not give his 100% because they did not put him to play, it was like a big turkey the one CR7 had at that time, first Ten Hag and then his own friend, things have not really been easy for him with CR7, he has had to fight against the System on many Occasions , the thing with Al Nassr, yes, it is a fact that CR7 is very competitive, many make fun of him, I admire him and Respect him more and more.

[mv1986]

~

I agree with you that coaching a local team, even the size of Real Madrid, is much easier than managing a national team like Brazil, despite the many options available. Our current analyzes are consistent with today's reality, where options are limited to know who is best suited to coach a powerful Brazilian team. The Real Madrid coach can be considered one of the best profiles that can be trusted, given all the achievements he has succeeded in achieving throughout his career, and his skill in managing teams that include senior players.

All current estimates indicate the advantage of both Brazil and Argentina to win the World Cup in its American version. Since Concello has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, this reduces Brazil's chances of managing the national team under a wise leadership capable of achieving results.

How do you draw the conclusion that it is much easier to coach a team like Real Madrid than a national team? Easier in what terms? I couldn't disagree more as I am sure the mental pressure for a coach is much higher in club football than it is with a national team.

Coaching any local team differ in many aspects from coaching a national team . With a local team, the coach has the opportunity to work with players he knows well, has good communication with and understands each player's abilities as well. While when training a national team, the coach needs to deal with players from different clubs (So from different cultures as well), and must work to encourage the national spirit by integrate players to achieve the best possible performance. A national team coach has additional pressure from the fans and the media, while the coaching pressure in local teams is relatively less.

Ultimately, and either for Ancelotti or any other coach, coaching a national team requires strong motivational and leadership skills as well as a deep knowledge of the game and playing strategies. It's not an easy task by all means.

Still, to the top coaches it doesn't matter. A guy like Ancelotti, he has a flow that is not extravagant, but he is hungry for success. He is a different beast and person.

"beast" I bring up because he is really different!

[Docnaster]

Cristiano Ronaldo was pretty devastated after his team lost the King Cup of Champions against Al Hilal. I can tell that he really wanted to win this match. Maybe he even deserved to win at least something in this season because he has performed really well in this season. Probably that's why he has actually contacted with Casemiro and Nacho to join Al Nassr. It is really great to see a man who is 39 years old still be so much competitive.

Well, he had two options after the whole world tried to defame him. He could either give up or die trying. And looks like he has chosen the second option. Maybe he is doing this because he still wants to play as the main striker of Portugal in the next World Cup. But that is still a long way away and who knows, Portugal might find a replacement for him who will be able to provide better results!

Portugal have Rafael Leao, Diego Jota, Joao Felix. So there is a very good chance that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be definitely replaceable in the next World Cup.

Without a Doubt it is like that, I do not deny the ability of the new players of Portugal who have a lot of talent, the thing is that CR7 is a Legend, he has a tradition that practically leaves in diapers the experience of all of them plus Bruno, so he is a guy who thanks to the poor Management of the Previous Portugal coach or could not give his 100% because they did not put him to play, it was like a big turkey the one CR7 had at that time, first Ten Hag and then his own friend, things have not really been easy for him with CR7, he has had to fight against the System on many Occasions , the thing with Al Nassr, yes, it is a fact that CR7 is very competitive, many make fun of him, I admire him and Respect him more and more.

The Portuguese squad is made up of very talented young players who many people believes will easily replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the national team level immediately he retires from football but for someone that's achieved everything he's been able to achieve with the national team, the only time Cristiano Ronaldo will be dropped from participating in any major tournament is whenever he decides international football.
Because of the current age of Cristiano Ronaldo, he's a major doubt to participate in the next edition of the FIFA World Cup but that doesn't mean there are no possibilities of seeing the Portuguese superstar in the next World Cup tournament. Ronaldo is currently with the Portuguese national team who are preparing for the commensement of the 2024 UEFA Euros Championship - a tournament he helped his national team win in 2016. His current focus is winning the European Championship this summer before he can evaluate himself for

[entertheabyss]

The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo last chance to win a trophy so he can beat his eternal rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is very ambitious to win the world cup trophy because that way he deserves to be called one of the best players of all time.

The 2026 world cup is the last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo winning it, I doubt if Portugal would put in the best challenge to compete for this amazing trophy. This is obviously the last worldcup for the both undisputed G.O.A.Ts in football. Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi have been competitive in the long run and they've come to accomplish more than any other player.

[armanda90]

FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group F

My national team Indonesia had bad result on games week 5 after defeating by Iraq and make close points with Vietnam national teams after winning over Philippines. Recently Indonesia and Vietnam will fight for one ticket left to next round qualifier and one point remaining with Vietnam make Indonesia have secure three points on last match against Philippines.

Our national teams Indonesian has opportunity qualifying to the next round if Iraq will defeat Vietnam on last match whatever the match result against Philippines, but if Iraq success secure one point and Indonesian defeat by Philippines will make our ticket left qualify to next round is over and our dreaming to see Indonesia in World Cup 2026 gone.

Your prediction will Indonesia secure the last ticket for qualifying to the next round or Vietnam will get opportunity?

Standings position of Group F

[bitgolden]

if Portugal have any plans of going far in the euros or world cup, they should factor out Christian Ronaldo out of there plans or he's going to be a serious distraction to the entire team. In my opinion, if christiano Ronaldo has retired from active international football earlier enough like kroos did, he would have been a strong support to his national team and help the young players prepare for the tournament rather than even having a thought of playing in the world cup.

He hasn't been doing that well at Al Nasir and almost appears as a minus one to his team and that's not what you need if you have any intention of going far in the world cup. Even if he's going to be given a playing time in the world cup, it shouldn't be more than bringing him in from the second half or playing him some few minutes in the first half to just spice up the team a bit and that should just be it. If they ever bring him into the world cup as there key player who's going to pose a serious threat, they will be shooting there selves on the foot in the process. At 41 he should have gone out of the limelight of major football leagues and not to even talk of playing in the world cup.

I feel like he would still be "fine" if you have other players doing fine as well, just the fact that if you rely on him like he is some sort of saviour then you are going to have trouble.

We have seen him miss quite a lot of chances as well as seen him score bunch of goals, you really don't know which one he will be. he is not going to be playing against 12th team on the Saudi league, he is going to play against a team that is at euro or world cup, that means the opponents would be MUCH better than anyone he faced, in Saudi league there are just few players at defense who would be at euros or world cup, not many, and that means he is going to have trouble. I think having him is great for leadership, but he should not be a focal point anymore.

[knowngunman]

Our national teams Indonesian has opportunity qualifying to the next round if Iraq will defeat Vietnam on last match whatever the match result against Philippines, but if Iraq success secure one point and Indonesian defeat by Philippines will make our ticket left qualify to next round is over and our dreaming to see Indonesia in World Cup 2026 gone.

I think I'm missing something about this world cup qualifier matches. I discovered yesterday that my national team will play against South Africa and I thought it was just friendly game before I noticed that it is world cup qualifier. I became curious to know why qualifying matches are being play now for a tournament that will take place in 2026. I will probably dedicate time to find out how the qualify round matches is being fixed and the method used to determine the participating teams.

Regarding this your national team group, I'm sorry to say but apart from Iraq in the group I don't know much about the rest of the teams, perhaps they don't feature in a famous or recognized tournament. I don't know how many teams will advance to next round but if it is just one team, that should be Iraq and if it is two, Vietnam will make it to next round together with Iraq.

[Hirose UK]

The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo last chance to win a trophy so he can beat his eternal rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is very ambitious to win the world cup trophy because that way he deserves to be called one of the best players of all time.

The 2026 world cup is the last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo winning it, I doubt if Portugal would put in the best challenge to compete for this amazing trophy. This is obviously the last worldcup for the both undisputed G.O.A.Ts in football. Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi have been competitive in the long run and they've come to accomplish more than any other player.

In fact, there are still other important competitions such as Euro 2024 which will take place soon, this is an opportunity for Ronaldo to win title with Portugal and of course this competition is no less important than the World Cup.
However, basically the World Cup is the most prestigious competition and it has always been dream for all participating countries to win it, Ronaldo and Portugal chances of winning the World Cup are actually not yet clear.
But all of us football fans are really looking forward to Ronaldo appearance in this competition because it is the last opportunity for Ronaldo to play with Portugal in the World Cup competition.
After that, maybe Ronaldo or Messi will retire from the world of football as players and for the next World Cup it is certain that they will no longer be able to strengthen the respective national team they have played for so far.

[Velvet78]

Is it clear that Ronaldo will play in the next World Cup?    I have done some research but couldn't find anything such statement by him at least. Therefore it still seems like not certain. But the qualifiers phase for European countries would start earlier so maybe at least there we might see him. But I don't know whether he would find the energy in himself to play in the main tournament as well.

I would absolutely like to see him there though together with Messi. At least for one last time we would have a chance to watch these great players together.    Still no title for Ronaldo in the World Cup by the way but Messi has got it finally.

[blckhawk]

FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group F

My national team Indonesia had bad result on games week 5 after defeating by Iraq and make close points with Vietnam national teams after winning over Philippines. Recently Indonesia and Vietnam will fight for one ticket left to next round qualifier and one point remaining with Vietnam make Indonesia have secure three points on last match against Philippines.

Our national teams Indonesian has opportunity qualifying to the next round if Iraq will defeat Vietnam on last match whatever the match result against Philippines, but if Iraq success secure one point and Indonesian defeat by Philippines will make our ticket left qualify to next round is over and our dreaming to see Indonesia in World Cup 2026 gone.

Your prediction will Indonesia secure the last ticket for qualifying to the next round or Vietnam will get opportunity?

Standings position of Group F

Compare that to my country standing in the last place, you're probably doing fine. That's the weakness of my country when it comes to sports in the international stage, we always have a hard time doing the right thing and the nerves are always losing couple that with the fact that there's no big support from the sports commission if you're not the national team for basketball which already have all of the support but still suck, you will see that if something isn't really supported here in the country, it always ends up asking for support in private groups and such. I think that Indonesia will take the win with this one, didn't Vietnam beat the Philippines with 1 point difference?

[Adiljutt156]

Sunil Chhetri, the Indian captain played his last match this week during the Asian qualifiers. His team failed to give him a proper sendoff, as they drew 0-0 against Kuwait. With one more round of matches remaining, both India and Afghanistan are struggling with 5 points each in Group A of AFC second round. India's next match is against Qatar, so it will be difficult for them to qualify to the next round. In Group C, China has almost assured of qualification to the next round. The same can be said about Palestine, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

India Vs Kuwait Football match was a boring because no team played well and no player played they have come to win this match. Both team player played defensive and audience was disappointed because they paid for the tickets and in the end match ended with no result. In my opinion, rules should be change and every match should end and every match should have a result. One team should win and one team lose. Indian players were looking in form and their shorts were 15 as comparison to 13 from Kuwait side. But the shorts on target of Indian team were 3 but that number is different for Kuwait team because theirs 4 shorts were on target. Possessions rate of Kuwait team were 52 percent but that is different and less for Indian team .Both teams have many drawbacks and they should work on their drawbacks. Otherwise,that is difficult for them to face legendary team players.

[Lidger]

The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo last chance to win a trophy so he can beat his eternal rival Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is very ambitious to win the world cup trophy because that way he deserves to be called one of the best players of all time.

The 2026 world cup is the last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo winning it, I doubt if Portugal would put in the best challenge to compete for this amazing trophy. This is obviously the last worldcup for the both undisputed G.O.A.Ts in football. Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi have been competitive in the long run and they've come to accomplish more than any other player.

Cristiano Ronaldo will decide to retire after the 2022 World Cup. It was heard before the World Cup started, but he could not finish his last World Cup as he wished. He then announced that he is ready to play one more World Cup if the team needs it and if the team gives him a chance, he will definitely play at his best. If Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play one more World Cup, the team here will definitely not be an obstacle for him because all the other players could not contribute as much to the team as he has contributed to his team in his long career. Messi won the World Cup title in the last World Cup so I expect either Neymar or Ronaldo to win the trophy in the next World Cup.

[wiss19]

Is it clear that Ronaldo will play in the next World Cup?    I have done some research but couldn't find anything such statement by him at least. Therefore it still seems like not certain. But the qualifiers phase for European countries would start earlier so maybe at least there we might see him. But I don't know whether he would find the energy in himself to play in the main tournament as well.

I would absolutely like to see him there though together with Messi. At least for one last time we would have a chance to watch these great players together.    Still no title for Ronaldo in the World Cup by the way but Messi has got it finally.

As mentioned in few above posts things are pretty clear for the Cristiano Ronaldo to go for the next world cup as his target is having 1000 goals in soccer games with this he could be first player in history who will touch this milestone, and he can do this because his recent performance in Saudi League is impressive and most chances he will be able to have contract until 2026 which could be enough for him to have this milestone in front of his name.

Lionel Messi is behind him with both are having eyes on world cup 2026 which is going to be full of entertainment as first time are going to have many things in this mega event 48 teams three countries and too many games which is really amazing but with this all one thing is sure this legendary player is going to end his career without this title because Portugal is still having no ability to win this even they are having few quality players into their team.