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

[Hirose UK]

No one knows whether Ronaldo will participate in the 2026 World Cup or not because there is no official confirmation, moreover what the other Portuguese players did was bit excessive towards Ronaldo.

Well that why I said that new era will start sooner or later, what is clear is that in the 2026 World Cup we will slowly be able to see it and of course there will be many surprises that will happen, I didn't mention Haaland because he plays for Norway and we all know how Norway is for international competitions like the World Cup, there is no hope at all.

In fact, this is not a bet that I would not be willing to make.

In a press conference that took place two months ago, Cristiano Ronaldo denied that he had finished his cycle as a player in Portugal and even stated that he was even more motivated to play in the World Cup after the European Championship.

My opinion... although he is still a good player, Ronaldo no longer has the physical conditioning or the disposition to run and compete in the match alongside other talented players who are much younger than him.

If CR7 gets a place in the World Cup, unfortunately it will only be to play part-time with the aim of making his presence felt and receiving some shots on goal. But I do not expect CR7 to be on the field to dribble with his speed and jingoism.

But if we look at how Ronaldo is now even though he is getting older we can still see that he still has the speed to run and has very fit physical condition, Ronaldo has healthy lifestyle and that is why he is always superior to several other top players who are the same age, I even see Ronaldo is still more agile and faster than Messi.
For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

[Hanadawa]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

Even though I am from Indonesia, I cannot expect Indonesia to win the match. Of course I will still support Indonesia but realistically beating Japan is like an impossible mission. Japan is the best team in Asia right now. They have many players who play in top European leagues. There are even players who are able to compete with top European players. This shows that their level is the highest in Asia. They are undefeated and no opposing player has been able to score a goal against them. So far, only Australia has held Japan to a draw. And Australia's goal was an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.
On the other hand, Indonesia is improving and honestly this is the best team Indonesia has ever had. I hope Indonesia can finish this match well. I hope they can hold Japan to a draw. Or at least they don't lose by a big score like other countries.

[Jody.Drummer]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

Even though I am from Indonesia, I cannot expect Indonesia to win the match. Of course I will still support Indonesia but realistically beating Japan is like an impossible mission. Japan is the best team in Asia right now. They have many players who play in top European leagues. There are even players who are able to compete with top European players. This shows that their level is the highest in Asia. They are undefeated and no opposing player has been able to score a goal against them. So far, only Australia has held Japan to a draw. And Australia's goal was an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.
On the other hand, Indonesia is improving and honestly this is the best team Indonesia has ever had. I hope Indonesia can finish this match well. I hope they can hold Japan to a draw. Or at least they don't lose by a big score like other countries.

Yes, we have to think realistically, even though we want to see Indonesia win, but when we see the opponent that will be faced, it is quite impossible to do, even a draw is a very unlikely result. Japan is the best team in this group, they can easily beat other teams. I don't expect much from this match, because from the game it is predicted that Japan will dominate throughout the match. On the other hand, Indonesia might only use counterattacks if they get good momentum. However, the problem is, in some matches Indonesia's counterattacks are not that effective, so this will also be an obstacle.

[armanda90]

Even though I am from Indonesia, I cannot expect Indonesia to win the match. Of course I will still support Indonesia but realistically beating Japan is like an impossible mission. Japan is the best team in Asia right now. They have many players who play in top European leagues. There are even players who are able to compete with top European players. This shows that their level is the highest in Asia. They are undefeated and no opposing player has been able to score a goal against them. So far, only Australia has held Japan to a draw. And Australia's goal was an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.
On the other hand, Indonesia is improving and honestly this is the best team Indonesia has ever had. I hope Indonesia can finish this match well. I hope they can hold Japan to a draw. Or at least they don't lose by a big score like other countries.

Japan national team is difficult match for Indonesia team because they have dominance with aboard players and last night I watches how incredible performance of Takefusa Kubo when Sociedad defeating Barcelona. I can't believing how to anticipation at right winger position because he has excellent speed and actually Indonesian team must have solid defense if want get impossible mission secure three home points. The Japan national team have landed in Indonesian yesterday and have begin training center, they will adapt weather at Indonesian and I think difficult for aboard players keep adapting well hot weather in our country.

Indonesia team must secure the first three points if want get possibility with top fourth standings position and get qualify to playoff round, actually lead the first standings still not close yet behind few points left from Australia and upcoming match Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia as home match.

[Zigabel]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

In this fixture, I'm not expecting much from this game but for Japan to win as they have got a better chance than Indonesia who isn't know for having some sorts of football prowes across Europa, most likely Japan has got more chances at qualification than Indonesia really does. Indonesia doesn't have the kind of records Japan has so far in this qualifications and Japan has won teams thst are even much bigger than Indonesia so this is going to sound like an easy game for them.

[Hanadawa]

-snip-

I think securing the first 3 points against Japan will be very difficult considering the quality of both teams. I really regretted when Indonesia's points were robbed by Bahrain and Indonesia's poor performance against China. At that time Indonesia was able to hold strong teams like Australia and Saudi Arabia to a draw while China lost to both teams. Indonesia should have been able to win the match against China but it seemed like Indonesia was unlucky and China performed quite well in that match. But my best hope is that Indonesia can bring 1 point from this match. Indonesia's defense is quite solid with several players who play in top leagues in Europe.

[Slow death]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

In this fixture, I'm not expecting much from this game but for Japan to win as they have got a better chance than Indonesia who isn't know for having some sorts of football prowes across Europa, most likely Japan has got more chances at qualification than Indonesia really does. Indonesia doesn't have the kind of records Japan has so far in this qualifications and Japan has won teams thst are even much bigger than Indonesia so this is going to sound like an easy game for them.

Indonesia's problem is in the attack, if Indonesia had good players in the attack and could score a lot of goals, then they would be in second place easily because in this group only Japan has a good attack. The rest of the teams have terrible attacks. See:

Australia: 4 games and only scored 4 goals

Saudi Arabia: 4 games and only scored 3 goals

Bahrein: 4 games and only scored 3 goals

China: 4 games and only scored 4 goals

That's why in my opinion Japan will win this game. This is because Japan has a good attack, they can at least score 2 goals, but I doubt very much that Indonesia will be able to score 2 goals, because Japan in 4 games only conceded 1 goal. Japan has the best defense compared to all the teams in this group.

[junder]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

In this fixture, I'm not expecting much from this game but for Japan to win as they have got a better chance than Indonesia who isn't know for having some sorts of football prowes across Europa, most likely Japan has got more chances at qualification than Indonesia really does. Indonesia doesn't have the kind of records Japan has so far in this qualifications and Japan has won teams thst are even much bigger than Indonesia so this is going to sound like an easy game for them.

Of course on paper Japan has everything, no matter playing away, Japan's chances of winning this match are very big and indeed if you look at the statistics, it can be said that the blue samurai will win easily, but football presents surprises, it is possible that Japan slips or experiences bad luck, although the possibility is small.
The most important thing in this match is that I hope Indonesia does not lose by a big score or at least gives resistance, that's enough for me.

[Fiatless]

-snip-

I think securing the first 3 points against Japan will be very difficult considering the quality of both teams. I really regretted when Indonesia's points were robbed by Bahrain and Indonesia's poor performance against China. At that time Indonesia was able to hold strong teams like Australia and Saudi Arabia to a draw while China lost to both teams. Indonesia should have been able to win the match against China but it seemed like Indonesia was unlucky and China performed quite well in that match. But my best hope is that Indonesia can bring 1 point from this match. Indonesia's defense is quite solid with several players who play in top leagues in Europe.

Indonesia is at home but Hajime Moriyasu's team are the favourites to win this match. They are the group leaders with ten points after three wins and a draw. Indonesia have not been too lucky in these qualifiers having earned three points from three draws and one loss. Indonesia might have a good defence when you compare them with teams like China and Bahrain. But you cannot compare their backline with Japan that have conceded just one goal in four games. The Indonesian team should score more goals if they are to make it out of this group.

[yudi09]

Indonesia is at home but Hajime Moriyasu's team are the favourites to win this match. They are the group leaders with ten points after three wins and a draw. Indonesia have not been too lucky in these qualifiers having earned three points from three draws and one loss. Indonesia might have a good defence when you compare them with teams like China and Bahrain. But you cannot compare their backline with Japan that have conceded just one goal in four games. The Indonesian team should score more goals if they are to make it out of this group.

Japan's strength is more favored in an effort to get full points when visiting Indonesia. If Indonesia is able to hold Japan to a draw, that would be a very good result, especially if Indonesia can beat Japan.
In four matches, they managed to get three draws and one loss, the opportunity to advance to the staqe qualification is still open as long as they are able to win several group c matches.
We regret the referee's decision when Indonesia played Bahrain.

[Uruhara]

Even though I am from Indonesia, I cannot expect Indonesia to win the match. Of course I will still support Indonesia but realistically beating Japan is like an impossible mission. Japan is the best team in Asia right now. They have many players who play in top European leagues. There are even players who are able to compete with top European players. This shows that their level is the highest in Asia. They are undefeated and no opposing player has been able to score a goal against them. So far, only Australia has held Japan to a draw. And Australia's goal was an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.
On the other hand, Indonesia is improving and honestly this is the best team Indonesia has ever had. I hope Indonesia can finish this match well. I hope they can hold Japan to a draw. Or at least they don't lose by a big score like other countries.

Japan is not only the best in Asia but they are also one of the strongest teams in the World Cup. So if Indonesia loses to them then it can be understood. And yes, I am also Indonesian, but I am also very unsure whether Indonesia will be able to win or draw in this match. Because the biggest possibility is defeat. But yeah, I can only hope that Indonesia gets points from this match. because I really want to see Indonesia progress further.

Indonesia will play against Japan and Saudi Arabia. And all of them are very tough opponents. because Japan and Saudi Arabia are two teams that we rarely see at the World Cup. So if Indonesia can get points from these two matches then it will be a good achievement for the Garuda team.

[Arenga pinnata]

Japan is not only the best in Asia but they are also one of the strongest teams in the World Cup. So if Indonesia loses to them then it can be understood. And yes, I am also Indonesian, but I am also very unsure whether Indonesia will be able to win or draw in this match. Because the biggest possibility is defeat. But yeah, I can only hope that Indonesia gets points from this match. because I really want to see Indonesia progress further.

Indonesia will play against Japan and Saudi Arabia. And all of them are very tough opponents. because Japan and Saudi Arabia are two teams that we rarely see at the World Cup. So if Indonesia can get points from these two matches then it will be a good achievement for the Garuda team.

In the previous meeting, Indonesia also suffered defeat against Japan, namely with a score of 3-1. So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Indonesia returned. It's just that in the match against Saudi Arabia, I think Indonesia has a chance to win. Because in the previous match, Indonesia was also able to hold Saudi Arabia to a draw when playing at home to Saudi Arabia. And now Indonesia will play as host. So it can be hoped that Indonesia will play better. It's just that in reality Indonesia has a FIFA ranking that is very different from the two. Saudi Arabia and Japan have quite high Fifa rankings. Meanwhile, Indonesia is just a low-ranked team that hasn't even been able to break into the top 100.

[Hanadawa]

-snip-

I think Indonesia has a pretty solid defense compared to China and Bahrain. But China and Bahrain have played against Japan so I think we don't know how solid Indonesia's defense is. But Japan has a very high offensive by scoring 15 goals. Even if Indonesia has a solid defense Japan only needs to score 1 goal to win. On the other hand I think Indonesia's offense is not that good right now because they have only scored 4 goals and that was only 1 goal from their striker, Struick -CMIIW. I don't expect much in this match. But a draw is already very good for Indonesia.

[Fiatless]

-snip-

I think Indonesia has a pretty solid defense compared to China and Bahrain. But China and Bahrain have played against Japan so I think we don't know how solid Indonesia's defense is. But Japan has a very high offensive by scoring 15 goals. Even if Indonesia has a solid defense Japan only needs to score 1 goal to win. On the other hand I think Indonesia's offense is not that good right now because they have only scored 4 goals and that was only 1 goal from their striker, Struick -CMIIW. I don't expect much in this match. But a draw is already very good for Indonesia.

The simplest way to determine a team's defensive strength is by observing the goals conceded. Japan has conceded just one goal in four games. The aggressive attack of the Japanese side is making me doubt Indonesia's averagely-rated ability to stop them from scoring. The only time Japan scored one goal in the third round of this World Cup qualifiers was when they played against Australia and the match ended in a draw. And from my observation, Australia has a better defense and attack than Indonesia. Garuda Warriors will need a combination of luck and hard work to win against Japan.         

[mammusu]

-snip-

I think Indonesia has a pretty solid defense compared to China and Bahrain. But China and Bahrain have played against Japan so I think we don't know how solid Indonesia's defense is. But Japan has a very high offensive by scoring 15 goals. Even if Indonesia has a solid defense Japan only needs to score 1 goal to win. On the other hand I think Indonesia's offense is not that good right now because they have only scored 4 goals and that was only 1 goal from their striker, Struick -CMIIW. I don't expect much in this match. But a draw is already very good for Indonesia.

The simplest way to determine a team's defensive strength is by observing the goals conceded. Japan has conceded just one goal in four games. The aggressive attack of the Japanese side is making me doubt Indonesia's averagely-rated ability to stop them from scoring. The only time Japan scored one goal in the third round of this World Cup qualifiers was when they played against Australia and the match ended in a draw. And from my observation, Australia has a better defense and attack than Indonesia. Garuda Warriors will need a combination of luck and hard work to win against Japan.         

The match against Japan will be a big test for Indonesia defence and a win is a must for them to keep their chances of qualifying for the world cup, Indonesia is currently in a difficult condition after not having won against their opponents in group D, Japan has a very strong and aggressive attack and as you mentioned, by scoring 15 goals and only conceding one goal in four matches of course this shows that they are not only strong in attack, but also solid in defence in every match they play.

Indonesia does have a pretty solid defence, but facing a team of Japan quality will require a very disciplined and focused strategy, Indonesia  not-so-sharp attack is also a challenge for them to win that the match.

[Plaguedeath]

I have no idea what's the interesting of Indonesia vs Japan when it's clear Japan will humiliate Indonesia in Indonesia's home.

Japan is a very complete team in Asia, they fought against Australia in their latest match and they only give one chance to shot, moreover the shot isn't on target. Australia is 24th ranks in FIFA. I think against Indonesia, we will see zero shot.

Anyway, how many goals Japan will score? I think at least 3 goals.

[Arenga pinnata]

-snip-

I think Indonesia has a pretty solid defense compared to China and Bahrain. But China and Bahrain have played against Japan so I think we don't know how solid Indonesia's defense is. But Japan has a very high offensive by scoring 15 goals. Even if Indonesia has a solid defense Japan only needs to score 1 goal to win. On the other hand I think Indonesia's offense is not that good right now because they have only scored 4 goals and that was only 1 goal from their striker, Struick -CMIIW. I don't expect much in this match. But a draw is already very good for Indonesia.

The Indonesian national team has a pretty good defense because it has a very good goalkeeper. Maarten Paes has quite a number of saves. And he always has a quick response to the direction of the incoming ball. I am truly always amazed by the current goalkeepers of the Indonesian national team. He covered Indonesia's weaknesses. And actually the Japanese national team goalkeeper quite often makes blunders, it's just that Japan has really strong defenders who can always stop more opponents' attacks that try to get close to their goal.

Japan will probably dominate the game and Indonesia will probably take more advantage of counter attacks. But I will support Indonesia even though I know Indonesia only has a small chance if it wants to beat Japan.

[yudi09]

Indonesia does have a pretty solid defence, but facing a team of Japan quality will require a very disciplined and focused strategy, Indonesia  not-so-sharp attack is also a challenge for them to win that the match.

To deal with Mitoma classmates, Minamino and Kubo, good defense can be difficult because of the speed they have.
For Shin Tae-yong, facing Japan is a tough job even though he might have a strategy to be able to defeat Japan.
Instead of winning, a draw is a very extraordinary result for Indonesia. But Shin Tae-yong needs to emphasize to his team to be able to take advantage of two home games in order to get a victory to maintain the opportunity to qualify for the next round.

[armanda90]

The Indonesian national team has a pretty good defense because it has a very good goalkeeper. Maarten Paes has quite a number of saves. And he always has a quick response to the direction of the incoming ball. I am truly always amazed by the current goalkeepers of the Indonesian national team. He covered Indonesia's weaknesses. And actually the Japanese national team goalkeeper quite often makes blunders, it's just that Japan has really strong defenders who can always stop more opponents' attacks that try to get close to their goal.

Japan will probably dominate the game and Indonesia will probably take more advantage of counter attacks. But I will support Indonesia even though I know Indonesia only has a small chance if it wants to beat Japan.

No doubt the quality or potential of Indonesia team goal keeper Maarten Paes after having impressive performance and make many crucial save at last three matches of qualifying, but have bad news with Mees Hilgers have out from squad after receiving injury with his team when facing Ajax Amsterdam last match. However new replacing Kevin Diks another aboard player need time for adapting well with STY tactician because its first time for him after his naturalization completing last several days ago.

I don't sure yet will STY put Kevin Diks as starting line when facing Jepang or he must start from the bench due tactician of Indonesia head coach, however keep optimistic Indonesia team will secure the first three points for the first time after three consecutives matched failure for securing three points.

[Leviathan.007]

For the next few days, the international break will be back with various match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, I observing the Asian zone and see opportunities in the Indonesia vs Japan match where Japan itself is the strongest team and they are favorites with @1.20 while Indonesia @12.00.
Japan has destroyed several team with landslide victories that have met them, I curious how Indonesia will finish this match.

In this fixture, I'm not expecting much from this game but for Japan to win as they have got a better chance than Indonesia who isn't know for having some sorts of football prowes across Europa, most likely Japan has got more chances at qualification than Indonesia really does. Indonesia doesn't have the kind of records Japan has so far in this qualifications and Japan has won teams thst are even much bigger than Indonesia so this is going to sound like an easy game for them.

Of course on paper Japan has everything, no matter playing away, Japan's chances of winning this match are very big and indeed if you look at the statistics, it can be said that the blue samurai will win easily, but football presents surprises, it is possible that Japan slips or experiences bad luck, although the possibility is small.
The most important thing in this match is that I hope Indonesia does not lose by a big score or at least gives resistance, that's enough for me.

How in the world someone can hope to see Japan lose this match to get a draw?
We know Japan is one of the strongest teams in Asia and they are enough good players for their team. Also, they have good teamwork which made this team look much better than a team like Indonesia. I'm not saying Indonesia is a bad team and they are surely can try to get the best result in this match but don't forget Indonesia even lost the game against China while China was not in the good form.