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

[SatoPrincess]

African player have always done the best they can to the best of their abilities only that it has never been the same as the way it has been when they go to their club sides and they are given the enabling environment to thrive,  they actually perform far more differently because at that point all they need to stay efficient is provided and that is where even the countries see their performance and give them an invite to join  the national team and represent them in competitions.

Originally the Asian countries aren't known for possessing some extra ordinary football talent enough to possessing brilliant football prowess but ever since they began to move to the European sides and have been playing on some other international arenas,  their performance has improved greatly and soon they will be making waves in football like their European counterparts.

Truely Asian football has improved much better than it used to be in past years. Their involvements with other top European players and leagues have put many of their players on a better level therefore impacting their performances for their national teams. It will also make sense seeing them compete amongst other players from different continents and European for individual prestigious awards like the Ballon d’Or and others.

[retreat]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

[cande86]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

There must be rotation and it is fundamental, if teams can only count on one attacker then in the end they will no longer be able to do anything if that player gets injured.
It works like this for everyone, but then it's also difficult to find a second who is strong and always ready to step in when needed, so you have to be very careful with the initial selection.

[tiCeR]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

There must be rotation and it is fundamental, if teams can only count on one attacker then in the end they will no longer be able to do anything if that player gets injured.
It works like this for everyone, but then it's also difficult to find a second who is strong and always ready to step in when needed, so you have to be very careful with the initial selection.

But this all depends on the "luck" that some nations have more than others. If you take Norway as an example, imagine that Haaland would get injured. They would never be able to replace him. Now I know he is an exceptional player and other nations couldn't replace a player of his level, but you can see that the best teams have more than one world class striker. That's why you are right, squad depth is very relevant, but sometimes it is nothing that the teams themselves can do a lot about. They either have those strikers available because they have a golden generation or they don't.

Spain is well set up often times because they have so many versatile players. If they lose one player due to injury, they are able to switch their system and have an offensive midfielder play as a striker or fill that gap otherwise. That is what made them so strong at so many international tournaments.

[joniboini]

That's why you are right, squad depth is very relevant, but sometimes it is nothing that the teams themselves can do a lot about. They either have those strikers available because they have a golden generation or they don't.

True. I think that's why some countries are trying their best to nationalize players or improve their grassroots competitions. At the end of the day, if you have a good infrastructure to produce good players, you'll eventually have a good amount of players to compete against other teams. It's the governing body's job to make sure they have a "golden generation" every few years or so (for developed countries at least). I don't think they can blame their luck if they don't even spend a single dime to improve it. CMIW.

[Ale88]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

I think that African teams soon will have more players available to be called up because more and more players born in Europe by African parents are choosing to represent their parents' national team. This for sure would affect more countries like France, Belgium, England, just to name a few, countries that usually rely a lot on players of African background.

[Sithara007]

I think that African teams soon will have more players available to be called up because more and more players born in Europe by African parents are choosing to represent their parents' national team. This for sure would affect more countries like France, Belgium, England, just to name a few, countries that usually rely a lot on players of African background.

Some of the Asian teams (Uzbekistan, Indonesia.etc) have taken advantage of this system for last few years. And if African teams can also do the same, then it will strengthen the quality of football in these countries. It benefits the players as well. Take the case of Kevin-Prince Boateng. He was born in West Germany, but never got a chance to represent his country of birth. So he chose to represent the country of his father (Ghana). And he was quite successful. He played a total of 15 matches for his adopted country.

[pewboy]

True. I think that's why some countries are trying their best to nationalize players or improve their grassroots competitions. At the end of the day, if you have a good infrastructure to produce good players, you'll eventually have a good amount of players to compete against other teams. It's the governing body's job to make sure they have a "golden generation" every few years or so (for developed countries at least). I don't think they can blame their luck if they don't even spend a single dime to improve it. CMIW.

Nationalizing all the players who want to play has never been a good choice, instead we need to reward ALL the guys who deserve it and there are many of them in many youth systems around the world, so it's just a question of common sense, you can find the best players everywhere, you just need to know how to select them and believe in them

[cande86]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

I think that African teams soon will have more players available to be called up because more and more players born in Europe by African parents are choosing to represent their parents' national team. This for sure would affect more countries like France, Belgium, England, just to name a few, countries that usually rely a lot on players of African background.

I don't think that kids born in prestigious national teams will choose to play for their parents' national team, with all due respect, it's one thing to play for France and another to play for Mali, mine is just an example but it gives a good idea.

[Lidger]

African player have always done the best they can to the best of their abilities only that it has never been the same as the way it has been when they go to their club sides and they are given the enabling environment to thrive,  they actually perform far more differently because at that point all they need to stay efficient is provided and that is where even the countries see their performance and give them an invite to join  the national team and represent them in competitions.

Originally the Asian countries aren't known for possessing some extra ordinary football talent enough to possessing brilliant football prowess but ever since they began to move to the European sides and have been playing on some other international arenas,  their performance has improved greatly and soon they will be making waves in football like their European counterparts.

Truely Asian football has improved much better than it used to be in past years. Their involvements with other top European players and leagues have put many of their players on a better level therefore impacting their performances for their national teams. It will also make sense seeing them compete amongst other players from different continents and European for individual prestigious awards like the Ballon d’Or and others.

Although Asian teams have been doing well in football recently, we actually see a few familiar teams in big tournaments like the World Cup, but with the amount of effort and money Asian countries are spending to do well in football, more teams from Asia should get a chance at the World Cup. South Korea and Japan did quite well in the last World Cup and a team like Japan defeated a strong team like Germany and South Korea secured the next round from the group stage. Hopefully, we will see some new Asian teams in this World Cup tournament besides the familiar teams and the number of Asian teams will increase every year and we will see their good performance on a stage like the World Cup.

[Sithara007]

Nationalizing all the players who want to play has never been a good choice, instead we need to reward ALL the guys who deserve it and there are many of them in many youth systems around the world, so it's just a question of common sense, you can find the best players everywhere, you just need to know how to select them and believe in them

If I am not wrong, FIFA eligibility rules mandate that any player who qualifies through descent need to get a passport of the country he wants to represent. When Kevin-Prince Boateng decided to move from Germany to Ghana, he received a Ghanaian passport (in addition to his original German passport). I don't see any red flags. Ethnically he is Ghanaian, and the fact that he was born and brought up in a different country should not create any issues. But the same is not applicable to players such as Mohammed Muntari and Almoez Ali, who moved to a different country purely for monetary benefits.

[Merit.s]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

I think that African teams soon will have more players available to be called up because more and more players born in Europe by African parents are choosing to represent their parents' national team. This for sure would affect more countries like France, Belgium, England, just to name a few, countries that usually rely a lot on players of African background.

Any player born in Europe and grow up there will have the biggest advantage to play for that country than representing his motherland. This is because he will already start his football career when he is young and that will make all eyes to be on him. Since football is well valued in Europe than in Africa, the country will give him an offer and improve him to become part of the footballers in the country. He would be signed by a club. In fact, he will forget coming to play for Africa and play for that country national team if he is a good instrument.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I don't think it because of gadget, there are many young players owned by Italy, just the current league is not friendly to local players. In Italy there is a primavera league that is active until now. but, when they have entered the age of 19 years and over, they do not get enough playing time. While if there is a strict rule, Serie-A teams are required to play 1-2 young Italian players in the main squad, maybe the results will be better than now. Because more young players being created and grow.

Well, I am a person who admires Italian football, in fact it is the style of football that I have always wanted to imitate since I was a child, despite the fact that I am South American, the Italian technique is very outstanding, when it is combined with South American technique and both styles are learned, I think that is where the notable differences begin to be seen, Serie A with the money they have is enough as long as they make or have very good teams, but the trick is to look for South American players, African players, not just focus on European players.

[Ale88]

It's true, many great players come from Africa, but no national team has the depth of their squad, with talented players in every position. I think that's why African countries often fail at the World Cup, especially when they reach the knockout stage. According to the FIFA rankings, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria are currently among the top five African national teams. As we know, these teams boast star players from elite European clubs, but one or two star players aren't enough to lead a team to the World Cup trophy. Morocco journey in the last World Cup was, in my opinion, impressive.
https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men

Squad depth is indeed an important factor for a national team to compete well in the world cup. Because if a national team has only a few star players, then what happens is that when the player is injured, the team does not have a replacement and it will have a significant impact on the team's performance. Having squad depth also allows the national team to divide their playing proportion, make good rotations, and tactics that can be adjusted to the players. And because of this, the European national teams can compete better, because they not only have squad depth, but also mature tactics and game systems as well as a supportive football infrastructure from the grassroots to the highest level.

I think that African teams soon will have more players available to be called up because more and more players born in Europe by African parents are choosing to represent their parents' national team. This for sure would affect more countries like France, Belgium, England, just to name a few, countries that usually rely a lot on players of African background.

I don't think that kids born in prestigious national teams will choose to play for their parents' national team, with all due respect, it's one thing to play for France and another to play for Mali, mine is just an example but it gives a good idea.

Well, Hakimi was born and raised in Madrid and yet he chose to play for Morocco, and when he began playing for the Moroccan national team they were quite average, same with his teammate Ibrahim Diaz. Koulibaly was born in France and chose to represent Senegal, I still remember when during a press conference Deschamps said he was considering calling him up for the team and someone had to remind him that he was already playing for Senegal
Of course the majority of these players will go with the stronger team but there is a small change in this trend.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Every country wants their child to earn a lot of money and do well in life in an honest way. The problem in Italy is that they are not exporting players to other foreign clubs so that these Italian players can do well abroad. That way, when they become famous abroad, they will have a strong national team and could also occupy a prominent place in the big Serie A teams.

I understand what you're saying and sometimes that style of only keeping Italian players or Italian teams without leaving Italy isn't very good, Italy hasn't been Able to Qualify for two World Cups now and at least for me it makes me sad Because I like to see Italy in the World Cups In some way it has to come out so they can get to Know Other Styles of play , which it's always essential to Know before running into surprises that you don't Dream of as Pleasant.

[Ale88]

The problem in Italy is that they are not exporting players to other foreign clubs so that these Italian players can do well abroad. That way, when they become famous abroad, they will have a strong national team and could also occupy a prominent place in the big Serie A teams.

Italian players, historically, usually mainly play in Italy. There are exceptions of course but countries like Italy, Spain, England and Germany, probably due to the medium-high level of the leagues, usually "import" players rather than exporting. Now things are changing a little, especially among young players who can find better opportunities in other leagues, but it's going to take time.

[pewboy]

If I am not wrong, FIFA eligibility rules mandate that any player who qualifies through descent need to get a passport of the country he wants to represent. When Kevin-Prince Boateng decided to move from Germany to Ghana, he received a Ghanaian passport (in addition to his original German passport). I don't see any red flags. Ethnically he is Ghanaian, and the fact that he was born and brought up in a different country should not create any issues. But the same is not applicable to players such as Mohammed Muntari and Almoez Ali, who moved to a different country purely for monetary benefits.

This practice of naturalizing players is normal, I don't see anything wrong with it either, we have to consider that it has always been done even 40 years ago, it makes me think of all the Argentines who have been naturalized in Italy, what's wrong with it, if I feel I can compete with that national team and legally I can do so I don't see anything wrong with it

[uneng]

If I am not wrong, FIFA eligibility rules mandate that any player who qualifies through descent need to get a passport of the country he wants to represent. When Kevin-Prince Boateng decided to move from Germany to Ghana, he received a Ghanaian passport (in addition to his original German passport). I don't see any red flags. Ethnically he is Ghanaian, and the fact that he was born and brought up in a different country should not create any issues. But the same is not applicable to players such as Mohammed Muntari and Almoez Ali, who moved to a different country purely for monetary benefits.

This practice of naturalizing players is normal, I don't see anything wrong with it either, we have to consider that it has always been done even 40 years ago, it makes me think of all the Argentines who have been naturalized in Italy, what's wrong with it, if I feel I can compete with that national team and legally I can do so I don't see anything wrong with it

This practice can be normal for many people, but what is the point of having different nations, then? What is nice about each country is that they keep their traditions and peculiarities. In soccer it's not different. The most interesting aspect of this sport on world cup is to watch the unique characteristics of each country.

You have Japaneses, playing a very methodic and precise soccer. You have african nations, playing in high velocity. You have Argentinians, playing a more provokative soccer. And then you have the rest, which can't be differentiated from each other anymore, because they have lost identity. Of course they still win cups and championships, but what is the main characteristic of France, Germany, Netherlands these days? For me they look the same.

It's not exciting anymore to watch different countries playing, because everything is pretty default nowadays.

[Lidger]

Every country wants their child to earn a lot of money and do well in life in an honest way. The problem in Italy is that they are not exporting players to other foreign clubs so that these Italian players can do well abroad. That way, when they become famous abroad, they will have a strong national team and could also occupy a prominent place in the big Serie A teams.

I understand what you're saying and sometimes that style of only keeping Italian players or Italian teams without leaving Italy isn't very good, Italy hasn't been Able to Qualify for two World Cups now and at least for me it makes me sad Because I like to see Italy in the World Cups In some way it has to come out so they can get to Know Other Styles of play , which it's always essential to Know before running into surprises that you don't Dream of as Pleasant.

Footballers from almost every country are doing well in European clubs, but very few players from this country are doing well in other countries' leagues. Instead of Italian players in the Italian league, most of the players are from abroad, meaning they are relying more on foreign players for their clubs. At one time, our hopes for the Italian team were completely dashed because we were not seeing any strong players in the pipeline that we could rely on to fill the gaps that the current players would fill when they retire. Now Italy may be working on their football again, but they will have to work a lot harder if they want to regain their former position.

[AirtelBuzz]

African player have always done the best they can to the best of their abilities only that it has never been the same as the way it has been when they go to their club sides and they are given the enabling environment to thrive,  they actually perform far more differently because at that point all they need to stay efficient is provided and that is where even the countries see their performance and give them an invite to join  the national team and represent them in competitions.

Originally the Asian countries aren't known for possessing some extra ordinary football talent enough to possessing brilliant football prowess but ever since they began to move to the European sides and have been playing on some other international arenas,  their performance has improved greatly and soon they will be making waves in football like their European counterparts.

Truely Asian football has improved much better than it used to be in past years. Their involvements with other top European players and leagues have put many of their players on a better level therefore impacting their performances for their national teams. It will also make sense seeing them compete amongst other players from different continents and European for individual prestigious awards like the Ballon d’Or and others.

Although Asian teams have been doing well in football recently, we actually see a few familiar teams in big tournaments like the World Cup, but with the amount of effort and money Asian countries are spending to do well in football, more teams from Asia should get a chance at the World Cup. South Korea and Japan did quite well in the last World Cup and a team like Japan defeated a strong team like Germany and South Korea secured the next round from the group stage. Hopefully, we will see some new Asian teams in this World Cup tournament besides the familiar teams and the number of Asian teams will increase every year and we will see their good performance on a stage like the World Cup.

In fact it is becoming apparent that Asian countries are doing well in football at the moment, due to their involvement with European players and various leagues. The players from the two Asian countries you mentioned are still in European competition, that is their players are regularly making appearances in high profile matches and in German league matches. Even today if you look closely, it will be clear that English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur has already given priority to a Japanese player, that is a professional center back. Since they are being given opportunities to play at various high levels, they will definitely be able to increase their maturity and accordingly, we have to admit that their level of priority and aggression will continue to deepen at a massive rate through consideration.