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

[retreat]

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.

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

[masulum]

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

[Sithara007]

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

Do they need to give up their original citizenship in order to become Indonesian citizens? Do Indonesia allow dual citizenship? Here in India, dual citizenship is not permitted and therefore those who want to naturalize need to give up their original passport. That said, moving from any European country (say Netherlands) to Indonesia doesn't automatically mean a guaranteed place in the playing XI. If the player is good, then he will gain a place in the XI. If not, he need to work hard and try to gain entry.

[Frankolala]

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

There is no country that does not like a good footballer especially, when he has great potentials in him. If the players that nationalized in Indonesia, because they want to be part of Indonesia national team is not worth to be included in the first eleven of the team, they will not be included. On the one hand, if they are professionals and are among the best first eleven, these players will definitely, be included to the team first squad.

[Volgastallion]

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

There is no country that does not like a good footballer especially, when he has great potentials in him. If the players that nationalized in Indonesia, because they want to be part of Indonesia national team is not worth to be included in the first eleven of the team, they will not be included. On the one hand, if they are professionals and are among the best first eleven, these players will definitely, be included to the team first squad.

Im still surprised on how we dont see yet at least one good player from the whole south asia and even including India we still didnt see any good player for there, im not expecting a whole national team making good steps towards becoming a contender to be in the next world cup, but at least to see 1 between so many millions reaching europe.

How can they be this bad?

[Zigabel]

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

The national team may not have time to sort these young best players from their local leagues and groom them to the point  they become fit for international appearances and that is why you se that they result to this option of nationalising other players who are willing to players for them and has a proven track record of been good players with some exceptionalities.

National teams should not wait thill it few months or weeks to the tournament before they begin to make their selections,  they can start ti.es ahead to start making that move where they will get professional scoutwho will go into this youth systems to get these players and begin  the grooming already such that when international games surfaces they will not have challenges with sorting the player they will be needing.

[masulum]

Do they need to give up their original citizenship in order to become Indonesian citizens? Do Indonesia allow dual citizenship? Here in India, dual citizenship is not permitted and therefore those who want to naturalize need to give up their original passport. That said, moving from any European country (say Netherlands) to Indonesia doesn't automatically mean a guaranteed place in the playing XI. If the player is good, then he will gain a place in the XI. If not, he need to work hard and try to gain entry.

No, same as in your country, if you are become Indonesian, you will lose your past citizenship. Exactly, now some players already removed form Indonesia National Team, such as Rafael Struick.

There is no country that does not like a good footballer especially, when he has great potentials in him. If the players that nationalized in Indonesia, because they want to be part of Indonesia national team is not worth to be included in the first eleven of the team, they will not be included. On the one hand, if they are professionals and are among the best first eleven, these players will definitely, be included to the team first squad.

I know, if they good they should be get the place, but let say if you are become a players, do you agree to join national team that will not giving or promising a place to play as starting XI? i dont think, you will agree to lose your current citizenship for new, if no promising offer. It will better just naturalized players for XI, if they are enough, so no more additional. See what happens to Struick, now he just become a players in Indonesian league clubs, that may never making him grow better, with low level league.

[retreat]

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

All of that must have been carefully considered before they decided to defend a national team - because not all players who decide to defend a national team will have the opportunity to get into the core squad - their skills also need to be considered to be able to get the position. And in the case of the Indonesian national team, there have been many names of naturalized players who were removed from the core team because their performance did not meet the requirements, the most recent example is Rafael Struick who was removed from the core squad by Patrick Kluivert because his performance was inconsistent. So these risks are definitely there, and they have to be ready to accept those risks.

[death69]

The trend is like that, because to play at the European level they need to compete fiercely with other players and the exposure they get may be less, whereas when they choose to represent their ancestral nations, it can give them a better position and it can also directly help the country they defend to improve the quality of play and give them the opportunity to serve their country. Especially now that African countries such as Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and several other countries are trying to improve the quality of their national teams.. the presence of players of African descent might be able to reshape African national teams and make them even more qualified.

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

All of that must have been carefully considered before they decided to defend a national team - because not all players who decide to defend a national team will have the opportunity to get into the core squad - their skills also need to be considered to be able to get the position. And in the case of the Indonesian national team, there have been many names of naturalized players who were removed from the core team because their performance did not meet the requirements, the most recent example is Rafael Struick who was removed from the core squad by Patrick Kluivert because his performance was inconsistent. So these risks are definitely there, and they have to be ready to accept those risks.

Everyone sees the news about bloodlines or European experience, but people forget: football is ruthless. Indonesia brought in almost a full XI of European-trained lads, but fast-forward to this year, half of them are out of contract, including Struick. Guy scored one in ten at Brisbane, struggled for minutes, and suddenly, your national hero is club-less and dropped by Kluivert. Nobody is giving out international careers for sentimental value. You do not perform, you are out, no matter how fancy your CV or how loud the fans are. You see, Indonesia's model is all about eligibility, but what happens when your European imports cannot find a club? You end up with a core that is unstable and a coach in crisis mode, just like now. Harsh, but that is football.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Well in my opinion I really don't think it's FIFA that has brought about the increased quality in football it's more about the clubs because that's were players play their trade every single season. It's mostly how players perform from their club side that will determine if they will be selected to represent their country in a FIFA organised competition. Yeah, it's true that Asian players are now trying compared to previous years. I believe Africa players has always been trying because we have been hearing of many African players names decades ago and still now.

I think so too, just try it yourself, go to a country where a lot of football is played , for example Brazil, if you go to Brazil you will see how they play, and if you play with them at first you will see yourself a little bad, then you adapt and you will learn their style and combine it with yours, the same thing happens in clubs, the clubs have a diversity of styles and that raises the level of the players.

[masulum]

Everyone sees the news about bloodlines or European experience, but people forget: football is ruthless. Indonesia brought in almost a full XI of European-trained lads, but fast-forward to this year, half of them are out of contract, including Struick. Guy scored one in ten at Brisbane, struggled for minutes, and suddenly, your national hero is club-less and dropped by Kluivert. Nobody is giving out international careers for sentimental value. You do not perform, you are out, no matter how fancy your CV or how loud the fans are. You see, Indonesia's model is all about eligibility, but what happens when your European imports cannot find a club? You end up with a core that is unstable and a coach in crisis mode, just like now. Harsh, but that is football.

Yes, football is like that, but if there's no guarantee, if I a football players, I'd rather stay in my previous country with a better league. Of course, this isn't what players who are dropped from the national team want. But if they was youn enough, maybe they need to get the opportunity to play for the U-23 team, even if it wasn't for the senior national team, it will be better, but the case is not like that, those who have been removed from the senior team don't have another chance. I think this is disrespectful to the players. However, coaches and officials won't think that far ahead, because the target must be achievable, no matter what will happens to players.

[Ale88]

Im still surprised on how we dont see yet at least one good player from the whole south asia and even including India we still didnt see any good player for there, im not expecting a whole national team making good steps towards becoming a contender to be in the next world cup, but at least to see 1 between so many millions reaching europe.

How can they be this bad?

I guess it's mainly because football is not the main sport. Sometimes we see things from a European/South American point of view, where there is football, more football, and more football again, and then some other sport. I don't know a lot about sports in India but I guess that cricket is way more popular than football; same goes with China where they focus more on individual sports rather than teams. Japan for example have been investing a lot of time and money promoting football because until 20-30 years ago it was not very popular and I think that still nowadays baseball is more popular than football.

Improving a national team requires decades of work because you have to create and grow a few generations of players, it's not something that you can do in a few years, it requires a huge amount of organization and planning.

[Silence Scream]

Well in my opinion I really don't think it's FIFA that has brought about the increased quality in football it's more about the clubs because that's were players play their trade every single season. It's mostly how players perform from their club side that will determine if they will be selected to represent their country in a FIFA organised competition. Yeah, it's true that Asian players are now trying compared to previous years. I believe Africa players has always been trying because we have been hearing of many African players names decades ago and still now.

I think so too, just try it yourself, go to a country where a lot of football is played , for example Brazil, if you go to Brazil you will see how they play, and if you play with them at first you will see yourself a little bad, then you adapt and you will learn their style and combine it with yours, the same thing happens in clubs, the clubs have a diversity of styles and that raises the level of the players.

Today's football favors team-oriented players over Brazil's individually talented players. I actually enjoyed the old game more. We were watching a fantastic recital with Ronaldinho. I also think everyone in the world knows how high-quality Brazilian and Argentinian players are. In South America, the best way to escape a bad life is to become a footballer. Therefore, I can say that modern football has destroyed the quality in these cities that once loved football. Still, it's a real pleasure to watch these countries at the World Cup.

[Mr Reporter]

Well in my opinion I really don't think it's FIFA that has brought about the increased quality in football it's more about the clubs because that's were players play their trade every single season. It's mostly how players perform from their club side that will determine if they will be selected to represent their country in a FIFA organised competition. Yeah, it's true that Asian players are now trying compared to previous years. I believe Africa players has always been trying because we have been hearing of many African players names decades ago and still now.

I think so too, just try it yourself, go to a country where a lot of football is played , for example Brazil, if you go to Brazil you will see how they play, and if you play with them at first you will see yourself a little bad, then you adapt and you will learn their style and combine it with yours, the same thing happens in clubs, the clubs have a diversity of styles and that raises the level of the players.

Today's football favors team-oriented players over Brazil's individually talented players. I actually enjoyed the old game more. We were watching a fantastic recital with Ronaldinho. I also think everyone in the world knows how high-quality Brazilian and Argentinian players are. In South America, the best way to escape a bad life is to become a footballer. Therefore, I can say that modern football has destroyed the quality in these cities that once loved football. Still, it's a real pleasure to watch these countries at the World Cup.

This has been all said around that the evolution of football has indeed shifted towards a more operational team orientated approach which I think this can sometimes overlap the individual brilliant, the old game did have a certain charm, with players like Ronaldinho showcasing Thier skills, well I think are really right that Brazil and Argentina have consistently produced some top notch well talented players and to me I feel it not surprising given that much passion for football in those countries, we all have a great idea that the sport has long been a way out of progress for many years in south African countries which has added a layer of depth to the players dedication and drive despite the change in the games, watching Brazil and Argentina at the world cup I s always kind of thrilling to me.

[CLS63]

Today's football favors team-oriented players over Brazil's individually talented players. I actually enjoyed the old game more. We were watching a fantastic recital with Ronaldinho. I also think everyone in the world knows how high-quality Brazilian and Argentinian players are. In South America, the best way to escape a bad life is to become a footballer. Therefore, I can say that modern football has destroyed the quality in these cities that once loved football. Still, it's a real pleasure to watch these countries at the World Cup.

I have also grown up watching players like Ronaldinho. Players with special skillsets were more valuable those times. It was more fun for viewers to watch those skill moves as well.

But like everything football is also changing. There is no demand for that style anymore unfortunately. Now sticking to a system is more important. As a result Brazil is also much more different than those days now.

[retreat]

Yes, football is like that, but if there's no guarantee, if I a football players, I'd rather stay in my previous country with a better league. Of course, this isn't what players who are dropped from the national team want. But if they was youn enough, maybe they need to get the opportunity to play for the U-23 team, even if it wasn't for the senior national team, it will be better, but the case is not like that, those who have been removed from the senior team don't have another chance. I think this is disrespectful to the players. However, coaches and officials won't think that far ahead, because the target must be achievable, no matter what will happens to players.

I don't think it's a matter of disrespect for the players, but rather a matter of eligibility. It's impossible for them to remain in the starting lineup if their performance is mediocre. Regardless, their performance is also taken into consideration. If it were mediocre, it would have been better for them not to have received an offer to play for the Indonesian national team in the first place. Also, being removed from the national team doesn't mean their football career is over. They can play in Liga 1 or try their luck in a foreign league. If they're worthy, they should be able to get an offer.

[Hewlet]

This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

There are players that have the eligibility to play for European nations based on citizenship right but choose to play for Thier main country and that became a serious turning point for them. Look at players like lookman. Even though playing in the world cup at the moment looks slim, his decision to play for Nigeria as opposed to playing for the English national team has given him a serious lift In his career giving him the privilege of being crown the African men's player of the year. Something he would not have achieved if he didn't change his choice of country of participation.

If you're not good enough, you can't stay back in the English team and remain a top candidate that will be called up for the national team when the need arises. The competition for the national team is even strong with a lot of stars on the que waiting for an opportunity of being called up for major tournament. If you're not good enough and damp a lesser country that you're sure will give you more playing time and go for a country you're sure will participate in the world cup, you might face two options of not being called at all or being called up and not being featured in most games.

[iBaba]

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

Do they need to give up their original citizenship in order to become Indonesian citizens? Do Indonesia allow dual citizenship? Here in India, dual citizenship is not permitted and therefore those who want to naturalize need to give up their original passport. That said, moving from any European country (say Netherlands) to Indonesia doesn't automatically mean a guaranteed place in the playing XI. If the player is good, then he will gain a place in the XI. If not, he need to work hard and try to gain entry.

Well, naturalizing to play for countries like Indonesia must be a big sacrifice made by those players especially for the European guys knowing fully well.that places like Indonesia doesn't allow dual citizenship. Like you rightly mentioned, many players think especially from the Europe thinks making such huge personal sacrifice is an automatic ticket for the first XI position but that's not true because the step to move.to Indonesia and sacrifice your original nationality will give them.more opportunity on the pitch. In football, no player is guaranteed of a starting form still rule and that ends up emotionally demoralizing most of such players after they're being benched for their poor performances. Football is oftentimes all about what you can offer to make the team stronger not necessarily what you can give.

[cande86]

Indeed, choosing a country of descent can give a player the opportunity to help their chosen country compete in the World Cup. This also helps maximize their potential. However, this can also be a mistake, such as several naturalized Indonesian national team players who lack playing time in the main squad. They have sacrificed their citizenship for Indonesia, but cannot make the starting eleven. How do these players feel? There will be disappointment for sure. This means it's not just about trends, but also the player's readiness to choose their country as their new citizenship; they must accept the risks too.

Do they need to give up their original citizenship in order to become Indonesian citizens? Do Indonesia allow dual citizenship? Here in India, dual citizenship is not permitted and therefore those who want to naturalize need to give up their original passport. That said, moving from any European country (say Netherlands) to Indonesia doesn't automatically mean a guaranteed place in the playing XI. If the player is good, then he will gain a place in the XI. If not, he need to work hard and try to gain entry.

Well, naturalizing to play for countries like Indonesia must be a big sacrifice made by those players especially for the European guys knowing fully well.that places like Indonesia doesn't allow dual citizenship. Like you rightly mentioned, many players think especially from the Europe thinks making such huge personal sacrifice is an automatic ticket for the first XI position but that's not true because the step to move.to Indonesia and sacrifice your original nationality will give them.more opportunity on the pitch. In football, no player is guaranteed of a starting form still rule and that ends up emotionally demoralizing most of such players after they're being benched for their poor performances. Football is oftentimes all about what you can offer to make the team stronger not necessarily what you can give.

Can you tell me what advantage there is for a European player to go and play for a country like that and be naturalized in Indonesia? I think that if there was the possibility, everyone would do the opposite. I don't think they would want to have only Indonesian citizenship. I think that playing in Europe is already a great privilege for a few, so they would do well to stay where they are.

[Volgastallion]

Im still surprised on how we dont see yet at least one good player from the whole south asia and even including India we still didnt see any good player for there, im not expecting a whole national team making good steps towards becoming a contender to be in the next world cup, but at least to see 1 between so many millions reaching europe.

How can they be this bad?

I guess it's mainly because football is not the main sport. Sometimes we see things from a European/South American point of view, where there is football, more football, and more football again, and then some other sport. I don't know a lot about sports in India but I guess that cricket is way more popular than football; same goes with China where they focus more on individual sports rather than teams. Japan for example have been investing a lot of time and money promoting football because until 20-30 years ago it was not very popular and I think that still nowadays baseball is more popular than football.

Improving a national team requires decades of work because you have to create and grow a few generations of players, it's not something that you can do in a few years, it requires a huge amount of organization and planning.

Sorry for answer this late.

I know this is the main answer they give about this, they said is not his first sport, and is ok, but if we look into it you see they hace so  much population so even being the third sport they have to produce something and that is not happening at all.

For example in Spain basquet is not their main sports but they keep making good players, and you can pick any sport in any country and see it.