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

[Mr Reporter]

With Santos he played only 13 games and scored only 3 goals, and he is often injured: how could Ancelotti call him up? This has nothing to do with playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid, do you really think Ancelotti, potentially the best coach in football history, is so childish? If Neymar wasn't injured all the time he would probably be part of the team.

IMO, Neymar is the best player in Brazil currently and he deserves a place in the squad. His fitness level and attitude is a different topic altogether. But in the end, Ancelotti will make the decision. The fact remains that Brazil is severely weakened if Neymar is not part of the team. This is not the Brazil of 1990s, when they had several legends playing at the same time. Football in Brazil deteriorated over the years. It happened gradually and slowly, so most of the critics didn't gave much attention to it.

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

Well I think you have really raise a valid point about Brazil's current state. From what I could the team does seem to be struggling to find its footing without some of the legendary players from the past. It's not just about individual talent, but also about team cohesion and strategy this season they are not suffering like other season because their system of playing has changed.

[Publictalk792]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

Well I think you have really raise a valid point about Brazil's current state. From what I could the team does seem to be struggling to find its footing without some of the legendary players from the past. It's not just about individual talent, but also about team cohesion and strategy this season they are not suffering like other season because their system of playing has changed.

Your point that talent of Neymar is clear and he is one of main players because of his mix of speed and scoring is very good, and it is easy to see that his team would want to keep him. It is also quite smart that you pointed out that Brazilian team is performing better this season because they have changed their way of playing. This is important in that team is no longer relying on single great person as it did in past since lack of past players has made team depend more on great team plan and strategy to get best out of current players. This is because this new style of playing does not require Neymar to fix all problems, and this is good thing as far as future of team is concerned.

[8rch7]

I am not sure how much of it is FIFA and how much of it is USA organization, but the reality is that when you make it at a place where everyone wants to go , the prices will be that high. Like for example, if compare it to Qatar, which nobody wanted to go to, they started out the price very high too, but then slowly dropped it low, and if you check the game replays, even a FIFA world cup game had half empty stadiums on group stages.

Because prices were high, and only Gatari rich people and a few tourists afforded them, and the other tourists who wanted to watch, only watched their own nations games, not all. But realizing empty stadium looks horrible, at some point prices dropped to nearly nothing close to game time, if you waited at the door, you could get in for like ten bucks or fifty bucks, easily. If USA fails to sell these tickets, I think same could happen there.

Without underestimate Qatar as last host World Cup, I watched every group stage match the stadium fully by fans and likely not any half empty stadium. Indeed many people against when FIFA appointed Qatar as host of World Cup but its most successful event with attend many fans around the world and clearly not any crucial cases happening.

For USA as host, actually they have fanaticism fans for watching football how many games in domestic league fully watching by their fans, some time the pre season European club match attend fully and break out the record but their government have bad relationship with several countries already qualifying to World Cup. Maybe Iran is bigger problem if that national qualifying to knock out round and have to play at US stadium.

[Sithara007]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

Well I think you have really raise a valid point about Brazil's current state. From what I could the team does seem to be struggling to find its footing without some of the legendary players from the past. It's not just about individual talent, but also about team cohesion and strategy this season they are not suffering like other season because their system of playing has changed.

Most of Brazil's players spend their time outside the country and that is one of the reasons why there is no team cohesion. The other reason is indiscipline. The players have become arrogant, due to their fat salary checks. Now they don't want to listen to the coach or other training staff. There needs to be one player, who can serve as a leader. Back in the 1990s, there used to be several such players in the Brazil squad. But now there are none. Neymar has the potential, but half of the time he is out due to injury.

[el kaka22]

Argentina will be the real question mark for me, not Brazil. Because they are the latest winners, and they still do look good, look at them at Coinmebol and you will see that they are the leaders, they are still the best there. But are they still good enough to win one more? I imagine if Messi wins a second world cup, at this age, it would just be sealing the deal on best player ever talks.

I understand some Ronaldo fans will find a reason for saying Ronaldo is better even than, but I think realistically it would just shut the door. Right now it is comparing like Lebron James and Michael Jordan, it's understandable, but at that point it would be more like comparing Bill Russel to Robert Horry, not even same situation.

[banana33]

Most of Brazil's players spend their time outside the country and that is one of the reasons why there is no team cohesion. The other reason is indiscipline. The players have become arrogant, due to their fat salary checks. Now they don't want to listen to the coach or other training staff. There needs to be one player, who can serve as a leader. Back in the 1990s, there used to be several such players in the Brazil squad. But now there are none. Neymar has the potential, but half of the time he is out due to injury.

But in my opinion, in 2025 it's normal that there's some distance between the team and Brazil; clearly, this entails a funding problem, obviously because these players who play in Europe are far from Brazil, their homeland, and this leads to emotional detachment

[changaa]

I think that Brazil performances will be remarkable and it's not just me who says so but all the people who follow this national team, being Italian for me supporting Ancelotti comes naturally and i recognize that he is a great coach who always manages to do well

wassup guys, i am glad you're talking about Brazil, one of the strongest national teams ever.
Carlo Ancelotti is certainly working hard to get the players, all very strong, to play as a team and not as individuals, that's how you do it to have a good World Cup.

[cande86]

Argentina will be the real question mark for me, not Brazil. Because they are the latest winners, and they still do look good, look at them at Coinmebol and you will see that they are the leaders, they are still the best there. But are they still good enough to win one more? I imagine if Messi wins a second world cup, at this age, it would just be sealing the deal on best player ever talks.

I understand some Ronaldo fans will find a reason for saying Ronaldo is better even than, but I think realistically it would just shut the door. Right now it is comparing like Lebron James and Michael Jordan, it's understandable, but at that point it would be more like comparing Bill Russel to Robert Horry, not even same situation.

I don't think Argentina will be able to afford the luxury of doing as they did last year when they won the World Cup. In fact, i would say that this season will be even more difficult and the next World Cup even more so. Clearly, they were also helped by the host club and this is well known.

[verdinio]

Without underestimate Qatar as last host World Cup, I watched every group stage match the stadium fully by fans and likely not any half empty stadium. Indeed many people against when FIFA appointed Qatar as host of World Cup but its most successful event with attend many fans around the world and clearly not any crucial cases happening.

For USA as host, actually they have fanaticism fans for watching football how many games in domestic league fully watching by their fans, some time the pre season European club match attend fully and break out the record but their government have bad relationship with several countries already qualifying to World Cup. Maybe Iran is bigger problem if that national qualifying to knock out round and have to play at US stadium.

I don't know why we insist on having such important matches as the World Cup played in countries like Qatar, which doesn't count and will never count for anything in the world championship. These are events that should be hosted in countries where football is breathed in on the streets and not where it has never been played until now.

[Wakate]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

I don't really know why everyone is talking about Neymar when we have other bold and experienced players that will be showing their skills in this coming world cup competition. I am hoping to see other underrated players that will capture the eye of viewers and big clubs that are looking for active and skill players to join their teams. I know Neymar is good at the football craft but he's not the only one I am looking to see an extraordinary performances from them.

[giorgione]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

Well I think you have really raise a valid point about Brazil's current state. From what I could the team does seem to be struggling to find its footing without some of the legendary players from the past. It's not just about individual talent, but also about team cohesion and strategy this season they are not suffering like other season because their system of playing has changed.

We all know how great Neymar is and how great a player he is, clearly this is a point in favor of Brazil who knows they have a great player on their side, but I also remember that Italy did not call up a certain Baggio to the World Cup, so let's not say improper things at the moment Neymar lives on memories

[m4r1o]

Argentina will be the real question mark for me, not Brazil. Because they are the latest winners, and they still do look good, look at them at Coinmebol and you will see that they are the leaders, they are still the best there. But are they still good enough to win one more? I imagine if Messi wins a second world cup, at this age, it would just be sealing the deal on best player ever talks.

I understand some Ronaldo fans will find a reason for saying Ronaldo is better even than, but I think realistically it would just shut the door. Right now it is comparing like Lebron James and Michael Jordan, it's understandable, but at that point it would be more like comparing Bill Russel to Robert Horry, not even same situation.

Mmm, I see Argentina doing well, but not well enough to lift the World Cup again. That year they won, they did it with a bit of luck, and that was evident. France should have at least won it given the way Mbappe played, but that wasn't enough and they won with Messi's help and charisma

[martinom]

Carlo Ancelotti in fact cannot be blamed, or discussed, he is a person who can do and say what he wants and can do everything he wants with the Brazilian squad and no one should be allowed to say anything, then the choices he makes can be discussed later when they actually make sense on the pitch.

Carlo Ancelotti is absolutely the best coach currently to manage a Brazilian team, it is difficult to have another coach who can understand the needs of this team, they must understand them and try to create a cohesive group and he is the only one who can do it

[FanEagle]

I would guess Brazil will do as well as they could hope for but they do not look like winners to me. They are not good enough to win the world cup, so my guess is, unless they somehow face some great teams, they will definitely get out of the group stages, but after they leave the group stages, it's just timing until they lose, because they will lose.

Depends on who they face afterwards too, they may win a few games if they get lucky matchups, but I see quarter finals as the furthest they can go to. They are not a semi finals team, it would be very very lucky if they could see semi finals, because there are better teams than them all around the world right now. So the best they should be hoping for is quarter finals.

[Ale88]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

Well I think you have really raise a valid point about Brazil's current state. From what I could the team does seem to be struggling to find its footing without some of the legendary players from the past. It's not just about individual talent, but also about team cohesion and strategy this season they are not suffering like other season because their system of playing has changed.

Your point that talent of Neymar is clear and he is one of main players because of his mix of speed and scoring is very good, and it is easy to see that his team would want to keep him. It is also quite smart that you pointed out that Brazilian team is performing better this season because they have changed their way of playing. This is important in that team is no longer relying on single great person as it did in past since lack of past players has made team depend more on great team plan and strategy to get best out of current players. This is because this new style of playing does not require Neymar to fix all problems, and this is good thing as far as future of team is concerned.

What team? Are you talking about Santos? Because reading the last news it looks like Santos want to get rid of Neymar because he became too expensive and he is constantly injured:
Santos put Neymar contract talks on hold amid fresh concerns over Brazilian superstar
Santos have reportedly paused contract renewal talks with Neymar amid growing concerns over his fitness and high wages. The 33-year-old forward has missed significant time through injury this year. Despite the excellent relationship between Neymar and the club, officials want to reassess the situation before committing to an extension as his current contract runs until December.
Source: https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/santos-neymar-contract-hold-concerns-brazilian/bltb592ce073a0a069e

A key part from the article: "injuries have marred his comeback season", and that is a constant of Neymar's career after leaving Barcelona. Even when he moved to Saudi Arabia he barely played any game, he was constantly injured. I don't know what happened, I know there are some players that are more injury-prone but Neymar spends more time at home than on the pitch...

[slapper]

He didn't make a good impression in the Santos jersey, if he had, Neymar could have worn the Brazilian jersey.
No one can doubt his experience and talent, we know his problem is recurring injuries and his subsequent lack of form.
Ancelotti can't and doesn't want to take that risk. Ancelotti wants Neymar as long as he's fit, but we know he can't provide that kind of consistency right now.
If he meets the required conditions and everything goes well, he will be included in the squad.

Neymar is the example of a talented player who try each time to ruin his career, if he didn't do it already.
Ancelotti does not joke about not calling him for World Cup if he is not fit and we all know his current form
Since he left Barcelona, his injuries rates increased. Then since he left PSG, his playing time is worse than some substitutes. With Santos.. the situation is not any better because he failed to prove himself the way Messi did with Inter Miami or Cristiano Ronaldo did with Al-Nassr.
Neymar contract with Santos will expire in December and he has whether to renew his contract there or accept to join Messi in MLS. Obviously, these options will not guarantee anything if he doesn't start to take his profession seriously and proving himself as a key player.

Ancelotti has already made his mind up without uttering a word. Neymar has not been included in three consecutive squads, including friendlies against South Korea and Japan. FRIENDLIES. You cannot miss the match that does not matter, and you are out of the team. And honestly? Ancelotti is smart for it. He has established this social norm and is aware that Neymar is incapable of fulfilling it. It is political cover to avoid explaining the dropping of a national icon

The unfortunate thing is that Neymar still has the talent. When healthy, his creativity is off the scale. But when he is well is the thing, it is now six weeks between accidents. His body in a death spiral, same thing that killed Hazard and Bale

Miami makes sense. Less intensity, play as a super-sub, leave Messi to do the work. The 2026 World Cup? Forget it. He would require five months of injury-free time and his hamstring is not able to sustain five weeks

We are witnessing a career being killed slowly, and it is truly tragic since the talent remains. The body just is not

[imamusma]

Neymar's skill and talent on the pitch are undeniable which we all know he is a game-changer and a key player for Brazil. His creativity, speed, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to any team I think for now the team are not thinking of selling because he is one of their top players there.

I don't really know why everyone is talking about Neymar when we have other bold and experienced players that will be showing their skills in this coming world cup competition. I am hoping to see other underrated players that will capture the eye of viewers and big clubs that are looking for active and skill players to join their teams. I know Neymar is good at the football craft but he's not the only one I am looking to see an extraordinary performances from them.

We know that there are many talented players who deserve to be called up to strengthen their respective national teams, which sometimes makes it difficult for many managers to compile their lists. In Neymar case, I personally hope that Ancelotti will call him up to strengthen the Brazilian National Team. We certainly realize that the upcoming 2026 World Cup will most likely be the last for Neymar, and if he is in fit condition, then Ancelotti should call him up to the Brazilian squad.

[Wakate]

We know that there are many talented players who deserve to be called up to strengthen their respective national teams, which sometimes makes it difficult for many managers to compile their lists. In Neymar case.

For me I am expecting to see promising players that would outperform the old players that had been playing the world cup for years now. I know we would have great players in this coming world cup competition and we should not be anticipating on Neymar alone but also other good players that are warning up for this intercontinental soccer challenge.

[Sithara007]

But in my opinion, in 2025 it's normal that there's some distance between the team and Brazil; clearly, this entails a funding problem, obviously because these players who play in Europe are far from Brazil, their homeland, and this leads to emotional detachment

Agreed. But the same is the case with Argentina as well, right? How do they manage to cope with that? And this is an issue that is common with most of the non-European teams. IMO, indiscipline is a big problem with the Brazilian players. And they behave selfishly. They always prioritize playing for their club, when compared to playing for the national team. And I would say that this is the main difference between Argentine and Brazilian teams. Who knows? Maybe Carlo Ancelotti will change this attitude.

[Rampagoe004]

We know that there are many talented players who deserve to be called up to strengthen their respective national teams, which sometimes makes it difficult for many managers to compile their lists. In Neymar case.

For me I am expecting to see promising players that would outperform the old players that had been playing the world cup for years now. I know we would have great players in this coming world cup competition and we should not be anticipating on Neymar alone but also other good players that are warning up for this intercontinental soccer challenge.

There should be many new young players who can be called to play in intercontinental competitions because they are more promising in the future, they will even be able to beat old players in the World Cup.
While playing in the Arab League, Neymar is no longer the main choice in filling the list of players who will enter the National squad, In the biggest football event next year there are already new players and also new teams have prepared themselves to face big teams when the 2026 international competition starts.