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

[Ale88]

I partially agree with you. However, today's Ronaldo no longer makes a difference on the field and in the results like the Ronaldo from 10 or more years ago, almost as if there is one less player on the field because he avoids playing in defense. 
At the last World Cup, I had the impression that Portugal would have achieved better results if they had played without Ronaldo in the lineup. 
Of course, who dares to say that Ronaldo is too old and that it's time for football retirement?

Probably you haven't seen him play recently. Currently he is playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, and trust me the competition there is quite tough. Despite that, he has so far scored 83 goals from 85 appearances for the club. Ronaldo, despite his age remains as one of the top football players in the world currently. Only Messi can offer competition to him, and I would rate others such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane and Achraf Hakimi a level lower than him.

I'm sorry but "Saudi Professional League" and "tough competition" can't be in the same phrase. Just because the Arab teams brought some European and other international players it doesn't mean that all of a sudden Ronaldo is playing in a tough league. The level increased, sure, but besides 4-5 teams with some good names all the others are quite bad.

The level you're describing applies to every league. Only the Premier League offers a certain level of quality; in all other leagues, a maximum of four or five very good teams are available, while the rest are mediocre. Saudi Arabian teams are currently not at the expected level. They're paying large sums of money to bring star players into the league. The mediocre teams will spend large sums of money to improve the league's quality. As long as they don't run out of money, they'll be even better.

Are you saying that besides the main teams the level of the other teams of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and French leagues are the same as the weak teams from Saudi Arabia? So for you playing against West Ham, Everton, Fiorentina, Valencia,Borussia M'gladbach and Nice is the same as playing against teams like Al Feiha or Al Shabab? For real? So, based on this, hypothetically, if these teams were to play in Europe, they wouldn't get relegated, right?

[EL MOHA]

The level you're describing applies to every league. Only the Premier League offers a certain level of quality; in all other leagues, a maximum of four or five very good teams are available, while the rest are mediocre. Saudi Arabian teams are currently not at the expected level. They're paying large sums of money to bring star players into the league. The mediocre teams will spend large sums of money to improve the league's quality. As long as they don't run out of money, they'll be even better.

Are you saying that besides the main teams the level of the other teams of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and French leagues are the same as the weak teams from Saudi Arabia? So for you playing against West Ham, Everton, Fiorentina, Valencia,Borussia M'gladbach and Nice is the same as playing against teams like Al Feiha or Al Shabab? For real? So, based on this, hypothetically, if these teams were to play in Europe, they wouldn't get relegated, right?

It is you that is actually complicating things here, the argument is based on the whether the league is competitive and not whether the teams can compete against other teams, and you said it’s just 4 teams that compete agsjng each other and yenerbatmaz gave a very good example that’s its only the premier league and the Seria A that have this competition while other leagues have just two teams competing, so yes on this contest the Saudi League is definitely competitive.

Drawing arguments about if they can compare with mid table teams in Europe is out off context, there also mid table teams in this European league that can be easily beaten by the this Saudi side or didn’t you see the Al Hilal performance against them in the club World Cup? So for me your own argument is out of context to the one in discussion

[Emitdama]

The level you're describing applies to every league. Only the Premier League offers a certain level of quality; in all other leagues, a maximum of four or five very good teams are available, while the rest are mediocre. Saudi Arabian teams are currently not at the expected level. They're paying large sums of money to bring star players into the league. The mediocre teams will spend large sums of money to improve the league's quality. As long as they don't run out of money, they'll be even better.

I would say it's about football culture in your nation. No matter how much money you have, you are not going to actually get that much out of a league if there is no football culture in that country. UK for example has a huge football culture, even on fifth division games you see packed stadiums and that is how they became the premier league, because there are fans that keep on spending money and showing up, so sponsors and ads knows that they will be shown to many people and be watched by many people.

Whereas, in Saudi league, even when they got the superstars, the stadiums are not filled to brim, which shows that the nation doesn't have any interest towards football aside from just whitewashing in sports.

[GbitG]

TWorld cup 2026 is on the way and many of us are so excited to watch it because it last moment of the two players who earn highly prestigious name in football world.... However this time many team just pushing hard for trophy but we can't determine who will be the winner. Here some members are strongly believe Portugal can win the title but honestly for me Portugal is not that trustworthy to be considered for winner candidate.

On the other side Argentina is also looking good like they also have dreams of wining the title for the second time and if we look at their team strength then definitely they can also have competency to compete for title.

But anyway let see who can dominate the race Argentina or Portugal

[PokerBetting]

I'm sorry but "Saudi Professional League" and "tough competition" can't be in the same phrase. Just because the Arab teams brought some European and other international players it doesn't mean that all of a sudden Ronaldo is playing in a tough league. The level increased, sure, but besides 4-5 teams with some good names all the others are quite bad.

A good league attracts many talented players. Local players, especially young players, will improve their game. Take the English league, for example, where many clubs attract talented players. Young players are given the opportunity to play, so young English players can easily improve and become star players. Currently, young Liverpool player Rio Ngumoha, who is only 16 years old, is already making a name for himself. Arsenal also has many examples, such as Ethan Nwaneri, who is only 18 years old, or Max Dowman, who is only 15 years old but has already tasted and played in the Champions League.

[KTChampions]

The cash betting options for the 13th are quite limited. In the France vs. Ukraine and Ireland vs. Portugal games, a draw could be enough for the favorites, so betting on a win is risky, and Double Chance offers paltry odds.
I like that in Group I, everything is extremely tense, neither Norway can lose a point, nor Italy (in the hope that Norway will lose one), plus the teams are fighting for the best goal difference (where Norway is really 99% likely to win).
I think that Norway's victory against Estonia with a -2 handicap, and Italy's victory against Moldova with a similar handicap are good picks.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Brazilian team is always full of natural talented players they are having amazing skills but in last few years there was big problem which was at managerial level arrival of Ancelotti is surely good, but he needs time which surely bring good changes for them.

Neymar is injury prone player which is surely big lost for them but it's good decision by coach to leave him because this will bring positive change, and they could be able to use their best players which will give them good results I am not expecting anything special from them but still it's going to be interesting about their performance in this mega event which things could be more challenging due to 48 teams.

There is no doubt about that, I would like to see Ancelotti go and look for young talents in Brazil, because they are there and they are out there on the street where many can see them play. If they just did that job, I am sure that they would find diamonds in the rough and Brazil would shine even more as it used to Any team that Brazil faced was practically guaranteed to lose Now it is not like that, now the players play under different systems.

[$weetne$$]

Ronaldo is currently 40 years old and will turn 41 in February. Messi is currently 38 and will turn 39 in June. And even though they're no longer young, and they're no longer at the world's top clubs, the two remain constant topics of conversation, and the media continues to cover them. Yes, because their great names are always hot topics that remain legendary to this day.

Well, let's put these two aside for now, because right now, they're focused on their respective matches in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Another interesting thing is the match between Messi with Argentina and Yamal with Spain. It will be a high-tension match for sure, and although it will take place in March 2026, the excitement is already there, with the plan being to play it at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, where Argentina once won the World Cup.

Source: Argentina 🆚 Spain

I do not know what it looks like there is some delight found in what will bring to big names to same pitch and watch them prove if they really are who they have been claimed to be, for me I will never by into such ideas because in a case like this, one is called and known as best due to their years of experience and playing meanwhile one is just a kid with little years of experience so it is almost as good as disrespectful, it will be fine to just have them both play against each other and we watch without the sentiment and biased  of a competition looking for who is actually the best.

[colinistheman]

The cash betting options for the 13th are quite limited. In the France vs. Ukraine and Ireland vs. Portugal games, a draw could be enough for the favorites, so betting on a win is risky, and Double Chance offers paltry odds.
I like that in Group I, everything is extremely tense, neither Norway can lose a point, nor Italy (in the hope that Norway will lose one), plus the teams are fighting for the best goal difference (where Norway is really 99% likely to win).
I think that Norway's victory against Estonia with a -2 handicap, and Italy's victory against Moldova with a similar handicap are good picks.

Your analysis was very clear about the tension in Group 1, every point seemed to suggest a bloody battle. However, I am a bit skeptical about the -2 point handicap, especially Italy. They will probably win but covering a handicap of -2 is not always easy, ha ha!. They have been a bit inconsistent recently.

Estonia's defense is also very weak, which makes the Norway vs Estonia match seem relatively safe. But Odds is 1.02 Lmao 

As for France and Portugal, it seems a bit strange to bet on them directly at the moment, as both teams tend to draw. so, I will wait for checking live odds for this match...

[ShowOff]

Brazilian team is always full of natural talented players they are having amazing skills but in last few years there was big problem which was at managerial level arrival of Ancelotti is surely good, but he needs time which surely bring good changes for them.

Neymar is injury prone player which is surely big lost for them but it's good decision by coach to leave him because this will bring positive change, and they could be able to use their best players which will give them good results I am not expecting anything special from them but still it's going to be interesting about their performance in this mega event which things could be more challenging due to 48 teams.

There is no doubt about that, I would like to see Ancelotti go and look for young talents in Brazil, because they are there and they are out there on the street where many can see them play. If they just did that job, I am sure that they would find diamonds in the rough and Brazil would shine even more as it used to Any team that Brazil faced was practically guaranteed to lose Now it is not like that, now the players play under different systems.

I think Ancelotti will consider calling up several young players, and that would create a good balance within the team. Historically, Brazil has always players talented young prospects, and with his managerial experience at the club level, Ancelotti can certainly assess which players characteristics best fit his playing strategy. Veteran players like Neymar and Casemiro are needed to lead the dressing room, and their presence will also have a strong influence on the team mentality.

Vinicius and Rodrygo are two young players who can make a real difference, and Endrick represents another golden generation who deserves more opportunities. Overall, with Ancelotti’s appointment as manager, Brazil bargaining power in the 2026 World Cup will be taken into account.

[TelolettOm]

--snipped--

I do not know what it looks like there is some delight found in what will bring to big names to same pitch and watch them prove if they really are who they have been claimed to be, for me I will never by into such ideas because in a case like this, one is called and known as best due to their years of experience and playing meanwhile one is just a kid with little years of experience so it is almost as good as disrespectful, it will be fine to just have them both play against each other and we watch without the sentiment and biased  of a competition looking for who is actually the best.

Because both are Barcelona football stars. Although Messi is no longer at Barca, his name remains linked to Barcelona. And this will certainly be a very interesting partnership. However, the latest news is the problem between Spain and Barcelona regarding Yamal. Spain included Yamal in the Spain lineup, but Barcelona seems to object. On the other hand, Yamal is a professional player, and he actually wants to join the national team squad.

Source: Spain coach about Yaman and Barcelona

[Uruhara]

Because both are Barcelona football stars. Although Messi is no longer at Barca, his name remains linked to Barcelona. And this will certainly be a very interesting partnership. However, the latest news is the problem between Spain and Barcelona regarding Yamal. Spain included Yamal in the Spain lineup, but Barcelona seems to object. On the other hand, Yamal is a professional player, and he actually wants to join the national team squad.

Source: Spain coach about Yaman and Barcelona

Recently, Lamine Yamal had a problem with an injury of some kind in his groin. He reportedly just finished therapy to address the issue. Barcelona clearly won't allow this, as they're concerned their player will return to the club in worse condition if allowed to play for the national team. Or they're worried Yamal will suffer a worse injury. Yamal is also reportedly required to rest for at least seven days. So, while Yamal certainly wants to play for the Spanish national team, his condition seems to be in a better position to rest.

[Ale88]

The level you're describing applies to every league. Only the Premier League offers a certain level of quality; in all other leagues, a maximum of four or five very good teams are available, while the rest are mediocre. Saudi Arabian teams are currently not at the expected level. They're paying large sums of money to bring star players into the league. The mediocre teams will spend large sums of money to improve the league's quality. As long as they don't run out of money, they'll be even better.

Are you saying that besides the main teams the level of the other teams of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and French leagues are the same as the weak teams from Saudi Arabia? So for you playing against West Ham, Everton, Fiorentina, Valencia,Borussia M'gladbach and Nice is the same as playing against teams like Al Feiha or Al Shabab? For real? So, based on this, hypothetically, if these teams were to play in Europe, they wouldn't get relegated, right?

It is you that is actually complicating things here, the argument is based on the whether the league is competitive and not whether the teams can compete against other teams, and you said it’s just 4 teams that compete agsjng each other and yenerbatmaz gave a very good example that’s its only the premier league and the Seria A that have this competition while other leagues have just two teams competing, so yes on this contest the Saudi League is definitely competitive.

Drawing arguments about if they can compare with mid table teams in Europe is out off context, there also mid table teams in this European league that can be easily beaten by the this Saudi side or didn’t you see the Al Hilal performance against them in the club World Cup? So for me your own argument is out of context to the one in discussion

What I'm saying, which is not that difficult to understand, is that average teams in Europe have way better players than the average Saudi Arabian team that has a squad made of totally unknown players. So even if you are a big team in Europe you can have a hard time playing against an average team. In Saudi Arabia you have big 4 teams because the government (or kingdom, whatever you want to call it) chose to spend a lot of money for them, the rest of the teams are just bad.

And please, let's stop talking about the Club World Cup: just because one Arab team performed well for once, it doesn't mean that suddenly Arab teams are as good as Europeans. Saudi Arabia also beat Argentina in the World Cup, does it mean the Saudi Arabian national team is as good as Spain or France then?

[Sithara007]

Recently, Lamine Yamal had a problem with an injury of some kind in his groin. He reportedly just finished therapy to address the issue. Barcelona clearly won't allow this, as they're concerned their player will return to the club in worse condition if allowed to play for the national team. Or they're worried Yamal will suffer a worse injury. Yamal is also reportedly required to rest for at least seven days. So, while Yamal certainly wants to play for the Spanish national team, his condition seems to be in a better position to rest.

Lamine Yamal is just 18 years of age (he was born in 2007), and it is very surprising to see him getting injured. For Barca he already missed about half a dozen matches due to this issue, now he has been released from the Spanish squad for qualifier matches against Georgia and Türkiye. Spain do have enough depth in player pool to replace him, and they are in a very comfortable position as far as UEFA qualifiers are concerned. Bulgaria is completely out of form, and Türkiye is the only team in the group which can offer some sort of challenge.

[Uruhara]

Recently, Lamine Yamal had a problem with an injury of some kind in his groin. He reportedly just finished therapy to address the issue. Barcelona clearly won't allow this, as they're concerned their player will return to the club in worse condition if allowed to play for the national team. Or they're worried Yamal will suffer a worse injury. Yamal is also reportedly required to rest for at least seven days. So, while Yamal certainly wants to play for the Spanish national team, his condition seems to be in a better position to rest.

Lamine Yamal is just 18 years of age (he was born in 2007), and it is very surprising to see him getting injured. For Barca he already missed about half a dozen matches due to this issue, now he has been released from the Spanish squad for qualifier matches against Georgia and Türkiye. Spain do have enough depth in player pool to replace him, and they are in a very comfortable position as far as UEFA qualifiers are concerned. Bulgaria is completely out of form, and Türkiye is the only team in the group which can offer some sort of challenge.

Well, Spain isn't really in a desperate situation at all. We know Spain hasn't lost in World Cup qualifying, so the absence of Lamine Yamal won't be a serious problem. Furthermore, even though the team is less creative up front, I'm still confident that Spain, even without Yamal, can still win against Georgia and Turkey this week. And the Spanish national team even has other excellent players who are always ready to be called upon. In fact, I feel that Spain is in its golden age of producing talented players.

[henmark]

Ronaldo being great for Portugal even in this world up is great, I am sure he is going to get minutes, and play a lot, but that is a problem for Portugal isn't it? Like if you have to rely on a 41 year old guy for your striker position then it means you haven't produced someone better for 20 years, and you have to get some striker who is at a younger age who should have bene better than Ronaldo.

I would say there were cases where they had to cut him and he did not play, and in those times they weren't really that much better neither. I think that shows that getting Ronaldo out and putting someone else in doesn't make them better, maybe not makes them that much worse neither, but doesn't make them that much better.

[banana33]

Are you saying that besides the main teams the level of the other teams of the English, Spanish, Italian, German and French leagues are the same as the weak teams from Saudi Arabia? So for you playing against West Ham, Everton, Fiorentina, Valencia,Borussia M'gladbach and Nice is the same as playing against teams like Al Feiha or Al Shabab? For real? So, based on this, hypothetically, if these teams were to play in Europe, they wouldn't get relegated, right?

Of all the ones you've listed, I'll take Fiorentina as an example. I can understand the example you've set with other teams up to a certain point, but Fiorentina themselves have practically suffered defeats in the league, with disappointing plays to say the least.

Saudi Arabian teams would certainly be relegated if they played as poorly as Fiorentina, but their performance level is no less than that of European teams, that's my point of view, and if I say so, it doesn't mean it has to be the same for everyone.

[dollyamo]

TWorld cup 2026 is on the way and many of us are so excited to watch it because it last moment of the two players who earn highly prestigious name in football world.... However this time many team just pushing hard for trophy but we can't determine who will be the winner. Here some members are strongly believe Portugal can win the title but honestly for me Portugal is not that trustworthy to be considered for winner candidate.

On the other side Argentina is also looking good like they also have dreams of wining the title for the second time and if we look at their team strength then definitely they can also have competency to compete for title.

But anyway let see who can dominate the race Argentina or Portugal

Until the competition begins we can predict anything based on the numbers we have and the players' performances, until proven otherwise any team that has recorded the highest performances is capable of winning the cup.
To say Portugal are the favourites is like saying, France or Germany or Italy or any other team could be favourites, too premature in my opinion.

[Adbitco]

I would say it's about football culture in your nation. No matter how much money you have, you are not going to actually get that much out of a league if there is no football culture in that country. UK for example has a huge football culture, even on fifth division games you see packed stadiums and that is how they became the premier league, because there are fans that keep on spending money and showing up, so sponsors and ads knows that they will be shown to many people and be watched by many people.

Whereas, in Saudi league, even when they got the superstars, the stadiums are not filled to brim, which shows that the nation doesn't have any interest towards football aside from just whitewashing in sports.

That's true, there are things money can't just buy. Like you say, even in the lower division teams, I still see stadiums being filled and people are cheering. Sometimes I watch the Saudi league games which involves Al Nassr and some other big team in the country and I still see empty seats even when Ronaldo was on the pitch. That has never happened in all the European teams Ronaldo has played for. You are right when you said it's a culture thing.

[KTChampions]

The cash betting options for the 13th are quite limited. In the France vs. Ukraine and Ireland vs. Portugal games, a draw could be enough for the favorites, so betting on a win is risky, and Double Chance offers paltry odds.
I like that in Group I, everything is extremely tense, neither Norway can lose a point, nor Italy (in the hope that Norway will lose one), plus the teams are fighting for the best goal difference (where Norway is really 99% likely to win).
I think that Norway's victory against Estonia with a -2 handicap, and Italy's victory against Moldova with a similar handicap are good picks.

Your analysis was very clear about the tension in Group 1, every point seemed to suggest a bloody battle. However, I am a bit skeptical about the -2 point handicap, especially Italy. They will probably win but covering a handicap of -2 is not always easy, ha ha!. They have been a bit inconsistent recently.

Estonia's defense is also very weak, which makes the Norway vs Estonia match seem relatively safe. But Odds is 1.02 Lmao 

As for France and Portugal, it seems a bit strange to bet on them directly at the moment, as both teams tend to draw. so, I will wait for checking live odds for this match...

Italy averages exactly 3 goals per game. Moldova has conceded 26 goals in six games—more than 4 goals per game on average. If Italy's players play with even a modicum of motivation, I don't see the game ending less than 3-0 in Italy's favor. And as you can see from your screenshot, if you bet, you only bet with a handicap—what's the point of taking risks (there's always a risk) for 2%? That's completely absurd.