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

[Mihaylovic]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

[katanic97]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

He has a huge desire, but physically he can no longer keep up with the tempo that is being demanded. He wants to be the main man in the team, but at the moment there are many better players who are eager for their chance. Of course, Ronaldo is the captain and always will be, but let’s be honest , at 40 years old, it’s very difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team.In my opinion, Portugal is one of the main favorites to win the tournament, and i’m glad that Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. However, the opportunity should definitely be given to younger, faster players. Ronaldo can pass on his experience, which is the most important thing in competitions like this.

[Fiatless]

Tuchel is a serious coach and demands a lot from his players. England certainly has the capacity to achieve a major result, but whether they have what it takes to win remains to be seen. It is still a golden generation, and expectations are still high, but we cannot forget that there are many strong teams at the world cup, and no one will take this competition lightly ...

England won the first and only World Cup in 1966. Since then, they have struggled to make an an impact in the competition, not because they don't have quality players.  Some people say that they are not just lucky. Thomas Tuchel took over when the Three Lions was underperforming. He has done a good job considering the outcome of games in the qualifiers. Maybe they can conquer the world in the next edition because they have what it takes. 

[Alpha Marine]

Tuchel is a serious coach and demands a lot from his players. England certainly has the capacity to achieve a major result, but whether they have what it takes to win remains to be seen. It is still a golden generation, and expectations are still high, but we cannot forget that there are many strong teams at the world cup, and no one will take this competition lightly ...

The only way Tuchel's time as England boss will be regarded as a success is if he wins the World Cup or the Euro. Anything short of that will not be regarded as a success. This is because the previous manager, Gareth Southgate, took them to two Euro finals and a quarter-final finish in the last World Cup. So the only thing his successor can do to be better is win the Euro or the World Cup.

England has the squad to win the Euro, but the World Cup is different. The World Cup is more difficult to win. They have a lot of quality players, but only 11 players can be on the pitch at a time, and their 11 at any point in time is not significantly better than that of Argentina, Spain, France, and a few other teams.
The style of play, too, is a factor that may determine. England needs a midfield that can control the game against these top teams. To win the World Cup, you must win the best teams, and I still doubt if England can.

[CLS63]

England won the first and only World Cup in 1966. Since then, they have struggled to make an an impact in the competition, not because they don't have quality players.  Some people say that they are not just lucky. Thomas Tuchel took over when the Three Lions was underperforming. He has done a good job considering the outcome of games in the qualifiers. Maybe they can conquer the world in the next edition because they have what it takes. 

That's not even it for England. That's the single ever trophy in their history. This sounds really strange when you think they have had a history of incredible players so far.

They just haven't found the best fit for their manager position. I doubt Tuchel too for now unless he shows people a big achievement in the next World Cup. England has one of the best squads among all teams joining. They just need a better management than before.

[DiMarxist]

They just haven't found the best fit for their manager position. I doubt Tuchel too for now unless he shows people a big achievement in the next World Cup. England has one of the best squads among all teams joining. They just need a better management than before.

With the number of world class players England has produced over the years, having just one major trophy in their entire history really doesn’t reflect their potential at all. Management has clearly been a big issue. Talent alone isn’t enough, and England’s problem has often been failing to find a manager who can truly balance tactics, player roles, and pressure at major tournaments. Your doubts about Tuchel are understandable too and until he delivers something significant, especially at the World Cup, skepticism will remain. On paper, England current squad is among the strongest in international football and if they can finally get the right managerial approach and decision making at the top, they genuinely have everything needed to compete for major titles.

[marcous]

He has a huge desire, but physically he can no longer keep up with the tempo that is being demanded. He wants to be the main man in the team, but at the moment there are many better players who are eager for their chance. Of course, Ronaldo is the captain and always will be, but let’s be honest , at 40 years old, it’s very difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team.In my opinion, Portugal is one of the main favorites to win the tournament, and i’m glad that Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. However, the opportunity should definitely be given to younger, faster players. Ronaldo can pass on his experience, which is the most important thing in competitions like this.

Yes, I think it's time for Ronaldo to give a chance to the current Portuguese generation. I mean, he should still participate in the World Cup but as a supporting player, not like in last year's Euros where he continued to be the main player which actually hindered him when facing important matches because he was no longer as fast as he was in his golden years, the older his movements will be slower, and the World Cup needs fast players. And it would be a shame if Portugal did not take advantage of the current generation where every line is filled with quality players.

[Ale88]

They just haven't found the best fit for their manager position. I doubt Tuchel too for now unless he shows people a big achievement in the next World Cup. England has one of the best squads among all teams joining. They just need a better management than before.

With the number of world class players England has produced over the years, having just one major trophy in their entire history really doesn’t reflect their potential at all. Management has clearly been a big issue. Talent alone isn’t enough, and England’s problem has often been failing to find a manager who can truly balance tactics, player roles, and pressure at major tournaments. Your doubts about Tuchel are understandable too and until he delivers something significant, especially at the World Cup, skepticism will remain. On paper, England current squad is among the strongest in international football and if they can finally get the right managerial approach and decision making at the top, they genuinely have everything needed to compete for major titles.

I don't think England's lack of success of due to the manager(s). They main problem was the internal clash because the majority of the English national team used to play for English team, and there were different groups inside the dressing room and they could never put aside this internal rivalry. This is not my idea, it was actually explained by some former England player during an interview.

And I absolutely agree with you when you say that winning only one major trophy in their entire history doesn’t reflect the ability of the players they created over the years. I always find mind blowing that a team with Scholes, Lampard and Gerrard as midfielders didn't win a single trophy. They were so good!

[BigBos]

He has a huge desire, but physically he can no longer keep up with the tempo that is being demanded. He wants to be the main man in the team, but at the moment there are many better players who are eager for their chance. Of course, Ronaldo is the captain and always will be, but let’s be honest , at 40 years old, it’s very difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team.In my opinion, Portugal is one of the main favorites to win the tournament, and i’m glad that Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. However, the opportunity should definitely be given to younger, faster players. Ronaldo can pass on his experience, which is the most important thing in competitions like this.

Yes, I think it's time for Ronaldo to give a chance to the current Portuguese generation. I mean, he should still participate in the World Cup but as a supporting player, not like in last year's Euros where he continued to be the main player which actually hindered him when facing important matches because he was no longer as fast as he was in his golden years, the older his movements will be slower, and the World Cup needs fast players. And it would be a shame if Portugal did not take advantage of the current generation where every line is filled with quality players.

He can be in the squad but his role is as a player who can motivate his teammates. He can be brought in to play, but not every game and not full-time. I think the coach also knows the needs of the team so the coach will decide everything.

With his age, he can't be as aggressive as when he was younger. He also played well at Al Nassr, but it's undeniable that he doesn't have the speed anymore. Here the role of the coach will be very much felt, because he must decide for the good of the team.

[Mihaylovic]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

He has a huge desire, but physically he can no longer keep up with the tempo that is being demanded. He wants to be the main man in the team, but at the moment there are many better players who are eager for their chance. Of course, Ronaldo is the captain and always will be, but let’s be honest , at 40 years old, it’s very difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team.In my opinion, Portugal is one of the main favorites to win the tournament, and i’m glad that Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. However, the opportunity should definitely be given to younger, faster players. Ronaldo can pass on his experience, which is the most important thing in competitions like this.

I agree. In fact Portugal’s squad is so good that they could go far even with just an above average striker. But a 41 year old Ronaldo will want to play even if it means dragging the team down. In my opinion, Ronaldo is the main obstacle to Portugal's success. The alternative right now is Ramos, but he’s not playing regularly at PSG. If he moves to a club where he can play consistently, Portugal’s chances of winning the title would increase significantly.

[emrecemsan]

England won the first and only World Cup in 1966. Since then, they have struggled to make an an impact in the competition, not because they don't have quality players.  Some people say that they are not just lucky. Thomas Tuchel took over when the Three Lions was underperforming. He has done a good job considering the outcome of games in the qualifiers. Maybe they can conquer the world in the next edition because they have what it takes. 

It's a pity you know. I'd be really devastated if I was an English fan. Because just think about it. You've had a great player pool for years but you still can't benefit from it with trophies. It sounds annoying...

You are shown among top favourites in every big tournament but the biggest achievement you get is to qualify for finale which doesn't even happen regularly. They'll now hope Tuchel to work out the main issues and surprise people in the World Cup.

[katanic97]

He has a huge desire, but physically he can no longer keep up with the tempo that is being demanded. He wants to be the main man in the team, but at the moment there are many better players who are eager for their chance. Of course, Ronaldo is the captain and always will be, but let’s be honest , at 40 years old, it’s very difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team.In my opinion, Portugal is one of the main favorites to win the tournament, and i’m glad that Cristiano Ronaldo will be there. However, the opportunity should definitely be given to younger, faster players. Ronaldo can pass on his experience, which is the most important thing in competitions like this.

Yes, I think it's time for Ronaldo to give a chance to the current Portuguese generation. I mean, he should still participate in the World Cup but as a supporting player, not like in last year's Euros where he continued to be the main player which actually hindered him when facing important matches because he was no longer as fast as he was in his golden years, the older his movements will be slower, and the World Cup needs fast players. And it would be a shame if Portugal did not take advantage of the current generation where every line is filled with quality players.

Portugal really has great attackers. When you look at Leao, Pedro Neto, Trincao, Joao Felix… they are all excellent players who can deliver strong performances. Ronaldo is there as the captain and everything starts with him, but i think Martinez should use him wisely. Ronaldo should play in this tournament mainly by relying on his experience, because in my opinion that’s how Portugal will achieve the best results

[Rabata]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

Portugal is undoubtedly a strong team. I don't want to call this team weak. There may be some reasons behind Ronaldo's comments. His such statements will definitely reduce expectations about the team in the World Cup and this will reduce the pressure on him. Although it must be admitted that doing well in club football does not guarantee that he will do well in the World Cup. Many weak teams also do well in the World Cup. However, Portugal's squad is still strong. It is possible to find out the real purpose of Ronaldo's comments by seeing how Portugal will perform in the upcoming World Cup.

[8rch7]

And I absolutely agree with you when you say that winning only one major trophy in their entire history doesn’t reflect the ability of the players they created over the years. I always find mind blowing that a team with Scholes, Lampard and Gerrard as midfielders didn't win a single trophy. They were so good!

In this era, England team has many top and star player from Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham until Paul Scholes and many other top players. But England can't talk more in World Cup and greatest achievement at edition World Cup 2018 when qualifying to semifinal round. Actually England team have many top players but lack experienced with the manager and many of them can't bring England reach to final of World Cup due the Premier League successful in producing world-class players.

World Cup 2026 new hope for England fans and wish football is coming home after the last winning World Cup 1966 and almost 50 years England failed in the World Cup event.

[Lida93]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

That's the right thing to do if you ask me and am commending Christiano Ronaldo for displaying such a good sense of humour by down playing Portugal's chances in the forthcoming World Cup so as to keep the pressure off the team before the tournament officially kicks off next year. Nevertheless, Portugal is one of the favourites in my opinion, no doubt they are going to go far in the world though am not sure if they would turn out to win it but am guessing they might make it to the semis if luck smiles on them this time.

[M47AK16]

England won the first and only World Cup in 1966. Since then, they have struggled to make an an impact in the competition, not because they don't have quality players.  Some people say that they are not just lucky. Thomas Tuchel took over when the Three Lions was underperforming. He has done a good job considering the outcome of games in the qualifiers. Maybe they can conquer the world in the next edition because they have what it takes. 

It's a pity you know. I'd be really devastated if I was an English fan. Because just think about it. You've had a great player pool for years but you still can't benefit from it with trophies. It sounds annoying...

You are shown among top favourites in every big tournament but the biggest achievement you get is to qualify for finale which doesn't even happen regularly. They'll now hope Tuchel to work out the main issues and surprise people in the World Cup.

English soccer system is one of the best and toughest around the world, while they have always one of the best squad, sadly in decades they have never been able to win world cup, this is always miserable for me because they deserve to be champions but never got this.

Many times, they were favourite and near to win but sadly failed to touch the trophy, now this time good coach, and again they have good squad which looking impressive with many are predicting things can take changes and England will be able to win again but would lady of luck go with them, or they will be ending again with empty hands.

[verdinio]

He can be in the squad but his role is as a player who can motivate his teammates. He can be brought in to play, but not every game and not full-time. I think the coach also knows the needs of the team so the coach will decide everything.

With his age, he can't be as aggressive as when he was younger. He also played well at Al Nassr, but it's undeniable that he doesn't have the speed anymore. Here the role of the coach will be very much felt, because he must decide for the good of the team.

I think that Al Nasr is a stopgap team, it's a team where a great player like him can do very well but it's definitely not the best league in the world, but it's not even Messi's where he's practically tailor-made for him, totally ridiculous,not them obviously but these championships

[bitgolden]

I think it's time for Ronaldo to give a chance to the current Portuguese generation. I mean, he should still participate in the World Cup but as a supporting player, not like in last year's Euros where he continued to be the main player which actually hindered him when facing important matches because he was no longer as fast as he was in his golden years, the older his movements will be slower, and the World Cup needs fast players. And it would be a shame if Portugal did not take advantage of the current generation where every line is filled with quality players.

This FIFA World Cup is going to be more interesting due to many factors, first time 48 teams with 3 countries as hosts and few legendary players are going to be having their best for winning and ending their career. Portugal is also one of the favourite team for the championship with Ronaldo presence also matters.

Now here many want he just goes as mentor, but I personally feel that he needs to be staying with team as two roles first player and also mentor because this will boost confidence of team, and they would be able to play good soccer which will help them for having historic win in this event. Despite age factor, Ronaldo is doing impressive job and have good chance of ending his soccer career with a world cup win.

[shinratensei_]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

The fact that with or without Ronaldo. There's no guarantee Portugal can win the trophy. Meanwhile, another fact is that data said how Portugal has been so garbage before his era, then improved when it comes to his era. However, his nation always lacked of proper execution in the final.

As someone who being obsessed to play in WC, getting benched is absolutely frustrated him. It's normal when he showed his disappointment, but i think since he's not doing unforgivable offense to his club. He is still deserve chance to play even when he must start it from the bench.

[HajiBagi]

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps downplaying Portugal's chances for the World Cup. But honestly, I think they have the best squad out there really. Just look at the three key guys who literally carried their team to the Champions League trophy recently. they're all in this lineup.
To me, it's just a massive ego trip. He’s already making excuses so he can blame the weak squad if they get knocked out. He’s basically just covering his own back.

Everyone knows that Christiano Ronaldo is not the kind of player Portugal can rely on in the World Cup, I don’t see anything wrong of him being in the squad because he is the leader and he wants to be the part of what the country will achieve, Portugal coach also know that Ronaldo will not play all the games in the World Cup, even Ronaldo himself knows that he only need to support the young players to win the World Cup he has been chasing for many years.

Portugal has one of the best squad in the World Cup and if they play well they can reach semi final stage or win the trophy, I know that Messi fans will not be happy seeing Ronaldo play for Portugal in the World Cup because if Portugal wins the title they can have another chance to say he did not contribute to the team success, i don’t see anything wrong with him and it is a good thing to see him in the squad.