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

[hyudien]

That was my feeling during the last World Cup in Qatar, when it seemed to me that Portugal played better and more efficiently in attack without Ronaldo. In the match against Morocco, Ronaldo was completely powerless to turn the result and the game around and help his team. No matter how great a player Ronaldo is, age still affects his performance, his speed, and explosiveness, and his contribution to defense is very small. Of course, Ronaldo can still help young players with his experience.

Moreover, Portugal currently has many quality players, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao, and others that we already know and how good the Portuguese players are now so Ronaldo might be a hindrance if he plays full time, especially in important matches, I don't mean I don't want Ronaldo to play there, I still want to see him, only his playing time needs to be reduced, it's time for him to give his place to a more aggressive player.

[dollyamo]

Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player and he has ego that we all are aware of, however with his current age, it is normal to see his role being less important than what used to be. What makes CR7 not adjusting his play with this is the fact that he has ambition to beat the record of 1k goals but also playing as long as possible locally and internationally. He is already the best scorer in the world and number 1 in Portugal but he still lacks that. Winning the World Cup is not a main objective for him in my opinion even if he said that.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not comparable to any other player on the planet, he was the best on the pitch for many years, even having to deal with champions of his own calibre, these are players who are no longer born and therefore his contribution is fundamental for Portugal for me

[beerlover]

The chemistry between the players is still not well established, that's what I think is one of the reasons why England always struggles, and sometimes their egos are still high because they bring competition at the club to the national team which they shouldn't do.

Because when it comes to the quality of players who are always in the England squad, they never lack reliable players in each position. And I also can't blame the coach as long as the player still has a high ego. Maybe it is the coach's job to fix it, but it will also be difficult if it has become a hereditary thing.

English team is always got consistency but fails to do good in big events because they are having players those always feel they are bigger than game and their ego and personal interest hurt them badly recently they have few changes still it's never been easy to have them as champions.

One thing always gives good edge to England, they never depended on one player and their players pool is amazing, but sadly this is also always going against them as well because due to these things, never going in their favour. Thomas Tuchel is good coach and having good strategy because of this England were undefeated in qualifiers but now can they keep this momentum.

[X-ray]

I'm wondering what's you guys opinion in the upcoming system of WC. I personally agreed with what Kroos said. I like the new system is just giving more opportunities to the more countries to take part in competing in WC. However, i can't deny how the quality of games degraded a lot with so many big teams are only getting easy games during the qualifiers.
No group of hell, no intense game between a football house countries.

What we will be seeing is that the top football nation to humiliate the non good football nation. So we may be lacking of intense game to happen during the qualifier. Do you agree with this?

[Die_empty]

I'm wondering what's you guys opinion in the upcoming system of WC. I personally agreed with what Kroos said. I like the new system is just giving more opportunities to the more countries to take part in competing in WC. However, i can't deny how the quality of games degraded a lot with so many big teams are only getting easy games during the qualifiers.
No group of hell, no intense game between a football house countries.

What we will be seeing is that the top football nation to humiliate the non good football nation. So we may be lacking of intense game to happen during the qualifier. Do you agree with this?

My view is that we should wait and see how the format will work. Toni Kroos is right that there will be high scores in some of the games. However, he should also expect some surprises. There will be underdogs that will defeat favourites. Europeans are criticising this format because it gave more slots to other continents. If they had given them more slots there wouldn't have been these numerous complaints.

The last time it was Gennaro Gattuso, Italy national team coach, who was speaking against the new format. Now it's the German football legend. FIFA has given other continents the chance of developing, this might be the most interesting World Cup. 

[imamusma]

I'm wondering what's you guys opinion in the upcoming system of WC. I personally agreed with what Kroos said. I like the new system is just giving more opportunities to the more countries to take part in competing in WC. However, i can't deny how the quality of games degraded a lot with so many big teams are only getting easy games during the qualifiers.
No group of hell, no intense game between a football house countries.

What we will be seeing is that the top football nation to humiliate the non good football nation. So we may be lacking of intense game to happen during the qualifier. Do you agree with this?

My view is that we should wait and see how the format will work. Toni Kroos is right that there will be high scores in some of the games. However, he should also expect some surprises. There will be underdogs that will defeat favourites. Europeans are criticising this format because it gave more slots to other continents. If they had given them more slots there wouldn't have been these numerous complaints.

The last time it was Gennaro Gattuso, Italy national team coach, who was speaking against the new format. Now it's the German football legend. FIFA has given other continents the chance of developing, this might be the most interesting World Cup. 

There will always be pros and cons to every decision made, but lately, I’ve noticed a significant amount of criticism regarding FIFA decisions. That being said, the change in the 2026 World Cup format are well reasoned, it aims to provide greater opportunities for every nation, even if some people disagree. This is quite similar to the changes in the Champions League format, which sparked diverse reactions and even drew criticism from several managers.
Ultimately, however, the race for the trophy will remain highly competitive, whether it starts from the League Phase or when entering the knockout stages. I personally believe the 2026 World Cup will bring many surprises, and we will likely see many talented players emerge from underdog nations.

[Creeper0]

Moreover, Portugal currently has many quality players, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao, and others that we already know and how good the Portuguese players are now so Ronaldo might be a hindrance if he plays full time, especially in important matches, I don't mean I don't want Ronaldo to play there, I still want to see him, only his playing time needs to be reduced, it's time for him to give his place to a more aggressive player.

Ronaldo's age is no longer an issue for him. Ronaldo's performance in the last Qatar World Cup was not very good, which could have helped them win the World Cup. This season, Portugal is stronger than last season and they have some good players. But I don't want to see Ronaldo's replacement right now, because in important tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, talent and experience are needed. Maybe we don't get any immediate results, maybe we can feel his presence when he is absent from the team.

[Nahl]

Moreover, Portugal currently has many quality players, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao, and others that we already know and how good the Portuguese players are now so Ronaldo might be a hindrance if he plays full time, especially in important matches, I don't mean I don't want Ronaldo to play there, I still want to see him, only his playing time needs to be reduced, it's time for him to give his place to a more aggressive player.

Ronaldo's age is no longer an issue for him. Ronaldo's performance in the last Qatar World Cup was not very good, which could have helped them win the World Cup. This season, Portugal is stronger than last season and they have some good players. But I don't want to see Ronaldo's replacement right now, because in important tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, talent and experience are needed. Maybe we don't get any immediate results, maybe we can feel his presence when he is absent from the team.

Ronaldo performance still consistent in Saudi pro league even with Portugal he has scores important goals several times and help Portugal to qualified to the world cup indeed he has passed his prime but i think Portugal coach still considering to put him into Portugal squad to playing at world cup later but i don't think he will insist to playing as regular player remains he is not young anymore but he can motivate young players to give their best for the tournament later besides that Ronaldo has personal ambition want to playing in this tournament before retired

[Rikafip]

Ronaldo performance still consistent in Saudi pro league even with Portugal he has scores important goals several times and help Portugal to qualified to the world cup indeed he has passed his prime but i think Portugal coach still considering to put him into Portugal squad to playing at world cup later but i don't think he will insist to playing as regular player remains he is not young anymore but he can motivate young players to give their best for the tournament later besides that Ronaldo has personal ambition want to playing in this tournament before retired

You don't know much about Ronaldo if you think he will be satisfied starting games from the bench, or just being a sort oif a turor for younger players.

He was never a team player (remember how rarely he celebrated other players goals while in Real) and certainly he won't change now when he is 41.

[KTChampions]

~

Kroos is incredibly cool, literally doing whatever he wants. He ended his career when he wanted, even though he was far from done as a footballer, and he speaks his mind frankly. Even regarding Germany, he said he prefers Spain because Germany isn't safe (presumably referring to the migrant issues). With the World Cup and 48 teams, it's clear to everyone - it's a clown show and the group stage will see a lot of anomalous results and few (if any) good games.

[AmoreJaz]

The chemistry between the players is still not well established, that's what I think is one of the reasons why England always struggles, and sometimes their egos are still high because they bring competition at the club to the national team which they shouldn't do.

Because when it comes to the quality of players who are always in the England squad, they never lack reliable players in each position. And I also can't blame the coach as long as the player still has a high ego. Maybe it is the coach's job to fix it, but it will also be difficult if it has become a hereditary thing.

English team is always got consistency but fails to do good in big events because they are having players those always feel they are bigger than game and their ego and personal interest hurt them badly recently they have few changes still it's never been easy to have them as champions.

One thing always gives good edge to England, they never depended on one player and their players pool is amazing, but sadly this is also always going against them as well because due to these things, never going in their favour. Thomas Tuchel is good coach and having good strategy because of this England were undefeated in qualifiers but now can they keep this momentum.

It is still best if the whole team is working in every game. Not only one or few players who are really doing their best but the whole team. Because this will really give a very good edge over the other team who has only few players who are outstanding. I would still go for the whole team doing their best as they can even if most of them are not very popular to the fans.
So yeah, the England squad should re-think of why they are in the field in the first place. Sure, the ego will always be there but they should think of the overall outcome of their game because it is their team at stake and not the individual score matters at the end of the game.

[Webetcoins]

everyone is arguing that Cristiano Ronaldo can win the World Cup because he has very good team but here I will tell you that I don't think that Portugal can be the winner because for winning a World Cup team need a strong mentality, passion, unity etc. Despite Portugal is still trailing with lack of understanding like their players didn't have any good chemistry. So I think because of this Portugal can't win the World Cup....

Besides that, there is also many others team who still have capacity to compete for World Cup. Such Spain, Argentina, France, England etc. So these team will also try hard for big stages and I don't think that Portugal have that capacity to compete with them.

Cristiano Ronaldo already achieved everything in his career, just FIFA world cup will make his career to be always remembered and things will be on another level with this success because this is always dreamed for any big player like Pele, Maradona, Messi and now Ronaldo is in that list.

In upcoming event, they have balanced squad with their opponents are also going to be tough still things are looking much favourable for them, they need to overcome and have their best game, most chances European teams will be dominating and have good chance of keeping things on their own way. Argentina, Spain and France are their biggest rivals with England is always best without have any good chance, but it's also going to be interesting can Ronaldo go for this in his last attempt.

[Rikafip]

I'm wondering what's you guys opinion in the upcoming system of WC. I personally agreed with what Kroos said. I like the new system is just giving more opportunities to the more countries to take part in competing in WC.

It is a simple fact that you will dillute the quality of the early stages if you add more teams to the tournament, especially if you do it in a way to favor less developed and less quality federation, instead base it on the actual quality of the teams.

At the current state, it will be easier to go pass into the 2nd round of WC than not, which doesn't make much sense to me.

[Ale88]

Everything you said makes total sense but the real question is: does Cristiano Ronaldo understand (and think) the same as you? Because I totally agree with you but, in my opinion, he still sees himself as one of the best players in the world and, no matter what, he must be in Portugal's line up for every single match. He has kind of overbearing presence, especially now that in Saudi Arabia he is treated like a god. Portugal have one of their best teams in history right now, I really hope for them that Ronaldo will understand that this is about a whole country, not himself.

I'm sorry, but the debate whether good or not to bench ronaldo is totally non sense thing. Ronaldo has ever benched by Martinez during euro 2024 warm up. It's happened when Portugal faced croatia. It means he knows everyone in the squad is being treated the same. There's no superiority owned by the old player.

Martinez has also ever explained the decision to bench him to build a game time management. An old player like him also needs proper time management to ensure they won't miss him due to the injury.

Yes, I remember that he didn't play every single match, but this time is different: he is going to be 41 years old, Ronaldo knows this is going to be is last competition ever with the Portuguese national team because after the World Cup there will be the qualifications for Euro 2028, and it wouldn't make any sense for the manager to call a player that would be 43 years old when the actual tournament would take place. So this World Cup is really his last dance. There will be a huge pressure for him and for the manager too because people could complain no matter the decision: if they lose with Ronaldo then it's Ronaldo's fault; if they lose without Ronaldo then it's the manager's fault. It's a tricky situation.

[Sithara007]

Yes, I remember that he didn't play every single match, but this time is different: he is going to be 41 years old, Ronaldo knows this is going to be is last competition ever with the Portuguese national team because after the World Cup there will be the qualifications for Euro 2028, and it wouldn't make any sense for the manager to call a player that would be 43 years old when the actual tournament would take place. So this World Cup is really his last dance. There will be a huge pressure for him and for the manager too because people could complain no matter the decision: if they lose with Ronaldo then it's Ronaldo's fault; if they lose without Ronaldo then it's the manager's fault. It's a tricky situation.

LOL.. you are talking about Ronaldo playing till 2028? Normally players retire when they are in their mid 30s. But due to his superior fitness levels, Ronaldo has continued to play at the highest level even in his 40s. But 2026 is going to be it. He will take part in the 2026-27 season of the Saudi Professional League and that's going to be it. I don't think that there is any possibility of him playing competitive football after that. A lot of people are speculating that he wants to play along with his son (who is currently 15 years old). But such a possibility doesn't exist to be honest.

[Daniel91]

Yes, I remember that he didn't play every single match, but this time is different: he is going to be 41 years old, Ronaldo knows this is going to be is last competition ever with the Portuguese national team because after the World Cup there will be the qualifications for Euro 2028, and it wouldn't make any sense for the manager to call a player that would be 43 years old when the actual tournament would take place. So this World Cup is really his last dance. There will be a huge pressure for him and for the manager too because people could complain no matter the decision: if they lose with Ronaldo then it's Ronaldo's fault; if they lose without Ronaldo then it's the manager's fault. It's a tricky situation.

LOL.. you are talking about Ronaldo playing till 2028? Normally players retire when they are in their mid 30s. But due to his superior fitness levels, Ronaldo has continued to play at the highest level even in his 40s. But 2026 is going to be it. He will take part in the 2026-27 season of the Saudi Professional League and that's going to be it. I don't think that there is any possibility of him playing competitive football after that. A lot of people are speculating that he wants to play along with his son (who is currently 15 years old). But such a possibility doesn't exist to be honest.

Realistically, the only thing Ronaldo still wants is to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals scored in official matches and to enter football immortality. To achieve that, he will probably still have to play another season in Saudi Arabia since he is currently around 950 goals, last time I checked. It's unlikely that anyone will ever reach this record again.

[Sim_card]

Moreover, Portugal currently has many quality players, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao, and others that we already know and how good the Portuguese players are now so Ronaldo might be a hindrance if he plays full time, especially in important matches, I don't mean I don't want Ronaldo to play there, I still want to see him, only his playing time needs to be reduced, it's time for him to give his place to a more aggressive player.

Yea, he can start the game but along the line if he's not adding much impact, he can be substituted with a vibrant young player. Ronaldo presence on the field will give the Portuguese more confidence against their opponents because he has a lot of experience and can score unexpectedly.

[7juju]

Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player and he has ego that we all are aware of, however with his current age, it is normal to see his role being less important than what used to be. What makes CR7 not adjusting his play with this is the fact that he has ambition to beat the record of 1k goals but also playing as long as possible locally and internationally. He is already the best scorer in the world and number 1 in Portugal but he still lacks that. Winning the World Cup is not a main objective for him in my opinion even if he said that.

Cristiano Ronaldo is not comparable to any other player on the planet, he was the best on the pitch for many years, even having to deal with champions of his own calibre, these are players who are no longer born and therefore his contribution is fundamental for Portugal for me

If we should tell ourselves the truth, the Portuguese coach will only pick Christiano Ronaldo for the up coming world cup just for respect out of the sacrifices he has done for the country at his prime. Maybe if by any chances they win the world cup so that Ronaldo will be counted as a winner. But if we are being realistic here, Ronaldo has nothing to offer the team anymore. As a coach who wants to win the world cup will you depend on a 40 years old Man to do anything meaningful for you? Playing Ronaldo in the field in a serious world cup match will be like playing with one player less because he won't help the team in any capacity unless there's a penalty. If Portugal wants to do well in this world cup, they should not be starting Ronaldo. He can be introduce around 80 plus minutes or 90 plus.

[retreat]

They have several names of players who are very capable for them to be able to compete with other big teams, so I don't think that they are any less good than other teams. Even with a squad like that I'm sure that they can advance to the higher stages. But it's just that I'm not too sure about CR7 being able to carry the Portuguese national team, he's old and his performance is much less than he was in his golden age, so hoping that he can score more goals is just not possible. But he can be a captain who can unite the players, because the Portugal national team consists of players from various teams, so they need a leader who can build unity and provide enthusiasm, as well as being a motivator who can raise the spirit of the players.

In my opinion i think that the Portuguese national team should be more focused on stronger players and youngsters who want to give more interesting things to the club and not CR7 who is certainly the best of all but unfortunately he was and the years pass for everyone, so I have to say that they would do well to take younger players.

CR7's time is clearly over, and his current form is no more than just playing, and is no longer capable of taking the team to the highest level. So the Portuguese national team needs to rely on younger players who are more realistic about performing better. Meanwhile, CR7 can be a leader and motivator for the team, which is very helpful for the team to perform at its best. But if CR7 suddenly performs better, I wouldn't be surprised, because maybe this last World Cup really motivated him and rekindled his fighting spirit, who knows.

[pewboy]

LOL.. you are talking about Ronaldo playing till 2028? Normally players retire when they are in their mid 30s. But due to his superior fitness levels, Ronaldo has continued to play at the highest level even in his 40s. But 2026 is going to be it. He will take part in the 2026-27 season of the Saudi Professional League and that's going to be it. I don't think that there is any possibility of him playing competitive football after that. A lot of people are speculating that he wants to play along with his son (who is currently 15 years old). But such a possibility doesn't exist to be honest.

In my opinion Ronaldo has a different physical shape and we have always known it, his shape is not comparable to a normal person, he is very well-groomed and takes care of every aspect of himself, it is abnormal that he reaches 40 years of age and is still a perfect player, he is not comparable to anyone else