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

[Ale88]

I disagree. Cristiano Ronaldo is still impressive considering his age but I don't think he would score many goals in the other leagues such as Italian, German and French, for example. Many defenders in the Saudi League are a joke, they don't know how to defend, in Europe is different because even a defender from a random Portuguese team is probably better than a Saudi defender. Sure, they also have some foreign players who are great defenders but in general they focus more on buying strikers and offensive players rather than defenders.

I don't think you have ever watched matches in the Saudi Professional League. The SPL has some of the best defenders in the world, such as Andrei Girotto, Saeed Al-Rubaie, Koray Günter and Iñigo Martínez.

You know, every time I read your post I think you are somehow trolling but now I'm afraid you are being serious so, please, please, tell me this post is satire and I just don't understand your jokes.

You missed with João Cancelo as Al Hilal defender have much experienced with top European club and still get the national team calling for Portugal

If we are talking about defense I wouldn't mention Cancelo because he is a great player when it comes to attack but he definitely lacks the defense part.

[JeffBrad12]

Yeah, it looks like this. IMO, this is just unnecessary change. Changing the offside rule will change nothing. It's just adding more difficulty to the linesman job to determine the offside. It's also drastically the way football team to ball with no more high line defensive. I believe all of football teams will use lowblocks. The striker like Haaland and Mbappe who have good pace can feast with this kind of offside.

I doubt the rule will be enforced, but with FIFA, these days, you can never really tell.
The rule is such a disadvantage for defenders. Defenders are already at a disadvantage becaeu they can't be rough against the strikers. If the defenders fouls a striker in the box, its a penalty, but if the striker fouls the defender, it's not a foul, now adding this rule further makes their job more difficult. It shouldn't be enforced.

Defenders should be protected a bit too. Football is not all about scoring goals, but defending is also part of football. The can't keep making rules that are disadvantages to the defenders but advantages to the strikers simply because we want to see more goals and have interesting games. The Linesmen and VAR should continue to point out offsides the way it is. These new rules are not necessary at all.

Many disagreed with this rule. However, we know FIFA ain't accept any criticism when they're implementing something. I've heard they will be implementing it a few months before the start of WC 2026. It sounds terrible.

[changaa]

I think that a player like Cristiano Ronaldo is fundamental both on and off the pitch. It's clear that today he's no longer the boy he once was who could transform matches with goals, but in less important matches he can still have his say, è still the best ever

I see Cristiano Ronaldo in very good shape and i think he has no problem playing good games, considering that it will be his last time in a World Cup we will see him make fire in the middle of the field obviously age and fitness allowing that in that case he doesn't even seem to be having a bad time

[virasog]

I think that a player like Cristiano Ronaldo is fundamental both on and off the pitch. It's clear that today he's no longer the boy he once was who could transform matches with goals, but in less important matches he can still have his say, è still the best ever

I see Cristiano Ronaldo in very good shape and i think he has no problem playing good games, considering that it will be his last time in a World Cup we will see him make fire in the middle of the field obviously age and fitness allowing that in that case he doesn't even seem to be having a bad time

Yes, we shouldn't underestimate Cristiano Ronaldo's skill and fitness even at the age of 40. When compared with others, he is still better than many young players. He could fire one last time in the upcoming 2026 World Cup and I hope that would be a memorable event for him.

I remember Ronaldo once said that he feels very good as he is still scoring goals and is likely to retire even after “one or two years” after the World Cup. However I think that if his achieve something big in this tournament, he should retire on the big occasion.

[Alpha Marine]

Many disagreed with this rule. However, we know FIFA ain't accept any criticism when they're implementing something. I've heard they will be implementing it a few months before the start of WC 2026. It sounds terrible.

I doubt they will implement it. Most of the talks are just rumours. There have not even been any official statements that they're discussing it. It's too soon to implement it. Before FIFA uses anything for the World Cup, it is first of all tested. It could be tested in other competitions like lower competitions, the youth World Cup or even in the leagues. They test to see how well the change can be optimised.
We saw how they tested the World Cup ball (Trionda) in various competitions, even though it will be officially unveiled at the World Cup.
The first place they make such a significant rule change in the sport cannot be the world cup.

[Fiatless]

Many disagreed with this rule. However, we know FIFA ain't accept any criticism when they're implementing something. I've heard they will be implementing it a few months before the start of WC 2026. It sounds terrible.

I support Arsene Wenger's proposal. Football has become so boring with the current offside rule. It's just frustrating to see that the reason why a beautiful goal was disallowed was just because of a few inches.

We need the World Cup to be more interesting and offside is a major disruption. Strikers should be given the chance to score more goals. Goals are the reason why I am watching football. Let there be goal feasts in this competition.   

[m4r1o]

Although most local defenders in the Saudi league aren't at the same level as defenders in Europe, with so many world-class defenders entering the SPL, even if they're past their prime, it's only a matter of time before the defenses in the Saudi league become as solid as those in Europe. A few years ago, I thought the Saudi league wasn't a top-tier league. But now, even some world-class players are playing in the Saudi league in their prime. I believe CR7's abilities are still worthy of being at the top level. I once read in an article that, at over 40 when he played in the World Cup, Ronaldo underwent a biological age test, and the results were shocking. According to several sources, CR7's current biological age is 29^[1]. And that's a prime age for a footballer. So, I think CR7 still has the capacity to be a mainstay in Portugal's starting XI at this year's World Cup.

I think they are certainly at a good level but certainly not at the European level which is really tough there and everyone knows it, but CR7 despite there are great champions in that league of his age no one can be so incisibvo playing in the same championship, so he can do it

[X-ray]

Fifa introduced a small number of "more affordable" £45 tickets for all 104 matches following criticism of its pricing structure after the initial release of tickets.

"We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do", a Fifa official close to the discussions told BBC Sport.

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

[LUCKMCFLY]

I see Cristiano Ronaldo in very good shape and i think he has no problem playing good games, considering that it will be his last time in a World Cup we will see him make fire in the middle of the field obviously age and fitness allowing that in that case he doesn't even seem to be having a bad time

That's right, my friend For me, there's no better player than him , No one has had his level The performance he has is the best This has to be seen as an athlete before being a footballer; he has always shown that. There's a reason Portugal is the best team in the world right now.

[Fiatless]

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

It's good to know that they have introduced a cheap ticket to enable those in the lower class to afford it. FIFA was also smart to make that decision because some games would have had low attendance.

I would not doubt that millions of football fans are buying World Cup tickets daily if FIFA can provide proof. If there is no evidence, I view this claim as a mere public stunt.

[puloweh555]

Many disagreed with this rule. However, we know FIFA ain't accept any criticism when they're implementing something. I've heard they will be implementing it a few months before the start of WC 2026. It sounds terrible.

I support Arsene Wenger's proposal. Football has become so boring with the current offside rule. It's just frustrating to see that the reason why a beautiful goal was disallowed was just because of a few inches.

We need the World Cup to be more interesting and offside is a major disruption. Strikers should be given the chance to score more goals. Goals are the reason why I am watching football. Let there be goal feasts in this competition.   

I agree. I support Arsène Wenger's proposal because it makes football more exciting with more goals scored and the World Cup will certainly be more exciting. Coaches will also have to work hard to implement new strategies if this proposal is accepted.

Furthermore this proposal makes sense considering the current offside rule is so absurd that just a knee offside is considered offside. If this rule is changed I'm sure it will be more interesting to watch as fast-running strikers can easily score goals. This also means that it's not just forwards who are expensive defenders can be more expensive than forwards. Because they have to concentrate and focus and maintain their stamina it will be even more exciting to watch the sprinting contests between the players.

[GiftedMAN]

I see Cristiano Ronaldo in very good shape and i think he has no problem playing good games, considering that it will be his last time in a World Cup we will see him make fire in the middle of the field obviously age and fitness allowing that in that case he doesn't even seem to be having a bad time

That's right, my friend For me, there's no better player than him , No one has had his level The performance he has is the best This has to be seen as an athlete before being a footballer; he has always shown that. There's a reason Portugal is the best team in the world right now.

Football have never seen such level of fitness and performance at such age before, that's why many of us will always idolise the the Portuguese superstar. He's "the greatest there's, the greatest there was and the greatest there ever will be." I can't just wait to watch him in this summer's FIFA World Cup and hopefully, he finally lifts the only trophy that's eluded his illustrious career. Portugal have got other top footballers who can help him achieve his dream of winning a World Cup trophy.

[Alex077]

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

Haha bro, FIFA seem to be finally listening to peoples abuse! Fifa is now introducing a supporter entry tier of around $ 60 for 104 match after fan and supporter group were hit with sky high ticket price. But Infantinos claim that billion of ticket request are coming in a day is not at all a hoax. If you look at FIFA official sale record you can easily understand that despite the high prices the demand for ticket remain the same

But brother the real problem lies elsewhere. I myself think that these cheap £ 45 ticket might not be too much. There may be only a few hundred seat per match but this is not enough for the general audience. So FIFA might be listening a bit but I think it is just a show off and nothing, damn it !

[hyudien]

Haha bro, FIFA seem to be finally listening to peoples abuse! Fifa is now introducing a supporter entry tier of around $ 60 for 104 match after fan and supporter group were hit with sky high ticket price. But Infantinos claim that billion of ticket request are coming in a day is not at all a hoax. If you look at FIFA official sale record you can easily understand that despite the high prices the demand for ticket remain the same

But brother the real problem lies elsewhere. I myself think that these cheap £ 45 ticket might not be too much. There may be only a few hundred seat per match but this is not enough for the general audience. So FIFA might be listening a bit but I think it is just a show off and nothing, damn it !

This is especially welcome news for supporters of countries that are new to the event, as they can watch the event for a fraction of the ticket price. Although I'm sure the amount spent by FIFA for this ticket price is not much but yes they still make concessions which means they don't only look at the business side of things.
Oh btw does this ticket price also apply to important matches, meaning strong countries vs strong countries?

[Ale88]

Fifa introduced a small number of "more affordable" £45 tickets for all 104 matches following criticism of its pricing structure after the initial release of tickets.

"We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do", a Fifa official close to the discussions told BBC Sport.

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

I don't trust Fifa and I don't trust Infantino. If they are receiving so many ticket requests why would they lower the prices then? It doesn't make sense. You lower the price when something is not selling. I see this just as a strategy to sell these discounted tickets very quickly and then, maybe in a month, make a new promotion. I don't believe there is a crazy request for tickets that cost thousands of dollars to go watch Curaçao, Haiti, Tunisia, etc.

[Daniel91]

Fifa introduced a small number of "more affordable" £45 tickets for all 104 matches following criticism of its pricing structure after the initial release of tickets.

"We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do", a Fifa official close to the discussions told BBC Sport.

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

I don't trust Fifa and I don't trust Infantino. If they are receiving so many ticket requests why would they lower the prices then? It doesn't make sense. You lower the price when something is not selling. I see this just as a strategy to sell these discounted tickets very quickly and then, maybe in a month, make a new promotion. I don't believe there is a crazy request for tickets that cost thousands of dollars to go watch Curaçao, Haiti, Tunisia, etc.

You're probably right. Many fans were very dissatisfied with the astronomical ticket prices for the World Cup, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Add to that the huge costs of traveling to America, transportation, accommodation, etc. Infantino is, above all, a politician and decided to ease the criticism by allocating a certain number of tickets at a discounted price of $60 to national associations, but those tickets will most likely be divided among football officials and sponsors; ordinary fans will probably not get them. In the end, it all comes down to profit, and football is secondary in the whole story.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Fifa introduced a small number of "more affordable" £45 tickets for all 104 matches following criticism of its pricing structure after the initial release of tickets.

"We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do", a Fifa official close to the discussions told BBC Sport.

The thing that i like from FIFA is that sometimes, they're still hearing all of complaints came from the public. So they create affordable ticket for people. However, i'm feeling FIFA's clam is so garbage by saying 10 millions ticket request everyday.

Do you believe with what they claim regarding this?

I don't trust Fifa and I don't trust Infantino. If they are receiving so many ticket requests why would they lower the prices then? It doesn't make sense. You lower the price when something is not selling. I see this just as a strategy to sell these discounted tickets very quickly and then, maybe in a month, make a new promotion. I don't believe there is a crazy request for tickets that cost thousands of dollars to go watch Curaçao, Haiti, Tunisia, etc.

Well, you may be right but not completely right bud, there are times in which something maybe selling off very fast and because of this, the price is lowered to make it very affordable to every one who may be interested in such a thing, the goal is not to make as much profit as possible, but to give everyone an opportunity to be able to afford the ticket, and more people show interests, the company indirectly still profits from the large sells and so on.

And on the other hand, have you also thought about the possibility that the lowered ticket price is also why a lot of people are showing interest in buying the ticket?
Some goods, services sell fast because their price is low, but what I think fifa did there is that they are trying to give every one an opportunity not minding how much people have already shown interest in the buying the ticket, this is why they reduced the price.

[Frankolala]

Football have never seen such level of fitness and performance at such age before, that's why many of us will always idolise the the Portuguese superstar. He's "the greatest there's, the greatest there was and the greatest there ever will be." I can't just wait to watch him in this summer's FIFA World Cup and hopefully, he finally lifts the only trophy that's eluded his illustrious career. Portugal have got other top footballers who can help him achieve his dream of winning a World Cup trophy.

Ronaldo is the oldest, most experienced and highest goal scorer to be present in the FIFA world cup this year. It's a honor to have him in the tournament. Portugal has a good squad now, if they can work together and utilize every opportunity they have to win their matches, we might see Ronaldo dreams come true.

[Sarah Azhari]

I think that a player like Cristiano Ronaldo is fundamental both on and off the pitch. It's clear that today he's no longer the boy he once was who could transform matches with goals, but in less important matches he can still have his say, è still the best ever

I see Cristiano Ronaldo in very good shape and i think he has no problem playing good games, considering that it will be his last time in a World Cup we will see him make fire in the middle of the field obviously age and fitness allowing that in that case he doesn't even seem to be having a bad time

I don't think Cristiano Ronaldo will play the full World Cup and won't necessarily play every match due to his age. His presence is crucial for the Portuguese national team, even though he won't play the full match. His experience and influence in the dressing room are crucial in motivating the Portuguese squad to perform well. This will be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup, and of course, his greatest hope is to win the World Cup to complete his professional career.

[cande86]

This is especially welcome news for supporters of countries that are new to the event, as they can watch the event for a fraction of the ticket price. Although I'm sure the amount spent by FIFA for this ticket price is not much but yes they still make concessions which means they don't only look at the business side of things.
Oh btw does this ticket price also apply to important matches, meaning strong countries vs strong countries?

This is great news, but are we sure it's real?

I have serious doubts about it.

Of course, if this is true, it would be absolutely right, and for once, FIFA is doing something positive for those who can't afford it. I'm happy with this news. especially in countries with so little money.