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

[katanic97]

-snip
Vinicius is extremely overrated and with the Brazilian team he's been a complete disaster, I wouldn't even make a comparison with Ronaldo, it's offensive for the Portuguese. And about Yamal, dude, he is 18 years old, what do you expect from him? He already played an incredible Euro Cup when he was only 16-17, you can't really complain about him.

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

[Sithara007]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Over-expectation can be a dangerous thing. If you have doubts, please ask Mario Balotelli. For my part, I was even against inclusion of Yamal either in the Euro Cup squad, or in the Barcelona first XI. I thought that he needed more time to settle in, before he plays competitive football at the highest level. But he seems to be doing well for Barca. He has been in good form so far this season in the La Liga, scoring 7 goals in just 15 matches. At international level also, he has performed exceptionally (especially in recent matches against Netherlands and France).

[Ale88]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Over-expectation can be a dangerous thing. If you have doubts, please ask Mario Balotelli. For my part, I was even against inclusion of Yamal either in the Euro Cup squad, or in the Barcelona first XI. I thought that he needed more time to settle in, before he plays competitive football at the highest level. But he seems to be doing well for Barca. He has been in good form so far this season in the La Liga, scoring 7 goals in just 15 matches. At international level also, he has performed exceptionally (especially in recent matches against Netherlands and France).

I'm not even a Yamal fan because, just like Balotelli (since you mentioned him), I don't like his attitude and behaviors, he gives me the impression he thinks he's already the best player in the world. I don't recall this type of behaviors from Messi, Ronaldo, or even more recently Mbappé and Haaland. Yamal's biggest problem is his own family. Balotelli was a different case, he was (is) just stupid. He had the abilities and the physique to be one of the best Italian strikers ever and he was only able to blame everybody but himself for his failures. He's one of the biggest regrets Italian football faced in his history.

[Warkop]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Over-expectation can be a dangerous thing. If you have doubts, please ask Mario Balotelli. For my part, I was even against inclusion of Yamal either in the Euro Cup squad, or in the Barcelona first XI. I thought that he needed more time to settle in, before he plays competitive football at the highest level. But he seems to be doing well for Barca. He has been in good form so far this season in the La Liga, scoring 7 goals in just 15 matches. At international level also, he has performed exceptionally (especially in recent matches against Netherlands and France).

I'm not even a Yamal fan because, just like Balotelli (since you mentioned him), I don't like his attitude and behaviors, he gives me the impression he thinks he's already the best player in the world. I don't recall this type of behaviors from Messi, Ronaldo, or even more recently Mbappé and Haaland. Yamal's biggest problem is his own family. Balotelli was a different case, he was (is) just stupid. He had the abilities and the physique to be one of the best Italian strikers ever and he was only able to blame everybody but himself for his failures. He's one of the biggest regrets Italian football faced in his history.

Even though both of them are considered very cheeky players, if I may choose Yamal and Balotelli, I prefer Balotelli over Yamal, why is that? Because Balotelli is still surrounded by Italian legends to control his emotions in several matches, but it's different when playing at the club. If Balotelli plays for the Italian national team, he suddenly becomes kind and quiet, because he realizes he is playing with Italian legends such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and several other players, while Yamal has equaled himself with big players like Messi and C. Ronaldo and I am very sure that when Yamal moves clubs, it is unlikely that his name will sink like the names of other Barcelona players, plus the skills he has are not as good as what Messi did in his era.

[8rch7]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Many people not criticizing about Lamine Yamal performance for Barcelona and Spain national teams but his attitude lack respect with the opponent team players, for Yamal performance actually amazing during still young age have been success playing regular for Barcelona and Spain national teams its difficult did by many young players.
For World Cup 2026, Lamine Yamal will 18 years old and become his first debut for Spain team at world cup, if not injury I believe the right winger side at Spain team secure for him as regular position. Hope he can play well and keep respect with the opponent teams players how his respond when Portugal team won UEFA Nation League and Yamal won't giving honorable.

[Ale88]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Over-expectation can be a dangerous thing. If you have doubts, please ask Mario Balotelli. For my part, I was even against inclusion of Yamal either in the Euro Cup squad, or in the Barcelona first XI. I thought that he needed more time to settle in, before he plays competitive football at the highest level. But he seems to be doing well for Barca. He has been in good form so far this season in the La Liga, scoring 7 goals in just 15 matches. At international level also, he has performed exceptionally (especially in recent matches against Netherlands and France).

I'm not even a Yamal fan because, just like Balotelli (since you mentioned him), I don't like his attitude and behaviors, he gives me the impression he thinks he's already the best player in the world. I don't recall this type of behaviors from Messi, Ronaldo, or even more recently Mbappé and Haaland. Yamal's biggest problem is his own family. Balotelli was a different case, he was (is) just stupid. He had the abilities and the physique to be one of the best Italian strikers ever and he was only able to blame everybody but himself for his failures. He's one of the biggest regrets Italian football faced in his history.

Even though both of them are considered very cheeky players, if I may choose Yamal and Balotelli, I prefer Balotelli over Yamal, why is that? Because Balotelli is still surrounded by Italian legends to control his emotions in several matches, but it's different when playing at the club. If Balotelli plays for the Italian national team, he suddenly becomes kind and quiet, because he realizes he is playing with Italian legends such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and several other players, while Yamal has equaled himself with big players like Messi and C. Ronaldo and I am very sure that when Yamal moves clubs, it is unlikely that his name will sink like the names of other Barcelona players, plus the skills he has are not as good as what Messi did in his era.

I wish it was like that... Google what Chiellini said about Balotelli and his behaviors even when he was playing for Italy: he literally said Balotelli is the type of player that completely ruins the chemistry of the team. Many Italian players couldn't really stand his attitude, he always thought he was more important than the rest of the team. He's never been a team player. If Balotelli had 1/10 of Cristiano Ronaldo's hunger, he would have been a generational player.

[pewboy]

Also, many dignitaries attends the event for different purposes which this one of no difference just because of where it's hosted and who is the current President of America. As for ticket fees I don't think there would be any rising cost as you're speculating because everything has being planned already.

The World Cup has always been an economic event and always will be, i remember that in Italy all the stadiums have been redone, we are talking about an event of epic dimensions and this brings a lot of tourism and money, it is clear that this makes the economy grow, and it is right that it should be so

[dollyamo]

Vinicius is extremely overrated and with the Brazilian team he's been a complete disaster, I wouldn't even make a comparison with Ronaldo, it's offensive for the Portuguese. And about Yamal, dude, he is 18 years old, what do you expect from him? He already played an incredible Euro Cup when he was only 16-17, you can't really complain about him.

I think that like every generation there is an end and they have come to the end, an end that i never expected to see sincerely because i am very fond of them and i would have liked it to never end but it is over and this thing needs a change that must take place now in

[Daniel91]

Vinicius is extremely overrated and with the Brazilian team he's been a complete disaster, I wouldn't even make a comparison with Ronaldo, it's offensive for the Portuguese. And about Yamal, dude, he is 18 years old, what do you expect from him? He already played an incredible Euro Cup when he was only 16-17, you can't really complain about him.

I think that like every generation there is an end and they have come to the end, an end that i never expected to see sincerely because i am very fond of them and i would have liked it to never end but it is over and this thing needs a change that must take place now in

I agree, the era of Messi and Ronaldo has come to an end, and it is time for some new players, new football stars, to take their place. 
I wouldn't agree that the Brazilian team is that bad; it's more that so far they have played more as a group of individuals and less as a team. 
If Ancelotti manages to organize the Brazilian team well and unite them around a common goal, Brazil will be very dangerous at the World Cup. 
Yamal has huge potential, but it is still too early to say whether he will become the next Ronaldo or Messi.

[martinom]

If Ancelotti manages to organize the Brazilian team well and unite them around a common goal, Brazil will be very dangerous at the World Cup. 
Yamal has huge potential, but it is still too early to say whether he will become the next Ronaldo or Messi.

Unfortunately, many players, coaches, and even fans don't understand that it's a team game, and as a result, playing individually never pays off.
If you play as a team, where each person fights for the common good of the team, it pays off in the long run.

[maknyos]

It's interesting to see the World Cup this time and it's interesting not because it's directly related to football, but it's closely related to politics, both the host of the World Cup and others.
The highlight is how the host can provide a sense of security to the spectators who come. The situation is now very hot and the World Cup is in sight. I am now not thinking whether the World Cup will be lively and memorable or not, I am thinking more about safety and comfort.

Last I read on X (formerly twitter) is that some organizations or journalists are beginning to ask some serious questions about the safety of this World Cup taking place in the US, Many are of the opinion that this Donald Trump second tenure is getting more involved into wars which he shouldn’t be getting into and some of the sanctions that they have placed are on countries that could potentially be at the world. So the question is those countries which have been banned from coming into America what happens to not just the players but the supporters also, are they going to be allowed in too for the tournament to support their nations and if yes hope their movement wouldn’t be restricted to certain level and what is their confidence in their security.

All this questions are genuinely good questions that could make the FIFA officials actually reconsider a decision because of the ever increasing wars in American but I don’t think with the way this current FIFA officials are romancing this trump administration, I don’t ever think they have the balls to actually take any action

America is so powerful that it will be very difficult for FIFA to negotiate, but it is their responsibility to make this World Cup safe and comfortable for everyone.
All those questions will be answered when the World Cup is officially on and I wouldn't be surprised if the fans aren't as enthusiastic as usual given what's happening right now. But if the situation starts to thaw, then maybe what we think will not happen and hopefully it will and we will see the World Cup as usual.

[Creeper0]

America is so powerful that it will be very difficult for FIFA to negotiate, but it is their responsibility to make this World Cup safe and comfortable for everyone.
All those questions will be answered when the World Cup is officially on and I wouldn't be surprised if the fans aren't as enthusiastic as usual given what's happening right now. But if the situation starts to thaw, then maybe what we think will not happen and hopefully it will and we will see the World Cup as usual.

We may be in for a questionable FIFA World Cup. We may not know yet how complicated US policy is, especially for fans who will find it difficult to support their team on the field. I even see the possibility of facing this complication for the players. Especially with Trump's war policy, the security of this World Cup is already in doubt. It would not be surprising if the fans don't get too excited on the field, maybe FIFA won't dare to talk to the Trump team about this.

[Mate2237]

FIFA is playing politics with football that is what I see, because from all indications and body language from the united states government under Trump is not ready to welcome people to their country. FIFA should take a stand on this and call trump to order. There is no way that trump will band people into his country when he knows that the world is is coming to his country. If this band is not lifted for countries that, has already qualified and is affected by this policy FiFA should revoke the hosting rights from them.



What trump is doing is against the spirit of sports and inclusion for all. This is a very wrong precedence that is been set by trump, don't be surprised that after this world cup were fans will be band from coming into the host  country, others subsequent hosts too will start to implement this by banding others from coming into their country.

[katanic97]

Many people criticize Yamal, but as you said, he already proved himself at the european championship at the age of 17. People can’t understand that he is under enormous pressure all the time and that form is not constant. They think that if he played 10 matches in a row well, he will automatically play the next one at the same level. Sometimes you need to "slow the ball down" a bit and look at Yamal’s situation with respect.The kid wears the number 10 shirt at Barcelona, won the european championship as you mentioned, and did all that at just 18 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, and even if he doesn’t win the world cup now, i’m sure he will win it at some point during his career

Many people not criticizing about Lamine Yamal performance for Barcelona and Spain national teams but his attitude lack respect with the opponent team players, for Yamal performance actually amazing during still young age have been success playing regular for Barcelona and Spain national teams its difficult did by many young players.
For World Cup 2026, Lamine Yamal will 18 years old and become his first debut for Spain team at world cup, if not injury I believe the right winger side at Spain team secure for him as regular position. Hope he can play well and keep respect with the opponent teams players how his respond when Portugal team won UEFA Nation League and Yamal won't giving honorable.

It will certainly be a big challenge for him and an additional source of pressure, but that’s something he has to learn to deal with. I’m sure a place in the team is waiting for him because Spain really needs Yamal. As for his behavior, what can really be expected? He’s still just a kid and will gain respect over time. Some players, like Vinicius Junior, still don’t know how to behave properly either, but they justify it with their good performances

[Ale88]

Vinicius is extremely overrated and with the Brazilian team he's been a complete disaster, I wouldn't even make a comparison with Ronaldo, it's offensive for the Portuguese. And about Yamal, dude, he is 18 years old, what do you expect from him? He already played an incredible Euro Cup when he was only 16-17, you can't really complain about him.

I think that like every generation there is an end and they have come to the end, an end that i never expected to see sincerely because i am very fond of them and i would have liked it to never end but it is over and this thing needs a change that must take place now in

Their era ended in 2022, after the World Cup. And, to be honest, it lasted even more than we could expect because seeing them playing at such high level even when they were already 35-37 years old is incredible. Just 15 years ago a 33-year-old player was almost ready to retire and these two were still scoring goals like crazy. We've been lucky to witness two legendary players fighting for almost 20 years. I don't know when we'll see again a rivalry like that.

[Warkop]

I'm not even a Yamal fan because, just like Balotelli (since you mentioned him), I don't like his attitude and behaviors, he gives me the impression he thinks he's already the best player in the world. I don't recall this type of behaviors from Messi, Ronaldo, or even more recently Mbappé and Haaland. Yamal's biggest problem is his own family. Balotelli was a different case, he was (is) just stupid. He had the abilities and the physique to be one of the best Italian strikers ever and he was only able to blame everybody but himself for his failures. He's one of the biggest regrets Italian football faced in his history.

Even though both of them are considered very cheeky players, if I may choose Yamal and Balotelli, I prefer Balotelli over Yamal, why is that? Because Balotelli is still surrounded by Italian legends to control his emotions in several matches, but it's different when playing at the club. If Balotelli plays for the Italian national team, he suddenly becomes kind and quiet, because he realizes he is playing with Italian legends such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and several other players, while Yamal has equaled himself with big players like Messi and C. Ronaldo and I am very sure that when Yamal moves clubs, it is unlikely that his name will sink like the names of other Barcelona players, plus the skills he has are not as good as what Messi did in his era.

I wish it was like that... Google what Chiellini said about Balotelli and his behaviors even when he was playing for Italy: he literally said Balotelli is the type of player that completely ruins the chemistry of the team. Many Italian players couldn't really stand his attitude, he always thought he was more important than the rest of the team. He's never been a team player. If Balotelli had 1/10 of Cristiano Ronaldo's hunger, he would have been a generational player.

Unfortunately it was in Chiellini's era because we know that during Gianluigi Buffon's leadership, Balotelli was not so aggressive in his behavior, of course we also remember the 2 goals he scored against Germany, when the era changed Balotelli was never called to the Italian national team even when Italy won the European Cup Balotelli did not feel that moment with his selfishness towards the team, if Spain still had a leader like Carlos Puyol, would Yamal be selfish and stubborn, of course he would not behave the same as Balotalli, a leader figure who influences and is able to control the ego of all players.

[verdinio]

Unfortunately, many players, coaches, and even fans don't understand that it's a team game, and as a result, playing individually never pays off.
If you play as a team, where each person fights for the common good of the team, it pays off in the long run.

Indeed there are many players who think that they are playing a game where you are alone and you win alone, but in reality the work is teamwork and it must be so if we want to win together, but you can't expect everyone to understand this, it must come from within!!

[BitBakerr1]

If Ancelotti manages to organize the Brazilian team well and unite them around a common goal, Brazil will be very dangerous at the World Cup. 
Yamal has huge potential, but it is still too early to say whether he will become the next Ronaldo or Messi.

Unfortunately, many players, coaches, and even fans don't understand that it's a team game, and as a result, playing individually never pays off.
If you play as a team, where each person fights for the common good of the team, it pays off in the long run.

Yes you correct it is a team play and not just a single player sometimes I hear people say Messi or Ronaldo has lifted this trophy and that trophy forgetting the other team players when the other team players don’t contribute very well there’s no way they can lift any trophies. I believe that all the team players work hand in hand to achieve a particular trophy. One individual cannot achieve a trophy. It is impossible. That is why when a team is united they usually do more better than when a team is not united and the responsibility of a coach is to make sure that the team is united and play as one.
When each team member is determine to put on his best performance they will lift a trophy easily this World Cup the best united team will surely lift the trophy.

[Daniel91]

If Ancelotti manages to organize the Brazilian team well and unite them around a common goal, Brazil will be very dangerous at the World Cup. 
Yamal has huge potential, but it is still too early to say whether he will become the next Ronaldo or Messi.

Unfortunately, many players, coaches, and even fans don't understand that it's a team game, and as a result, playing individually never pays off.
If you play as a team, where each person fights for the common good of the team, it pays off in the long run.

Yes you correct it is a team play and not just a single player sometimes I hear people say Messi or Ronaldo has lifted this trophy and that trophy forgetting the other team players when the other team players don’t contribute very well there’s no way they can lift any trophies. I believe that all the team players work hand in hand to achieve a particular trophy. One individual cannot achieve a trophy. It is impossible. That is why when a team is united they usually do more better than when a team is not united and the responsibility of a coach is to make sure that the team is united and play as one.
When each team member is determine to put on his best performance they will lift a trophy easily this World Cup the best united team will surely lift the trophy.

Yes, individual players do not win trophies, teams do. Just look at the teams that won medals at the last two World Cups, for example. In Russia 2018, Croatia won the silver medal, while top teams and favorites like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, Portugal, etc., did not win any medals. It was similar at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Third and fourth place were taken by Croatia and Morocco, while big teams and favorites like Brazil, Spain, Portugal, England, etc., again ended up without medals. A team that has team spirit and unity is stronger than a team with superstar players that does not play as a team and lacks team spirit.

[dollyamo]

I agree, the era of Messi and Ronaldo has come to an end, and it is time for some new players, new football stars, to take their place. 
I wouldn't agree that the Brazilian team is that bad; it's more that so far they have played more as a group of individuals and less as a team. 
If Ancelotti manages to organize the Brazilian team well and unite them around a common goal, Brazil will be very dangerous at the World Cup. 
Yamal has huge potential, but it is still too early to say whether he will become the next Ronaldo or Messi.

They will keep the appointment for a few more years, also participating in advertising campaigns, but on a sporting level as it should be, a cycle ends.
They really gave so much to football, but like everything starts and ends, maybe they end up as players and start with coaches or collaborators.
I honestly haven't picked out a player yet who truly plays at the level of Messi or Ronaldo.