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

[Rikafip]

This particular world cup may not be that interesting like others. What makes the world cup fun are the fans which backs their team when they are playing as this is a big tournament that comes only once in four years.

Just keep in mind that the world cup with the highest attednance is still the one from 1994, hosted by USA. And that was the time when it wasn't so easy to travel that far, and when football is not even remotely as popular in the US as it is now.

Having said that, I have no worries about this year's WC attendance. If nothing, it will be much better than the last one where Qatar had to hire "fans" to fill up the stadiums.

[BABY SHOES]

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.

I think the World Cup will be very beautiful even if played in America.

There have been very beautiful ones in the USA and they took place without too many problems. It is clear that this is a necessary thing, to instill that confidence that everyone is looking for and it is good that they continue to do so.

The World Cup will still be beautiful and lively wherever it is held, especially now that there is a lot of enthusiasm in the US even though some countries are banned due to sanctions.
Actually this is still uncertain news... some news on X/Twitter some countries sanctioned by the US can still watch the world cup directly there and there is no ban, on the other hand do not know if this news is true or false?

[$weetne$$]

I agree here and I think none of the drama that is going on right now will be off the table by the time the World Cup begins. There are so many political conflicts and erratic decisions by the president that I believe nobody is fully convinced that this event going to take place in a peaceful way. Too much damage has been caused in too many places, it will all be bloated and overshadowed by political agendas and I expect more to come. Mexico could be facing problems as a participant and more importantly as a host. If Trump denies visa to Mexicans, I doubt they won't react in one way or another. It is all messed up and therefore I fear you are right here that this World Cup will be different.

Clearly the signs are all over that the restrains we will be seeing in this world cup especially games hosted in the US will be a problem to the fans, some countries mostly of African origin will have a lot to battle due to the ban placed on most African states from visiting the US and then the political issues around hopefully does not interfere with the games at some point because it likely would seeing the way it has been handled and I agree that the presidents erratic decisions is a challenge that I am only hoping FIFA should discussed in Cleer terms what they expect so they do not get the games disrupted if a case should come up.

[verdinio]

The United States should host more of these events IMO. Apart from being the largest economy in the world, the US also hosts diasporas from most of the world's independent countries and dependent territories. If Qatar can host the 2022 event, then why not the US? I understand that there are still issues related to Visa and travel, but the American authorities will resolve them well before the start of the tournament. And we are all excited for this edition, as this is the first time that the tournament is allowing 48 participants. There will be a lot more representation from Asia and Africa in this edition.

I don't know, but something is missing in Europe, which is one of the cradles of football, and they are very important. i think this tournament is certainly beautiful, but i think there are some nations that are still missing out on the World Cup, and it's about time they returned to Europe.

[Dump3er]

I agree here and I think none of the drama that is going on right now will be off the table by the time the World Cup begins. There are so many political conflicts and erratic decisions by the president that I believe nobody is fully convinced that this event going to take place in a peaceful way. Too much damage has been caused in too many places, it will all be bloated and overshadowed by political agendas and I expect more to come. Mexico could be facing problems as a participant and more importantly as a host. If Trump denies visa to Mexicans, I doubt they won't react in one way or another. It is all messed up and therefore I fear you are right here that this World Cup will be different.

Recently in almost every edition, the FIFA World Cup has been surrounded by controversies. Perhaps the only exception to this rule was the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by Japan and South Korea. There were no controversies, and fans really enjoyed the tournament without any sort of issues. But the same sort of courtesy was not there during the 2006 edition which was hosted by Germany. Then it repeated in 2010 (South Africa) and 2014 (Brazil). Fans were complaining about crime and lack of proper planning. The 2018 edition, hosted by Russia was relatively better.

That sounds kind of baseless to me. I doubt that there were no political controversies in Russia in 2018 considering they annexed Crimea shortly before that. There were controversies in all those World Cups, but the nature of those conflicts might have differed. I think no matter what you do or expect from World Cups, it is literally impossible to host a World Cup fully free of any negative circumstances that involve politics. There is so much going on in the political world that perfect peace and harmony is not attainable.

[katanic97]

The United States should host more of these events IMO. Apart from being the largest economy in the world, the US also hosts diasporas from most of the world's independent countries and dependent territories. If Qatar can host the 2022 event, then why not the US? I understand that there are still issues related to Visa and travel, but the American authorities will resolve them well before the start of the tournament. And we are all excited for this edition, as this is the first time that the tournament is allowing 48 participants. There will be a lot more representation from Asia and Africa in this edition.

I don't know, but something is missing in Europe, which is one of the cradles of football, and they are very important. i think this tournament is certainly beautiful, but i think there are some nations that are still missing out on the World Cup, and it's about time they returned to Europe.

In my opinion, the european country that has been missing the world cup the most is Italy. If they fail to qualify through the playoffs, it will be the third world cup in a row that they miss. I’ve followed them many times, and when they won in 2006 i honestly thought they would continue to dominate. But a generational change and poor form did their damage.I truly hope we’ll see them at the upcoming world cup, because it would be a real shame if they don’t make it. Let’s not forget they won the european championship in 2020 (actually 2021 because of the pandemic), and since then it’s like they’ve completely lost their way ...

[Sithara007]

In my opinion, the european country that has been missing the world cup the most is Italy. If they fail to qualify through the playoffs, it will be the third world cup in a row that they miss. I’ve followed them many times, and when they won in 2006 i honestly thought they would continue to dominate. But a generational change and poor form did their damage.I truly hope we’ll see them at the upcoming world cup, because it would be a real shame if they don’t make it. Let’s not forget they won the european championship in 2020 (actually 2021 because of the pandemic), and since then it’s like they’ve completely lost their way ...

We have already discussed about Italy several times in this thread. They still have a good chance of making the cut for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Italy, I would say were a bit unlucky this time. They were placed in a tough group along with Norway and Israel. And their second round path is also not that easy. In the first match they will take on Northern Ireland. If they manage to win that one, they need to face the winners from the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match. At least on paper, Italy are the overwhelming favourites to win these matches. 

[Ale88]

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.

People keep making a big deal about Yamal's behavior and saying he's disrespectful to the other players, but I don't think it's necessary to make a big deal out of it. It's natural for a talented young player who's finding his identity on the pitch to act like that. We've seen plenty of players who might be worse than him, but none of them have been blown out of proportion like he was. I'm not condoning what he did, but it just feels like it's being blown out of proportion, and I think it's just unnecessary.

Historically players with this type of attitude didn't end up very well because, oftentimes, the more you're full of yourself, the more you stop pushing yourself. We mentioned Balotelli, he is the perfect example. We also have Antonio Cassano, another incredible player that ended up throwing his career away because he didn't have enough brain. I'm not saying this is going to be Yamal's future but he has to start acting more like a professional player and not like a spoiled kid. I understand he is extremely young but he is not a regular 18-year-old guy, he is worldwide famous, younger kids idolize him, so he also has some indirect responsibilities. Of course at the end the choice is up to him, he can be whoever he prefers to be, but players with that attitude usually don't last long because even the teammates get tired of them. I guess we'll find out in a few years.

[verdinio]

In my opinion, the european country that has been missing the world cup the most is Italy. If they fail to qualify through the playoffs, it will be the third world cup in a row that they miss. I?ve followed them many times, and when they won in 2006 i honestly thought they would continue to dominate. But a generational change and poor form did their damage.I truly hope we?ll see them at the upcoming world cup, because it would be a real shame if they don?t make it. Let?s not forget they won the european championship in 2020 (actually 2021 because of the pandemic), and since then it?s like they?ve completely lost their way ...

I think that Italy is no longer performing as it once was, it is clearly so, and everyone knows it, obviously there is always a chance if they qualify for the World Cup that national team is completely transformed and becomes a very difficult team to beat, it has always been like this

[JeffBrad12]

WC 2026 is gonna be huge since FIFA receives 500 millions ticket request. It's request guys not application that represent 500 million people. I remember WC in Qatar was also received 23.5 million ticket request and we know US population is far bigger than Qatar. So i think it makes sense. Let's say someone made multiple request for a few games combined with how big population in US too.
I know many doubting FIFA's credibility, but since it's based on the per request, not application. So the math could still make some sense.

[Webetcoins]

I remember well with latest edition at World Cup 2022 Qatar a lot of controversial exactly from top Europe former players not happy for appointing Qatar as the host, but when the world cup match playing well not any controversial or something bad happened. Some time many top teams not really happy if appoint the host from not popular country like South Africa at 2010 and Brazil edition 2014.

However when becoming the host so far all edition not any bad controversial happened and must appreciate the host country prepare well for the World Cup, for world cup edition 2026 I think has many crucial happening how the US president not giving access for all fans come from the specific teams already qualified to World Cup. I am interested if Iran playing at US stadium will easily get access from Donald Trump president or not?

You can't please everyone, so there will always be some controversies especially when the debate is about mega events like FIFA world cup which is always having chaos because FIFA is always under serious blames and problems due to the use of things for their own way as notified by other people here, from last 7 events just 1 or 2 are having fair and good rating, most others were suffered due to domestic issues.

Few big countries always use their influence and have things under their control because they believe it's their right, and they always use these for their own interest, currently too many conflicts with USA involved still things are heading and no one is going to talk against them, hopefully all will be okay, and we will have good sportsmanship in this event which is going to be great.

[Daniel91]

In my opinion, the european country that has been missing the world cup the most is Italy. If they fail to qualify through the playoffs, it will be the third world cup in a row that they miss. I?ve followed them many times, and when they won in 2006 i honestly thought they would continue to dominate. But a generational change and poor form did their damage.I truly hope we?ll see them at the upcoming world cup, because it would be a real shame if they don?t make it. Let?s not forget they won the european championship in 2020 (actually 2021 because of the pandemic), and since then it?s like they?ve completely lost their way ...

I think that Italy is no longer performing as it once was, it is clearly so, and everyone knows it, obviously there is always a chance if they qualify for the World Cup that national team is completely transformed and becomes a very difficult team to beat, it has always been like this

Italian football has been in crisis for years and it's no secret.
It all starts with the Italian league, which is weak and can no longer keep up with the strongest European leagues, the Spanish and English.
Italian clubs used to dominate European football, but that hasn't been the case for a long time.
Given the weaknesses of Italian clubs and the league, it's not surprising that the Italian national team is no longer as good and competitive as it once was and that there is a real possibility that they will miss the World Cup for the third time in a row.

[katanic97]

In my opinion, the european country that has been missing the world cup the most is Italy. If they fail to qualify through the playoffs, it will be the third world cup in a row that they miss. I’ve followed them many times, and when they won in 2006 i honestly thought they would continue to dominate. But a generational change and poor form did their damage.I truly hope we’ll see them at the upcoming world cup, because it would be a real shame if they don’t make it. Let’s not forget they won the european championship in 2020 (actually 2021 because of the pandemic), and since then it’s like they’ve completely lost their way ...

We have already discussed about Italy several times in this thread. They still have a good chance of making the cut for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Italy, I would say were a bit unlucky this time. They were placed in a tough group along with Norway and Israel. And their second round path is also not that easy. In the first match they will take on Northern Ireland. If they manage to win that one, they need to face the winners from the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match. At least on paper, Italy are the overwhelming favourites to win these matches. 

Well, Norway are top of the group with a perfect record and an impressive goal difference of 37:5, so they are convincingly in first place. It will be interesting to watch them and see whether they can make it as far as the Round of 16.You’re right, Italy do have good chances, but do you remember how they were knocked out by North Macedonia? Back then, they were also huge favourites on paper. Unfortunately, they failed to qualify.We’ll see what happens. Of course, everything points towards them qualifying, because N. Ireland, even though they reached the playoffs, struggles a lot when facing stronger opponents. The same goes for Bosnia, even with Dzeko in the team

[Alpha Marine]

I would say were a bit unlucky this time. They were placed in a tough group along with Norway and Israel. And their second round path is also not that easy. In the first match they will take on Northern Ireland. If they manage to win that one, they need to face the winners from the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match. At least on paper, Italy are the overwhelming favourites to win these matches. 

I'm sorry, but a group containing Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova is not a tough group. All they needed to do was be better than Norway, but they couldn't even get one point from them in two matches.
Right now, they just need to find a way to win Northern Ireland and focus on winning whoever qualifies between Wales and Bosnia.

I think they will be in group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland if they qualify. That is a group they can qualify out of. Based on Italy's current form, it will be difficult, but Canada and Qatar are not very exceptional to make things extremely difficult for Italy.
I guess they have to first focus on qualifying for the World Cup, but personally, I doubt Italy will make it to that World Cup. beating N. Ireland and then Wales is a big hurdle.

[banana33]

Historically players with this type of attitude didn't end up very well because, oftentimes, the more you're full of yourself, the more you stop pushing yourself. We mentioned Balotelli, he is the perfect example. We also have Antonio Cassano, another incredible player that ended up throwing his career away because he didn't have enough brain. I'm not saying this is going to be Yamal's future but he has to start acting more like a professional player and not like a spoiled kid. I understand he is extremely young but he is not a regular 18-year-old guy, he is worldwide famous, younger kids idolize him, so he also has some indirect responsibilities. Of course at the end the choice is up to him, he can be whoever he prefers to be, but players with that attitude usually don't last long because even the teammates get tired of them. I guess we'll find out in a few years.

Exactly, Balotelli has always been a mindless player who in fact has come to an unseemly end for his type of talent, even if many doubt it for me he wasted his talent, and i think that Yaval is also proving like this, this behavior of his i don't think is so right

[$weetne$$]

Few big countries always use their influence and have things under their control because they believe it's their right, and they always use these for their own interest, currently too many conflicts with USA involved still things are heading and no one is going to talk against them, hopefully all will be okay, and we will have good sportsmanship in this event which is going to be great.

The might and influence of states like the US is one that gives them so much power to wheel at almost anytime, they are able to influence quite a number of things globally of which this sports is included, like you have rightly put, our expectations will be concerned more with the successful hosting of the World Cup and a good spirit of sportsmanship displayed at every and any point necessary.

[m4r1o]

We have already discussed about Italy several times in this thread. They still have a good chance of making the cut for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Italy, I would say were a bit unlucky this time. They were placed in a tough group along with Norway and Israel. And their second round path is also not that easy. In the first match they will take on Northern Ireland. If they manage to win that one, they need to face the winners from the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match. At least on paper, Italy are the overwhelming favourites to win these matches. 

Let's say that they have a good chance of qualifying for the next World Cup and i think it is very likely that they will do it, Norway was practically perfect and Italy sat down and waited a little too long and Norway punished them for this they have to pay and do the play off

[bitgolden]

Frankolala You are correct in other for a team to win trophy in any competition they need to be united because if they are not united, they cannot support each other and they cannot play a team football if you check those clubs or team that are playing in unity you will see their kind of football is totally different on from those who are not United those that are united pass ball to each other and they don’t play greedy ball they pass the ball to the person that is more convenient to score a goal however, a team that is not united they will never pass to you as long as they don’t like you even though you are in a convenient position to score the goal. So unity is very important in football because without it a team cannot win any trophy.

This is true, you have to be a "team", before you are just talented. Playing long times together and getting used to each other is also a big part of this. Which is why France did so well in the past two world cups because it was basically bunch of people who played for many years together and still seen as the team to beat on this world cup too because they do play together for a long time. Argentina also won because most of those players played together for many years as well.

[giorgione]

That sounds kind of baseless to me. I doubt that there were no political controversies in Russia in 2018 considering they annexed Crimea shortly before that. There were controversies in all those World Cups, but the nature of those conflicts might have differed. I think no matter what you do or expect from World Cups, it is literally impossible to host a World Cup fully free of any negative circumstances that involve politics. There is so much going on in the political world that perfect peace and harmony is not attainable.

I think that these competitions must be independent of what happens in war zones, of course you cannot spit out a World Cup where there is a war, but you must allow national teams to participate in war so as to defuse the situation, it seems ridiculous to me to exclude sportsmen

[dollyamo]

I think that Italy is no longer performing as it once was, it is clearly so, and everyone knows it, obviously there is always a chance if they qualify for the World Cup that national team is completely transformed and becomes a very difficult team to beat, it has always been like this

Unfortunately yes, it's been 2 or 3 World Cups now that we haven't been at the top and not even at the European Championships
Unfortunately, we have to resign ourselves, my friend, we have to understand that there is a time for everything.
Maybe in 10 years everything will change and we'll be back as strong as we once were, never mind...