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

[Dump3er]

-Unfortunately with what's going on in Mexico which has spark insecurities concerns across the globe as host of the prestigious tournament in the world, yet there's nothing much FIFA can do at this time due to the short timeframe left to the World Cup date. Four months to go, and which nation can prepare to replace Mexico within such short time.of 4 months. Both the government of Mexico and FIFA has to swift into action to calm the situation in order that football fans and players can have the confidence to embrace the competition without fear of any attack.

Northing is predictable at this point and I wish a person from Mexico would speak up and let us all know what this actually means.

Telling from the news, it looks terribly and while it is a long time to go until the event takes time, it is not looking good.
How long until this can possibly calm down?

[Sithara007]

Perhaps citizens of each of these countries are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to watch their favorite teams play. But for me personally, I wouldn't want to spend money to watch those matches - if it were a match between a big team, maybe I would pay the subscription fee to watch it, but since it's a less interesting team to watch, I'll just skip it and choose to watch the match highlights if they are available on YouTube. And I think that most Americans might think the same way I do, because they are still not that familiar with football, let alone watching matches from other countries, maybe they will think twice about spending some dollars just to watch a country they are not familiar with.

They probably need to spend thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars to watch these matches. Traveling from Asia to America is quite expensive, and the hotel rates are also pretty much unaffordable in states such as New Jersey, Massachusetts and California). But then, it is a lifetime opportunity to tell your grandkids that you were personally present at the stadium, when your country participated for the first time in the FIFA World Cup. Nothing beats that. India couldn't qualify this time, and the last time we qualified was back in 1950 (but the government refused to send a team). If India ever gets qualified, then personally I will not mind spending $10,000 or $20,000 to watch our matches.

[Ale88]

Just to name a few. Now, seriously, how much would you pay to attend one of these games? Because, honestly, I'm not even sure I would waste my time watching them on television, let alone spending $3-400 and all the time required to get to the stadium and back. Maybe I'm wrong but I really struggle to imagine American going at the stadium for Jordan vs Algeria or Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia...

Perhaps citizens of each of these countries are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to watch their favorite teams play. But for me personally, I wouldn't want to spend money to watch those matches - if it were a match between a big team, maybe I would pay the subscription fee to watch it, but since it's a less interesting team to watch, I'll just skip it and choose to watch the match highlights if they are available on YouTube. And I think that most Americans might think the same way I do, because they are still not that familiar with football, let alone watching matches from other countries, maybe they will think twice about spending some dollars just to watch a country they are not familiar with.

I mean, if not their own fans/citizens who else should spend money otherwise? In the last years I haven't been following football as much as I used to because I feel like now it's just about money (but this is a different topic), anyway, I repeat, maybe it's just me, but I can't name a single player from Jordan, Tunisia, Curaçao, Cape Verde, Panana... And I can name maybe 2-3 from New Zealand, Egypt, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Iran. I find it kind of surreal to think that in the best competition of the world we are going to have a bunch of unknown players. And don't get me wrong, I love when there is the underdog team that makes the miracle and qualifies (Iceland, Trinidad and Tobago with the legendary Yorke, Jamaica in 1998, just to name a few) but this is too much. FIFA only think more matches = more money, the quality of the matches is not important to them.

[tygeade]

The new world cup's format it's horrible, not for presence of little teams but for this tipe of triangular game. I prefer the old version of world cup: three match in a group stage and afer go with direct elimination.

I don't understand.

That is the same format being used this time as well, right? Each team will play 3 matches in group phase and after that it is do or die once they enter the Round of 32. The only difference is that the knockout stage now consists of 32 teams (and not 16 as was the case with previous editions). What this means is that along with the 24 first and second placed teams in each group, a total of 8 third placed teams will also qualify for the next phase. But then again, it is going to be a knockout. If any of these teams lose a single match, they are out of the tournament.

If I am not wrong it wasn't robin style in the format but more about points and what not, in any case, 48 teams is a lot more than it should be according to some people, I do not agree I want even more, I want 64, and I want groups to be just 4 teams as it is, and play 3 games and the top 2 goes up, then at 32 round they play etc etc, but I get that some people do not want that.

I think the new format isn't bad, and it's going to have more nations watching in and watching this. The Qatar one was horrible all the way until the semi finals or so, nobody cared about group games that much, maybe things like shocking results such as Germany etc, but aside from that it was boring, so with more nations maybe it will be more fun.

[letteredhub]

-Unfortunately with what's going on in Mexico which has spark insecurities concerns across the globe as host of the prestigious tournament in the world, yet there's nothing much FIFA can do at this time due to the short timeframe left to the World Cup date. Four months to go, and which nation can prepare to replace Mexico within such short time.of 4 months. Both the government of Mexico and FIFA has to swift into action to calm the situation in order that football fans and players can have the confidence to embrace the competition without fear of any attack.

Northing is predictable at this point and I wish a person from Mexico would speak up and let us all know what this actually means.

Telling from the news, it looks terribly and while it is a long time to go until the event takes time, it is not looking good.
How long until this can possibly calm down?

Don't know how long it could possibly calm and yeah, a mexican could actually be in better position to tell what's the condition of the situation really looking like out there than only what we're getting from news online. However, it still doesn't mirror differently that there's an insecurity issue over there in Mexico, a country where the world cup would be partly hosted as a co-host nation of the three nations to host the tournament.

Another relevant concern about replacing Mexico now is that how would FIFA decide on their fate in participating in the tournament as qualified participant as their qualification was automatic since they're hosting.

[Dump3er]

-

Don't know how long it could possibly calm and yeah, a mexican could actually be in better position to tell what's the condition of the situation really looking like out there than only what we're getting from news online. However, it still doesn't mirror differently that there's an insecurity issue over there in Mexico, a country where the world cup would be partly hosted as a co-host nation of the three nations to host the tournament.

Another relevant concern about replacing Mexico now is that how would FIFA decide on their fate in participating in the tournament as qualified participant as their qualification was automatic since they're hosting.

A big problem is that this cartel may want to use a big event like the World Cup to spread terror. I don't know how they work, but when they want revenge and punish the Mexican government for killing their leader, going after tourists during the World Cup with hidden bombs and other attacks would be the maximum damage they could cause. I am not sure if that is what they would do, but so far I think on TV they usually let civilians run off and don't kill them. Although there was this school bus they burned down and I didn't understand whether there were any people in there.

Either way if I was a visitor to that World Cup, I wouldn't go to Mexico with great feelings and expectations. If the cartel strikes just once days before the World Cup starts, there is no way the government could ensure safety for all visitors.

[Ale88]

A big problem is that this cartel may want to use a big event like the World Cup to spread terror. I don't know how they work, but when they want revenge and punish the Mexican government for killing their leader, going after tourists during the World Cup with hidden bombs and other attacks would be the maximum damage they could cause. I am not sure if that is what they would do, but so far I think on TV they usually let civilians run off and don't kill them. Although there was this school bus they burned down and I didn't understand whether there were any people in there.

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

[8rch7]

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

Seeing the impact destroy by cartels right now in Mexico I think not difference yet with the terrorist and cartel have destroy many public place its make not comfortable to be World Cup hose for Mexico. Has four months left before World Cup 2026 begin FIFA has decision to change the host or still giving an opportunity for Mexico keep become the host but must get guarantee for all teams participants playing there get highest security.
Have been few days the cartel destroy many public place in Mexico but FIFA still not release any announcement yet will Mexico keep become the host for World Cup or have been withdrew them due the internal conflict between government and cartel.

[TastyChillySauce00]

"A well-placed source within FIFA told The Athletic on Monday that the organization would only consider relocating World Cup games as a very last resort"

Source

For you guys who are still wondering whether the cartel case will push FIFA to relocate the World Cup from Mexico. So the answer is "NO". FIFA consider it as their last solution, which may be happening only if a big war between cartel vs Government to happen.
So if you're still wishing FIFA to change their mind, i believe they won't. The only war can stop them to hold WC event at Mexico. Let's hope it will be going smoothly without serious problem.

[Ahli38]

"A well-placed source within FIFA told The Athletic on Monday that the organization would only consider relocating World Cup games as a very last resort"

Source

For you guys who are still wondering whether the cartel case will push FIFA to relocate the World Cup from Mexico. So the answer is "NO". FIFA consider it as their last solution, which may be happening only if a big war between cartel vs Government to happen.
So if you're still wishing FIFA to change their mind, i believe they won't. The only war can stop them to hold WC event at Mexico. Let's hope it will be going smoothly without serious problem.

FIFA reportedly has full confidence in Mexico (Source). And I think it is unlikely that FIFA will move the World Cup from Mexico as they still have time before the next World Cup begins so hopefully conditions in Mexico will improve as soon as possible. However relocation of the World Cup could occur if the unrest there worsens or even threatens the safety of many lives. Mexico hopefully can be a suitable host for the World Cup as FIFA currently fully believes. We all hope that no bad news will come to the most anticipated event on earth.

[tbterryboy]

A big problem is that this cartel may want to use a big event like the World Cup to spread terror. I don't know how they work, but when they want revenge and punish the Mexican government for killing their leader, going after tourists during the World Cup with hidden bombs and other attacks would be the maximum damage they could cause. I am not sure if that is what they would do, but so far I think on TV they usually let civilians run off and don't kill them. Although there was this school bus they burned down and I didn't understand whether there were any people in there.

Either way if I was a visitor to that World Cup, I wouldn't go to Mexico with great feelings and expectations. If the cartel strikes just once days before the World Cup starts, there is no way the government could ensure safety for all visitors.

Few things are already clear and few other things are not comfortable even Mexican authorities already in contact with FIFA about this situation because now they are under pressure which is need to be addressed but it's never been easy for them to have all things clear in just few days, killing of cartel leader is not small issue in countries like this.

As per latest press release, FIFA authorities are also closely watching this because they also well aware how situations are going to take changes. Mexican government will never been happy if any decision going against them because they want to host matches but with this, it's not going to be easier for anyone while the USA is always able to handle these, maybe they will come ahead and bring solid solution before it's going too late for all.

[TastyChillySauce00]

"A well-placed source within FIFA told The Athletic on Monday that the organization would only consider relocating World Cup games as a very last resort"

Source

For you guys who are still wondering whether the cartel case will push FIFA to relocate the World Cup from Mexico. So the answer is "NO". FIFA consider it as their last solution, which may be happening only if a big war between cartel vs Government to happen.
So if you're still wishing FIFA to change their mind, i believe they won't. The only war can stop them to hold WC event at Mexico. Let's hope it will be going smoothly without serious problem.

FIFA reportedly has full confidence in Mexico (Source). And I think it is unlikely that FIFA will move the World Cup from Mexico as they still have time before the next World Cup begins so hopefully conditions in Mexico will improve as soon as possible. However relocation of the World Cup could occur if the unrest there worsens or even threatens the safety of many lives. Mexico hopefully can be a suitable host for the World Cup as FIFA currently fully believes. We all hope that no bad news will come to the most anticipated event on earth.

FIFA has been preparing this biggest football competition for years. It makes no sense if they're relocating the place when everything is still remain under control. Unless, the situation gets worsen. So an urdent plan should have taken by them.
So it's clear we're still seeing World Cup to happen at mexico. I believe everything will be going back to normal very soon.

I also think many parties include US is also monitoring the situation in mexico as well. Let's hope for the best.

[Sithara007]

A big problem is that this cartel may want to use a big event like the World Cup to spread terror. I don't know how they work, but when they want revenge and punish the Mexican government for killing their leader, going after tourists during the World Cup with hidden bombs and other attacks would be the maximum damage they could cause. I am not sure if that is what they would do, but so far I think on TV they usually let civilians run off and don't kill them. Although there was this school bus they burned down and I didn't understand whether there were any people in there.

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

IMO, the only safe scenario for Mexico to host the matches would be to shift all the matches from the other two cities to Monterrey. At the moment, a lot of violence is ongoing in the other two locations (Guadalajara and Mexico City). Monterrey is close to the US border and it is easier for the United States Armed Forces to deploy a few thousand soldiers in that region. Even this is not a 100% safe option. That said, the violence seems to be dying down. Official sources claim that only 73 people were killed, however unofficial sources put the death toll in three digits.

[verdinio]

And I think it is unlikely that FIFA will move the World Cup from Mexico as they still have time before the next World Cup begins so hopefully conditions in Mexico will improve as soon as possible. However relocation of the World Cup could occur if the unrest there worsens or even threatens the safety of many lives. Mexico hopefully can be a suitable host for the World Cup as FIFA currently fully believes. We all hope that no bad news will come to the most anticipated event on earth.

I don't think there are any grounds for moving the World Cup to Mexico, that's a small pretext, the venues will certainly be much safer than in many other parts of the country and this won't affect the competition, which will be held very soon and therefore must be organised as best as possible.

[letteredhub]

...

A big problem is that this cartel may want to use a big event like the World Cup to spread terror. I don't know how they work, but when they want revenge and punish the Mexican government for killing their leader, going after tourists during the World Cup with hidden bombs and other attacks would be the maximum damage they could cause. I am not sure if that is what they would do, but so far I think on TV they usually let civilians run off and don't kill them. Although there was this school bus they burned down and I didn't understand whether there were any people in there.

Either way if I was a visitor to that World Cup, I wouldn't go to Mexico with great feelings and expectations. If the cartel strikes just once days before the World Cup starts, there is no way the government could ensure safety for all visitors.

Returning calm to the state of Mexico requires strong synergy between the Mexican government and the rest of the countries in quelling the current unrest in a way that ensures the Cartel or whatever name they're called wouldn't dare to make any attacks during the time of theWorld Cup.Nonone cartel is bigger than the world security together against them, so I doubt if they would really be that stupid to attack and cause mayhem to the games and spectators.

Also, during the time of the tournament, tourists should be informed on red spot areas to avoid moving to, and security should be made adequate as necessary. We have being waiting for this event and it won't be nice to see it disrupted by violence, and for me especially I really want to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play his last World for Portugal.

[Hanadawa]

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

There will be many people from various countries, and if the Mexican cartels try to cause chaos and there are casualties, not only the United States, but also the countries whose citizens are killed will be implicated, and that's not what the cartels want. I don't think they would be stupid enough to cause chaos. They can kill and destroy public property as a form of protest, but killing citizens of other countries would be very risky. Especially if they are citizens of powerful countries in the world like England, France, Germany, or countries allied with the United States. But if security in Mexico continues to deteriorate, even if I had the opportunity to watch the World Cup, I wouldn't want to risk my life to go to Mexico. I just hope the situation improves. Because, quoted from various sources, it is stated that FIFA has no plans to move Mexico as the host, at least as of today.

[changaa]

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

We don't know that the cartels don't carry out terrorist attacks, but i don't think they're interested in not having these things in their own country. They're not like Islamic terrorism, which is much more infamous. They were having broader business problems, so i don't think the approach will be the same, it will be very different. That's why they believe there aren't any problems.

[banana33]

Seeing the impact destroy by cartels right now in Mexico I think not difference yet with the terrorist and cartel have destroy many public place its make not comfortable to be World Cup hose for Mexico. Has four months left before World Cup 2026 begin FIFA has decision to change the host or still giving an opportunity for Mexico keep become the host but must get guarantee for all teams participants playing there get highest security.
Have been few days the cartel destroy many public place in Mexico but FIFA still not release any announcement yet will Mexico keep become the host for World Cup or have been withdrew them due the internal conflict between government and cartel.

The World Cup will never change countries due to terrorist attacks, they will be very secure and protected areas, and the locals really like football and i think they also consider the World Cup as a great event to follow carefully, this is definitely very different from what happens in the Middle East.

[Ale88]

Usually the cartels don't do terrorist attacks, when they kill someone it's for their own reasons. Of course there are times when innocent people who get involved just because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing some terrorist attack during the World Cup would be a huge own goal for them because if American citizens get killed then the US Army could support the Mexican Army. They would just bring more attention to themselves, not a really smart move, especially when the whole world will be watching.

We don't know that the cartels don't carry out terrorist attacks, but i don't think they're interested in not having these things in their own country. They're not like Islamic terrorism, which is much more infamous. They were having broader business problems, so i don't think the approach will be the same, it will be very different. That's why they believe there aren't any problems.

What do you mean we don't know? Usually when there is a terrorist attack sooner or later we know who was behind him, many times it's the same organization that announces it because they are "proud" of what they did. Mexican cartels don't operate this way. Even in the areas with heavy touristic traffic is rare for a tourist to become a target unless he is involved in some shady business. You can just do a simple research online and see if you find any terrorist attacks performed by the Mexican cartels. I don't think you'll find much.

[beerlover]

Perhaps citizens of each of these countries are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to watch their favorite teams play. But for me personally, I wouldn't want to spend money to watch those matches - if it were a match between a big team, maybe I would pay the subscription fee to watch it, but since it's a less interesting team to watch, I'll just skip it and choose to watch the match highlights if they are available on YouTube. And I think that most Americans might think the same way I do, because they are still not that familiar with football, let alone watching matches from other countries, maybe they will think twice about spending some dollars just to watch a country they are not familiar with.

I mean, if not their own fans/citizens who else should spend money otherwise? In the last years I haven't been following football as much as I used to because I feel like now it's just about money (but this is a different topic), anyway, I repeat, maybe it's just me, but I can't name a single player from Jordan, Tunisia, Curaçao, Cape Verde, Panana... And I can name maybe 2-3 from New Zealand, Egypt, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Iran. I find it kind of surreal to think that in the best competition of the world we are going to have a bunch of unknown players. And don't get me wrong, I love when there is the underdog team that makes the miracle and qualifies (Iceland, Trinidad and Tobago with the legendary Yorke, Jamaica in 1998, just to name a few) but this is too much. FIFA only think more matches = more money, the quality of the matches is not important to them.

The world of football has changed a lot, spending 40-50 million on a player is normal now and nothing too exciting, back in the day those were prices for worlds best players and nowadays it's just an ordinary midfield for a midtable team. World Cup would of course be impacted by this, they can't just let everyone be however they want, because costs are rising as well.

It means they need to pick nations with big stadiums and money to spend, and a good touristic place too. Now Mexico is a big trouble for them because of what's going on there, and even USA is because of ICE, but if they do sell enough tickets, they could make good money. With more and more nations, there is a chance they can get more and more people to buy tickets.