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

[Publictalk792]

I really don't expect anything from Fifa since the moment I saw Blatter refusing to award the World Cup trophy to Italy back in 2006 because he wanted France to win. And I was 18 years old at the time. I already knew how corrupted he was but doing something like that while the whole world was watching was a clear example of how they don't even try to hide the corruption, they know they are untouchables. I'm simply disappointed because things keep getting worse and worse. That is also one of the reasons I follow football way less compared to the past.

World cup final in 2006 is big event to most of fans, as when Sepp Blatter did not give trophy to Italy, it was clear act of disrespect and dishonesty. In general, FIFA President is always there to give trophy, but Blatter said that he did not go to stop being shouted at by crowd, however, this was not very believable excuse considering his clear dislike against Italian team. This event showed that ruling leaders of sport were above rules and they did not care about old traditions in any way and this finally led to bigger troubles with regard to how future world cup hosts were chosen. Even as 2026 world cup is played, most people are less likely to watch football than they did ten years ago, as they believe it has been turned into a business at cost of politics and wealth. Although players continue to play great on field, many of true fans cannot ignore dishonesty and greed going on in boardrooms behind scenes.

[Sithara007]

World cup final in 2006 is big event to most of fans, as when Sepp Blatter did not give trophy to Italy, it was clear act of disrespect and dishonesty. In general, FIFA President is always there to give trophy, but Blatter said that he did not go to stop being shouted at by crowd, however, this was not very believable excuse considering his clear dislike against Italian team. This event showed that ruling leaders of sport were above rules and they did not care about old traditions in any way and this finally led to bigger troubles with regard to how future world cup hosts were chosen. Even as 2026 world cup is played, most people are less likely to watch football than they did ten years ago, as they believe it has been turned into a business at cost of politics and wealth. Although players continue to play great on field, many of true fans cannot ignore dishonesty and greed going on in boardrooms behind scenes.

Well.. what do you really expect from Sepp Blatter? He has been in suspension ever since 2015, after being charged with corruption. If he was in the United States, then he would have been behind bars by now. Anyway, although he was suspended, his decisions were not overturned. And this shows how toothless the FIFA actually is. Blatter is credited with spreading the game to Asia and Africa, and giving more power to these regions. But at the same time, countries such as Qatar started to dominate continental confederations. Selection of Qatar as a host for the 2022 edition was another blot in his career.

[Ale88]

I really don't expect anything from Fifa since the moment I saw Blatter refusing to award the World Cup trophy to Italy back in 2006 because he wanted France to win. And I was 18 years old at the time. I already knew how corrupted he was but doing something like that while the whole world was watching was a clear example of how they don't even try to hide the corruption, they know they are untouchables. I'm simply disappointed because things keep getting worse and worse. That is also one of the reasons I follow football way less compared to the past.

World cup final in 2006 is big event to most of fans, as when Sepp Blatter did not give trophy to Italy, it was clear act of disrespect and dishonesty. In general, FIFA President is always there to give trophy, but Blatter said that he did not go to stop being shouted at by crowd, however, this was not very believable excuse considering his clear dislike against Italian team. This event showed that ruling leaders of sport were above rules and they did not care about old traditions in any way and this finally led to bigger troubles with regard to how future world cup hosts were chosen. Even as 2026 world cup is played, most people are less likely to watch football than they did ten years ago, as they believe it has been turned into a business at cost of politics and wealth. Although players continue to play great on field, many of true fans cannot ignore dishonesty and greed going on in boardrooms behind scenes.

And I'll tell you more: since I disliked Blatter so much and I'm Italian, I was even happy Cannavaro didn't receive the trophy from him. So beating France in a World Cup final and Blatter acting like a spoiled crying baby while the whole was watching, was pretty satisfying. Of course it's been a huge defeat for football, we like to watch a game managed by extremely corrupted individuals, and that is just sad.

[banana33]

Even as 2026 world cup is played, most people are less likely to watch football than they did ten years ago, as they believe it has been turned into a business at cost of politics and wealth. Although players continue to play great on field, many of true fans cannot ignore dishonesty and greed going on in boardrooms behind scenes.

We all know that Sepp Blatter is a controversial character and seeing him go up in smoke with his plans was even more beautiful than winning the World Cup, this is excellent, a great reason to enjoy it even more, FIFA is a truly pitiful and pathetic organization, always finding agreements where it is more convenient for them, truly shameful.

[m4r1o]

I have always been curious to see if Iran would be granted pass to play in the world cup since they are directly involved with the current conflicts that's going on in the middle east with bombing and strikes, as for the USA they are the ones hosting the world cup and it guarantees them automatic tickets but they too are actively involved in the war of which others like Russia have been sanctioned for so it's really not going to look good for FIFA if they actually not do anything which is quite clear since the USA are phasing their course as a just course.

FIFA can afford to pursue interests with everyone because, being a sporting body, it can have the excuse of bringing peace through sport, but in reality it doesn't care about anything and only thinks about money, like everyone else. They are clearly in agreement with everyone, including the US, who have certainly promised them money.

[JeffBrad12]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

[Zlantann]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

Donald Trump has said he doesn't care if Iran decides to boycott the competition. Iran might decide to withdraw from the World Cup if it feels the US will be unsafe or to protest the attack by the US. The fans who support Israel and the war might be hostile to them. They might also find supporters since the US has a high number of Muslims. If they are sure of their safety, I think they should go. It could also be a platform to show the world their grievance. Maybe in the course of the tournament, Iran might play against the US and it will be an opportunity to battle on the pitch.   

[Volgastallion]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

Iran cant make anything, they are not relevant in football, so world cup can continue easily without them, is gonna be sad if they end up not playing? Yeah for sure, but i can guarantee both FIFA and the people of football is not gonna give a shit about it.

If they were a much better know team like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, England , etc that can be a whole diferent thing.

[verdinio]

I am simply disappointed because things keep getting worse and worse. That is also one of the reasons i follow football way less compared to the past.

yeah, everyone knows that they are super corrupt and that FIFA is an organization that makes agreements with everyone. No one is surprised anymore if they cause problems and jeopardize the already disastrous conditions of world football. Having teams play in belligerent nations already seems absurd to me, but if it's okay with everyone, who am i to say no?

[giorgione]

The past and present FIFA presidents are both corrupt. It would not be strange for Infantino to benefit from the scenario of all this because maybe this has been planned for a long time, what can be made now? Just enjoy it and how the US and FIFA game goes.

In my opinion, the United States and FIFA are closely linked, due to political and economic agreements, otherwise many things cannot be explained, and i think they have also reached economic agreements with Saudi Arabia and the rest of the nations where these competitions are organised. Money is always involved. Personally, i will only watch the matches that concern my national team, i think i will boycott the rest.

[cande86]

And I'll tell you more: since I disliked Blatter so much and I'm Italian, I was even happy Cannavaro didn't receive the trophy from him. So beating France in a World Cup final and Blatter acting like a spoiled crying baby while the whole was watching, was pretty satisfying. Of course it's been a huge defeat for football, we like to watch a game managed by extremely corrupted individuals, and that is just sad.

I was also happy, it was a revenge against everyone and that's how you get Fifa and Blatter are the same side of the same coin, corrupt until the end and unfair towards everyone just to reach their goal, that night was a real lesson in football and diplomacy, they will not forget it

[katanic97]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

It will probably remain a big question until the world cup actually begins. If the conflicts continue, there won’t even be a question about whether Iran will participate or not. Everything needs to calm down , wars lead nowhere, only to destruction. Instead of enjoying football this year, it looks like we’ll have to keep listening to news from war zones, which honestly feels crazy in this day and age. Everyone is hoping for peace

[Odusko]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it happen. However, it's gonna happen if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, I'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

First of all what you should know is that, there have not been official news to confirm this speculation about Iran replacement in the FIFA world cup after being qualified for the world cup from their play off stage, first what FIFA can do in any possible situations like that if Iran spot is to get replaced, the team that lost in the final qualifying stage can become the next to fill their slot, so technically this speculation may still play out if the situation becomes a reality.

[retreat]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

With the tense political situation between Iran and the US, it's highly likely that they won't participate in this year's World Cup. Since they're scheduled to play all three of their group games in the US, it's only logical that they'd choose not to participate in a country they're currently at war with. Unless FIFA finds a solution, Iran might consider participating, but my feeling is that they won't participate and will choose to withdraw, both for political reasons and the safety of their players.

[Sithara007]

With the tense political situation between Iran and the US, it's highly likely that they won't participate in this year's World Cup. Since they're scheduled to play all three of their group games in the US, it's only logical that they'd choose not to participate in a country they're currently at war with. Unless FIFA finds a solution, Iran might consider participating, but my feeling is that they won't participate and will choose to withdraw, both for political reasons and the safety of their players.

I mentioned this before. It is highly likely that Iran will be replaced by Iraq. Under current circumstances, there is zero chance that they will travel to the United States. But overall, it will have very limited impact on the success of the tournament. Iran is no longer considered as the strongest Asian team. Saudi Arabia and Australia have overtaken them, and even the stagnating teams such as Japan and South Korea can be considered as stronger than Iran. But this will setup a bad precedent IMO. Different rules for different teams, and exclusion of certain teams doesn't go with the overall idea of having a world cup.

[Hanadawa]

It will probably remain a big question until the world cup actually begins. If the conflicts continue, there won’t even be a question about whether Iran will participate or not. Everything needs to calm down , wars lead nowhere, only to destruction. Instead of enjoying football this year, it looks like we’ll have to keep listening to news from war zones, which honestly feels crazy in this day and age. Everyone is hoping for peace

I doubt the World Cup will even be held if the conflict continues. If the current conflict continues until the World Cup is held, the attention of people around the world will be divided, making the World Cup less exciting than in previous years. The United States and Mexico, as hosts, also increase the risk that people will not travel due to concerns about their safety. And not only will Iran be unable to participate in the World Cup; other Middle Eastern countries will also be unable to play peacefully while their countries are in conflict zones.

yeah, everyone knows that they are super corrupt and that FIFA is an organization that makes agreements with everyone. No one is surprised anymore if they cause problems and jeopardize the already disastrous conditions of world football. Having teams play in belligerent nations already seems absurd to me, but if it's okay with everyone, who am i to say no?

FIFA has long been considered one of the most corrupt organizations in the world. They place money above the philosophy and principles of football. As long as they have the money, they'll do anything. This is truly unfortunate, as FIFA should be an organization that upholds the spirit and fairness of football itself. I wonder if there's another football organization capable of unseating FIFA as the world's number one football organization.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

FIFA has long been considered one of the most corrupt organizations in the world. They place money above the philosophy and principles of football. As long as they have the money, they'll do anything. This is truly unfortunate, as FIFA should be an organization that upholds the spirit and fairness of football itself. I wonder if there's another football organization capable of unseating FIFA as the world's number one football organization.

Nah that's impossible I think. FIFA is the top dog, there is no other worldwide football organization I think. Also, basically all the countries have contracts with FIFA. If you ever wanted to have change every nation need to break their contracts at the same time to weaken the top. Only then, MAYBE, there is a chance to bring this giant to fall. But we all know, that never gonna happen. Money dictates everything and even if some nations would choose to take a different route, money can persuade the smaller ones to stay on FIFA's side.

[Crytohillss]

I'm hearing the concern regarding IRAN participation in the world cup. The crysis at the middle east is likely making Iran not to participate in the World Cup. If it's true, UEA/IRAQ will be a replacement for IRAN in the world cup. The thing that sounds weird is that how can UEA is also gonna be a candidate to get IRAN's spot while they lost to IRAQ at the Asian playoff.
So it raises me a question regarding what reason that makes it to happen. However, it's gonna happen on if IRAN decides not to attend at World Cup. Meanwhile, i'm also seeing FIFA still works to ensure everyone can participate.

With the tense political situation between Iran and the US, it's highly likely that they won't participate in this year's World Cup. Since they're scheduled to play all three of their group games in the US, it's only logical that they'd choose not to participate in a country they're currently at war with. Unless FIFA finds a solution, Iran might consider participating, but my feeling is that they won't participate and will choose to withdraw, both for political reasons and the safety of their players.

I have been seeing those talks lately but for now it still feels like a lot of speculation FIFA usually tries to keep politics from affecting the tournament and will likely push for Iran to participate if they qualify.  If anything changes they will be probably disqualified until then it is best to wait for an official statement rather than relying on rumors.

[jostorres]

I doubt the World Cup will even be held if the conflict continues. If the current conflict continues until the World Cup is held, the attention of people around the world will be divided, making the World Cup less exciting than in previous years. The United States and Mexico, as hosts, also increase the risk that people will not travel due to concerns about their safety. And not only will Iran be unable to participate in the World Cup; other Middle Eastern countries will also be unable to play peacefully while their countries are in conflict zones.

I have always said it since USA world cup was public information, after Qatar, all looks fine. I do not care if Mexico has cartel issues, I do not care if USA is at war with Iran, all of those look small compared to what Qatar did, literally tens of thousands of people died to make that world cup happen.

USA would have been at war with Iran even if they weren't hosting World Cup, those two things have nothing to do with each other at all, but Qatar would have not been a disaster if World Cup wasn't given to them. So no matter what happens next, it won't be as bad as Qatar, but obviously still not good.

[Agbe]

I have been seeing those talks lately but for now it still feels like a lot of speculation FIFA usually tries to keep politics from affecting the tournament and will likely push for Iran to participate if they qualify.  If anything changes they will be probably disqualified until then it is best to wait for an official statement rather than relying on rumors.

Before we say things like this, we have to analyze the actions and the events surrounding. US is hosting the world cup and Us is having a serious war with Iran, do you think Iran will go and play in US? US will also be afraid of suicide bombing by Iranian revolutionaries, and Iranians are not on the stable mine for now. Many have render homeless. Players have scattered around the middle East. So it will be hard for them to participate.