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

[changaa]

Source

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

I understand FIFA rules forces team to play in the spot that they earned. However, it's kinda weird if FIFA keeps force them to play when their country is under serious conflict. At this point i think FIFA is only wanting to impose them fines. 

I think this is the moment to say no to war, but we cannot oppose business, unfortunately when war happens everyone ends up in the middle and nothing else is done other than this, messes happen for nothing, but Fifa can't do much they just have to obey whoever gives them money and can't do anything else.

[Italian Panic]

I think this is the moment to say no to war, but we cannot oppose business, unfortunately when war happens everyone ends up in the middle and nothing else is done other than this, messes happen for nothing, but Fifa can't do much they just have to obey whoever gives them money and can't do anything else.

In my view, politics and geopolitics should never interfere with sport. At certain levels sport is about freedom, ability and sacrifice you cannot deny an individual the chance to compete against others simply because their government makes the wrong decisions. I said this when Russian athletes were excluded from all sporting competitions and I say it now with regard to the Iranians.
If I were an Iranian footballer I wouldn’t give up on my dream of playing in a World Cup or competing in the Olympics, regardless of where the competition takes place.

[$crypto$]

Iran is being victimized multiple times here. First of all, they are getting bombed by Israel and the United States. And now FIFA is threatening to cancel their membership, if they refuse to travel to the United States. The most logical thing to do would be to allow Iran to withdraw and replace them with Iraq (as they finished next during the AFC Qualifiers). You can't force a team to travel to a venue where their players are not safe. But I don't expect much from FIFA, which has been proved to be a corrupt, teethless and biased organization. They became bullies only against weak teams.

Look at Donald Trump's statements always changing --- quoted from Athletic Football news. https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/2032129045152833721

The point is this: previously Trump invited Iran to be in this competition and guaranteed its safety --- and this morning Thursday Trump gave another statement saying it was inappropriate or did not guarantee the safety of players.

I think if Trump wants to be more stubborn, give a firm statement to FIFA that Iran should not participate in the World Cup.
But I believe the conflict will be long, FIFA will be in the spotlight because of political influence and considered corrupt.

[verdinio]

You don't have to hate them but what you have to do is to ignore them and don't watch their match because from the way you sounded, they will not do well the World Cup and they will be kicked out from the group stage. If you watch their games, you will have heart attack. Those are teams that are used to increase the number of teams in the World Cup.
I don't think that is his point. He wasn't actually criticizing Sweden because it's Sweden, he was criticizing the way Sweden earned its qualification to the playoff, and he's totally right. He is criticizing the system. I said the same thing several times, the qualification system is completely screwed up. Let's not forget that until the very end even San Marino had a chance to take part at the playoffs...

I don't think there is the possibility for them to have so much choice, this is a pure and simple political maneuver, they are only capable of causing victims, war should not like to exist, but when it does exist it has repercussions on everything including sport and football which should be the event that sets everyone free, but this is not the case

[Agbe]

but Fifa can't do much they just have to obey whoever gives them money and can't do anything else.

FIFA will like all the qualified countries to participate because they can make money from the large population but actions like this if Iran decided to stop his National Team to go to the World Cup, they can't sanction them. Iran government might told them that they don't have money to sponsor the team to US because of the war. As for me, let FIFA rollout Iran from the world cup because of the war.

Look at Donald Trump's statements always changing --- quoted from Athletic Football news. https://x.com/TheAthleticFC/status/2032129045152833721

The point is this: previously Trump invited Iran to be in this competition and guaranteed its safety --- and this morning Thursday Trump gave another statement saying it was inappropriate or did not guarantee the safety of players.

I think if Trump wants to be more stubborn, give a firm statement to FIFA that Iran should not participate in the World Cup.
But I believe the conflict will be long, FIFA will be in the spotlight because of political influence and considered corrupt.

 In the second paragraph of what Donald Trump said, it has no watertight words. Example. I am waiting in a war with someone and in the process there is a general competition which I will participate too and my enemy is from that country the event will take place and a third party mediator discuss with him and he said, I should come to the event. I don't think I will go because he has already said I should not go. And I can't risk my children to that competition. Let FIFA forget Iran in the World Cup.

[retreat]

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

It's Iran's right to withdraw from the World Cup amidst a war between them and the United States. So what does FIFA expect from them if they continue playing in this situation? FIFA is ridiculous if they imposing disciplinary action on Iran, as they didn't want this war. Why don't they also impose sanctions on the United States? Are they so afraid of the United States that they only pressure countries that have no power within this organization? Absolutely ridiculous.

[Ruttoshi]

In my view, politics and geopolitics should never interfere with sport. At certain levels sport is about freedom, ability and sacrifice you cannot deny an individual the chance to compete against others simply because their government makes the wrong decisions. I said this when Russian athletes were excluded from all sporting competitions and I say it now with regard to the Iranians.
If I were an Iranian footballer I wouldn’t give up on my dream of playing in a World Cup or competing in the Olympics, regardless of where the competition takes place.

US is in war with Iran and the world cup matches will majorly, be played in US. That imposes a threat on Iran players because their lives aren't safe from my own point of view. It's just like walking into your enemies territory. The players wouldn't even feel happy staying in the US and the ongoing war must definitely affect their performance.

The highest FIFA can do is to fine them and not to ban them because it will be an unfair punishment based on the challenges on ground for the Iranians. I know Trump will support the ban and make it possible if he can.

[MArsland]

In my view, politics and geopolitics should never interfere with sport. At certain levels sport is about freedom, ability and sacrifice you cannot deny an individual the chance to compete against others simply because their government makes the wrong decisions. I said this when Russian athletes were excluded from all sporting competitions and I say it now with regard to the Iranians.
If I were an Iranian footballer I wouldn’t give up on my dream of playing in a World Cup or competing in the Olympics, regardless of where the competition takes place.

US is in war with Iran and the world cup matches will majorly, be played in US. That imposes a threat on Iran players because their lives aren't safe from my own point of view. It's just like walking into your enemies territory. The players wouldn't even feel happy staying in the US and the ongoing war must definitely affect their performance.

Trump has assured that the World Cup will be held safely, but this is still not something that participants from their respective countries can accept. Iran decided to withdraw from the competition due to the actions of the US. I think this World Cup is quite bad for all national teams, because one US carelessness makes the football festival the most frightening place to visit.

If FIFA were fair it would be the US that would be sanctioned, but you know that will never happen.

[Pumared]

Recently, they posted the Brazilian national team's second jersey. In a dark blue tone. A totally new and modern design. What did you think of this new jersey and what do you think of the national team jerseys in general? Do you think they are differentiating themselves or is everything the same? I believe there could be record sales for the national teams going to the World Cup.

[Wakate]

Source

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

I think FIFA should better know what they are doing and stop the penalty aspect to any nation that is choose to withdraw themselves from the world cup tournament. We can see that Iran is in serious war with the United States and Israel and if this war does not end soon, I don't think Iran will be able to participate in the world cup tournament I am very sure that Iran will want to distabilize the world cup competition by any means possible.

[KTChampions]

Well, the situation was resolved quickly and in a simpler way than I expected.

Well, I don't want to say I told you but...

... but you were wrong 
It turned out that the sports minister's opinion did not constitute an official refusal to participate in the competition.
At the moment, Iran is giving the right to the USA and FIFA in disgracing themselves by not helping them in resolving (which is 99.9% likely to be resolved in the withdrawal of Iran) this thorny issue.
Let's see how it all ends "officially," but I like Iran's calm and the way they're playing the game so wisely.

[JeffBrad12]

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

It's Iran's right to withdraw from the World Cup amidst a war between them and the United States. So what does FIFA expect from them if they continue playing in this situation? FIFA is ridiculous if they imposing disciplinary action on Iran, as they didn't want this war. Why don't they also impose sanctions on the United States? Are they so afraid of the United States that they only pressure countries that have no power within this organization? Absolutely ridiculous.

FIFA is basically has no power when it comes to this. You know how powerful Trump with his position as US president. Since WC is also being hosted at US. So FIFA doesn't wanna let the money go away by against Trump's decision.
This is why Trump has FIFA in his hands. No doubt Trum can do anything, but FIFA will do nothing caused by FIFA doesn't wanna risk to lose their money. What we see it's the reflection of the politcal hacks atm.

[7juju]

Source

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

I understand FIFA rules forces team to play in the spot that they earned. However, it's kinda weird if FIFA keeps force them to play when their country is under serious conflict. At this point i think FIFA is only wanting to impose them fines. 

Were the rules written yesterday or was it written when the war started that it was written .These rules were written years ago and I believe that Iran, as a federation member were equally represented when they made the rules and agreed, that if anything like this happened that such nation will face ban, and all members agreed, so why will the rules change now, is it because Iran is affected? FIFA should follow their rules, and if the rules say ban Iran for withdrawing from the world cup, so shall it be. No victimisation in this case, that narrative will not fly. Iran should get banned if they withdraw. So that next time when people are making rules that could affect anyone tomorrow, they should be carefully considered.

[Ale88]

Well, the situation was resolved quickly and in a simpler way than I expected.

Well, I don't want to say I told you but...

... but you were wrong  
It turned out that the sports minister's opinion did not constitute an official refusal to participate in the competition.
At the moment, Iran is giving the right to the USA and FIFA in disgracing themselves by not helping them in resolving (which is 99.9% likely to be resolved in the withdrawal of Iran) this thorny issue.
Let's see how it all ends "officially," but I like Iran's calm and the way they're playing the game so wisely.

They are calm because I'm pretty sure football and the World Cup participation is at the bottom of their priorities. Surely they will still have to make some declarations, probably they'll try to also gain some international sympathy with the right words, but it's hard to think they really care about football due to the current situation. And even if FIFA will be so ridiculous to penalized them, I'm sure they won't care. Infantino is becoming worse than Blatter, there is something very wrong with these Swiss presidents...

[Sithara007]

Recently, they posted the Brazilian national team's second jersey. In a dark blue tone. A totally new and modern design. What did you think of this new jersey and what do you think of the national team jerseys in general? Do you think they are differentiating themselves or is everything the same? I believe there could be record sales for the national teams going to the World Cup.

It looks stunning.

It was kind of boring to see them in the yellow/green jersey all the time. The new colors are a welcome change and it really looks good. But how often will they use this particular jersey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup? From what I heard, this will be their 2nd jersey (therefore not the first preference). In Group C, along with Brazil we have the following teams - Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Does anyone know in which of the group phase matches the blue jersey will be used? Their first match will be against Morocco, at the MetLife Stadium in New York and that will take place on 13th June.

[retreat]

-snip-

It's Iran's right to withdraw from the World Cup amidst a war between them and the United States. So what does FIFA expect from them if they continue playing in this situation? FIFA is ridiculous if they imposing disciplinary action on Iran, as they didn't want this war. Why don't they also impose sanctions on the United States? Are they so afraid of the United States that they only pressure countries that have no power within this organization? Absolutely ridiculous.

FIFA is basically has no power when it comes to this. You know how powerful Trump with his position as US president. Since WC is also being hosted at US. So FIFA doesn't wanna let the money go away by against Trump's decision.
This is why Trump has FIFA in his hands. No doubt Trum can do anything, but FIFA will do nothing caused by FIFA doesn't wanna risk to lose their money. What we see it's the reflection of the politcal hacks atm.

That is what we call hypocrisy. On the one hand, they claim they do not want to involve politics in football, yet they clearly side with the United States and its allies, who wield greater influence within this organisation - a situation that leads them to apply double standards to countries that lack such power. It is actually quite repulsive to see them engaging in such practices whilst continuing to uphold their claims of “fairness”.

[Fiatless]

Source

Imagine a country withdraw themselves due to the ongoing conflict happened in their country. Yet, they potentially to be pinalized by FIFA if they are withdrawing themselves from World Cup 2026. If they really get a ban by FIFA after their country bombed. I have no word for FIFA other than "disgusting".
If it's happening, i'm sure this World Cup is gonna be absolute joke.

I understand FIFA rules forces team to play in the spot that they earned. However, it's kinda weird if FIFA keeps force them to play when their country is under serious conflict. At this point i think FIFA is only wanting to impose them fines. 

The President of the host nation has said that the security of the Iranian football national team and its officials is not guaranteed. FIFA wants these players to go and risk their lives in a nation that is an enemy. Can FIFA guarantee the security of these patriotic Iranians?  FIFA would prove that it is biased if Iran is sanctioned for withdrawing from the competition. If any country deserves a sanction, it should be the US for making it difficult for people to enjoy the World Cup.   

[Lida93]

Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup despite Trump’s safety assurance

I first saw the news in our continental football thread in the forum and I made a research on it and I found out that it is true the Iran will not play/participate in the 2026 was world. I have said this here. In normal human sense, Iran will not participate in this world cup because of the war.

Under normal circumstances, Iran wouldn't play in the World Cup where the host is a country that is involved in a conflict with them, I think they would be more concerned about the safety of their player because FIFA may not be able to guarantee that,
Moreover, I don't think anybody would want to participate in a tournament whose host is one of those bombarding their country, what if they deny the Iranian team visas, these and many more are the thoughts  that the Iranian football federation could have considered before arriving at this conclusion,

[Jaycoinz]

Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup despite Trump’s safety assurance

I first saw the news in our continental football thread in the forum and I made a research on it and I found out that it is true the Iran will not play/participate in the 2026 was world. I have said this here. In normal human sense, Iran will not participate in this world cup because of the war.

Under normal circumstances, Iran wouldn't play in the World Cup where the host is a country that is involved in a conflict with them, I think they would be more concerned about the safety of their player because FIFA may not be able to guarantee that,
Moreover, I don't think anybody would want to participate in a tournament whose host is one of those bombarding their country, what if they deny the Iranian team visas, these and many more are the thoughts  that the Iranian football federation could have considered before arriving at this conclusion,

It would be a crazy idea for them to participate in that world cup knowing fully well the crazy things that Mr Trump can do. Even though Trump has said it fines believe that answer is probably the most unstable answer to get from him because the dude is like a ticking time bomb and all the kiges and welfare of those Iranian players are at stake of which like you said can't he guaranteed by FIFA at all.

[Agbe]

It would be a crazy idea for them to participate in that world cup knowing fully well the crazy things that Mr Trump can do. Even though Trump has said it fines believe that answer is probably the most unstable answer to get from him because the dude is like a ticking time bomb and all the kiges and welfare of those Iranian players are at stake of which like you said can't he guaranteed by FIFA at all.

The target of Trump is the military in Iran and if Iran is sending their National Team to the world cup, they will send their own security personnels for the trip. And if Trump notice that, things might not go well there again. So with all those calculations, Iran too will not allow his football team to go there. But they might go to the other hosting countries to play if FIFA arrange everything well for them. If all the Iran games will be played in the Canada and Mexico.