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

[Fiatless]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

[Adbitco]

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

How will they even prepare with the ongoing crisis in their region, very soon other national teams will be playing their respective friendlies in preparation for the world cup proper, I don't think Iran will be in this category considering the tensions in the region right now, will the government of Iran even pay attention to something like the football federation of the counting a time like, the country is not a footballing country so I wouldn't be surprised if the government of Iran doesn't provide the football federation with what they need. It will be in the interest of both FIFA and Iran if Iran national team is allowed to boycott the tournament, this is because most part of it will be held on the soil of USA and it's this same USA that's having problems with Iran, of course they wouldn't feel welcomed if they happen to go for the tournament. In my little opinion, they should be granted this permission to boycott.

[coinlary]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

I recall seeing the particular news some days back, there havn't  been any  any response from FIFA then but I doubt they would be doing that with what's also going on in Mexico too. There's no perfect option for.them,  but still looking forward to FIFA conclusions regarding that.
To the group stage, you do know Egypt and Belgioum are in the same group  right? I will  just consider them more for 3rd place if NewZealand doesn't  give the other two  teams a  tough time.

[Jaycoinz]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

Even if the group is a tight group I believe Iran themselves are actually not a bad side and they have played very well in the previous world cup atleast they put on some show to entertain their fans and moreover football is one funny sport filled with so many surprises so we can't tell for sure the outcome of their participation on the competition. Is FIFA actually sanctioning Iran because of so then the following countries that are in war with them should also be sanctioned too

[el kaka22]

Neymar being there, even if not playing, just as a leader, would be better than whoever they are thinking as the last person to add that team. I mean they can remove anyone they want and just put Neymar there and even if he doesn't get single second of playing in any of the games, just being there with his teammates and giving them mentorship and leadership would be great for the locker room. I do not remember how many people are going, was it 25 per team?

I mean pick 24 for their talents, and whoever 25th was, replace that with Neymar. I know that he is not fit, and he is not doing great, but I bet that he could still get you some great moments if you sub him in too, just sub him late, make him play the last 10-20 minutes and he will be fit enough to do great for you.

[Lida93]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

Well I think the Iranian football federation are looking for legitimate reasons to actually boycott the world cup because it is practically impossible for all the matches that the Iranians would participate in to be played in one location, that might only be possible if FIFA agrees to it, it is a tournament that is being co-hosted by three nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States of America and at such they might have to visit at least two out of these three nations but due to recent occurrence regarding the conflicts between the US and Israel and Iran, FIFA might step to give Iran some preferences as regards their match venue, except that is done , I don't see Iran participating in this forth coming world cup.

[retreat]

-snip-
In my little opinion, they should be granted this permission to boycott.

Iran doesn't need to boycott this tournament since they have no issues with FIFA, but they will boycott the US as the host of this World Cup and that is quite reasonable because the situation between the two countries is very bad at the moment, so Iran has a strong reason to boycott the country. But it is possible that Iran will also have problems with FIFA if FIFA does not heed their request to play in Mexico and continues to insist that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged, because it is impossible for Iran to continue playing in the US after Trump said that the US is closed to them.

[Odusko]

-snip-
In my little opinion, they should be granted this permission to boycott.

Iran doesn't need to boycott this tournament since they have no issues with FIFA, but they will boycott the US as the host of this World Cup and that is quite reasonable because the situation between the two countries is very bad at the moment, so Iran has a strong reason to boycott the country. But it is possible that Iran will also have problems with FIFA if FIFA does not heed their request to play in Mexico and continues to insist that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged, because Iran can't continue playing in the US after Trump said that the US is closed to them.

Really in times of war like this, countries tend to take actions that can send signals to the rest of the war about their conditions and what they stand for in the war, this FIFA world there is a high likelihood that Iran will definitely not participate and that can be because of multiple factors all related to the ongoing war.

[puloweh555]

-snip-
In my little opinion, they should be granted this permission to boycott.

Iran doesn't need to boycott this tournament since they have no issues with FIFA, but they will boycott the US as the host of this World Cup and that is quite reasonable because the situation between the two countries is very bad at the moment, so Iran has a strong reason to boycott the country. But it is possible that Iran will also have problems with FIFA if FIFA does not heed their request to play in Mexico and continues to insist that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged, because it is impossible for Iran to continue playing in the US after Trump said that the US is closed to them.

Iran has officially announced that they will not participate in the upcoming World Cup which will be held in the US. Given the escalating war situation and the lack of guarantees for their safety, withdrawing may be the right choice even though they will also face sanctions. Regarding Iran's boycott of the US and their request to relocate to Mexico, I think it will be a dead end because FIFA will not grant that request.

Perhaps a boycott could occur if all major countries such as Spain, England, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy, joined Iran in voicing similar concerns. FIFA might listen. However, if a country like Iran or Russia boycotts the election, FIFA will not grant it. This is like opposition within FIFA, as FIFA is now unfair in its decision-making.

If the host country were another country the international community would certainly react and revoke its hosting rights. But with the US as the host FIFA cannot do much because FIFA has a double standard when making decisions. They seem afraid of sanctioning the US and Israel.

[Franctoshi]

Iran has officially announced that they will not participate in the upcoming World Cup which will be held in the US. Given the escalating war situation and the lack of guarantees for their safety, withdrawing may be the right choice even though they will also face sanctions. Regarding Iran's boycott of the US and their request to relocate to Mexico, I think it will be a dead end because FIFA will not grant that request.

Perhaps a boycott could occur if all major countries such as Spain, England, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy, joined Iran in voicing similar concerns. FIFA might listen. However, if a country like Iran or Russia boycotts the election, FIFA will not grant it. This is like opposition within FIFA, as FIFA is now unfair in its decision-making.

If the host country were another country the international community would certainly react and revoke its hosting rights. But with the US as the host FIFA cannot do much because FIFA has a double standard when making decisions. They seem afraid of sanctioning the US and Israel.

That's actually a normality thing that every other country that finds themselves in this situation would do, because your country can't be at war with US, and still participate in a FIFA competition in the country that's at war with them, your enemy in quote, what the Iranian football team did is justifiable because it's what every other country would do as well.

[Mr Reporter]

-snip-
In my little opinion, they should be granted this permission to boycott.

Iran doesn't need to boycott this tournament since they have no issues with FIFA, but they will boycott the US as the host of this World Cup and that is quite reasonable because the situation between the two countries is very bad at the moment, so Iran has a strong reason to boycott the country. But it is possible that Iran will also have problems with FIFA if FIFA does not heed their request to play in Mexico and continues to insist that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged, because Iran can't continue playing in the US after Trump said that the US is closed to them.

Really in times of war like this, countries tend to take actions that can send signals to the rest of the war about their conditions and what they stand for in the war, this FIFA world there is a high likelihood that Iran will definitely not participate and that can be because of multiple factors all related to the ongoing war.

Honestly it really depends on what the FIFA are saying well to my own judgment I feel the only Iran can play this World Cup is if there no most on going war against the other countries but since they are having war at their end I think it should not even hold..if I was there football federation it would not even take place until the the wars are been settled or till everything dies down but as it stands I don’t think that even happening any time soon for that…

[yixichloro2xx]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

Iran should just forget this world cup, since FIFA can't grant their request. With this ongoing war I don't expect them to play on US soil and the Iranian officials and Fans won't be allowed by the United state government to enter the country.  Killing Ayatollahs has created more hate in the Iranian hearts. Even if the war was to end before the world cup , the tension and hate won't stop. Normally they have low chance of qualifying from their group stage. I don't feel any hype around this year world cup, I don't know if it's only me. I heard the Official world cup song today, it was so bad.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I do have a bad feeling about this World cup though. I think there's higher risk of terrorism happening in US than in Mexico, looking at the current political and military climate.

It won't be like that. The USA isn't that stupid either. They'll reinforce security like you have no idea. They're not that inexperienced. That's what happened in other countries, but in the USA they'll put up incredible security. For me, it will be a success. The countries that don't want to go are just making excuses. Lately, I haven't liked what FIFA has done. First, they took the cup away from AF Senegal. The last thing they can and should allow is for them to withdraw. And any team or nation that withdraws should receive a tremendous sanction of at least four World Cups, I'm sure they won't go again.

[Ale88]

Mixed signals are coming regarding Iran. According to Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), they will boycott the matches if they are being scheduled in the United States, but would participate in the tournament in case their matches are shifted to Mexico. On the other hand, some of the other countries have requested to move their matches from Mexico to the United States, given the drug violence in that country. Iran is placed in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and in case they participate, there is a good chance that they will qualify for the next round.

I don't think Iran has any plans of playing the World cup. They were inclined to play if their games was shifted to Mexico but I doubt it'll happen. US will not budge for such requests especially against a country they are currently at war against. Regarding Mexico, I'm sure it'll be safeguarded by the time World cup kicks about. US will help make sure there aren't any hiccups for the world cup. It is already not a good look that they are at war with another country while a major global event is going to take place in their country.
I do have a bad feeling about this World cup though. I think there's higher risk of terrorism happening in US than in Mexico, looking at the current political and military climate.

I don't understand why you're worried about possible terrorist attacks in Mexico, by who? The carteles? So you think they would start killing random people from all over the world in order to gain what exactly? We have just seen like the US took Maduro out of Venezuela and how they attacked Iran, do you think at this point they would have any problem wiping away some narcos? Killing a bunch of tourists, Americans included, would be extremely stupid.

[shinratensei_]

I do have a bad feeling about this World cup though. I think there's higher risk of terrorism happening in US than in Mexico, looking at the current political and military climate.

This sounds BS. US has captured Maduro. They were also assasinated so many learders of other countries. They break so many security barrier of other countries. At this point, it's getting weird when you're questioning their capability to secure the current World Cup.  they can prevent any terrorism to happen in their country.
The fact that even some World Cup participant requested to change their vanue from mexico to US. it shows how they have trust issue to the mexico more than US.

[Sithara007]

I don't understand why you're worried about possible terrorist attacks in Mexico, by who? The carteles? So you think they would start killing random people from all over the world in order to gain what exactly? We have just seen like the US took Maduro out of Venezuela and how they attacked Iran, do you think at this point they would have any problem wiping away some narcos? Killing a bunch of tourists, Americans included, would be extremely stupid.

No one is questioning the military strength of the American Armed Forces. But in any conflict, there will be collateral casualties. Even during the ongoing US-Iran war, dozens of civilians have died in GCC nations such as Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. US forces will be able to wipe out the cartels from Mexico. But what will happen if they attack the visiting teams and some of the players get injured? It will be similar to the controversy that erupted after the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre. What the organizers need is to contain the cartels. "Wiping out" will not work here.

[Ale88]

I don't understand why you're worried about possible terrorist attacks in Mexico, by who? The carteles? So you think they would start killing random people from all over the world in order to gain what exactly? We have just seen like the US took Maduro out of Venezuela and how they attacked Iran, do you think at this point they would have any problem wiping away some narcos? Killing a bunch of tourists, Americans included, would be extremely stupid.

No one is questioning the military strength of the American Armed Forces. But in any conflict, there will be collateral casualties. Even during the ongoing US-Iran war, dozens of civilians have died in GCC nations such as Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. US forces will be able to wipe out the cartels from Mexico. But what will happen if they attack the visiting teams and some of the players get injured? It will be similar to the controversy that erupted after the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre. What the organizers need is to contain the cartels. "Wiping out" will not work here.

But what conflict are you talking about? Here there is no conflict, Mexico is no a war zone, no one is attacking them. Everything would be started by the cartels because right now no one is really going after them since there are corrupted politicians who protect them. If they choose to start killing innocent people because they are pissed off for whatever reason then they would be the ones digging their own grave. If they mind their business during the World Cup and don't do anything stupid then everything will be business as usual. They start killing random tourists for whatever reason? Good luck to them.

[Lillominato89]

I do have a bad feeling about this World cup though. I think there's higher risk of terrorism happening in US than in Mexico, looking at the current political and military climate.

This sounds BS. US has captured Maduro. They were also assasinated so many learders of other countries. They break so many security barrier of other countries. At this point, it's getting weird when you're questioning their capability to secure the current World Cup.  they can prevent any terrorism to happen in their country.
The fact that even some World Cup participant requested to change their vanue from mexico to US. it shows how they have trust issue to the mexico more than US.

It strikes me as odd that the World Cup is being held in the United States of America, yet some national teams are based in Mexico!
Given how vast the US is, couldn’t they have found a place to put them?
Come on, lads, let’s be serious. America is at the forefront when it comes to security.
Do you really think that during such a major event as the World Cup they would neglect something as crucial as security? I certainly don’t think so. Of course, something could always happen, but the chances are very slim.

[Slow death]

Tomorrow we have World Cup qualifying matches from the European zone, these are playoff games. Turkey will play against Romania, in this game Turkey is the big favorite, with odds of @1.45 while Romania has odds of @6.40. I'm wondering if you bet on this game. Another interesting game tomorrow will be Denmark against North Macedonia, in this game Denmark is the favorite to win, with odds of @1.33 while North Macedonia has odds of @9.00. I'm also thinking of putting Denmark in my parlay bet.

Italy also plays tomorrow against Northern Ireland and in this game Italy is the favorite, in case Italy wins they have odds of @1.32 while Northern Ireland has odds of @9.60. I'm thinking of adding Italy to my parlay bet. These are very important games. If Italy, Denmark, and Turkey lose tomorrow, then they can't blame anyone if they don't qualify for the World Cup. Because if they can't win against weak opponents, then it's better that they don't even make it to the World Cup.

[snipie]

There are claims that FIFA has rejected Iran's request, which means that they will not be in the World Cup. The Iranian government has also made it clear that it is boycotting the US and not the World Cup. Which means they shouldn't be sanctioned by FIFA.

It is normal to see FIFA rejecting that request because FIFA is worried that any move could anger the US so rejecting that is the safest measure. Besides, it is not normal to see other countries willing to move outside of Mexico because of violence or Canada because they have a problem with bears or whatever reason.

I don't think Iran would find that Group easy if they were participating. Belgium and Egypt are quality sides that might emerge as favourites to qualify for the next round in Group G.

I totally agree with that. Egypt is not weak at all and Belgium used to be one of the best teams. Even though these two teams dropped in performance but they remain good ones. Nevertheless, Iran could challenge them and try to sneak with points difference by getting a victory and two draw for example.