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

[Juicyhome]

Despite finishing last in their group, Sweden's qualification for the World Cup via the Nations League quota, playing two matches (and winning both), seems absurd to me. In my opinion, Sweden shouldn't be in this tournament.

why won't they be at the world, they fought for it and they deserved a slot, they didn't performed well in the group Stage and they got another opportunity to prove themselves and they did it, so they should be at the world cup.

Poland couldn't stop them in the last game, they deserve a slot , it's now left for them to perform or misuse this opportunity at the world cup.  They have a good squad, I feel they will try more than they did in the world cup qualify stage.

[giorgione]

If the whole situation came down to a single player getting a red card causing them to lose the world cup chance, then the problem is much bigger than that. Italy should have been already gone, and easily be winning. Bosnia is not at the level of Italy, they do not have the financials to do what Italians do and yet they have looked better, and we are blaming just luck or something?

Italy should have been at the world cup, no Italy in 2018 no Italy in 2022 and now no Italy in 2026 that is just shameful. They should be considering how this could change for the long term and they need to make sure they could do a lot better. Otherwise this is not going to work well for them at all, we are talking about much worse situation.

the truth is that Italy didn't know how to take advantage of everything that happened to them, the truth is that they didn't know how to manage the favorable events and they missed at least 5 goals scored that a Serie C attacker would have scored, this is what happened, in addition to the fact that years of very poor players played in Serie A and the environment did nothing to bring out new talents, but Gravina the FIGC president resigned for the better

[Webetcoins]

I know that Turkey is not  very strong. But are the other three teams in the group very strong ? I can not consider Paraguay, australia and USA to be  very strong. The performance of these three teams is also quite inconsistent. So Turkey has a chance to get points. I think the four teams here are equally strong. Paraguay might be a bit stronger. But this team's performance is also  inconsistent. They lost to Morocco in the  last match too.

Here I agreed with you about this because, this group is having teams with the same level of performance and quality. The USA is having a good home advantage, still they need to give their best to have a spot in the knockout round.

Most likely the USA and Paraguay can go through to the next round, but it's never been easy to predict about any team. Australia and Türkiye are looking on the same level, still things are going to be challenging because now soccer is not easy to predict about any match or team.

[Soonandwaite]

what the hell is going on in Italy today? after failing to qualify for the World Cup, federation president Gravina and sporting director Buffon have stepped down today.
a lot of media outlets and TV stations are reporting it now. it’s basically turning into a real national scandal. but honestly, i also think it’s a huge disaster
for Italian football. missing out in 2018, 2022, and now 2026 as well… that’s seriously a disgrace for Italy.

[Lida93]

Despite finishing last in their group, Sweden's qualification for the World Cup via the Nations League quota, playing two matches (and winning both), seems absurd to me. In my opinion, Sweden shouldn't be in this tournament.

Sweden didn't make the rule, it was UEFA that did, just as they similarly allow the winners of the Europa league and the FA cup winners to play in the champions league and Europa league respectively that's how Sweden got the slot.

Fortunately for Sweden this window has helped them secure a World Cup ticket which isn't appealing to a lot of people anyway, but I think Sweden has a good team that could compete favourably in the World Cup with top players like Gyokeres and Alexander Isak who could make a difference in the tournament.

[IceLincoln]

The various teams that have qualified for the World Cup 2026, so far the group that looks tough it terms of similar strength, is Group F with Japan, Netherlands and Sweden being the biggest contenders, but I really can't underestimate Tunisia too.

I think the swiss are celebrating italy elimination right now because Bosnia has been drawn in their group. That group is now an easy one for them.
I can see some difficulties in group I too, there are two top teams in France and Norway, but senegal can hold their own because they have got physicality, pace and a few strong players. Belgium have a very easy group.

From the look of things no team in the World Cup is a walk over everyone has to prove themselves on the pitch as special as this World Cup is, we’re going to witness some upsets. Argentina and Portugal seems to be having an easy group on paper but it might not be so when the tournament starts.
Senegal is a tough football nation and they’re surely going to hold their own against any team, I might not rate Norway above them maybe France but Norway might just be on their level or they might even be better.

[Adiljutt156]

Sweden beat Poland 3:2 to get their world cup ticket, this is the same Swedish team that failed to win a single match during the world cup qualifying rounds. With two draws and six losses they are in the world cup. Twelve goals conceded and four goals scored, bottom of the group but they are in the world cup today. I really don't understand how they qualified for the world play offs with just two points. I'm suspecting it's through the Nations league because that's the only logical explanation as to why they qualified for the play offs.

Poland national football team stats was excellent in this match because their shots were more in number and these were 14 in this match and 7 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 64 percent in this match which was very high quality performance by that player. Zalewski gave good start to his team in the first half of the match but after that players tried to make match interesting but opponent team tried to win this match and they won at the end of the match. The shots of Sweden men's national football team were only 9 in this match and 5 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 36 percent in this match and fouls of that team were 15 in this match

[BABY SHOES]

Most likely the USA and Paraguay can go through to the next round, but it's never been easy to predict about any team. Australia and Türkiye are looking on the same level, still things are going to be challenging because now soccer is not easy to predict about any match or team.

I don't know which national team in this group is great, because I rarely pay attention to national team matches except later when the WC starts... just now I checked the US vs Paraguay match so the US is the favorite... Australia vs Turkey then Turkey is the favorite, this is according to the bookie but the results may be wrong and the odds offered may change because the match is still long.

[bitgolden]

It is a more disappointing situation that Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup, this should be the second time in a row, Everyone would be disappointed that such a country like Italy wouldn’t be at the World Cup which is a very nasty situation for them and their country, it’s a very disappointing result, Italy is known as one of the biggest countries at World Stages and for something of this magnitude to have happened to them then I must say is something that cannot be taken, all the Italian players should be ashamed of themselves, and the Manager should be ashamed of himself for not qualifying for the World Cup, it’s a huge disappointment and a huge blow for them in this nasty predicament.

This is the third consecutive World Cup they have failed to qualify. This humilating four a four time champoins and a country with one of the biggest leagues in global football.

Why is everybody blaming only coach Gennaro Gattuso? It is not easy to play with ten men in such a competitive game. He was able to hold the Bosnia and Herzegovina team till the penalty. Penalty shootout is a game of luck.

Alessandro Bastoni would be the most hated player in Italy. He might consider leaving the country because his red card contributed to this disappointment.  

I agree that they do not have some of the best teams right now, after that golden age period they had, this new generation is not as good as the ones from before.

But I also think that is not based on just talent or anything, they are talented enough to be in the world cup, I also think it's a bit of unlucky situation and also about Gattuso mainly. With him at the helm, it is not going to happen, but previous world cups was not his fault neither. It's a weird team, winning Euros and then not going to world cup, I do not know what to think about them.

[letteredhub]

Sweden beat Poland 3:2 to get their world cup ticket, this is the same Swedish team that failed to win a single match during the world cup qualifying rounds. With two draws and six losses they are in the world cup. Twelve goals conceded and four goals scored, bottom of the group but they are in the world cup today. I really don't understand how they qualified for the world play offs with just two points. I'm suspecting it's through the Nations league because that's the only logical explanation as to why they qualified for the play offs.

Poland national football team stats was excellent in this match because their shots were more in number and these were 14 in this match and 7 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 64 percent in this match which was very high quality performance by that player. Zalewski gave good start to his team in the first half of the match but after that players tried to make match interesting but opponent team tried to win this match and they won at the end of the match. The shots of Sweden men's national football team were only 9 in this match and 5 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 36 percent in this match and fouls of that team were 15 in this match

This game was exceptional, the both teams actually met my expectations in terms of the goals scored by both teams and the timing of the goals, I would have loved to see both teams in the world cup but unfortunately it is not possible as only one of the two teams can only make it through,due to the playoff rules, fortunately it was Sweden that made it through after battling the polish side. Poland gave their best but were unlucky to have conceded another goal from the Swedish team and couldn't find the equaliser for the last time.

[BitBakerr1]

If something is not done quickly about the price of tickets for the World Cup I’m rest assure that a lot of matches stadiums will be empty. right now people that have bought earlier are not reselling at a very high price. I don’t believe someone we pay that amount of money just to watch football that you can comfortably watching in your house through TV. The World Cup is not meant for millionaires alone they should’ve considered the average and also the poor, who are willing to watch the World Cup, so while making the ticket so expensive I’m sure a lot of country contributed money for them to make the World Cup very interesting and peaceful so why charging that amount of money just for tickets this World Cup is the highest when it comes to tickets price and it’s very bad and no one is saying anything.

[hyudien]

Most likely the USA and Paraguay can go through to the next round, but it's never been easy to predict about any team. Australia and Türkiye are looking on the same level, still things are going to be challenging because now soccer is not easy to predict about any match or team.

I don't know which national team in this group is great, because I rarely pay attention to national team matches except later when the WC starts... just now I checked the US vs Paraguay match so the US is the favorite... Australia vs Turkey then Turkey is the favorite, this is according to the bookie but the results may be wrong and the odds offered may change because the match is still long.

I think Group D is roughly evenly matched, and perhaps the least favored team is Australia, but they have considerable World Cup experience, so they could be quite a surprise.

Yes, when I checked the odds at Stake, the favorite team is the same as you mentioned. I somewhat agree with the bookmaker's assessment, although in the Paraguay vs USA match, I think Paraguay is much better, but the USA is hosting this World Cup, so perhaps the bookmaker is taking that into consideration.
And as for Turkey vs Australia, Turkey is clearly the clear favorite here. I would favor Turkey in this group, they have a chance to dominate the group.

[Jaycoinz]

Sweden beat Poland 3:2 to get their world cup ticket, this is the same Swedish team that failed to win a single match during the world cup qualifying rounds. With two draws and six losses they are in the world cup. Twelve goals conceded and four goals scored, bottom of the group but they are in the world cup today. I really don't understand how they qualified for the world play offs with just two points. I'm suspecting it's through the Nations league because that's the only logical explanation as to why they qualified for the play offs.

Poland national football team stats was excellent in this match because their shots were more in number and these were 14 in this match and 7 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 64 percent in this match which was very high quality performance by that player. Zalewski gave good start to his team in the first half of the match but after that players tried to make match interesting but opponent team tried to win this match and they won at the end of the match. The shots of Sweden men's national football team were only 9 in this match and 5 shots were on target and possession percentage of that team was 36 percent in this match and fouls of that team were 15 in this match

This game was exceptional, the both teams actually met my expectations in terms of the goals scored by both teams and the timing of the goals, I would have loved to see both teams in the world cup but unfortunately it is not possible as only one of the two teams can only make it through,due to the playoff rules, fortunately it was Sweden that made it through after battling the polish side. Poland gave their best but were unlucky to have conceded another goal from the Swedish team and couldn't find the equaliser for the last time.

For me I still can't believe it that after all the poor performance that sweden had in this world cup qualifiers they still managed to pull their self out and finished the job qualifying. I had so much hope at the initial stages of the qualifications but the performance they put in was so poor that one would start to think with all the presence of the big strikers in the country why this bad performance because if zlatan was there he would have definitely had something to say but in the end they proceed their strength and commitment unfortunately for lewandoski and his country they will not be going.

[Richbased]

Türkiye is placed along with United States, Paraguay and Australia. And I won't be surprised if they finish at the bottom. First of all, Türkiye was unable to secure a qualification slot in the UEFA Round 1 Qualifier. They had to participate in the Round 2 Qualifier as a result. And look at the other teams. United States has the home advantage and also they are a strong team now. Paraguay is a CONMEBOL team and we should never underestimate teams from that confederation. And finally, Australia is one of the strongest teams from AFC and they have moved on from the Tim Cahill era.

Don't use the idea that Turkey struggled their way to the world cup through a qualification playoff and think that they will find it difficult to move to the next stages. Turkey team has a squad depth and they have quite some impressive players such as Arda Güler who plays at Real Madrid, Deniz Gül who plays for FC Porto and Yunus Akgün who plays at the Turkish team Galatasaray. Don't underrate Turkey because i see them as the favorites among the countries you listed. Paraguay being a CONMEBOL team doesn't make them special, am even seeing USA and Turkey as the teams that will take the first and the second positions in their group.

[Lillominato89]

What a disgrace our Italian national football team is!! For three years running, we’ve managed the feat of failing to qualify for the World Cup…
I think this is the greatest humiliation for a national team that boasts no fewer than four World Cup titles to its name.
The recent news about the play-off at Iran’s expense makes me feel even more ashamed of the whole situation.
Truly disappointed

[Taricoins]

what the hell is going on in Italy today? after failing to qualify for the World Cup, federation president Gravina and sporting director Buffon have stepped down today.
a lot of media outlets and TV stations are reporting it now. it’s basically turning into a real national scandal. but honestly, i also think it’s a huge disaster
for Italian football. missing out in 2018, 2022, and now 2026 as well… that’s seriously a disgrace for Italy.

It's wild seeing that they have missed 3 consecutive World Cup now and since they have nothing to play for I think now is the best to facilitate this huge managerial changes as it feels like it isn't just the gaffer that is the problem and I respect the decision of Buffon and Co to step down and now the can probably do a reform in preparation to the next International competition.

They were also giving the excuse that the Italian League, is too concentrated with foreign players.

[Alonso_]

If the whole situation came down to a single player getting a red card causing them to lose the world cup chance, then the problem is much bigger than that. Italy should have been already gone, and easily be winning. Bosnia is not at the level of Italy, they do not have the financials to do what Italians do and yet they have looked better, and we are blaming just luck or something?

Italy should have been at the world cup, no Italy in 2018 no Italy in 2022 and now no Italy in 2026 that is just shameful. They should be considering how this could change for the long term and they need to make sure they could do a lot better. Otherwise this is not going to work well for them at all, we are talking about much worse situation.

the truth is that Italy didn't know how to take advantage of everything that happened to them, the truth is that they didn't know how to manage the favorable events and they missed at least 5 goals scored that a Serie C attacker would have scored, this is what happened, in addition to the fact that years of very poor players played in Serie A and the environment did nothing to bring out new talents, but Gravina the FIGC president resigned for the better

I think the problem started from the scratch, the management body, the Italian FA, I think the Coach wasn’t really at fault for the situation they find themselves in right now, the Italian football is actually a mess right now if you see how the players are playing you will have to understand that everything isn’t going absolutely well for them, there are so many things that are happening behind the Scheme that we don’t understand, and we could possibly have a better knowledge and understanding about how things could possibly work for them, now they have to start rebuilding from the Italian League, there need to be some changes to get in some quality and talented players into the team, the National team lacks a good number of talent, and I don’t see any good recognizable striker, no disrespect to Moise Kean, He isn’t a world class striker, so it wouldn’t work out for them, they need to do something urgently to save their Football.

[Richbased]

What a disgrace our Italian national football team is!! For three years running, we’ve managed the feat of failing to qualify for the World Cup…
I think this is the greatest humiliation for a national team that boasts no fewer than four World Cup titles to its name.
The recent news about the play-off at Iran’s expense makes me feel even more ashamed of the whole situation.
Truly disappointed

Italy really made everyone look stupid by losing to Bosnia, it was beyond the belief of many people because everyone was supporting Italy to qualify but they disappointed woefully. It troubles me on how the Italian National team have downgraded so badly that they could miss up to 3 consecutive world cup, that's about 12 years because the last time they played at the world cup was in 2014 at Brazil. Well, seeing a country like Italy not making it to the world cup somehow gave me a relief as my country didn't qualify too because if a country like Italy could not qualify for world cup on 3 straight times, i don't need to blame my own country too much again.

[slapper]

Türkiye has the best squad quality and the most expensive roster in the group. I don’t think they’ll struggle in this group and i think will easily advance from it. I don’t think the mistakes made in the qualifiers will be repeated in the tournament. Because during the qualifiers, the players were competing under the weight and stress of having been unable to participate in the tournament for years, but now the situation has changed. After many years, Türkiye is back in the World Cup, and just as it did in the 2002 World Cup, it will make a name for itself in the 2026 World Cup as well.

Yes, Turkey has the best squad quality among the teams in their group at the 2026 World Cup. I also think Turkey will qualify from the group stage because of the teams Turkey will face in the group stage, perhaps only Australia is a bit tough to beat. Regarding the mistakes in the qualifying round, it's not about the pressure of not participating in tournaments for years, but more about the physical condition of the players because almost all of the Turkish squad have busy schedules with their respective clubs and that affects their performance when playing for the Turkish national team. Maybe Turkey will go far in the 2026 World Cup, but it seems difficult to repeat the achievements of the 2002 World Cup because the teams competing in the 2026 World Cup are on average very strong.

Australia is the only tough one? I was forced to read that again. I think people look at the squad values and stop thinking. Yes, Turkey are worth much more in the market. But football doesn't run on number.

I agree that game is dangerous for Australia. It is unlikely because of the reason you would guess. However, Turkey do not have a striker. Like, an actual striker. So when Australia sits deep and gets physical what will Turkey do? Cross it over to no one?

I do think they get out of the group. The World Cup format now is generous. All you need is one win and you are likely alright. But people acting like it'll be comfortable? I don't see it.

That fatigue point you have drawn is a problem, Guler in particular. Real Madrid have been working him hard in the champions league. He is twenty-one and is being requested to carry a national team. At some point that catches up.

[asriloni]

Sweden beat Poland 3:2 to get their world cup ticket, this is the same Swedish team that failed to win a single match during the world cup qualifying rounds. With two draws and six losses they are in the world cup. Twelve goals conceded and four goals scored, bottom of the group but they are in the world cup today. I really don't understand how they qualified for the world play offs with just two points. I'm suspecting it's through the Nations league because that's the only logical explanation as to why they qualified for the play offs.

Sweden was going to the world cup play-off through UEFA backdoor. I remind you UEFA allowed the four best-ranked Nations League group winners to get a pass to go to the WC play-off when they failed to make it through the the top 2 group winners. How lucky Sweden they were among the top four best ranked nation.

However, i'm seeing it as a ridiculous rules, though it's also applied for anyone.