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

[Sithara007]

Proven by the fact that the world cup has gone to 48 teams and there is like one more extra game or something if I am not wrong? Either it was 1 or maybe 2 if I am wrong. So you could increase it to 64, and you would have maybe like 4 more games than it used to, and 2 more than now, and you would still solve it. This is mostly knock out stages, meaning you half the number every time you play one game.

So at 64 teams, you bring out 32 teams to knock out stages, that means every team plays 3 teams at group, then last 32, then last 16, than last 8, then last 4, then final, so the team that plays the most games still plays only 8 games only that's it, even with 3 games between each other, that's less than a full month.

Rather than average number of matches being played by each team, a lot or critics look at the overall duration of the tournament and that's where a lot of the criticism is coming from. The last time we had a 24-team world cup was in 1994, when the tournament was hosted by the United States. Total number of matches was 52. In the next edition (France 1998), the number of participants got increased to 32, and the total number of matches got increased to 64 (29 tournament days). And with the current edition, number of participants have been increased to 48, and the total number of matches goes up to 104 (39 tournament days).

[bitgolden]

Majority of italian players get 5 - 6 figures from playing on the club. It makes no sense to accuse them doing shady by let Bosnia to took the win caused by Italian federation rejected the demand for the Bonus. I also remind you 300k was for a whole team. So each player would get 10k averagely. It's small money compared how big exposure they would get if they were able qualify for the WC, but sadly they're not. I believe this is not true.

Its also a little bit unfair to Bosnian players as well, seeing that when you say that Italian players did not play as well as they should because they did not get the bonus they demanded, you are also de facto saying that Bosnian players would normally have no chance of winning and the only reason they won was because Italians did not play well knowingly due to demands.

That's not the case, Bosnians played better, and of course red card had more to do with it than anything else regards to bonus.

[Sithara007]

Its also a little bit unfair to Bosnian players as well, seeing that when you say that Italian players did not play as well as they should because they did not get the bonus they demanded, you are also de facto saying that Bosnian players would normally have no chance of winning and the only reason they won was because Italians did not play well knowingly due to demands.

That's not the case, Bosnians played better, and of course red card had more to do with it than anything else regards to bonus.

In the end, Italy couldn't qualify and Bosnia managed to qualify. That's all that matters. And for Italy, I don't know what more can be done. They have some of the most talented footballers in the world. But for some reason, they haven't qualified for the FIFA World Cup ever since 2014. This is like some sort of a curse going on. And this time, additional slots were added for UEFA, and yet they failed to qualify. BTW, I don't think that the demand for bonus by Italian players had any impact on the match. If you check the stats, you can see that it was Bosnia who had the larger % of possession and higher number of attempts.

[paco92x]

Rather than average number of matches being played by each team, a lot or critics look at the overall duration of the tournament and that's where a lot of the criticism is coming from. The last time we had a 24-team world cup was in 1994, when the tournament was hosted by the United States. Total number of matches was 52. In the next edition (France 1998), the number of participants got increased to 32, and the total number of matches got increased to 64 (29 tournament days). And with the current edition, number of participants have been increased to 48, and the total number of matches goes up to 104 (39 tournament days).

Wow, that’s a big increase from 29 days to 39 days. I didn’t even see that  I only managed to see that we have more teams and more games, but I didn't notice that it would expand the duration of the World Cup. I don't support increasing the number of teams in the World Cup. At the rate things are going, we eventually won't even have qualifying groups, only a game or two before a team goes to the World Cup. For me, it will erase the magic that the qualifications create, and the World Cup could lose its charm.

[Volgastallion]

Rather than average number of matches being played by each team, a lot or critics look at the overall duration of the tournament and that's where a lot of the criticism is coming from. The last time we had a 24-team world cup was in 1994, when the tournament was hosted by the United States. Total number of matches was 52. In the next edition (France 1998), the number of participants got increased to 32, and the total number of matches got increased to 64 (29 tournament days). And with the current edition, number of participants have been increased to 48, and the total number of matches goes up to 104 (39 tournament days).

Wow, that’s a big increase from 29 days to 39 days. I didn’t even see that  I only managed to see that we have more teams and more games, but I didn't notice that it would expand the duration of the World Cup. I don't support increasing the number of teams in the World Cup. At the rate things are going, we eventually won't even have qualifying groups, only a game or two before a team goes to the World Cup. For me, it will erase the magic that the qualifications create, and the World Cup could lose its charm.

A very nice fact, thanks for sharing it with us.

Seems like the only ones who are super happy with it are gonna be the press who have all paid to cover the tournament  i dont know if their families are gonna be that happy but them for sure. 40 days with all paid in a top tournament is a blessing.

I have to check if in the late stages the teams have more rest.

[Lida93]

Majority of italian players get 5 - 6 figures from playing on the club. It makes no sense to accuse them doing shady by let Bosnia to took the win caused by Italian federation rejected the demand for the Bonus. I also remind you 300k was for a whole team. So each player would get 10k averagely. It's small money compared how big exposure they would get if they were able qualify for the WC, but sadly they're not. I believe this is not true.

Its also a little bit unfair to Bosnian players as well, seeing that when you say that Italian players did not play as well as they should because they did not get the bonus they demanded, you are also de facto saying that Bosnian players would normally have no chance of winning and the only reason they won was because Italians did not play well knowingly due to demands.

That's not the case, Bosnians played better, and of course red card had more to do with it than anything else regards to bonus.

I don't think there was any wrong doing by the Italian team, the only fault I could point against the Italian team is the fact that they allowed the Bosnian team dominate them despite having a better team than Bosnia, there wasn't any sign of resilience on the part of this particular Italian team players, they didn't play like a team that have missed the world cup twice and was on the verge of missing another, rather it was the Bosnian side that played more seriously and snatch the world cup ticket, may be the Italians are going to learn a great lesson from that match in the future or perhaps avoid getting to playoffs next time.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Also, what’s up with Donnarumma? This guy getting rage baited by almost anything nowadays. Like Bruv, it’s not the opponents fault that your team is shit.

What happened with Italy is irreparable; there's nothing that can be done. They didn't qualify; they weren't up to par. That's normal But things are different now. Three World Cups without Italy is strange, and even expanding the number of spots won't help. Something is wrong with Italian football. Now, the goalkeeper's situation is the result of the anger, the helplessness of not going to a World Cup when everything was clear and easy for them to qualify. It was just one step they couldn't take.

[Sithara007]

Rather than average number of matches being played by each team, a lot or critics look at the overall duration of the tournament and that's where a lot of the criticism is coming from. The last time we had a 24-team world cup was in 1994, when the tournament was hosted by the United States. Total number of matches was 52. In the next edition (France 1998), the number of participants got increased to 32, and the total number of matches got increased to 64 (29 tournament days). And with the current edition, number of participants have been increased to 48, and the total number of matches goes up to 104 (39 tournament days).

Wow, that’s a big increase from 29 days to 39 days. I didn’t even see that  I only managed to see that we have more teams and more games, but I didn't notice that it would expand the duration of the World Cup. I don't support increasing the number of teams in the World Cup. At the rate things are going, we eventually won't even have qualifying groups, only a game or two before a team goes to the World Cup. For me, it will erase the magic that the qualifications create, and the World Cup could lose its charm.

I am OK with this change. During the last two decades or so, there has been a lot of improvement in CAF and AFC confederations. But these teams were usually given 4-5 slots, which was unfair. Both these continents represent over two-thirds of the population of the globe. The expansion was mainly aimed at providing more representation to these two confederations, but slots were increased for CONMEBOL, UEFA, OFC and CONCACAF as well. Football is now a global game. Given this, we need to make sure that good teams doesn't miss out. I was heartbroken when Norway and North Macedonia failed to qualify for the 2022 edition. At least Norway made it this time.

[Lembo69]

I am OK with this change. During the last two decades or so, there has been a lot of improvement in CAF and AFC confederations. But these teams were usually given 4-5 slots, which was unfair. Both these continents represent over two-thirds of the population of the globe. The expansion was mainly aimed at providing more representation to these two confederations, but slots were increased for CONMEBOL, UEFA, OFC and CONCACAF as well. Football is now a global game. Given this, we need to make sure that good teams doesn't miss out. I was heartbroken when Norway and North Macedonia failed to qualify for the 2022 edition. At least Norway made it this time.

Norway's preparation seems to be to win the World Cup, because they have won all the matches in the entire qualifiers, and they have scored a total of 37 goals in all the matches and conceded only 5 goals, which is an incredible record. And this much shows that they are preparing hard. Norway is returning to the World Cup after almost two decades, so it can be assumed that they can show some special surprises, you will see the style of play of each player of Norway is different, they maintain discipline even in the game, and they can handle any pressure very easily just because of their skills.

Since they are returning to the World Cup after almost 25 years, don't you think they are making a comeback with preparations to impress the world, starting from their midfield to all the strong players.

[pewboy]

So at 64 teams, you bring out 32 teams to knock out stages, that means every team plays 3 teams at group, then last 32, then last 16, than last 8, then last 4, then final, so the team that plays the most games still plays only 8 games only that's it, even with 3 games between each other, that's less than a full month.

yes i must say that then, the more the duration and the participants increase, the more matches there are to play and this is not very good, because then you have problems with the wear and tear of the players' energy who will certainly be tired and will not perform fully in other competitions or will not be able to do so in all of them.

[W Jr.]

So at 64 teams, you bring out 32 teams to knock out stages, that means every team plays 3 teams at group, then last 32, then last 16, than last 8, then last 4, then final, so the team that plays the most games still plays only 8 games only that's it, even with 3 games between each other, that's less than a full month.

yes i must say that then, the more the duration and the participants increase, the more matches there are to play and this is not very good, because then you have problems with the wear and tear of the players' energy who will certainly be tired and will not perform fully in other competitions or will not be able to do so in all of them.

For an event that takes place every four years, I don't think the players getting a little tired will be a problem. Because every player dreams of playing in the World Cup, and I think the more time players spend there, the more fun they'll have. Because it's a unique opportunity for them.

If we talk about Turkey, we last participated in the World Cup in 2002 and finished third. Now 24 years have passed and we will go to the World Cup again. Many of our players weren't even born in 2002 when we last participated in the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup might be the only opportunity of these players in their lives, and I don't think they will mind playing one or two more matches.

[changaa]

For an event that takes place every four years, I don't think the players getting a little tired will be a problem. Because every player dreams of playing in the World Cup, and I think the more time players spend there, the more fun they'll have. Because it's a unique opportunity for them.

If we talk about Turkey, we last participated in the World Cup in 2002 and finished third. Now 24 years have passed and we will go to the World Cup again. Many of our players weren't even born in 2002 when we last participated in the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup might be the only opportunity of these players in their lives, and I don't think they will mind playing one or two more matches.

In my opinion every player dreams of two things for his career, playing in a very strong team that also pays him very well, this for everyday life
then for glory, he dreams of winning the World Cup with his national team, for pride and not for money.

[TastyChillySauce00]

The reason why Italy was getting viral caused by they were unable qualifying for World Cup three times in a row. It makes no sense if you linked Italy's fail to the political reason. It's three times, not one or two. Public knew Italy as one of football house with its serie a. So it's shocking to public when Italy got a dramatic lost to the Bosnia then unable to qualify. If it's their first time not to qualify, i don't think it's gonna be a crowded like this time.

If you were watched their game since Euro. They have been so shite, and never improve. So they deserve not to qualify for the WC this time. They're not taking WC seriously since 12 years ago. It's too long to call they're being the victim of political reason.

I also don't think it is for political reasons why they didn't qualify. Because just look at the fact that it is them inside the arena playing. If they are showing good performance, I don't think political aspect will come into play. Because no matter what, this is sports and the capability will always prevail as you can't cheat what you can show to the audience.

That's it. Italy had never been getting any better since they failed 2022 WC. They never did evaluation to their own club, and then they lose the current WC. They have to be the parthy that deserve the blame. Calling they were not qualifying to WC due to the political reason is absolutely a non sense excuse.
Who the hell was gonna preventing them not to qualifyying three times in a row if it's not themselves?

I also don't think FIFA hate them caused by they were one of football house. They are terrible. So they deserve no spot in WC.

[Volgastallion]

The worst for Italy is you dont see ahead nothing better, if you look at the youth they lack any good player so they are stuck in the same pattern they need to produce better players and therefore better national team, they need a new captain and a young diamong to start to build around them, Donnaruma and Tonali are the only two players who are at the level of a national team with the history of Italy.

[Italian Panic]

That's it. Italy had never been getting any better since they failed 2022 WC. They never did evaluation to their own club, and then they lose the current WC. They have to be the parthy that deserve the blame. Calling they were not qualifying to WC due to the political reason is absolutely a non sense excuse.
Who the hell was gonna preventing them not to qualifyying three times in a row if it's not themselves?

I also don't think FIFA hate them caused by they were one of football house. They are terrible. So they deserve no spot in WC.

Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup because they didn’t deserve to, it’s as simple as that! They play with fear, and we have players who are afraid when they have the ball at their feet; the only ones who stand out are Donnarumma and Tonali, and perhaps a few young players like Palestra. The problem for Italian football, as for other sectors, is politics: where everything is decided and where everything is destroyed. Politics is everywhere and does nothing but cause damage; football proves it, and now so does the society we live in.

[Pumared]

For an event that takes place every four years, I don't think the players getting a little tired will be a problem. Because every player dreams of playing in the World Cup, and I think the more time players spend there, the more fun they'll have. Because it's a unique opportunity for them.

If we talk about Turkey, we last participated in the World Cup in 2002 and finished third. Now 24 years have passed and we will go to the World Cup again. Many of our players weren't even born in 2002 when we last participated in the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup might be the only opportunity of these players in their lives, and I don't think they will mind playing one or two more matches.

In my opinion every player dreams of two things for his career, playing in a very strong team that also pays him very well, this for everyday life
then for glory, he dreams of winning the World Cup with his national team, for pride and not for money.

I agree with you, but lately that's been changing, with players only caring about the money. I understand that it's fair, it's their job. But some players no longer feel pride in participating in the World Cup for their country. It's become more about media attention than glory.

[retreat]

The worst for Italy is you dont see ahead nothing better, if you look at the youth they lack any good player so they are stuck in the same pattern they need to produce better players and therefore better national team, they need a new captain and a young diamong to start to build around them, Donnaruma and Tonali are the only two players who are at the level of a national team with the history of Italy.

The situation for Italy is already quite complicated because they have been unwilling from the start to develop their young talent and have preferred to bring in older players to compete in their league. This lack of regeneration is a major problem for them, as the lack of fresh talent makes it difficult for them to replace senior players. This situation is likely to persist for years to come, as their federation is unwilling to make significant changes internally.

[cande86]

Norway's preparation seems to be to win the World Cup, because they have won all the matches in the entire qualifiers, and they have scored a total of 37 goals in all the matches and conceded only 5 goals, which is an incredible record. And this much shows that they are preparing hard. Norway is returning to the World Cup after almost two decades, so it can be assumed that they can show some special surprises, you will see the style of play of each player of Norway is different, they maintain discipline even in the game, and they can handle any pressure very easily just because of their skills.

Since they are returning to the World Cup after almost 25 years, don't you think they are making a comeback with preparations to impress the world, starting from their midfield to all the strong players.

I don't think that Norway can really win a world cup, they can move forward, they have a really strong striker but then like every time they can't move forward because the other teams have much more experience than them in the international arena even if there is Halland who is a really strong player.

[BitBakerr1]

For an event that takes place every four years, I don't think the players getting a little tired will be a problem. Because every player dreams of playing in the World Cup, and I think the more time players spend there, the more fun they'll have. Because it's a unique opportunity for them.

If we talk about Turkey, we last participated in the World Cup in 2002 and finished third. Now 24 years have passed and we will go to the World Cup again. Many of our players weren't even born in 2002 when we last participated in the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup might be the only opportunity of these players in their lives, and I don't think they will mind playing one or two more matches.

In my opinion every player dreams of two things for his career, playing in a very strong team that also pays him very well, this for everyday life
then for glory, he dreams of winning the World Cup with his national team, for pride and not for money.

I agree with you, but lately that's been changing, with players only caring about the money. I understand that it's fair, it's their job. But some players no longer feel pride in participating in the World Cup for their country. It's become more about media attention than glory.

I cannot agree with that lot of players are not playing for their country because of the money they are playing because they love their country and they want to represent their country especially my country in Nigeria. The players we have are not playing for the country because of the money because even the government are not supporting them enough, they have been owning them for some time and they continue playing when it comes to my country. I don’t believe the players are playing for the country because of the money because the government are not paying them very well. They are just playing because they love the country and they want to do everything possible to make sure that they push the country football forward and I love all of them for that.

[Ale88]

For an event that takes place every four years, I don't think the players getting a little tired will be a problem. Because every player dreams of playing in the World Cup, and I think the more time players spend there, the more fun they'll have. Because it's a unique opportunity for them.

If we talk about Turkey, we last participated in the World Cup in 2002 and finished third. Now 24 years have passed and we will go to the World Cup again. Many of our players weren't even born in 2002 when we last participated in the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup might be the only opportunity of these players in their lives, and I don't think they will mind playing one or two more matches.

Sure, it's just a few extra games at the end, no? What difference does it make? Then in the meantime we have the Champions League with more games, the World Cup for Clubs, the Euro Cup bigger than ever, the Nations Cup, other continental competitions that got bigger, they made the Conference League too... It's not the World Cup only, they are doing whatever they can to add more and more games. The players have already been complaining for a long time now, they play too much and too often, this of course affects the quality of the games, the performances, and leads to more injuries. It has nothing to do with "they'll be happy, it's going to be fine".