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

[Die_empty]

It makes me wonder what metrics you have used to exclude Portugal from top 10 nation team in the world. Your statement is very biased and opposite to the what already published by FIFA. To be fair, Portugal has not yet won World Cup, but it's not denying the fact that they're one of football house nation.
This is why i think you exclude Portugal from the top team just because you hate them. It's not because they are bad statistically. It's based on stats i think they're at the top 10 team.

Beside that you argued is not good for Portugal to lose against Morocco, which is think it's fair. Even some top nations could lose to the Japan, which is far below them in the football ranking. It's not good to judge nation power just from one lose.

Maybe he had high expectations for Portugal in the last World Cup and was disappointed when they crashed out of the tournament in the quarterfinals. I am also surprised that he is rating them low just because they lost in the quarterfinals. Even the defending champions, Argentina, lost to Saudi Arabia.

Portugal has been unlucky in the World Cup, yet the country can boast of some of the best players in the world. They also have a coach with a wealth of experience. Roberto Martínez has been able to manage the talents at his disposal. And working with top players like Ronaldo could be demanding.

[Volgastallion]

Never ever use the ELO ramking for anything is bullshit, i mean yes it can give you a open view of what is happening in football but is useless to predict winners of tournaments since most of teams in top 10 are not that good at all for sure, for example Uruguay and Belgium are not gonna win anything at all.

[snipie]

it is useless for all this work to be done to favor teams that come from the third world, in the end it is normal that the strongest teams will be the European ones as always, the football played in Europe has always been of a very high level compared to other parts of the world and there is no discussion about this.

FIFA care about money and only money. They don't care if players get exhausted by long training sessions and matches for the whole year.. In fact, more teams and matches = more spectators =more adds = more stuff to sell =more money. UEFA isn't any better with its nations league.
FIFA appears to be caring for small and weak African and Asian countries but they don't care about them. At the end only rich people could pay the tickets for the travel. I read that New Jersey if I am not mistaken raised a lot the tickets of the trains because it is the only way to reach a stadium near highways after banning people from crossing it. That's just an example about what's going on there.

[jaberwock]

FIFA care about money and only money. They don't care if players get exhausted by long training sessions and matches for the whole year.. In fact, more teams and matches = more spectators =more adds = more stuff to sell =more money. UEFA isn't any better with its nations league.
FIFA appears to be caring for small and weak African and Asian countries but they don't care about them. At the end only rich people could pay the tickets for the travel. I read that New Jersey if I am not mistaken raised a lot the tickets of the trains because it is the only way to reach a stadium near highways after banning people from crossing it. That's just an example about what's going on there.

Now most of the top sports organizations are having the same policies they never care about players or their lives. They love to have money for their own things; it is getting worse day by day, but there is no change coming because they understand no one can stand against them. They are in power, and they are controlling all things. FIFA has its own policies because they are controlled by people who are powerful and understand how to have influence.

This World Cup is going to bring a lot of changes, and even mostly they are not acceptable, but still they are going to work in the future as well. Ticket prices are going to be big issues, but no one cares about this because they want only rich people to be entertained, and they are having enough influence to bring them and enjoy this game on their own.

[broccolo9]

I dont see this Portugal as a real contender, anyways they can still have a chane to do something for sure, but i feel like the past world cup they were a much better team overall, now they are nearby the same but having alittle bit less and some players are now much more older, like Cristiano and a few other key players who are not longer in their best.

But i feel like they are between the top 5 or 7.

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

[paco92x]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

I don't agree with you. Cristiano was a great player, but his time has passed. If he is smart enough, he will be a team leader in this World Cup, not a striker who will just spend minutes on the field and do nothing. I think it's time that the young Portuguese players have a chance over Ronaldo and he plays the last 30 minutes when the opposing team is weak. I see a lot more unity in this Portugal squad than years before, but the problem is Ronaldo; they still adapt to him, and for their sake, it should not be like that in this World Cup if they want to win it.

[kennycryptoitalia]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

Unfortunately yes, there are no others like him.
But his sun is about to set, he can't play yet at his age.

Among other things he has changed his playing style and role on the pitch, but i think this will be his last World Cup.
We must also give space to other young people.

[Roseline492]

Cristiano was a great player, but his time has passed. If he is smart enough, he will be a team leader in this World Cup, not a striker who will just spend minutes on the field and do nothing. I think it's time that the young Portuguese players have a chance over Ronaldo and he plays the last 30 minutes when the opposing team is weak. I see a lot more unity in this Portugal squad than years before, but the problem is Ronaldo; they still adapt to him, and for their sake, it should not be like that in this World Cup if they want to win it.

Ronaldo is not a problem of there country, part of how the Portugal squad is today is  because of Ronaldo because he had never had selfish intentions over how the Portugal national team should grow, Ronaldo is not only a player but a leader and he always want there nation to be a country whom the world Cup trophy would always be going, I believe he has good cooperation with there coach. Although I also support if he would leave the squad for the new ones but however since he still has some strength that would be important for his country he should play. Being a team leader is on the pitch when he is part of the match because he can't be a team leader when he didn't come to the world cup because all responsibility will be on the coach.

[cygan]

at the 2026 world cup, players who are making their tournament debut will wear the following special 'debut' patch on their jerseys
after the game, the patch will be removed from the jersey and incorporated into a Fanatics collectible card to create a collectible item
this means that whenever a player takes the pitch for the first time at this world cup, his jersey will feature this extra detail
as a result, there will be entire nations participating in the wc for the first time, where all the players will be equipped with this patch

[AmoreJaz]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

Unfortunately yes, there are no others like him.
But his sun is about to set, he can't play yet at his age.

Among other things he has changed his playing style and role on the pitch, but i think this will be his last World Cup.
We must also give space to other young people.

They need to hone another Ronaldo or at least a very competitive athlete. Because that is right, when you say Portugal, we all think first of Ronaldo. So more than likely, there will be another athlete that will at least raise the flag of Portugal once Ronaldo totally retires from this sports.

I would say, sooner or later, there will be another superstar that will be born from that country. I don't think only Ronaldo can raise the flag of Portugal in this lifetime. But of course, we don't know when will that happen especially now that we are in the age of AI. A lot of kids are now glued on their gadgets and so honing a new talent is quite a challenge.

[SuperBitMan]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

Unfortunately yes, there are no others like him.
But his sun is about to set, he can't play yet at his age.

Among other things he has changed his playing style and role on the pitch, but i think this will be his last World Cup.
We must also give space to other young people.

They need to hone another Ronaldo or at least a very competitive athlete. Because that is right, when you say Portugal, we all think first of Ronaldo. So more than likely, there will be another athlete that will at least raise the flag of Portugal once Ronaldo totally retires from this sports.

Every country usually have that particular player that they usually look up to no matter how small the countries is they usually have that one special player and I believe if Ronaldo is no more Portugal we still have a special player that they will look up to so it is something that will come when Ronald is no more, we already have prayers that Portugal can look up to but for the fact that Ronaldo is still around no one can look up to them apart from Ronaldo, but immediately he retires they will start looking up to that player. Portugal has very good players that can lead the team when Ronaldo is no more.

[rezakurnia66]

FIFA care about money and only money. They don't care if players get exhausted by long training sessions and matches for the whole year.. In fact, more teams and matches = more spectators =more adds = more stuff to sell =more money. UEFA isn't any better with its nations league.
FIFA appears to be caring for small and weak African and Asian countries but they don't care about them. At the end only rich people could pay the tickets for the travel. I read that New Jersey if I am not mistaken raised a lot the tickets of the trains because it is the only way to reach a stadium near highways after banning people from crossing it. That's just an example about what's going on there.

Absolutely yes, FIFA only care about money, money and money after new format will play many matches the FIFA earn much money from advertising or broadcast official until sponsorship. I think one day later FIFA will change the format of World Cup play each four years maybe around each two years make FIFA earn much money every years without care about the participants and the players its self need recovery after one season playing for their club.

In other side, FIFA still not care yet about ticket price for the fans watching at stadium and I hope one day later have great FIFA president keep protect the players with the good concept for World Cup.

[Zackz5000]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

Unfortunately yes, there are no others like him.
But his sun is about to set, he can't play yet at his age.

Among other things he has changed his playing style and role on the pitch, but i think this will be his last World Cup.
We must also give space to other young people.

They need to hone another Ronaldo or at least a very competitive athlete. Because that is right, when you say Portugal, we all think first of Ronaldo. So more than likely, there will be another athlete that will at least raise the flag of Portugal once Ronaldo totally retires from this sports.

Every country usually have that particular player that they usually look up to no matter how small the countries is they usually have that one special player and I believe if Ronaldo is no more Portugal we still have a special player that they will look up to so it is something that will come when Ronald is no more, we already have prayers that Portugal can look up to but for the fact that Ronaldo is still around no one can look up to them apart from Ronaldo, but immediately he retires they will start looking up to that player. Portugal has very good players that can lead the team when Ronaldo is no more.

What you are saying is true that every countries has a player that leads them to war as long as C Ronaldo is still in the pitch all eyes will be on him even if Ronaldo is no more in the Portugal team i don't that country will ever have a player such as C Ronaldo they will definitely miss him, he is going to play this year world Cup but i don't think he will be playing regularly due to his age unless the coach what to show him some respect before he can allowed C Ronaldo Play even 80 minutes in the game.

[Iroh]

Honestly, in Portugal, the only player who stands out is Cristiano Ronaldo, and to make Portugal a competitive team, you can't rely solely on one player! Which is what they do; just because you have Cristiano in the team doesn't mean the rest shouldn't be important. And that's precisely why they struggle in the World Cup.

I beg to differ. In the Portugal national football team, there are several skilled players that also stand out in the team alongside Ronaldo. No doubt, Ronaldo is an amazing player and still pushing his boundaries but there are others in the squad that are as skilled and dangerous on the field.
I also don't think they solely depend on Ronaldo. We should note that he's their striker and an obvious threat when facing the goalie so it's only natural they'll pass along the ball to him for him to try and score.

[Agbe]

he is going to play this year world Cup but i don't think he will be playing regularly due to his age unless the coach what to show him some respect before he can allowed C Ronaldo Play even 80 minutes in the game.

People will like to watch C. Ronaldo performance on the pitch in this World Cup but I don't think he will be playing like before again. And as you said he will not play full time but probably he can run like 30 to 40 minutes of the first half and will be substituted. And C. Ronaldo will like to be celebrated so he will like to score goals.

[KTChampions]

at the 2026 world cup, players who are making their tournament debut will wear the following special 'debut' patch on their jerseys
after the game, the patch will be removed from the jersey and incorporated into a Fanatics collectible card to create a collectible item
this means that whenever a player takes the pitch for the first time at this world cup, his jersey will feature this extra detail
as a result, there will be entire nations participating in the wc for the first time, where all the players will be equipped with this patch

This patch appears discriminatory, firstly, it can be interpreted as: de butt, secondly, as DEI 
Moreover, the second interpretation is quite reasonable, since many teams will end up at this World Cup only because FIFA continues to inflate the final tournament with a larger number of teams.
As for creating collections, it doesn't look appealing right now. NFTs, meme coins, and the like have killed the idea, and even such physical items look like a simple way to extract money from fans.

[leea-1334]

I haven't studied his posts, but here he's clearly obsessed and he's not just shitposting for the sake of it, he's obsessed. I'm telling you, I remember his reasoning from the last World Cup, where he wrote same obvious nonsense. And I'm not surprised he doesn't respond to you. It's expected that if someone writes nonsense, several people will point it out. It must be hard to find the strength to argue with everyone (especially if there are no arguments other than obsession, haha).

When he does not respond (and from before this was true) I always think either shitpost or chatbot,,, but then he does respond to some people in some threads so I guess he is just ignoring me. I know I have a strong bias on Stake signature people but I left the forum for a couple years and when I came back to Gambling this again was the first thing that really irritated me  

But what you said just makes sense now,,, I guess he has me on ignore also from before.

But anyway back to World Cup,,, I saw @cygan post about Fanatic cards, I totally forgot that these things exist

[Rikafip]

I haven't studied his posts, but here he's clearly obsessed and he's not just shitposting for the sake of it, he's obsessed. I'm telling you, I remember his reasoning from the last World Cup, where he wrote same obvious nonsense. And I'm not surprised he doesn't respond to you. It's expected that if someone writes nonsense, several people will point it out. It must be hard to find the strength to argue with everyone (especially if there are no arguments other than obsession, haha).

When he does not respond (and from before this was true) I always think either shitpost or chatbot,,, but then he does respond to some people in some threads so I guess he is just ignoring me. I know I have a strong bias on Stake signature people but I left the forum for a couple years and when I came back to Gambling this again was the first thing that really irritated me  

Funny, I know exactly who you are talking about without even going back a few pages to check the name.  

That guy is an epitome of football shitposters and I strongly believe that he never saw a single football game in his life, as only that would explain so many weird opinions that make no sense.

[m4r1o]

This World Cup is going to bring a lot of changes, and even mostly they are not acceptable, but still they are going to work in the future as well. Ticket prices are going to be big issues, but no one cares about this because they want only rich people to be entertained, and they are having enough influence to bring them and enjoy this game on their own.

the problem is that the world is changing and with it also the possibility of having young people who don't just think about money and the good life but also about sport, unfortunately, we have reached a point of no return and now it is too late to go back, young people are looking for more and more money and the clubs give them what they are looking for

[Akbarkoe]

People will like to watch C. Ronaldo performance on the pitch in this World Cup but I don't think he will be playing like before again. And as you said he will not play full time but probably he can run like 30 to 40 minutes of the first half and will be substituted. And C. Ronaldo will like to be celebrated so he will like to score goals.

Scoring goals is one of his missions to reach 1k, it was already his plan for the last world cup he had...
As for playing time, it won't be long, it won't be like it was in the previous world cup, with his current physique and declining form, he can only play for a short time, 40 minutes is great in my opinion.
What's interesting is that his ambition has not been extinguished to be the best of the best, so he wants to make history by forcing his age to keep playing.