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

[giorgione]

If we're expecting the best, Neymar must be able to perform at his best level in this competition and he's now starting to find his best form at the club. This could be the first step for Neymar to prove he still has the ability to deliver positive results for the team as a whole and I'm confident he can do it.

Neymar will most likely eventually play in the World Cup matches, he will almost certainly be called up, because despite the fact that he hasn't been incisive for years, people acclaim him and want him in the team to go to the World Cup and try to play for the chance to win one for the last time.

[paco92x]

I’m also on edge for it to start already. I don’t think this one will be especially good like 2010 in South Africa; for me, that was the best one ever. The vuvuzelas, the great songs, and the Africans dancing at every match were beautiful to me.

You actually liked vuvuzelas? That was like the worst thing ever and I was barely able to watch World Cup games because of that. Tbh, that's the only thing I remember about South Africa - ,annoying sound of those damn vuvuzelas.

Also, the fact that we didn't qualify also didn't help to make it memorable for me.  

I wouldn't say that I liked that annoying sound, but it was the originality of everything around it no one expects Africans didn't know that something like it existed. I also remembered that after the World Cup, they were wildly used in European games, and were banned about six months later, so they were really annoying. Can you believe that I forgot we didn't play in South Africa? I'm a little bit ashamed right now .

[Distraction]

I'm just getting more and more excited as there is only around a month left for the World Cup!    I'm looking forward to Turkey's matches as we are participating finally after 24 years...

The last time we did - which was 2002 World Cup - we finished the competition as the 3rd. I think we can qualify for at least quarter finals in this one. We have really solid talents and experienced players in our squad.


By the way I got curious when I first heard that Shakira made a song for this World Cup. But I didn't like it... It looks hard to sound even close to "Waka Waka". 

[Ale88]

I'm just getting more and more excited as there is only around a month left for the World Cup!    I'm looking forward to Turkey's matches as we are participating finally after 24 years...

The last time we did - which was 2002 World Cup - we finished the competition as the 3rd. I think we can qualify for at least quarter finals in this one. We have really solid talents and experienced players in our squad.

I'm not Turkish but I remember pretty well 2002 Turkey's World Cup, it was absolutely impressing. I even remember Rivaldo faking and tricking the referee. Then there was Hakan Sukur's goal against South Korea in the match for the third place which, I think, still nowadays is the quickest goal ever in a World Cup match. And there was Hasan Sas, great player but too crazy

[BlackBoss_]

Neymar will most likely eventually play in the World Cup matches, he will almost certainly be called up, because despite the fact that he hasn't been incisive for years, people acclaim him and want him in the team to go to the World Cup and try to play for the chance to win one for the last time.

Neymar has tried from training to playing in matches recent weeks and he actually tried his best for joining World Cup 2026 by leaving Al Hilal and returning to Brazil, playing for Santos since the last year. He knew that he won't be called for World Cup 2026 if he mostly sit on bench, and with Santos, he has been given many opportunities for playing, that actually helped him improving his fitness, adapt to playing intensity in official matches and increasing his chance to be called by Ancelotti.

I'm not Turkish but I remember pretty well 2002 Turkey's World Cup, it was absolutely impressing. I even remember Rivaldo faking and tricking the referee. Then there was Hakan Sukur's goal against South Korea in the match for the third place which, I think, still nowadays is the quickest goal ever in a World Cup match. And there was Hasan Sas, great player but too crazy

Turkey looks to have very good squad for this World Cup 2026 that is more than 20 years since World Cup 2022. With Yildiz, Guler, Celik and some other good players, they will have a very competitive squad in World Cup 2026. It's not easy to go far to semi final and get a third position like in World Cup 2022 but this national team will potentially have a good World Cup. Additionally with this quality player generation, they will likely have some good tournaments in next World Cup and Euro in coming years.

[Sithara007]

Turkey looks to have very good squad for this World Cup 2026 that is more than 20 years since World Cup 2022. With Yildiz, Guler, Celik and some other good players, they will have a very competitive squad in World Cup 2026. It's not easy to go far to semi final and get a third position like in World Cup 2022 but this national team will potentially have a good World Cup. Additionally with this quality player generation, they will likely have some good tournaments in next World Cup and Euro in coming years.

Türkiye performed decently during the UEFA qualifiers. In the first round, they were placed along one of the strongest teams in Europe (Spain), so finished at the second position. But in the next round, they had relatively easy wins against Romania and Kosovo. Out of these two opponents, the match against Kosovo was perhaps the most difficult one. Their forwards are in good form as well. On top of the experienced players such as Zeki Çelik and İrfan Can Kahveci, they have young players like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. Group stage will be tough BTW. For company they have hosts United States, Paraguay and Australia.

[Crytohillss]

Turkey looks to have very good squad for this World Cup 2026 that is more than 20 years since World Cup 2022. With Yildiz, Guler, Celik and some other good players, they will have a very competitive squad in World Cup 2026. It's not easy to go far to semi final and get a third position like in World Cup 2022 but this national team will potentially have a good World Cup. Additionally with this quality player generation, they will likely have some good tournaments in next World Cup and Euro in coming years.

Turkey have one of the most younger squad right now Guler and Yildiz especially look like players that can turn the game at the highest level, if the club develops well before 2026 they could suprise a lot of individuals. Generation look far more talented than people expected a few years ago, reaching the last semifinal like 2002 will still be very difficult but they have enough quality to compete against big  countries if they stay discipline.

[KTChampions]

Germany has unfortunately lost its "deadly" in recent years. They're certainly among those who could win the title, but if we consider them among the main favorites, the group of favorites should be expanded to 10+ teams. And that would be entirely fair, by the way, I don't think any team is so much stronger than the others that it has more than a 20% chance of winning the tournament. By the way, historically, European countries have been unsuccessful in the Western Hemisphere, we'll see how it goes this time.

You are right that European countries hasn't been successful in Western Hemisphere but that can change this time because I still see that the European countries are currently good contenders for the world cup. However, there's no guarantee that the cup will go to Europe because football is unpredictable and full of surprises.

It is noteworthy that South America has also never been successful when the World Cup was held at the longitude of Europe, until that strange World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, if a European country wins the tournament, the pattern will be completely broken. And yes, if you compare the overall odds, Europe is the clear favorite, while South America has some chance, but they are clear underdogs. As for the diversity of participants, you don’t need to be an analyst to understand that after the group stage, everything will turn into a standard set of teams from previous World Cups.

[Daniel91]

Germany has unfortunately lost its "deadly" in recent years. They're certainly among those who could win the title, but if we consider them among the main favorites, the group of favorites should be expanded to 10+ teams. And that would be entirely fair, by the way, I don't think any team is so much stronger than the others that it has more than a 20% chance of winning the tournament. By the way, historically, European countries have been unsuccessful in the Western Hemisphere, we'll see how it goes this time.

You are right that European countries hasn't been successful in Western Hemisphere but that can change this time because I still see that the European countries are currently good contenders for the world cup. However, there's no guarantee that the cup will go to Europe because football is unpredictable and full of surprises.

It is noteworthy that South America has also never been successful when the World Cup was held at the longitude of Europe, until that strange World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, if a European country wins the tournament, the pattern will be completely broken. And yes, if you compare the overall odds, Europe is the clear favorite, while South America has some chance, but they are clear underdogs. As for the diversity of participants, you don’t need to be an analyst to understand that after the group stage, everything will turn into a standard set of teams from previous World Cups.

I have to correct you because you published wrong information.
Brazil, as a South American team, won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, in Europe, and Germany, as a European team, won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, in South America.
So, the rule that European teams cannot win the World Cup in South America or that South American teams cannot win the World Cup in Europe is not correct.
Also, although it is true that Europe has more quality teams and candidates for the title of world champion, it would not be good to underestimate the current world champions Argentina or Brazil.

[Cryptmuster]

Brazil are making a very bold move, they are signing Carlo Ancelotti to a long-term contract until 2030. This would allow Ancelotti to manage Brazil at two World Cups, with even the possibility of an extension afterward. It really looks like they see him as a long-term project for the national team.

Still, I think a lot will depend on how Brazil perform at the upcoming World Cup. But this move itself may already be a sign that Brazil truly trust Ancelotti and want to work with him over the long term.

[chinhar]

Neymar is an extremely talented and quality player but he has been destroyed by frequent injuries and an unsportsmanlike life. I wouldn't be surprised if the coach leaves him out of the national team.

Ancelotti's arrival should hopefully bring some balance to the team, because he'll certainly aim to change Brazil's playing style and make them more like a European team, whereas previously they relied heavily on individual play. Neymar is a beast, but the problem is his physical performance due to too many injuries. And finding talent like that is difficult, so i think Ancelotti will want to restructure the team to fill the gaps where they have weaknesses.

[Catenaccio]

Neymar is an extremely talented and quality player but he has been destroyed by frequent injuries and an unsportsmanlike life. I wouldn't be surprised if the coach leaves him out of the national team.

Neymar is far from his prime and Brazil if calling Neymar for World Cup, must use him very cleverly. Ancelotti with many years of experience as a head coach for many big clubs, is aware of this challenge. Neymar is skillful and helpful but the whole team can not depend on Neymar and tactics as well as team operations can not be built up around only Neymar. He might get injuries anytime and miss all later matches during World Cup 2026 as well as at this age and with adverse effects from previous injuries, Neymar performance quality is actually lower than three years ago.

Brazil are making a very bold move, they are signing Carlo Ancelotti to a long-term contract until 2030. This would allow Ancelotti to manage Brazil at two World Cups, with even the possibility of an extension afterward. It really looks like they see him as a long-term project for the national team.

Still, I think a lot will depend on how Brazil perform at the upcoming World Cup. But this move itself may already be a sign that Brazil truly trust Ancelotti and want to work with him over the long term.

It's a first time Ancelotti manage a national team and also his first World Cup as a head coach but his management capability has been proven through his coach career. No reason to feel doubtful about Ancelotti but winning a World Cup is never easy but if Brazil can go to semi final, it's a success for Ancelotti even it won't satisfy expectation of Brazilians. It's already 24 years since World Cup 2002 when they won the last World Cup trophy.

[kennycryptoitalia]

I'm just getting more and more excited as there is only around a month left for the World Cup!    I'm looking forward to Turkey's matches as we are participating finally after 24 years...

The last time we did - which was 2002 World Cup - we finished the competition as the 3rd. I think we can qualify for at least quarter finals in this one. We have really solid talents and experienced players in our squad.


By the way I got curious when I first heard that Shakira made a song for this World Cup. But I didn't like it... It looks hard to sound even close to "Waka Waka". 

Even though i am sad about Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup, i think i will watch the World Cup carefully, because when it starts it is always very exciting and the teams are always very excited, i can't wait to see what Spain and France will do, honestly, two very strong teams.

[changaa]

Turkey looks to have very good squad for this World Cup 2026 that is more than 20 years since World Cup 2022. With Yildiz, Guler, Celik and some other good players, they will have a very competitive squad in World Cup 2026. It's not easy to go far to semi final and get a third position like in World Cup 2022 but this national team will potentially have a good World Cup. Additionally with this quality player generation, they will likely have some good tournaments in next World Cup and Euro in coming years.

Turkey have one of the most younger squad right now Guler and Yildiz especially look like players that can turn the game at the highest level, if the club develops well before 2026 they could suprise a lot of individuals. Generation look far more talented than people expected a few years ago, reaching the last semifinal like 2002 will still be very difficult but they have enough quality to compete against big  countries if they stay discipline.

Turkey yes, they seem like a good team, but as always we need to test them by fire, that is, throw them to work in the World Cup and see how they fare on the pitch.
I've seen many teams that are strong on paper and then play terrible. So the best test is to see her play.

[banana33]

It is noteworthy that South America has also never been successful when the World Cup was held at the longitude of Europe, until that strange World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, if a European country wins the tournament, the pattern will be completely broken. And yes, if you compare the overall odds, Europe is the clear favorite, while South America has some chance, but they are clear underdogs. As for the diversity of participants, you don?t need to be an analyst to understand that after the group stage, everything will turn into a standard set of teams from previous World Cups.

South America still won a world cup, with Argentina, i don't want to be paranoid, but i think there was some little help for Messi and his teammates to help them win the cup, this is what i noticed, they definitely got help but it could just be a suggestion.

[Volgastallion]

It is noteworthy that South America has also never been successful when the World Cup was held at the longitude of Europe, until that strange World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, if a European country wins the tournament, the pattern will be completely broken. And yes, if you compare the overall odds, Europe is the clear favorite, while South America has some chance, but they are clear underdogs. As for the diversity of participants, you don?t need to be an analyst to understand that after the group stage, everything will turn into a standard set of teams from previous World Cups.

South America still won a world cup, with Argentina, i don't want to be paranoid, but i think there was some little help for Messi and his teammates to help them win the cup, this is what i noticed, they definitely got help but it could just be a suggestion.

Sweden 1958 says something to you? There Brazil wins the world cup in europe, in fact europe never won a world cup in america until Brazil 2014.

Aside of that i want to see how this world cup develops but if you ask me i dont like this new super big chunk of teams taking part at all, this is a world cup and the beste teams after a qualy has to be here, we cant have Haiti,Irak, and some other worst before Italy or others for example. I know we never gonna reach a super equal distribution but come one....

As you said after the first stage all is gonna come to the normal develop.

[cande86]

Turkey looks to have very good squad for this World Cup 2026 that is more than 20 years since World Cup 2022. With Yildiz, Guler, Celik and some other good players, they will have a very competitive squad in World Cup 2026. It's not easy to go far to semi final and get a third position like in World Cup 2022 but this national team will potentially have a good World Cup. Additionally with this quality player generation, they will likely have some good tournaments in next World Cup and Euro in coming years.

the world cup is a very serious thing, and i must say that this exit of Neymar worries me a bit for Brazil, i don't see him very ready to do something like this, after the injuries he is no longer the same person even if the data says that he continues to score, of course Santos is certainly not Barcelona but he will still have the numbers to do well.

[Lida93]

I'm just getting more and more excited as there is only around a month left for the World Cup!    I'm looking forward to Turkey's matches as we are participating finally after 24 years...

The last time we did - which was 2002 World Cup - we finished the competition as the 3rd. I think we can qualify for at least quarter finals in this one. We have really solid talents and experienced players in our squad.

I'm not Turkish but I remember pretty well 2002 Turkey's World Cup, it was absolutely impressing. I even remember Rivaldo faking and tricking the referee. Then there was Hakan Sukur's goal against South Korea in the match for the third place which, I think, still nowadays is the quickest goal ever in a World Cup match. And there was Hasan Sas, great player but too crazy

Honestly it's quite interesting how time flies and also more interesting to know that 2002 was the last time a good team like Turkey last participated in the FIFA World Cup despite having so many great players in their national team. From 2002 till date, I have watch them participated in several European cup events yet I couldn't comprehend how they got left out of several World Cup events for over two decades. In 2002 they finished in third position winning the bronze medal, let's see how well they would perform this time haven missed out of the event in a long while.