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

[Jegileman]

France does have a really solid team and we do expect a lot from them, having Mbappe as their captain even increases the expectations because a lot of persons does believe so much in his abilities  and the much he can achieve  with the team just like he has done before  but I am just hoping  the issues at the club will not be affecting him and his performance for this tournament. I am really rooting for them, at least for the sake of Mbappe.

The issues at the club side can’t be brought to the national team because anything that must have brought about that issue in the club will remain in the club and won’t follow him to his national team to disturb or distract him. This is the World Cup and I know that every team will not allow external issues to affect their players performance and not even Mbappe issues can affect the whole of the France team.

They have won the World Cup in the past before and has it historically written on his record. Seeing him fighting for another one is really amazing, we shall get to see how far they can go in this World Cup when it begins later next month. France has a very solid squad and even if Mbappe is removed from the squad, they can still play optimally and push their team to victory in this competition.

[Felicity_Tide]

Honestly let's be clear does anyone think Cristiano Ronaldo should start at the world cup, I have some Cristiano Ronaldo fans that can die for him especially in any arguement but in sincerity they have come to agree that he may not need to be a starter at the world cup.
Ronaldo is 40+ years old originally nature is against him but you may argue that he trains and he is fit but his recent performances has really put a doubt if he should be a starter in a very contested competition like the world cup.
But In contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo form Messi seems to be very much prepared for the world cup and has been dropping massive ratings recently.

If we're to compare both of them, I think Messi looks pretty much in a better shape and form, and going into the world cup is definitely going to be a bonus to the Argentine national team. And as for Cristiano Ronaldo, well, I don't want to be negative, but I think the Portugal national team shouldn't make their participation be just about Ronaldo. Sure, he can be in the starting eleven, but every player has a role to play, so they shouldn't make it a Ronaldo national team, but rather, Portugal national team.

He might not be able to make those runs like he used to, but he's definitely going to be in good positions where he can produce the goals. Maybe, if they decide to play strongly as a team like they did in the UEFA nations league, then they might eventually go far in the world cup.

[mikel_012]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

[katanic97]

Honestly let's be clear does anyone think Cristiano Ronaldo should start at the world cup, I have some Cristiano Ronaldo fans that can die for him especially in any arguement but in sincerity they have come to agree that he may not need to be a starter at the world cup.
Ronaldo is 40+ years old originally nature is against him but you may argue that he trains and he is fit but his recent performances has really put a doubt if he should be a starter in a very contested competition like the world cup.
But In contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo form Messi seems to be very much prepared for the world cup and has been dropping massive ratings recently.

If we're to compare both of them, I think Messi looks pretty much in a better shape and form, and going into the world cup is definitely going to be a bonus to the Argentine national team. And as for Cristiano Ronaldo, well, I don't want to be negative, but I think the Portugal national team shouldn't make their participation be just about Ronaldo. Sure, he can be in the starting eleven, but every player has a role to play, so they shouldn't make it a Ronaldo national team, but rather, Portugal national team.

He might not be able to make those runs like he used to, but he's definitely going to be in good positions where he can produce the goals. Maybe, if they decide to play strongly as a team like they did in the UEFA nations league, then they might eventually go far in the world cup.

Messi is still the key player for Argentina. He may not be in outstanding form, but we all know how talented he is and how much he can show individually. With Ronaldo, it's not really the same  his form is not what it used to be, but his role in the national team can still be very useful. Portugal is a strong team, and just like Messi, he can definitely contribute positively to the squad

[rdluffy]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

Brazil will be the champions! 

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) e Weverton (Grêmio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG) e Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) e Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth) e Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)

[red4slash]

This world cup my eyes are centered on Portugal and Japan because for Portugal they don't need to talk about the players but Japan now they have confirmed the players who will be in this world cup and I think most of these players are quite talented though they are missing Mitoma in the attack. I am pretty sure Japan will be the dark horse and for the group stage I am pretty sure they will qualify especially only Netherlands which is quite strong in its group.

Portugal does have a very good quality player, even looking at the composition of the current players from the defense to their attack line looks luxurious.

For Japan, I agree especially by looking at how they are in qualifying in fact they deserve to be a dark horse for now especially in the group phase it seems that there will be no significant obstacles for them in this world cup.  The way they work as a team is always worth appreciating and this is a plus for Japan this time and their world cup preparations will be seen in the friendly match with Iceland in the friendly match later this month.

[Joy_learns_crypto]

I can get the inclusion of Neymar but no Joao Pedro in the World Cup for Brazil is hard to believe, pedro is Chelsea best player this season and even Barcelona wants him and he is their important targets for next season.
Carlo signed a contract extension at Brazil that will make him stay their till 2030 but if Brazil find it hard to score goals or dont do well critics will point at his omission of Pedro in the Brazilian squad.
Aside from Igor Thiago , Joao can replace any of the Brazilian attacks that made it to the list.

[mikel_012]

I can get the inclusion of Neymar but no Joao Pedro in the World Cup for Brazil is hard to believe, pedro is Chelsea best player this season and even Barcelona wants him and he is their important targets for next season.
Carlo signed a contract extension at Brazil that will make him stay their till 2030 but if Brazil find it hard to score goals or dont do well critics will point at his omission of Pedro in the Brazilian squad.
Aside from Igor Thiago , Joao can replace any of the Brazilian attacks that made it to the list.

Imagine being called up for every single recent squad, being a starter, playing every game before the World Cup, more than 80 minutes in every game, and then arriving at the most important day, the World Cup squad announcement, and not being selected.

He built an entire trajectory of trust within the national team for nothing, for his dream not to be realized. That's the story of João Pedro from Chelsea at the 2026 World Cup.

But it's normal for these things to happen, the squad announcement is a very special moment for those who are called up and very sad for those who aren't. I'm happy to see Endrick, who always puts in a lot of effort whenever he's on the field, and Neymar, who's going for his last dance.

[abaeze]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

Carlo Ancelotti is a well-established and experienced coach and this announcement is proof of his wisdom. Critics are always criticism about his performance and fitness, and I think this is another opportunity for him to prove himself on the world stage. Now let's see how he can use this opportunity. However, Neymar Jr. being in the team is definitely big news for Brazil, because he is not just a player but a great source of confidence and creativity for the whole team, especially Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and a few other young footballers. Because on the biggest stage of the World Cup in a big match, his experience, dribbling, free-kicks and ability to change the pace of the match are still very valuable, which is possible with the Prince of Football Neymar Jr.

[logfiles]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

Something he is just in the squad mostly to boost the confidence of the other players. That is what Don Carlo is good at and I hope they finally find something was smiling about but to be honest, it will be no easy journey

Brazil will be the champions! 

Keep calm sir, we still have a few weeks to even start the first game 

[Ale88]

African football and players are always missing something. Again, I don't want to sound like an old fart, but when I was a kid I always heard that "African football was the future", I think even Pele said something like that. But it never happened. They have never been able to be consistent. Unfortunately in the African federations there is a lot of corruption so I wouldn't be surprised if they receive money after good results but, instead of being invested back into the football system (infrastructure, stadiums, etc), that money simply disappears. Even a few years ago the Cameroonian federation asked money to Mbappé's father in order to call his son...

Curruption my friend is everywhere and not just in Africa, players play as children only if they are strong and for nothing else, only those who pay and have some connections have the chance to play and show off, in every country it works like this, it shouldn't but it is like that and those who really deserve never win.

Well, I see that @Slow death already explained you everything. Many things happen everywhere in the world, the main difference is how often. Is there corruption in every country? Sure. Does any country have the same level of corruption? I don't think so. So just minimizing the problem because "it happens everywhere" is not a great approach.

[PremiumcryptoHub]

I can get the inclusion of Neymar but no Joao Pedro in the World Cup for Brazil is hard to believe, pedro is Chelsea best player this season and even Barcelona wants him and he is their important targets for next season.
Carlo signed a contract extension at Brazil that will make him stay their till 2030 but if Brazil find it hard to score goals or dont do well critics will point at his omission of Pedro in the Brazilian squad.
Aside from Igor Thiago , Joao can replace any of the Brazilian attacks that made it to the list.

Brazil has included forwards for the upcoming FIFA World Cup we are all shocked to see that, however, it seems that Neymar Jr. has been included in the team despite doubts about his fitness, meaning he has a chance to play in the World Cup, but you should note that Joao Pedro, who plays for Chelsea, is not in the team.

This important player for the PL club Chelsea team also played very well in the Club World Cup final against PSG and on the other hand we have noticed Antoni, who plays for Real Betis, was not given a chance, all in all, it seems that some talented forwards of the Brazilian team are not able to participate in the upcoming World Cup. At this stage, it seems to me that Neymar is going to participate in his fourth World Cup, so it is reasonable to assume Brazil's top scorer will be able to play artistic football in this tournament.

[Sithara007]

Brazil will be the champions! 

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) e Weverton (Grêmio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG) e Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) e Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth) e Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)

It is a good squad, but IMO it will be too early to say that they will be the champions. The issue with Brazil is that their players play well on an individual level. But that doesn't always get translated to a good team performance. Their is lack of coordination and team bonding, but I am sure that under Carlo Ancelotti it has improved a lot. Journey to the world cup was a rocky one for Brazil. They struggled a lot during the qualifiers, and at one point it looked as if they might need to take part in the inter-confederation play-offs, in order to qualify. But the form improved during the final stages.

[Obim34]

This important player for the PL club Chelsea team also played very well in the Club World Cup final against PSG and on the other hand we have noticed Antoni, who plays for Real Betis, was not given a chance, all in all, it seems that some talented forwards of the Brazilian team are not able to participate in the upcoming World Cup. At this stage, it seems to me that Neymar is going to participate in his fourth World Cup, so it is reasonable to assume Brazil's top scorer will be able to offer artistic football in this tournament.

This might be Neymar fourth and the last World Cup he will play, he has to perform magnificently well to help the Brazil. I'm sure it took Brazil coach to include him to the squad following his recent injury crisis, I do enjoy his style of play, but in this World Cup, I smell war and tough fixtures, he better adjust the flairs and play with the team.

[Bobrox]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

Congrats, Neymar is back for Brazil national team will be in the World Cup 2026 although absent for many qualifier matches, last two hours ago Carlo Ancelotti have announced 26 players for World Cup 2026 and Neymar including for the attacking line players. Its great news seeing back Neymar will play for Brazil at World Cup and likely Ancelotti want to give chance for senior players during have many youth players in this World Cup edition. Carlo Ancelotti calling 10 striker and its difficult option for Neymar have fight with many top and youth talent players if want to secure one regular position, however good news seeing back Neymar to the team indeed can't regular option for starting line up.

Congrats Neymar we are happy seeing you back to the team.

[MusaMohamed]

Congrats, Neymar is back for Brazil national team will be in the World Cup 2026 although absent for many qualifier matches, last two hours ago Carlo Ancelotti have announced 26 players for World Cup 2026 and Neymar including for the attacking line players. Its great news seeing back Neymar will play for Brazil at World Cup and likely Ancelotti want to give chance for senior players during have many youth players in this World Cup edition. Carlo Ancelotti calling 10 striker and its difficult option for Neymar have fight with many top and youth talent players if want to secure one regular position, however good news seeing back Neymar to the team indeed can't regular option for starting line up.

Congrats Neymar we are happy seeing you back to the team.

Neymar was given a chance of returning to Brazil national team, and more important this is his return for a World Cup 2026 which is very likely a last World Cup in his player career. Now he is already 34-year old and with his physical fitness, injury sensitivity, it's very unlikely that his player career will be long enough for World Cup 2030.

The return of Neymar Jr. makes him happy personally but it means Joao Pedro has to stay home even he scored about 20 goals in this season for Chelsea. Another player has to stay home is Richarlison, but I am not surprised with Richarlison case because his performance quality has been not too good since World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Neymar with his experience and skills can be helpful as a playmaker for Brazil in World Cup 2026. I believe that the main role for Neymar is to control match intensity and make key passes for his teammates while he individually has to avoid losing ball in the midfield area because it possibly opens dangerous counter attacks for Brazil opponents.

[pewboy]

Perhaps you should have read my whole comment and understood that the word "wouldn't" was actually a typo kid if auto correct error that was really meant to be spelt "would" instead.

Anyways, thank you for drawing my attention to that.

corruption is everywhere, in all fields in all sectors, this is certain and the wiretaps that come out of it are obvious, even in Italy my friend, there are cases of corruption, look at the referee Rocchi what he has done, so I'm not surprised that even in Africa there are these types of problems.

[SuperBitMan]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

The pressure on him was just too much he had no other option than to include him. I’m so happy that Neymar Junior will have a chance to play his last World Cup and then retire his a very good player and because they have included him I believe his going to do his best to make sure that they lift the World Cup, he will surely perform some magic.
Brazil has a very good squad that can lift the World Cup. They have a lot of players very good and world class players that can help them lift the World Cup and what they need is determination they should put in their best in the World Cup for a good result.
Congratulations to Neymar Junior.

[Daniel91]

Carlo Ancelotti released now that Neymar Jr will be in the world cup!

This was the most questioned thing before today with the release of the list with the 26 players. I hope he can do good for Brazil and maybe the magic of brazilian football will happen today

The pressure on him was just too much he had no other option than to include him. I’m so happy that Neymar Junior will have a chance to play his last World Cup and then retire his a very good player and because they have included him I believe his going to do his best to make sure that they lift the World Cup, he will surely perform some magic.
Brazil has a very good squad that can lift the World Cup. They have a lot of players very good and world class players that can help them lift the World Cup and what they need is determination they should put in their best in the World Cup for a good result.
Congratulations to Neymar Junior.

I think all true football fans are happy that Neymar will get another chance to play at the World Cup, and that we will also see Messi and Ronaldo perform again at this World Cup.
These are players who have marked the last 10-15 years in world football and it is fantastic that we will watch their "last dance" in America.
Honestly, while I was confident about Messi and Ronaldo's performances, I was worried about Neymar because of his frequent injuries and other incidents around him recently.
Of course, the question is what is Neymar's current condition in terms of playing form and how much he can help the Brazilian national team.

[Merit.s]

I think all true football fans are happy that Neymar will get another chance to play at the World Cup, and that we will also see Messi and Ronaldo perform again at this World Cup.
These are players who have marked the last 10-15 years in world football and it is fantastic that we will watch their "last dance" in America.
Honestly, while I was confident about Messi and Ronaldo's performances, I was worried about Neymar because of his frequent injuries and other incidents around him recently.
Of course, the question is what is Neymar's current condition in terms of playing form and how much he can help the Brazilian national team.

Nobody can tell how is current form is like and if he's going to add any positive impact on the team but I believe that he will give his best to the team. It's good news to see him playing in the world cup because he is a professional player but injury is messing him up.

Messi and Ronaldo are the football legends everyone will be looking out for but Neymar wouldn't be an exception.