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

[emrecemsan]

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.

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

I doubt his contributions in the World Cup already. Another surprise was Joao Pedro's not being called! He was literally one of the best Brazilian goal options he had. Just why wouldn't you even call him?

[PremiumcryptoHub]

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.

Of course, Brazil's top scorer will try to adapt to the team by making some changes to his style of play i think so too, Neymar Jr. has been given the opportunity to play for the Brazilian national team and it seems that Carlo Ancelotti has given him this golden opportunity. But looking at the names of the Brazilian team players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, it seems to us that some of their best players are still missing. Maybe if they were given a chance, Brazil would be much stronger in the upcoming World Cup, actually the Chelsea Brazilian striker has had a great season as he has scored almost twenty goals. Every player in this team full of superstars has matured but we see that they play well individually at the club level but it can be assumed that Neymar Jr. got the opportunity to replace Pedro in this World Cup because of his experience.

[Qhunman]

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

This is goodnews for all Brazilian as neymar being included in the world cup list is a positive one for them. The coach did made a wise decision for calling neymar to play for his country. I understand it wasn't an easy decision given  neymar injuries but it is all for the best.  neymar presence in the team will motivate his teammates in the field..  Carlo Ancelotti saw a positive energy in neymar,he believes neymar will contribute positively for Brazil during the world cup.. If Carlo Ancelotti believe neymar would do well in the world cup i aloa believe he can.

[SilverCryptoBullet]

This is goodnews for all Brazilian as neymar being included in the world cup list is a positive one for them. The coach did made a wise decision for calling neymar to play for his country. I understand it wasn't an easy decision given  neymar injuries but it is all for the best.  neymar presence in the team will motivate his teammates in the field..  Carlo Ancelotti saw a positive energy in neymar,he believes neymar will contribute positively for Brazil during the world cup.. If Carlo Ancelotti believe neymar would do well in the world cup i aloa believe he can.

Neymar deserves to be called for World Cup 2026 but Brazil national team will not be built around Neymar in this World Cup. Firstly, a slot in the national team in World Cup is like a present for Neymar, but he must be aware of his physical fitness, performance quality, and how he will be able to contribute best for the team. Likely Neymar will be used very selective depends on opponents, match situations and he will be sent out or sent in at right time based on tactical and match assessment of Carlo Ancelotti.

With many years of playing and contributing for Brazil national team, and with his acceptable performance quality recent months, Neymar is really deserved to participate in World Cup 2026. However it is like bad news for other players like Richarlison, Antony or Joao Pedro but with limited slots, Carlo Ancelotti can not satisfy all star players.

[Nheer]

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

I doubt his contributions in the World Cup already. Another surprise was Joao Pedro's not being called! He was literally one of the best Brazilian goal options he had. Just why wouldn't you even call him?

I'm surprised as well. Though it's really good to have some experience in the team. I wouldn't have a problem with calling Neymar for the World Cup if he is not the type that like to play, he values his personal satisfaction and that will be a set back for the team especially now that he is not young again, he will easily be dispossessed if he tries to flaunt his skills.

He might contribute well but the problem now is that football is now business minded and not how it used to be before.

I was surprised Joao Pedro was left out. His performance this season was excellent and deserves a call up. I don't know what Ancellotti thinks but Joao Pedro would have been a good pick for the striking role.

[Volgastallion]

Im really happy to see Neymar having his last world cup, he deserve it not maybe by his actual performance but to be fair i also think nobody have right now a better performance than him and a better history o name, so between a normal player or Neymar im gonna always choose Neymar because he also can give you a extra of motivation and give the experience he have to the most youngest.

[chinhar]

One thing im not gonna like at all from this world cup is the fact that a lot of records from previous world cups are gonna be broken super easy in the next years, since we are gonna have a lot of lowe tier teams playing some players for example can score a lot more goals than before so the previous records of Klose are gonna be destroyed easily by the new players, and i dont like it since i feel like is not a fair comparison.

It doesn't even make sense to look at current records considering the teams that will be playing. Basically, everything will favor the strong team facing a weaker team that can't afford decent players, or at least competitive ones. So, automatically, we end up with broken records, but even with equal competitiveness, they don't hold up to the old ones given the opposition.

[Agbamoni]

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

I doubt his contributions in the World Cup already. Another surprise was Joao Pedro's not being called! He was literally one of the best Brazilian goal options he had. Just why wouldn't you even call him?

Social media played a major role in this call-up by Ancelotti. During the last international break, Neymar was not called up for international duty, which triggered a lot of Neymar fans, especially me. Who spoke about it on social media. To my greatest surprise, Newymar was called for the World Cup. I am full of excitement because I want to watch the crowned prince in the World Cup, I dont know for others, but it's their concern, not mine. However, I am also not comfortable with the decision of not calling Jao Pedro. I think Chelsea's total performance affected Jao Pedro on getting a call-up from Ancelotti.

[Stepstowealth]

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

This is goodnews for all Brazilian as neymar being included in the world cup list is a positive one for them. The coach did made a wise decision for calling neymar to play for his country. I understand it wasn't an easy decision given  neymar injuries but it is all for the best.  neymar presence in the team will motivate his teammates in the field..  Carlo Ancelotti saw a positive energy in neymar,he believes neymar will contribute positively for Brazil during the world cup.. If Carlo Ancelotti believe neymar would do well in the world cup i aloa believe he can.

I watched a video online where there was a lot of celebration when Ancelotti mentioned Neymar's junior as one of the Brazilian representatives in the World Cup.
He's big figure for them and to have him on the team will be inspiring for them to try and help him win a World Cup after so many years of carrying the team. Argentina will be with Lionel Messi and Portugal will be with Cristiano Ronaldo so it is also wise for Brazil to come with Neymar junior their own star boy. One last dance for those big players.

[Rikafip]

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

He simply caved in under pressure, there is no other explanation. I honestly didn't expect that to happen to someone of Ancelloti status and reputation, but I guess that even he can't really do what he wants.

Having said that, I don't think that changes much for Brasil. 

[Agbe]

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

Ancelotti might have thought of two things before including him in the tournament. Neymar might be fitted to play before the tournament starts. Probably from the doctor's prescription and two, Neymar will be at the substitution player in the second half or play only one half. So that he will not be over stressed. And this will be the last World Cup for him.

[snipie]

I still don't get how Neymar is called suddenly by Ancelotti... He got injured so often and couldn't even play properly this season.    Besides Neymar hasn't been able to play impressively anymore.

Ancelotti might have thought of two things before including him in the tournament. Neymar might be fitted to play before the tournament starts. Probably from the doctor's prescription and two, Neymar will be at the substitution player in the second half or play only one half. So that he will not be over stressed. And this will be the last World Cup for him.

I believe there were some pressure on Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar on the squad. After all the name of the player is still attractive and FIFA representative and federation under it want to make this version successful. They need him for ads and even showing for half the match is enough for them.
If we are talking only about actual performance then Neymar is far from being fit in my opinion.

[asriloni]

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

For me, Ancellotti's decision to include him in NT is just for advertisers only. He's been spending more time eating grass instead playing better. So i think it makes sense to assume his call is just to appease the fans. That's why just after Ancellotti was saying his name, many of his supporters are chanting his name.

However, i admit Brazil is always lacking of depth on its winger. If Estevao was not injury, Neymar may not be included in NT.

Other than Neymar's news it's also shocking me to see how Joao Pedro is getting dropped off from NT, then he's replaced by Luiz Henrique. I can't believe it!

[Just Say]

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.

I expect a lot from France, they can even have another team that would start everywhere and still make them play great, and they can afford to leave out incredible champions, but this is another thing, they are really strong and i think that mpabbe will show great things.

France have been unstoppable in the FIFA World Cup in the last two seasons and after seeing their squad announced for the 2026 World Cup, I think they will be at that level this season as well. You just take a look the players that France have who are showing artistry in different clubs and have come to the center of discussion by giving their best in those clubs, so it is without a doubt that we will assume that France will be able to challenge other teams very easily in this World Cup. It is right that Mbappe will do something great this season because as far as we know, this player was one of the best players in the previous World Cup tournaments and he scored almost 40 plus goals for his club in the 2025/26 season, therefore, many believe that this player will remain a reliable player for France in this FIFA World Cup as well.

[Noorooo]

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

This is goodnews for all Brazilian as neymar being included in the world cup list is a positive one for them. The coach did made a wise decision for calling neymar to play for his country. I understand it wasn't an easy decision given  neymar injuries but it is all for the best.  neymar presence in the team will motivate his teammates in the field..  Carlo Ancelotti saw a positive energy in neymar,he believes neymar will contribute positively for Brazil during the world cup.. If Carlo Ancelotti believe neymar would do well in the world cup i aloa believe he can.

I think Neymars presence in the team will not bring that much positivity because in my opinion he does not deserve to be in the Brazilian team right now. He has not done much in the past four years and has mostly struggled with injuries. The current Brazilian players are among the best and they have worked very hard and proved themselves in matches over the last few years. They earned their place in the team through performances unlike Neymar who has spent a lot of time injured. I am not against Neymar but I just think bringing him back into the team was an unfair decision.

[Creeper0]

France have been unstoppable in the FIFA World Cup in the last two seasons and after seeing their squad announced for the 2026 World Cup, I think they will be at that level this season as well. You just take a look the players that France have who are showing artistry in different clubs and have come to the center of discussion by giving their best in those clubs, so it is without a doubt that we will assume that France will be able to challenge other teams very easily in this World Cup. It is right that Mbappe will do something great this season because as far as we know, this player was one of the best players in the previous World Cup tournaments and he scored almost 40 plus goals for his club in the 2025/26 season, therefore, many believe that this player will remain a reliable player for France in this FIFA World Cup as well.

France will be the favourites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup, followed by Argentina and Spain. However, although there are no complaints about Mbappe in the national team, as we hear in club football. If he can create good chemistry with his teammates in the FIFA World Cup, then I think they will be an unstoppable team in the upcoming tournament. If there is a rift in the relationship with his teammates, then it will definitely be a negative side for the French team or the entire French team. I think they will be the most dangerous attacking line in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the three main forwards of the club. I am waiting to see the trio of Olise, Mbappe and Dembele.

[MorganaX]

France have been unstoppable in the FIFA World Cup in the last two seasons and after seeing their squad announced for the 2026 World Cup, I think they will be at that level this season as well. You just take a look the players that France have who are showing artistry in different clubs and have come to the center of discussion by giving their best in those clubs, so it is without a doubt that we will assume that France will be able to challenge other teams very easily in this World Cup. It is right that Mbappe will do something great this season because as far as we know, this player was one of the best players in the previous World Cup tournaments and he scored almost 40 plus goals for his club in the 2025/26 season, therefore, many believe that this player will remain a reliable player for France in this FIFA World Cup as well.

France will be the favourites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup, followed by Argentina and Spain. However, although there are no complaints about Mbappe in the national team, as we hear in club football. If he can create good chemistry with his teammates in the FIFA World Cup, then I think they will be an unstoppable team in the upcoming tournament. If there is a rift in the relationship with his teammates, then it will definitely be a negative side for the French team or the entire French team. I think they will be the most dangerous attacking line in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the three main forwards of the club. I am waiting to see the trio of Olise, Mbappe and Dembele.

The world cup haven't started already but majority are already picking France and I see the reason why, I mean their squad is filled with lot of good players but the thing about international football is that all these players need to be placed in well working formation and pattern if not the results won't be what we are all expecting although we have seen them play and the chemistry but it can be a totally different atmosphere when the real competition starts.

[Shussainshah]

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

At last Neymar in the brazillian squad it's a good news for football fan and Good news for Brazil.  I didn’t expect much from Brazil in this world cup but after adding Neymar in the Squad Maybe it's a little hope for the football Fan arround the world.  But can't underestimate Brazil.  They are favourite in every world cup there is no doubt Brazil is favourite in this world cup as well with or without neymar but the system arround Big star and controls the talent and give chance are very difficult in the Brazil system I hope Ancheloti can manage it perfectly well and hope we can see some good football from Brazil and Ancelotti.  Best of luck for Neymar and hope any injury can't ruin this world cup

[Fiatless]

I believe there were some pressure on Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar on the squad. After all the name of the player is still attractive and FIFA representative and federation under it want to make this version successful. They need him for ads and even showing for half the match is enough for them.
If we are talking only about actual performance then Neymar is far from being fit in my opinion.

Yes, I think he faced pressure from Brazilian fans and some players. There were demonstrations in cities like Rio de Janeiro  demanding the inclusion of Neymar to the Brazilian national world cup team. There were many post on different social media platforms supporting Neymar for his last World Cup appearance.

Although the Italian tactician has claimed to be in full control of his choice but I wonder how a player like João Pedro will be left out of the squad because of Neymar. It shows that he was influenced.

[eaLiTy]

~
He simply caved in under pressure, there is no other explanation. I honestly didn't expect that to happen to someone of Ancelloti status and reputation, but I guess that even he can't really do what he wants.

Having said that, I don't think that changes much for Brasil.  

There are reports that even the players requested Neymar to be in the squad and along with the public demand and media pressure, he actually caved in. Even a die hard Neymar fan would not believe that Neymar could be on the field for the entire match, expecting him to be a substitute in the last half hour or during the closing minutes of the match.

~
Yes, I think he faced pressure from Brazilian fans and some players. There were demonstrations in cities like Rio de Janeiro  demanding the inclusion of Neymar to the Brazilian national world cup team. There were many post on different social media platforms supporting Neymar for his last World Cup appearance.

If the coach does not heed these protests and fails miserably during the World Cup, he will face immediate sacking and he will be blamed for the failure.

Brazil has passionate fans and historically they have sidelined top players in the past. However, in the social media era, every protest will be heard, making the pressure really high when these decisions are made.