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

[Zoomic]

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.

I am as well suprised because neymar has not been in good form and has suffered many injuries lately. Ancelotti should have choose Joao Pedro because he has been in great form this season with Chelsea. But come to think of it, If Neymar was to be left out of the Brazilian squad I don't think Brazilian's will be happy with Ancelotti's decision. Neymar is the fans favourite, no brazilian will prefer Joao Pedro to neymar, he is an icon to the Brazilian's. The fans are not really concerned about Neymar's form all they want is him in the World cup. But tactical dropping Joao Pedro is never a good choice for Ancelotti, I know Neymar has not been in good form but dropping Neymar out of the World cup is like dropping Ronaldo, Messi and other iconic players out of the world cup.

[$crypto$]

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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.

Full of pros and cons --- some are happy some are not because he is often injured while now Ancelotti has made a decision to call Neymar for the World Cup.
I feel so, Neymar will not be a starter, he will only be a substitute in the second half or last minute because I think other strikers are also better than Neymar.

[hyudien]

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.

Not only is the squad full of stars but also because Didier Deschamps has been managing the French national team for a long time, besides that he also presented the 2018 world cup title. This means that it is very feasible if most people consider or favor Francis as one of the strong candidates for the title.
Francis has grown into a solid team over the past few years, but there are countries that I think have an equally good chance of winning the title, namely Portugal and Spain.

[eightdots]

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.

There may have been many requests to include a player like Neymar in the squad. Ancelotti may not have made the decision alone, but the important thing is whether he can contribute to the team. Neymar is a quality player, but he has been far from playing top-level football. Nevertheless, I think he still has potential on the pitch. However, this thought can only come true if Brazil really puts on a good performance; otherwise, it doesn't seem easy for Neymar to play like he did in his old days.

If the absence of the players who weren't included in the squad is felt in the matches, then the criticism will increase.

[Donneski]

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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.

Full of pros and cons --- some are happy some are not because he is often injured while now Ancelotti has made a decision to call Neymar for the World Cup.
I feel so, Neymar will not be a starter, he will only be a substitute in the second half or last minute because I think other strikers are also better than Neymar.

Carlo Ancelotti had no other option than to bow to pressure from the Brazilian fans who we know love Neymar unconditionally. They protested so much when he didn't include him in the last international games they played so he definitely included him to buy the love of the fans. While I don't think Neymar has a chance of being a regular starter, I think he can help the team when called upon. Let's be positive about his inclusion and see what the future holds for the country's all time record scorer.

[Ryu_Ar1]

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.

Indeed, every line in Portugal is very good especially for defense and midfield because they have players like Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias and don't forget Vitinha in their midfield it is a very good composition for me but sometimes Portugal's game is also difficult to predict.

For Japan they lost some players like Endo, Mitoma and Minamino but with the complexity of the squad they have I think the big teams can't underestimate them now because even though individually they are quite evenly distributed but I always see their fighting spirit that never runs out and that will be very difficult to fight so they might be able to go higher in this world cup.
For the friendly match against Iceland it can be a benchmark especially since this is the last match before they start the world cup in June so I expect a positive result so that my confidence is supported by their playing conditions.

[LUCKMCFLY]

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

Ancelotti has saved Joga Bonito. You can't imagine how happy I was to see the announcement; it all looked like a rock concert, where Ancelotti was received like a rock star. It was impressive. So far, it's the best presentation I've ever seen. That's why I love this kind of thing. I'm very happy for Brazil, but it's a shame for Joao Pedro. He really wanted to go to the World Cup, so it's not all good news. There are some great players who weren't called up.

[uneng]

Carlo Ancelotti had no other option than to bow to pressure from the Brazilian fans who we know love Neymar unconditionally. They protested so much when he didn't include him in the last international games they played so he definitely included him to buy the love of the fans. While I don't think Neymar has a chance of being a regular starter, I think he can help the team when called upon. Let's be positive about his inclusion and see what the future holds for the country's all time record scorer.

Neymar isn't an unanimity in Brazil. There are fans and haters. In his last matches for Santos, he was actually hostilized by the crowds who mocked him saying he wasn't going to be requested by Ancelotti. The tides have changed, though, and Neymar has now once again a new chance to prove his value and skills on the global soccer scene.

In every cases, Brazil isn't a favorite anymore. The fact Neymar was requested is an indicative there weren't viable alternatives, anyway. One of the weaknesses of brazilian national team is that players don't have chemistry among themselves.

[Ale88]

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. 

I agree, this is a political decision, I read that there were more than 700 accredited journalist when Ancelotti was publicly announcing the squad. Let's not forget that he recently renewed his contract with the Brazilian federation until 2030 so I wouldn't be surprised if one of the condition to get this extension was to call Neymar for the upcoming World Cup. And, at the end, looking at the players I wouldn't even say the problem is Neymar...

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Ancelotti has saved Joga Bonito. You can't imagine how happy I was to see the announcement; it all looked like a rock concert, where Ancelotti was received like a rock star. It was impressive. So far, it's the best presentation I've ever seen. That's why I love this kind of thing. I'm very happy for Brazil, but it's a shame for Joao Pedro. He really wanted to go to the World Cup, so it's not all good news. There are some great players who weren't called up.

At the very least this decision could be a good step towards strengthening the Brazilian squad for this World Cup, even though there were some names that Ancelotti didn't call up based on his assessment. I'm quite happy with this decision because these players are great talents and their inclusion in the squad will add to the team's attacking power. Some other great players weren't called up, but that decision was probably based on his assessment, so Ancelotti had to make that decision and we hope Neymar can maintain his physical fitness and not get injured.

[dezoel]

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

I feel like he is going to be there more like a player to have some mentorship and like wave the towel and all of that. I do not think that he will be healed enough to play much, if he ever does then it could be later in the game like 70th minute or later.

He is still injured currently at this moment, so him being healed enough to play 90+ minutes per game by July makes no sense and will probably not happen so we should not be expecting him to do something that great at the moment.

[Jostern]

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 don’t really see how this is a good news for Brazil Football Team, because Neymar is only being taken to the World Cup because of fans that loves him in the world, that would love to see him playing again, well it benefits FIFA, because it would bring more fans and more engagement to them, but on a sporting field it doesn’t benefit Brazil anymore, because he wouldn’t be playing much considering that he is even injured and he will be sitting on the bench, and even if he plays I don’t see him starting games, because they will be managing his fitness and trying to be soft on him considering his performance in recent times and also his injury record.

[Nahl]

Admitted or not Neymar has plenty of fans when Ancelotti announce he will into Brazil squad for world cup those fans are celebrating this moment for Neymar too i can see he was very emotional when know this news and i think this is proven Neymar very love his country and will fight more hard until Brazil can gets good achievement in world cup but regardless all of his controversy Neymar is a good player probably this world cup isn't in his prime but Ancelotti believe Neymar can make the difference and probably he would became an important player for Brazil for this world cup

[kennycryptoitalia]

I believe France can do well because all of their players are ready. Even Deschamps has called Kante back to the squad. So i think they still have their intensity to show excelent performance. Meanwhile, i'm doubting Spain to cook in the current WC. Both Yamal and Williams are still struggling with their injuries.
Without both of them in their squad. Spain is nothing. The problem is that their Spain?s depth on the wings is really poor right now. I also see none in their squad that can subs both of wingers when they're injuries.

France is very mature, so mature that they can really win the world cup, in Qatar they had a great advantage over Argentina, it was obvious and in the end they let them win, this thing must be redeemed by them and they must do it again and they can do it in a really serious way.

[bastisisca]

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!

Unfortunately it also has to make the fans happy, the aim of the game is to entertain the fans.
If you make them sad you have already failed, there's so much talk about a player in the squad who is perhaps useless, an icon.
Maybe with his charisma he can also lend a hand off the pitch.

[Italian Panic]

Admitted or not Neymar has plenty of fans when Ancelotti announce he will into Brazil squad for world cup those fans are celebrating this moment for Neymar too i can see he was very emotional when know this news and i think this is proven Neymar very love his country and will fight more hard until Brazil can gets good achievement in world cup but regardless all of his controversy Neymar is a good player probably this world cup isn't in his prime but Ancelotti believe Neymar can make the difference and probably he would became an important player for Brazil for this world cup

In my opinion, he was only taken to the World Cup to liven up the dressing room and because the brazilian team operates differently from other national teams. There’s samba and music everywhere and a need for cheerfulness, so perhaps that’s why Neymar is there, given that he’s not in peak physical condition and his recent performances have left a lot to be desired.

[AmaGold70]

Admitted or not Neymar has plenty of fans when Ancelotti announce he will into Brazil squad for world cup those fans are celebrating this moment for Neymar too i can see he was very emotional when know this news and i think this is proven Neymar very love his country and will fight more hard until Brazil can gets good achievement in world cup but regardless all of his controversy Neymar is a good player probably this world cup isn't in his prime but Ancelotti believe Neymar can make the difference and probably he would became an important player for Brazil for this world cup

Yes, it will be very interesting if Neymar should appear in 2026 world cup. Initially people were trying to be very pessimistic about his appearance in the world cup because of injury, but if he finally plays, he is an interesting star to watch from the Brazilian team. Neymar is known for his outstanding skills, and his presence will become a threat to his opposition team.
Is understandable that because of age, Neymar Jr may no longer perform like the way he used to during his formative age, but has a crutial role to play. He is still influential in the world of football, and the Brazilian team will be very much eager to have him make up the world cup team.

[Agbamoni]

Portugal has released the list of players for the 2026 World Cup, and Diogo Jota was included in the squad. He was included as a memorial and out of respect for his demise. I think they should have added Jota’s brother, who also passed away in the terrible accident.

Ronaldo, at 41, is still in the World Cup squad.

[giorgione]

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.

the influence of the Brazilian people is fundamental for the selection of Neymar, without them, Neymar would never have played in the World Cup, because Ancelotti seemed almost forced to select him. This is a choice that was certainly made but not to win but to take him and try to win with him.

[KawasakiNinja1_]

I believe France can do well because all of their players are ready. Even Deschamps has called Kante back to the squad. So i think they still have their intensity to show excelent performance. Meanwhile, i'm doubting Spain to cook in the current WC. Both Yamal and Williams are still struggling with their injuries.
Without both of them in their squad. Spain is nothing. The problem is that their Spain?s depth on the wings is really poor right now. I also see none in their squad that can subs both of wingers when they're injuries.

France is very mature, so mature that they can really win the world cup, in Qatar they had a great advantage over Argentina, it was obvious and in the end they let them win, this thing must be redeemed by them and they must do it again and they can do it in a really serious way.

I think France will not make the same mistake they made against Argentina in Qatar this season, look at the players that the French manager has included in the World Cup squad, each player is responsible and mature. So in this context, it is credible that this team will be an unstoppable and fierce team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Having played in two consecutive World Cup finals before,  so we can say for sure if they reach the final this season too, it could be a record for them.