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

[MorganaX]

only 1.5 weeks left but hardly anyone is talking about the tournament for some reason... it feels like it's going to be one of the worst World Cups in history.
and except for 3 5 teams, the squads fail to grab any interest. Brazil, Argentina and Germany usually bring the most excitement to a World Cup but all three of them are in bad shape. Italy's absence is a huge loss. also entertainment value has dropped significantly because African countries have lost their players to other national teams...

Hmm 🤔 well this is something new, I don't know about some of the analysis or reference you made but some of them are accurate and one of them being the fact that the excitement has reduced and don't forget this particular world is almost like the end of an era for many of the big nations and big names in the competition that have made football so much interesting and exciting for decades now and they are having their last dance in this world cup.

[chinhar]

England always has selection problems because of the number of good players available. Cole Palmer has been a shadow of himself and Phil Foden has not be at his best. Eberechi Eze , Kobbie Mainoo , and Morgan Rogers have been outstanding this season. The coach would have to select the best and players that suits is playing strategy. Cole and Phil are still young to play in the next world cup if they improve.

To me, when looking at the extended squad of England, only maybe Foden and Palmer pop up as the ones that were not called up. But then, you see what the options are in attacking midfield, and everything starts to become clear: they have selected Eze, Rogers, and Bellingham. For me, they are all valid picks. Eze was a significant player in the Arsenal squad, and Rogers played well all season and started almost all games. The third pick, Bellingham, is the one that is most critical because he didn't play much or particularly well for Real Madrid, but honestly, he was better than Foden, who didn't even play, and Palmer, who was not on the same level this year. So, for me, there's no surprise here. For me greater mistery is how Jordan Henderson did make the cut.

I think Eze's transfer was the deal of the year for them, and its impact will be felt. As for Palmer and Foden, they're in a bad situation considering Tuchel's strict stance, and they're definitely having a poor season. However, with their exclusion, there won't be any problems keeping many strong players in the squad, and tactically, instead of focusing on possession, they'll focus more on breaking through from the wings thanks to Gordon or Rashford. Now we just have to see if they have solidity in midfield.

[Fiatless]

Portugal no doubt has great squad and the are still looking for their first world cup title despite appearing eight times in the past. Portugal coach is saying that Cristiano Ronaldo will also play 2030 world cup. While Messi is playing his 6th world cup and this might be his last world cup. Messi might be less enthusiastic for this world cup as he was part of team that won the last world cup. Cristiano Ronaldo will do his best in this world cup to make sure his side wins the title before his retirement.

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

[CLS63]

only 1.5 weeks left but hardly anyone is talking about the tournament for some reason... it feels like it's going to be one of the worst World Cups in history.
and except for 3 5 teams, the squads fail to grab any interest. Brazil, Argentina and Germany usually bring the most excitement to a World Cup but all three of them are in bad shape. Italy's absence is a huge loss. also entertainment value has dropped significantly because African countries have lost their players to other national teams...

People are still newly getting over the end of local leagues I guess. Besides there is still a Champions League final match ahead. People are mostly locked in for that tomorrow.

But I really can't wait for the World Cup to start. Because it is really special for Turkish people this time. Turkey have joined the tournament after 24 years.

Just as we became the 3rd in 2002 World Cup I hope we reach at least quarter finals this time.

[Muba20]

it's tru i agree with you, Germany has really always been very unpredictable, i don't understand how there are people who believe that this is something new, they have always had an excellent team and now more than ever they can prevail, because there are also new names, and certainly not half-assed ones who aren't worth much.

Germany has always been a team that is been feared and taken seriously that is mostly due to good players always being in their team. Their performance can be argued about and is indeed unpredictable but their team, it has always been at the top level. This time too they have a good team with alot of youngsters too which is not something unique, now what matters is how they utilise eachother and deliver in the World Cup.

Germany does not give a place to the team if there is no real talent. Germany always tried to make the team with top class players whose dribbling, pressing, positioning are world class. This has not been the change in the 2026 World Cup. Rather, this time several young talents are seen in the squad. Most of whom are quite good at controlling the midfield and attacking with creativity. The German team has not been seen as confident in the past few seasons, but Julian Nagelsmann is trying to correct that flaw and reinvigorate the team properly in 2026.

[DiMarxist]

Portugal no doubt has great squad and the are still looking for their first world cup title despite appearing eight times in the past. Portugal coach is saying that Cristiano Ronaldo will also play 2030 world cup. While Messi is playing his 6th world cup and this might be his last world cup. Messi might be less enthusiastic for this world cup as he was part of team that won the last world cup. Cristiano Ronaldo will do his best in this world cup to make sure his side wins the title before his retirement.

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

Ronaldo should call it a day and leave the stage for the younger generation, how can anyone even be contemplating about Ronaldo playing in 2030 world cup for God's sake it's not fair whether he is in form or not Ronaldo should retire from international duty after this world cup. He has paid his due in this Portuguese team it will take a very long time before any player can even be thinking about breaking the record that he has set . Ronaldo's continued stay in this Portuguese team is an hindrance to the growth of other players who are coming up in the Portuguese setup.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Portugal are a strong national team and recent years, there are some young players developed their career very well to world class level like Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Vitinha. These players will be core of Portugal national team not only in this World Cup but in later tournaments in coming years. Bernado Silva, Bruno Fernandees, Joao Cancelo and Cristiano Ronaldo will be leaders in World Cup 2026 for the team with their experience. The possibility of success for Portugal in World Cup 2026 will depend on how good combination among young and old players in this tournament.

Of course they will need luckiness to go in later knock out phases with more comfortable competitors because it will affect their player fitness and suspension towards the final match too. To become the champion, they must beat strong competitors but if they can save energy, avoid injuries and suspensions to as least as possible, it will be best for their resource in the final match if they are there as one of two teams.

At the moment, Portugal has very good players, plus they have CR7. If they can compete with anyone, they could do well, but they have to give their all in every match. I see France, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain as strong contenders, although I'm not convinced by Spain's squad selection. Leaving Real Madrid players out isn't good. I think these will be the teams that reach the final later on. This isn't to say that Croatia also has everything it takes to reach the final stages, but Portugal is my favorite.

[eightdots]

only 1.5 weeks left but hardly anyone is talking about the tournament for some reason... it feels like it's going to be one of the worst World Cups in history.
and except for 3 5 teams, the squads fail to grab any interest. Brazil, Argentina and Germany usually bring the most excitement to a World Cup but all three of them are in bad shape. Italy's absence is a huge loss. also entertainment value has dropped significantly because African countries have lost their players to other national teams...

People are still newly getting over the end of local leagues I guess. Besides there is still a Champions League final match ahead. People are mostly locked in for that tomorrow.

But I really can't wait for the World Cup to start. Because it is really special for Turkish people this time. Turkey have joined the tournament after 24 years.

Just as we became the 3rd in 2002 World Cup I hope we reach at least quarter finals this time.

In football, events unfold one after another; first the leagues are discussed, then the Champions League, then the World Cup. In football, it's better to talk about the next match, so it's perfectly normal that the World Cup isn't being talked about much right now.

It's difficult to tell whether the teams in the World Cup are performing well or poorly without watching the first few matches, but there's also a possibility that a surprise team could win the trophy.

[Juicyhome]

Ronaldo should call it a day and leave the stage for the younger generation, how can anyone even be contemplating about Ronaldo playing in 2030 world cup for God's sake it's not fair whether he is in form or not Ronaldo should retire from international duty after this world cup. He has paid his due in this Portuguese team it will take a very long time before any player can even be thinking about breaking the record that he has set . Ronaldo's continued stay in this Portuguese team is an hindrance to the growth of other players who are coming up in the Portuguese setup.

what's your pain? Seeing Portugal progressing than your Messi, because this can only come from a Messi fan, As I write Portugal has a complete team then Argentina, there is no Argentina player that can start in Portugal team except Messi, and the Portugal team is full of younger stars , so I don't really know your pain, Ronaldo is performing more than most Young Stars at 41 , his work rate is very high and his staying fit do deliver his last world cup for Portugal, your fear is that Portugal has a chance of winning the world cup this year then your favorite Messi.Ronaldo is a good person and a model in the Portuguese team, his presence is a big motivation for so let his form judge not sentiment.

[Jatiluhung]

Portugal no doubt has great squad and the are still looking for their first world cup title despite appearing eight times in the past. Portugal coach is saying that Cristiano Ronaldo will also play 2030 world cup. While Messi is playing his 6th world cup and this might be his last world cup. Messi might be less enthusiastic for this world cup as he was part of team that won the last world cup. Cristiano Ronaldo will do his best in this world cup to make sure his side wins the title before his retirement.

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

Personally, I actually think this World Cup could very well be the last one for Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Messi. Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s physical condition and performance are still quite top-notch right now, it’s hard to imagine that four years from now he’ll still be able to maintain the same level of play he has today. Unlesss, of course, he manages to maintain his physical fitness until the next World Cup in which case, well, that would be yet another record for this legendary playerr.

Portugal is one of the favorites to win the title. however, they are not the only favorites. Personally, I hope the Portuguese national team wins, but I realize there are many other teams just as strong for example, Spain and Norway and many more.

[Bitcoin_Arena]

Personally, I actually think this World Cup could very well be the last one for Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Messi. Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s physical condition and performance are still quite top-notch right now, it’s hard to imagine that four years from now he’ll still be able to maintain the same level of play he has today. Unlesss, of course, he manages to maintain his physical fitness until the next World Cup in which case, well, that would be yet another record for this legendary playerr.

Portugal is one of the favorites to win the title. however, they are not the only favorites. Personally, I hope the Portuguese national team wins, but I realize there are many other teams just as strong for example, Spain and Norway and many more.

Ronaldo is chasing the 1000 career goal mark. Once he achieves that, which he is most likely to do next season, he is definitely going to start thinking about retiring. I don't think he will go all the way until the next World Cup.

Yes, a World Cup would be a nice addition to his beautiful career, but I don't think it's going to happen for Portugal. Maybe some other time.

[katanic97]

Ronaldo should call it a day and leave the stage for the younger generation, how can anyone even be contemplating about Ronaldo playing in 2030 world cup for God's sake it's not fair whether he is in form or not Ronaldo should retire from international duty after this world cup. He has paid his due in this Portuguese team it will take a very long time before any player can even be thinking about breaking the record that he has set . Ronaldo's continued stay in this Portuguese team is an hindrance to the growth of other players who are coming up in the Portuguese setup.

what's your pain? Seeing Portugal progressing than your Messi, because this can only come from a Messi fan, As I write Portugal has a complete team then Argentina, there is no Argentina player that can start in Portugal team except Messi, and the Portugal team is full of younger stars , so I don't really know your pain, Ronaldo is performing more than most Young Stars at 41 , his work rate is very high and his staying fit do deliver his last world cup for Portugal, your fear is that Portugal has a chance of winning the world cup this year then your favorite Messi.Ronaldo is a good person and a model in the Portuguese team, his presence is a big motivation for so let his form judge not sentiment.

Okay wait, to be honest i'm not even a Messi fan. I actually prefer Ronaldo's work ethic, but saying there isn't a single Argentina player who would start in Portugal's team except Messi… I think that’s not really true. Argentina still has some really strong players, and one of them who really stood out this season is Nico Paz. I’m pretty sure he could easily be a starter in a "Portugal" lineup. Portugal definitely has a real chance to win it, and i'd actually like that for Ronaldo, since he's still the number one guy for Portugal

[SmartCharpa]

Portugal's squad is very strong in this World Cup. They have a lot of talented and star players in their squad. Attack, midfield and defense are three very strong in Portugal. There is no doubt that Portugal have a squad fit to win the World Cup. But as a team, Portugal is not very strong. Poor bonding between players is the main reason for their erratic performance. If coach Martinez can strengthen the bonding between the players and develop smart match strategies, Portugal will do well in this World Cup. This is Ronaldo's last world cup.

You really understand the Portugals team face during the international games. They have the quality players to win the World Cup, but they lack the good relationship between the players, each player is just playing for their self to shine at the top, they don’t care to play as a team and win the World Cup. They did the same thing during the Euro 2024, and that’s the main reason they failed to win the trophy. The manager needs to bench these players that value themselves more than winning the trophy.

Portugal has young talented players, there is no need to start old players in every game, like Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, it’s not necessary to start them in most of their games, the manager can bring them as substitutes, because they don’t need to depend on them, these people have played for the national team and it’s the right time for the young players to give their best to the Portugal national team.

[Ale88]

Portugal no doubt has great squad and the are still looking for their first world cup title despite appearing eight times in the past. Portugal coach is saying that Cristiano Ronaldo will also play 2030 world cup. While Messi is playing his 6th world cup and this might be his last world cup. Messi might be less enthusiastic for this world cup as he was part of team that won the last world cup. Cristiano Ronaldo will do his best in this world cup to make sure his side wins the title before his retirement.

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

Sure, I would say Ronaldo could play also at the 2 following World Cups, 2034 and 2038, at the end if he's in good shape at 41 and he can be in good shape at 45, then he can be in good shape also at 49 and 53, doesn't he? 
Come on, let's be serious, it's already insane that he is still being called up, mainly because he is purchasing records, I really hope we won't see him at the next World Cup because it would really mean that he is more important than the whole Portuguese Federation at that point.

[BlackBoss_]

Sure, I would say Ronaldo could play also at the 2 following World Cups, 2034 and 2038, at the end if he's in good shape at 41 and he can be in good shape at 45, then he can be in good shape also at 49 and 53, doesn't he? 
Come on, let's be serious, it's already insane that he is still being called up, mainly because he is purchasing records, I really hope we won't see him at the next World Cup because it would really mean that he is more important than the whole Portuguese Federation at that point.

He will possibly in good shape even next 4 or 8 years but having a good shape does not mean that he will be able to play like a younger player. His pace will become slower, his flexibility will become worse, and it's how aging affects everyone so all these aging effects will make his performance worse with time, that's very natural declining performance quality from all professional athletes, not exception with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Like a legendary Japanese player Kazuyoshi Miura who is still playing for Fukushima United at J3 League at his 59 year-old, it's possible for Ronaldo continuing his player career next 4 years or 8 years if he wants. However, it's different at be good enough for playing in World Cup tournaments in 2030 or 2034.

[HustleZ]

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

You’re kind of right if we look at it from a perspective that ronaldo “must play” and have to win. Ronaldo can be fit to play but he gets the spot in portugal’s team now that’s not guranteed. In the 2022 worldcup ronaldo was benched so now think of it from that POV that will he even be selected for portugal national team at the age of 45 in the 2030 world cup though he was benched in 2022 ??. Well his selection also depends on hi performance in this World cup but I don’t think he will perform moreover it’s even hard for him to start every match in the WC.

[emrecemsan]

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

If he plays in even that World Cup then I guess he'd be among the substitutes in all matches.    In the end he'd drag the team down if we see him as a starter no matter how much I respect his career so far.

He is going to be 45 years old then! Even playing professional football at that age sounds insane. The World Cup isn't like the qualifiers. I expect to see Ronaldo playing for less minutes even in this World Cup.

[Stavri]

only 1.5 weeks left but hardly anyone is talking about the tournament for some reason... it feels like it's going to be one of the worst World Cups in history.
and except for 3 5 teams, the squads fail to grab any interest. Brazil, Argentina and Germany usually bring the most excitement to a World Cup but all three of them are in bad shape. Italy's absence is a huge loss. also entertainment value has dropped significantly because African countries have lost their players to other national teams...

People are still newly getting over the end of local leagues I guess. Besides there is still a Champions League final match ahead. People are mostly locked in for that tomorrow.

But I really can't wait for the World Cup to start. Because it is really special for Turkish people this time. Turkey have joined the tournament after 24 years.

Just as we became the 3rd in 2002 World Cup I hope we reach at least quarter finals this time.

i hope so. anyway as Eduardo Galeano said, i am a beggar for good football, my friend. i hold out my hand and say please give me a little football and then i watch my match

[yixichloro2xx]

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

If he plays in even that World Cup then I guess he'd be among the substitutes in all matches.    In the end he'd drag the team down if we see him as a starter no matter how much I respect his career so far.

He is going to be 45 years old then! Even playing professional football at that age sounds insane. The World Cup isn't like the qualifiers. I expect to see Ronaldo playing for less minutes even in this World Cup.

If Ronaldo decides to play in 2030 world cup then I will say he has no shame. what is he looking for again?  This should be his last world cup, he's already getting old and his mate has retired whilst he is still chasing glory. Even if he doesn't win this year world cup he should retire from the international team and leave the spot for the new generations. The best thing he can is to be a part of  coaching team , then will give advice to the younger players. He won't be able to compete with young players in terms of pace , attacking, possession, pressing and defending. He shouldn't even think of playing in 2030.

[Iranus]

Ronaldo playing in the 2030 World Cup? Roberto Martinez might be right because Ronaldo is still in good form at 41years. The player takes good care of his body through adequate training and an appropriate diet. But I think it is too early to start marking such predictions. Most football fans are closely watching how the World Cup this year will turn out for two of the greatest players, Ronaldo and Messi. Portugal has a very good side but they are not my favorite to win the competition.

Ronaldo's fitness is still quite good. But the  possibility that he will play in the next world cup is very small. And if Ronaldo plays in the next World Cup, it will be a new record. No 45 year old forward has ever played in a world cup. The oldest player on the list was Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary. He played in the 2018 world cup. He was  45 years and 5 months old. In second place is colombia goalkeeper Faryd mondragon. He was 43 years old. Ronaldo is probably in fourth place on the list of the oldest players in the world cup of all time.