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

[Taricoins]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

Honestly all the new rules looks fair to me especially the 5 seconds count for goal keepers, I think this rule would be fully against Emiliano Martinez as he always tend to fault that particular rule. But I do agree with you for the direct res card, it seems unfair as players tend to do that often, to be fair covering of the mouth seems normal to me and instead of the red card, it should be yellow first.

[Agbam]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

Honestly all the new rules looks fair to me especially the 5 seconds count for goal keepers, I think this rule would be fully against Emiliano Martinez as he always tend to fault that particular rule. But I do agree with you for the direct res card, it seems unfair as players tend to do that often, to be fair covering of the mouth seems normal to me and instead of the red card, it should be yellow first.

Some of these rules look too serious for me and I think this many new rules are not going to make the game much fun, some of the natural elements of the game is being lost in the name of maintaining fairness. Though some of them are very Valid.

The 5 seconds count down is a rubbish rule, so Keepers or players will now have to rush kick offs or throw ins, aside from the time wasting tactics, the players have to scan and know which of their teammates to make the pass or throw to. Now they have to rush it and in the heat of pressure, there’ll be plenty of mistakes.

[tiCeR]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

There is too much burden on one person, the referee. In many other sports, these things are ruled out technically and the referee gets a signal. It is still all subjective when the referee will raise the hand to start the countdown, or when to decide whether someone covered his mouth to say things. The problem is that they cover their mouth to say neutral things as much as they cover their mouths to insult other players. So much in the dark for the referees and I understand when they fear those new rules because during an event like the World Cup, it will get heated and then you have to suddenly make a decision according to those new rules and you know beforehand it will make the stadium and all the public go nuts.

[hyudien]

The 5 seconds count down is a rubbish rule, so Keepers or players will now have to rush kick offs or throw ins, aside from the time wasting tactics, the players have to scan and know which of their teammates to make the pass or throw to. Now they have to rush it and in the heat of pressure, there’ll be plenty of mistakes.

Bad? Imagine if your country is behind in the score and your opponent is stalling for time, it's annoying. After all, this rule already exists for goalkeepers and everything works fine, because 5 seconds will be enough time to observe the situation and where the ball should be directed. Now applied to throw-ins, we know throw-ins happen more often in a match, so by adding this rule to it the tempo of the game will be faster. This is what the spectators want.

[Woodie]

Looking at how some of these results are coming from the friendlies, am afraid we might be seeing more upsets in this world cup because teams aren't putting in 100% as a protest result to the current political environment .. but whatever the case this worldcup could see a totally outsider winning it !!
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And the rules being introduced could hurt some teams no doubt.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Age is just a figure for a few, while he is already signing a contract with Al Nassr till 2028. This means things are still arguable about his retirement from soccer. The last two seasons he has done enough in the Saudi Pro League because here conditions are much better than UEFA; while here he is having no competition like UEFA, as well, this is helping him to stay on a good level.

Well, I hope CR7 doesn't retire yet. Even the Portuguese coach said that, given CR7's current condition, he can play in another World Cup besides this one. That's how good he is. It's something that motivates us all a lot. I'd like it to be true, to show that age isn't something to judge a person by. On the contrary, besides the great experience one gains, it can serve as a measure of being better in the sport.

[Bitcoin_Arena]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

Why would you want to cover your mouth in the first place if you are not saying something bad? I think the rule is fair. Let them say whatever they want to say but let the world see what they said.

I also like that part of players getting punished for time-wasting. Let the football flow.

[Spaceman1000$]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

Honestly all the new rules looks fair to me especially the 5 seconds count for goal keepers, I think this rule would be fully against Emiliano Martinez as he always tend to fault that particular rule. But I do agree with you for the direct res card, it seems unfair as players tend to do that often, to be fair covering of the mouth seems normal to me and instead of the red card, it should be yellow first.

I feel the the second rule is too extreme, a red card for covering your mouth while speaking, although I understand the motive behind it because players might likely cover their mouth and make insultive words to either their opponents or  the referee directly, and if there is no evidence on the side of the referee or the player to back up their claim that a particular player had insulted him, it will just be a mere allegation without substantive evidence, but a red card for it seems very harsh, at least a yellow card can be given to the player and if there are evidence that shows that the player made such words, then the appropriate body should take disciplinary actions on that player.

[KingsDen]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

They got it right on the wrongly awarded yellow cards;

How about VAR checking corner kicks, that has been an obvious error commited by refs;

Checking fouls related to set piece is also cool.

The 5 seconds for throwing in will prevent teams who purposely play ball into throwing in order to rearrange.

The covering of mouth would be forgotten by players and we should expect to see a couple of players being red carded.

In all, the beautiful football is becoming so mechanical.

[Franctoshi]

Age is just a figure for a few, while he is already signing a contract with Al Nassr till 2028. This means things are still arguable about his retirement from soccer. The last two seasons he has done enough in the Saudi Pro League because here conditions are much better than UEFA; while here he is having no competition like UEFA, as well, this is helping him to stay on a good level.

Well, I hope CR7 doesn't retire yet. Even the Portuguese coach said that, given CR7's current condition, he can play in another World Cup besides this one. That's how good he is. It's something that motivates us all a lot. I'd like it to be true, to show that age isn't something to judge a person by. On the contrary, besides the great experience one gains, it can serve as a measure of being better in the sport.

It's very possible because the next World Cup will bring Ronaldo's age to 44 years, and equally, looking at the kind of physical fitness he has, he's a kind of player that loves to keep fit. Unlike before, it's recently that we're beginning to see players retiring so early. Back in the days when I was growing up, I watched many players then, and the number of old, experienced players we had then can no longer be compared with what we have presently.

[trendcoin]

Ronaldo won't see another world cup, that much is known. He would be roughly 45-46 years old on the next one, and there is no way that he could play until then. Hell, even if we assume that he plays, like not even Saudis would want a 46 year old Ronaldo, but let's assume that he somehow does, like goes to Portugal buys a club and plays there or something lol.

He would not be good enough for the nation team, and it would be weird to see him there at that age. Lets face it, it's his last one ever.

Actually, we thought that was the final scene of his previous one, but he came back onto the field once more. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll come back again after this, but it shows that he’s achieved a major milestone.

He is the greatest footballer of all time. Even if he doesn’t play, even if he just sits on the bench at the sideline, he will provide the team with a huge boost in morale and make a significant contribution. In fact, he will bring honor to the World Cup. We are very lucky to be able to watch Ronaldo once again.

[Tonimez]

Ronaldo won't see another world cup, that much is known. He would be roughly 45-46 years old on the next one, and there is no way that he could play until then. Hell, even if we assume that he plays, like not even Saudis would want a 46 year old Ronaldo, but let's assume that he somehow does, like goes to Portugal buys a club and plays there or something lol.

He would not be good enough for the nation team, and it would be weird to see him there at that age. Lets face it, it's his last one ever.

Actually, we thought that was the final scene of his previous one, but he came back onto the field once more. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’ll come back again after this, but it shows that he’s achieved a major milestone.

He is the greatest footballer of all time. Even if he doesn’t play, even if he just sits on the bench at the sideline, he will provide the team with a huge boost in morale and make a significant contribution. In fact, he will bring honor to the World Cup. We are very lucky to be able to watch Ronaldo once again.

You're very correct about the influence the presence of Ronaldo can have in a team even from the sidelines. I remember how he charged the team after his injury during the 2016 Euros final against France. Christiano Ronaldo is a goal getter and having him back to the world cup is huge for the fans. You may not even rightly determine if he won't return to the world cup in 2030 because he still doesn't get older on the pitch. I hope the coach Martinez prepares well for this world cup tournament. It takes a coach that understands how to use Ronaldo to make out the best in him not a competitor.

His impact on football has gone beyond being on the pitch alone. I also believe he would score more goals in the tournament and probably remind us of his 2018 impact against Spain. Winning the world cup is one of his biggest goals in life now and even among his fans but it's not an easy thing to achieve. Let's watch and see how he wins it.

[BRINIRHA]

Ronaldo won't see another world cup, that much is known. He would be roughly 45-46 years old on the next one, and there is no way that he could play until then. Hell, even if we assume that he plays, like not even Saudis would want a 46 year old Ronaldo, but let's assume that he somehow does, like goes to Portugal buys a club and plays there or something lol.

He would not be good enough for the nation team, and it would be weird to see him there at that age. Lets face it, it's his last one ever.

He's even doing that now with his CR7 Sports Investments so it doesn't rule out the possibility of that happening in the future so even if he leaves as one of the legends of soccer, he'll definitely still be in the soccer space even if it's not as a player.

Right now he just has to focus on the World Cup (probably his last) because of his age although I know he will always push for situations that are even considered impossible but this is the right time for him to end at the national team level but for his career I am still pretty sure he is still lusting for his 1000 goal record.
This world cup is not only Cristiano's but it could be another goat who will also be his last because at the moment Messi too although it can still be forced but the 2030 period is still difficult for him.

[Sithara007]

I think you can't mention the Spain strongest attackers leaving out Nico Williams. Spain has an impressive squad good enough to go for the trophy but so does every other team. Don't forget how Portugal held them and won the UEFA Nations League ahead of them when they face off in the final using the same squad. The World Cup is different but for now I think it's difficult to pick one team over the other because they all have a good squad and so I will say they are all on same level.

Yeah.. Nico has been in terrific form for Athletic Bilbao. Sorry for leaving him out. Along with Gorka Guruzeta, Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer, he has helped Bilbao to rise to 12th position in 2025–26 La Liga (given the competitiveness of this league, it is a good result). Only issue with him at the moment is the persistent pubalgia which he is suffering from. Doctors have ruled out a surgery (because of complications), so every now and then he needs to take extended breaks from the game. Let's hope that he will remain fully fit for the world cup, as Spain is placed in a tough group along with Uruguay (also they have Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia for company).    

[Livingleged]

~Snip
I find red cards while covering their mouths during confrontations not fair to be honest. They don't always use bad words and so when they do that in the end. Maybe they are just talking over a problem to solve it quickly between.

It’s not hash it’s the gesture is not a good one it implies a lot of things it can even mean an insult to the referee indirectly, how would you feel as a person when I cover my mouth while talking to you? Even if I don’t say anything you’ll be so convinced I mean your mouth is stinking right now? That the referee will see is and the penalty is well deserved it’s not too hash to me, and sometimes ray also cover their mouth and say bad word trying to confuse the referee not being able to identify who actually did that.

[Cyber_warrior]

~Snip
I find red cards while covering their mouths during confrontations not fair to be honest. They don't always use bad words and so when they do that in the end. Maybe they are just talking over a problem to solve it quickly between.

It’s not hash it’s the gesture is not a good one it implies a lot of things it can even mean an insult to the referee indirectly, how would you feel as a person when I cover my mouth while talking to you? Even if I don’t say anything you’ll be so convinced I mean your mouth is stinking right now? That the referee will see is and the penalty is well deserved it’s not too hash to me, and sometimes ray also cover their mouth and say bad word trying to confuse the referee not being able to identify who actually did that.

Honestly covering of mouth while talking to be red carded is very harsh to me, players are so use to it that a lot players will forget when they actually do it, for me a yellow card would have been better. We have seen players covering their mouth when even talking to their teammates and sometimes even on the bench. this is very extreme and inappropriate to me.
These rules are taking the beauty of the game away, this is a sport for crying out loud and not some movie script. We definitely miss the good old days. In this World Cup and next season we will definitely record a high number of red card.

[lombok]

Honestly covering of mouth while talking to be red carded is very harsh to me, players are so use to it that a lot players will forget when they actually do it, for me a yellow card would have been better. We have seen players covering their mouth when even talking to their teammates and sometimes even on the bench. this is very extreme and inappropriate to me.
These rules are taking the beauty of the game away, this is a sport for crying out loud and not some movie script. We definitely miss the good old days. In this World Cup and next season we will definitely record a high number of red card.

Threatening to sanction severely even the instinctive behavior is a symptom of disproportion on the part of designing a mass control apparatus. Radical policies that do not take into consideration the psychological side of individuals who are enacting the policy would only generate an atmosphere of constant anxiety. The ex post facto envy the past due to the fact that organic interactions were unrestrictive as there were no threats of being punished severely, and it diminished the importance of the very concept of communication.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

What do you think about the new referee and VAR rules against the upcoming FIFA world cup do you think it will make it more interesting? Is the Direct red card to a player that covers their mouth during confrontation too hash? The wrongly awarded yellow card and corner kicks to be called off by VAR has been long overdue now I think that makes sense football is just getting tougher you need to put in all as a player. However i like the new rules it shows discipline.

Mind explaining or throwing more light on the second rule which states that red cards will be given or issued to a player covering their mouth during confrontation, what exactly does this mean please? I mean covering of mouth during confrontation because I am finding it difficult to understand this..

And for the rest of the rules, they are all fair, and I am guessing what brought about that rule about punishment for players walking off the pitch in protest is because fifa definitely don't want a repeat of what happened during the AFCON tournament in Morocco, that was very shameful to be honest, but still, it was evident and clear that the referee who officiated that AFCON match wasn't fair at all.
So if FIFA doesn't want a repeat of such in the coming world Cup, they should ensure that their referees don't engage themselves in the habit of supporting or being fair to one side of the team and being completely unfair to the other side.

[AprilioMP]

[edited out]

Age is just a figure for a few, while he is already signing a contract with Al Nassr till 2028. This means things are still arguable about his retirement from soccer. The last two seasons he has done enough in the Saudi Pro League because here conditions are much better than UEFA; while here he is having no competition like UEFA, as well, this is helping him to stay on a good level.

If someone talks about it, he will be available for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This is also possible because he has enough potential and physical fitness to stay good for four more years. Even this is not good for Portugal because now it's time for them to come out of this influence and have changes, which will give them a good boost.

He could still play for another two seasons, but even if it’s just a matter of numbers, his stamina and physical condition will inevitably be different.
Regardless of the league Ronaldo plays in—whether it’s the top tier or any other—physicality is the most important factor, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the type of player who likes to spend time on the bench.

With the Portuguese national team, I’m absolutely certain this will be his final World Cup, and the decision will be made after the tournament concludes—regardless of whether Portugal wins the World Cup this time or not.

[bastisisca]

Having a good goalkeeper on the team is always a great starting point, but he needs to be supported by functional defense at all times and in any case.
That's always the point, can a player change the fortunes of a team? Yes if it's about scoring a goal in extra time, yes if it saves you a shot, but never in the long run, it can happen in a match, but teamwork always wins.

Obviously, otherwise it wouldn't be a team game but it would be an individual goalkeeper game.
Instead it is about 11 players who must play together and advance a goal.
This makes it very complex and also very beautiful.