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

[MorganaX]

Neymar is another example of a Brazilian player who is so talented but the quality of his game is declining despite his age due to his lifestyle, and I don't expect much from him at the world cup, although Ancelotti has different plans for him as to why he was included in the squad, but I'm pretty sure Neymar will only be more of a support for his teammates on the bench.

It's funny that Neymar, who has effectively ended his career, is only 34 years old. Remember Modric at 34 or Pepe. It feels like Neymar belongs to the old school (20-30 years ago) when the age of 34 was a deep retirement for a footballer. Nowadays, at this age, footballers who want to play simply take a step down, like KDB from City to Milan, or some just continue to play where they played. I wonder if Brazil wins the World Cup, will Neymar retire immediately or wait another season? I think the former option is more likely, but Brazil won't win  

It's not the same for every player remember, some of the players that have this issue is due to the fact that they are always injury prone and when a player is always having injuries he will find it hard to continue even at a age that is lesser than the number you talked about. I don't know if you can remember the goal scoring prospect Alexander Pato who had so much potential but he had to end his career due to constant injuries which is something Neymar is also facing right now.

[snipie]

Absolutely. Friendlies shouldn't be used as a benchmark for determining a team's strengths as they're precisely where coaches try out various strategies before the actual World Cup. This can be seen in the substitutions made by almost all players including the goalkeeper.

That's true and I was saying that all the time. Friendlies are the best moments to test new strategies and to give some playing time to some players who are in the benches most of the time.

Friendlies can be considered warm ups before the actual match as coaches also assess the players' potential and build chemistry. Therefore, the results against Spain and France don't detract from their reputation as World Cup favorites.

It is warm-ups until you see a defeat by huge margin. Before few days from the World Cup, a team qualifying in the group stage receive a huge defeat by 5 goals to 0 is something very questionable. Why they allowed such humiliation and destruction of the moral of the team or are they hoping the players to react positively after this defeat? I don't know how they think there but I believe that it is clear now who is the nation that will leave fast this version of the World Cup in group F among Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia..

[Webetcoins]

Here is how it looks for Portugal at the World Cup so far.



Their best result since 2000s is just a 4th place... They have 0 World Cup in their history. Of course this doesn't mean that they won't have any in the future.

But I mean they've been much better in Euros. Even if they win a World Cup as well later on I don't think it'll happen in presence of Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is playing most likely his last world cup, if he plays once more I would be super shocked, nobody played at world cup at that age before as far as I know, at least not anywhere near the last 30 years or so.

This means, they have to win now, or they won't win with him, and looking at the squad and looking at their competition, I have to say that it is not really that easy to predict something like this for them, it is not going to happen and there are far better teams that will do far better than them.

[cxtreenal]

Neymar is another example of a Brazilian player who is so talented but the quality of his game is declining despite his age due to his lifestyle, and I don't expect much from him at the world cup, although Ancelotti has different plans for him as to why he was included in the squad, but I'm pretty sure Neymar will only be more of a support for his teammates on the bench.

It's funny that Neymar, who has effectively ended his career, is only 34 years old. Remember Modric at 34 or Pepe. It feels like Neymar belongs to the old school (20-30 years ago) when the age of 34 was a deep retirement for a footballer. Nowadays, at this age, footballers who want to play simply take a step down, like KDB from City to Milan, or some just continue to play where they played. I wonder if Brazil wins the World Cup, will Neymar retire immediately or wait another season? I think the former option is more likely, but Brazil won't win  

It's not the same for every player remember, some of the players that have this issue is due to the fact that they are always injury prone and when a player is always having injuries he will find it hard to continue even at a age that is lesser than the number you talked about. I don't know if you can remember the goal scoring prospect Alexander Pato who had so much potential but he had to end his career due to constant injuries which is something Neymar is also facing right now.

You are right that some players lack physical fitness and get injured frequently. Brazilian star Neymar is one of them who signed for Al Hilal in the Saudi Premier League but he spent most of his time on the sideline due to injuries. But another star player Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing great and scoring goals regularly even though he is 41 years old. Neymar is not physically fit even though he is 34. Carlo Ancelotti was inclined to announce the World Cup squad without him but he may have been under pressure and named him. It would not be surprising if Neymar gets injured in the first match.

[Ale88]

Germany having lost a major player in Karl is just sad. Maybe some in here don't really know him but Lennart Karl (midflielder for Bayern Munich) really was supposed to play a big role for the German team, such a shame.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cz020zdklmmo

He was supposed to be one of the cornerstones next to Wirtz and Havertz. Assan Ouedraogo will replace him but I don't see him in any other role than on the bench.

I read the news and I felt very bad for him because I was looking forward to seeing him play in the World Cup, he is probably the current best 2008 in the world. The good thing is that he is so young that he has all the time to take part to the next World Cups. But, again, it's a real pity.

[Livingleged]

Have you guys seen the new about the FIFAWorld tournament Cup ball? I don’t know how true it is but I did saw write up that said the ball that will be used for the FIFA world tournament will not be just a ball but also a mini computer on the pitch. The ball will be plugged on charge just like smartphone before every match, this is because the ball now contains built in batteries, powered sensors that will track everything in real-time. This is crazy though but there is technology for it so it’s possible. That not all they also said inside the ball there is an electronic chips that sends data up to 500times per second. This will help capture every single action like; every pass, every shot, every touch and every deflections. As nothing will escape the system and the ball will also communicate directly with the VAR as well. This will be nice though if it’s true i dont k ke how true this is about.

[hyudien]

Have you guys seen the new about the FIFAWorld tournament Cup ball? I don’t know how true it is but I did saw write up that said the ball that will be used for the FIFA world tournament will not be just a ball but also a mini computer on the pitch. The ball will be plugged on charge just like smartphone before every match, this is because the ball now contains built in batteries, powered sensors that will track everything in real-time. This is crazy though but there is technology for it so it’s possible. That not all they also said inside the ball there is an electronic chips that sends data up to 500times per second. This will help capture every single action like; every pass, every shot, every touch and every deflections. As nothing will escape the system and the ball will also communicate directly with the VAR as well. This will be nice though if it’s true i dont k ke how true this is about.

Well, can the ball be controlled remotely? I think it might be possible considering the current technology is getting more sophisticated, with assumptions like that, this will raise a lot of questions and a lot of suspicion because of course it is possible to manipulate the match. I think the ball should still use the same ball, which doesn't need to be inserted with chips or anything.
 
This is just my wild thought.

[Ale88]

Have you guys seen the new about the FIFAWorld tournament Cup ball? I don’t know how true it is but I did saw write up that said the ball that will be used for the FIFA world tournament will not be just a ball but also a mini computer on the pitch. The ball will be plugged on charge just like smartphone before every match, this is because the ball now contains built in batteries, powered sensors that will track everything in real-time. This is crazy though but there is technology for it so it’s possible. That not all they also said inside the ball there is an electronic chips that sends data up to 500times per second. This will help capture every single action like; every pass, every shot, every touch and every deflections. As nothing will escape the system and the ball will also communicate directly with the VAR as well. This will be nice though if it’s true i dont k ke how true this is about.

Well, can the ball be controlled remotely? I think it might be possible considering the current technology is getting more sophisticated, with assumptions like that, this will raise a lot of questions and a lot of suspicion because of course it is possible to manipulate the match. I think the ball should still use the same ball, which doesn't need to be inserted with chips or anything.
 
This is just my wild thought.

Controlled remotely how? Do you mean by changing the direction, the speed, and things like that? I don't really see how that would be possible without having some kind of engine inside the ball, that of course would make it heavier. Without even mentioning that if for any reason somebody would find out the scandal would be huge.

[Oluwa-btc]

Portugal actually have a really good team at this World Cup but I don’t think they are going to win it. Argentina are more likely which would mean Messi would have two World Cups.

Regardless though, I think France are favourites although I acknowledge that if Portugal can do it, Ronaldo would have done everything in the game and perfectly end his career.

They seemed the most determined to win it though. They trying to win it for themselves, for Cristiano Ronaldo and also for the late Diogo Jota who died prior to the start of this recently ended season. Hopefully, they win it but if they can't, it should go to Spain.

France are not favorites, they're not as sharp as they use to be when they played the 2018 FIFA World Cup Competition. I don't even think Argentina defends it,they'll be out sooner than expected.

[Adiljutt156]

Paraguay played a match against Nicaragua, which is the first time I’ve heard of them. Paraguay shouldn’t be a tough opponent; I don’t think that national team has very good players anyway. I’m more interested in Paraguay because our national team is going to play them. I don’t think this match will allow us to fully assess them, but the real assessment will come after the match against the U.S. If they give the U.S. a hard time, then we can say they might give us a hard time too.

There was a friendly match between Paraguay national football team and Nicaragua national football team and Paraguay  football team  played very well in this match and they did 4 goals in this match and opponent team did no goal in this match. We saw that kind of matches when one team is dominant and opponent team is giving nothing for participation and that was that kind of match in which one team gave their best to take a strong win in this match. The head to head record of Paraguay national football team is well in this match because they won 1 which they played against opponent team. PenMiguel Almirón was a person who gave strength in this match by doing goal at 42 minutes because before that goal there was one goal in this match

[Fiatless]

Iranian embassy officials called on FIFA because the US has denied issuing visas to a large portion of the managerial and executive staff. The head of the Iranian football federation and his deputy were among those denied entry to the US.

The US said it had issued visas to players and "necessary support staff. Maybe the staff they denied visas are not necessary support. But I think that the Iranian federation head and his deputy deserve to be present in the competition.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8286nqz87o

[Shadiq]

Well, can the ball be controlled remotely? I think it might be possible considering the current technology is getting more sophisticated, with assumptions like that, this will raise a lot of questions and a lot of suspicion because of course it is possible to manipulate the match. I think the ball should still use the same ball, which doesn't need to be inserted with chips or anything.
 
This is just my wild thought.

Controlled remotely how? Do you mean by changing the direction, the speed, and things like that? I don't really see how that would be possible without having some kind of engine inside the ball, that of course would make it heavier. Without even mentioning that if for any reason somebody would find out the scandal would be huge.

Even if the ball is controlled from outside, the players will not be able to adapt to the controlled ball in any way. Because, when the ball behaves abnormally, the game will become more difficult for the players and the results will be likely to be reversed. Even for controlling the ball, a relatively heavy engine must be used, when a player hits the ball towards the audience and a spectator touches the ball, then they will be caught cheating. In that, abnormal behavior in the match will be evidence of the complaint of that spectator. Therefore, ball control is not possible with any technology.

[Webutxo]

Ronaldo is playing most likely his last world cup, if he plays once more I would be super shocked, nobody played at world cup at that age before as far as I know, at least not anywhere near the last 30 years or so.

This means, they have to win now, or they won't win with him, and looking at the squad and looking at their competition, I have to say that it is not really that easy to predict something like this for them, it is not going to happen and there are far better teams that will do far better than them.

It will be ridiculous of Ronaldo to want to try another world cup, he will be respected more if he lives after this year than when he comes next season. I don't think as a footballer you must have every trophies, this is the same for all other sports. Just set your difference and the world will remember you for what you have done, you are not immortal that will be there forever, there are somethings that are greater and powerful than you which you must accept.

I know that even Portuguese people are among people that are supporting him but with what I saw in the Saudi League, Ronaldo will flop in this world cup that will be played in this world cup. I saw some of the moves he did last two years that many people ridicule and make fun of him. Now it has become worse in Saudi professional League, it these world cup is not worse than what he has done.

[Just Say]

Will Portugal fail to win the World Cup? i don't know, but certainly understood as a team and as a national team it will certainly have the possibility in future years, but what you don't take into account is that there is a certain gentleman called Cristiano Ronaldo who is doing everything to win this trophy and i wouldn't take him for granted.

Here is how it looks for Portugal at the World Cup so far.



Their best result since 2000s is just a 4th place... They have 0 World Cup in their history. Of course this doesn't mean that they won't have any in the future.

But I mean they've been much better in Euros. Even if they win a World Cup as well later on I don't think it'll happen in presence of Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo's team performed well at the Euros and the players in this team have performed at a high level at club level this season, accordingly we can assume that this team will play as one of the favorites in this FIFA World Cup but the biggest thing is that we know that Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet won a World Cup, but if his team can create that possibility this season, then he will be the best player in the world of football because  he has won trophies in almost every league.

Therefore in this context, it seems to me that if he can win a World Cup, he will be able to enjoy the taste of almost all trophies. There is no doubt that Portugal has emerged as a strong team in the upcoming 2026 World Cup as they are almost equally skilled in other departments, including attack.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Portugal actually have a really good team at this World Cup but I don’t think they are going to win it. Argentina are more likely which would mean Messi would have two World Cups.

Regardless though, I think France are favourites although I acknowledge that if Portugal can do it, Ronaldo would have done everything in the game and perfectly end his career.

I'd put Spain to the top in terms of the favourites honestly.    They won the last Euro competition also and eliminated France there too. But on one hand I understand why you put France ahead of them.

Because France are much better in the World Cup. 2 titles and runners-up in the last one. They look really scary for other teams that's for certain! I wonder if Spain and them will face each other here again.

[Merit.s]

It will be ridiculous of Ronaldo to want to try another world cup, he will be respected more if he lives after this year than when he comes next season. I don't think as a footballer you must have every trophies, this is the same for all other sports. Just set your difference and the world will remember you for what you have done, you are not immortal that will be there forever, there are somethings that are greater and powerful than you which you must accept.

I know that even Portuguese people are among people that are supporting him but with what I saw in the Saudi League, Ronaldo will flop in this world cup that will be played in this world cup. I saw some of the moves he did last two years that many people ridicule and make fun of him. Now it has become worse in Saudi professional League, it these world cup is not worse than what he has done.

Who told you that Ronaldo will play in 2030 world cup. This is his last world cup or do you think that Ronaldo doesn't know what he's doing. His presence on the field alone will motivate his teammates and intimidate his opponents.

Ronaldo is highly experienced in finding the back of the net and his presence will be at the attack will be a threat to so many goalies. We are not trying to see him perform better than he has ever in this world cup but we are only to watch what he gat tor us. Some persons are going to the world cup just to see Christian Ronaldo.

[Ndabagi01]

Neymar is another example of a Brazilian player who is so talented but the quality of his game is declining despite his age due to his lifestyle, and I don't expect much from him at the world cup, although Ancelotti has different plans for him as to why he was included in the squad, but I'm pretty sure Neymar will only be more of a support for his teammates on the bench.

I thought Neymar’s prime is over and we will not see him be included in the Brazilian squad. But since Ancelotti has added him to the squad, he would definitely provide support physically or mentally to the team. When you can’t play with your own team, you can always get to support them in other forms, so Neymar going to represent his country will have a great advantage to the team in my opinion. I expect more from him either in the field or on the bench, his presence there will add impact to the team. Brazil have great squads and and I’m sure they’ll provide the best of performance in the competition.

[Jaycoinz]

It will be ridiculous of Ronaldo to want to try another world cup, he will be respected more if he lives after this year than when he comes next season. I don't think as a footballer you must have every trophies, this is the same for all other sports. Just set your difference and the world will remember you for what you have done, you are not immortal that will be there forever, there are somethings that are greater and powerful than you which you must accept.

I know that even Portuguese people are among people that are supporting him but with what I saw in the Saudi League, Ronaldo will flop in this world cup that will be played in this world cup. I saw some of the moves he did last two years that many people ridicule and make fun of him. Now it has become worse in Saudi professional League, it these world cup is not worse than what he has done.

Who told you that Ronaldo will play in 2030 world cup. This is his last world cup or do you think that Ronaldo doesn't know what he's doing. His presence on the field alone will motivate his teammates and intimidate his opponents.

Ronaldo is highly experienced in finding the back of the net and his presence will be at the attack will be a threat to so many goalies. We are not trying to see him perform better than he has ever in this world cup but we are only to watch what he gat tor us. Some persons are going to the world cup just to see Christian Ronaldo.

I don't know if he thinks Ronaldo isn't human, left for others I think they would have even written him off to play this competition but he has proven that he is capable but even with that we can all attest that this is probably the last world cup for him because sooner or later retirement from the entire game would be the next move for Christaino Ronaldo. He can't he able to play and stay active till 2030, I mean he will be close to his 50ths by then.

[m4r1o]

If Ronaldo can have this approach as the leader of the team, the other players will follow. If they see that Ronaldo is not on an agenda to continue on his personal record of trying to get to 1000 goals and actually chooses to play as a leader, giving opportunity to the other talents in the team to have the spotlight as Messi does, giving assists instead of trying to spam shots like he was still his younger self, the other players will blend in, and with their talented players, they can really go far.

Ronaldo is an incredible player who needs no introduction, ever, he did everything with his own willpower and i don't understand how you can question a player like that, now that Messi is at the World Cup Ronaldo will want to push harder and harder to get it too and i are sure he can do it.

[Joeboy]

Portugal actually have a really good team at this World Cup but I don’t think they are going to win it. Argentina are more likely which would mean Messi would have two World Cups.

Regardless though, I think France are favourites although I acknowledge that if Portugal can do it, Ronaldo would have done everything in the game and perfectly end his career.

Honestly I don't even think that cup will be going to Argentina this time around coz I trust that Messi wouldn't be putting in much effort as he did in the last World Cup, since he has already happened to have won it for his country... Messi may not even feature in all their matches...On the other hand, we have teams like Portugal which I know would be so desperate for the cup, since this happens to be C.Ronaldo last world cup game.. And I trust that Ronaldo with put in all he's got and play with all he's got to prove that he is indeed the GOAT...There again we have other competitive teams like France ,Spain, Brazil, etc which I know would try so hard to also try to win... Not even Emiliano Martinez may be able to save Argentina from this time around...