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

[Sithara007]

I can't see which group is the toughest and which one is not, because some of the other groups consist of teams with somehow equal levels, which also makes it tough for them to fight against each other in that group. Instead of comparing which one is the toughest, I am more into comparing which one is more unpredictable.

IMO, Group I is also one of the groups that is unpredictable so far, especially after the friendly match between Spain and Iraq. They managed to draw against Spain 1-1. Whatever the reason, it definitely strengthens their confidence and mentality.

Another interesting group is Group F. Personally, I like Group F more. Group F consists of the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. If Japan leads the group table, it will be interesting to see.

Well.. I am from Asia and I have seen the Iraqi team in action quite frequently during various AFC tournaments. Ali Al-Hamadi is definitely their most well known player, and he represents Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship. During the 2024–25 season, he participated in the English Premier League. Other major players are Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein and Youssef Amyn. But when we compare Iraq with the top teams in AFC such as Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran, I need to say that they are not at the same level. IMO, they are likely to end the group phase with zero points.

[execijutiere]

The Netherlands, the favourites in this friendly match, did not put a foot wrong and defeated their opponents 2-1. The Netherlands took the lead in the first half with a penalty scored by Gakpo, but the match became a nail-biter in the closing stages. Although Uzbekistan equalised in extra time, Gakpo scored another penalty six minutes later to secure the win for his team. There aren’t many familiar players in the Uzbekistan squad. Apart from Khusanov, who plays for City, and Shomurodov, who plays for Başakşehir, I hardly recognise any of the players.

[Pablo-wood]

I can't see which group is the toughest and which one is not, because some of the other groups consist of teams with somehow equal levels, which also makes it tough for them to fight against each other in that group. Instead of comparing which one is the toughest, I am more into comparing which one is more unpredictable.

IMO, Group I is also one of the groups that is unpredictable so far, especially after the friendly match between Spain and Iraq. They managed to draw against Spain 1-1. Whatever the reason, it definitely strengthens their confidence and mentality.

Another interesting group is Group F. Personally, I like Group F more. Group F consists of the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. If Japan leads the group table, it will be interesting to see.

Well.. I am from Asia and I have seen the Iraqi team in action quite frequently during various AFC tournaments. Ali Al-Hamadi is definitely their most well known player, and he represents Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship. During the 2024–25 season, he participated in the English Premier League. Other major players are Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein and Youssef Amyn. But when we compare Iraq with the top teams in AFC such as Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran, I need to say that they are not at the same level. IMO, they are likely to end the group phase with zero points.

Friendlies and tournaments have different flavor. Spain might have played Iraq lightly to avoid injuries knowing too well there nothing to lose but for a world cup tournament I am not seeing Iraq pass the group stage. They might not leave with zero points but obviously it will difficult to defeat any team in their group. France, Norway and Senegal should have a good time grabbing points on them except Iraq manages to draw one of their games and mostly happens when a team has already qualified for the next round and decides to reserve their energies for the next stage of the competition.

[Brizi5000]

The Netherlands, the favourites in this friendly match, did not put a foot wrong and defeated their opponents 2-1. The Netherlands took the lead in the first half with a penalty scored by Gakpo, but the match became a nail-biter in the closing stages. Although Uzbekistan equalised in extra time, Gakpo scored another penalty six minutes later to secure the win for his team. There aren’t many familiar players in the Uzbekistan squad. Apart from Khusanov, who plays for City, and Shomurodov, who plays for Başakşehir, I hardly recognise any of the players.

I think the Netherlands really needs to up their game heading to this World Cup as they have not really shown any convincing results from their last two friendly games as preparation for the World Cup. Having lost previous to Algeria 1:0 few days ago, and now getting to score two penalties to win against Uzbekistan is not really a convincing one. They are in group F with Japan, Sweden, Tunisia and looking at this teams it looks like they all have equal chances of qualifying out of the group to the next Round except Tunisia who are also not having a very good result in their friendly games. Japan and Sweden are a very good side so Netherlands will need to up their games if they truly want to make it out of this group.

[BlackBoss_]

I think the Netherlands really needs to up their game heading to this World Cup as they have not really shown any convincing results from their last two friendly games as preparation for the World Cup. Having lost previous to Algeria 1:0 few days ago, and now getting to score two penalties to win against Uzbekistan is not really a convincing one. They are in group F with Japan, Sweden, Tunisia and looking at this teams it looks like they all have equal chances of qualifying out of the group to the next Round except Tunisia who are also not having a very good result in their friendly games. Japan and Sweden are a very good side so Netherlands will need to up their games if they truly want to make it out of this group.

Netherlands don't have too good player resource for this World Cup and after a generation of Robben, de Vaar, van Persie, and Sneijder, they no longer have world class star players. Years ago, Gakpo had an amazing World Cup 2022 but since then, he did not grow up his career well in Liverpool. With a biggest regret is about an absence of de Ligt in World Cup 2026, as years ago with success in Ajax Amsterdam, he was a very promising central defender but so far his career looks to be in a decline from Juventus to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Generally, Netherlands have not too bad squad but to go far in World Cup 2026, it seems impossible for them if there is no big surprise from their performances. Sometimes, there are very rare cases when a national team was not considered too high, but went very far in World Cup and Euro, but I really have no belief that Netherlands can do that in this summer.

[eisen33]

The Netherlands, the favourites in this friendly match, did not put a foot wrong and defeated their opponents 2-1. The Netherlands took the lead in the first half with a penalty scored by Gakpo, but the match became a nail-biter in the closing stages. Although Uzbekistan equalised in extra time, Gakpo scored another penalty six minutes later to secure the win for his team. There aren’t many familiar players in the Uzbekistan squad. Apart from Khusanov, who plays for City, and Shomurodov, who plays for Başakşehir, I hardly recognise any of the players.

Considering the way the Netherlands have been playing in their recent friendlies, the defeat to Algeria no longer looks like such a surprising result. Their match against Uzbekistan was not much better either, as the Netherlands only managed to score from the penalty spot. On top of that, they received a red card late in the game, and all of this happened against a relatively weak opponent.

I think that if they had been facing a stronger team, the outcome could have been even worse for them. Of course, we should make some allowance for the fact that these were friendly matches, and they will probably perform better in World Cup. But based on what I've seen so far, I am not impressed with the Netherlands national team at all.

[NewRevelation]

I can't see which group is the toughest and which one is not, because some of the other groups consist of teams with somehow equal levels, which also makes it tough for them to fight against each other in that group. Instead of comparing which one is the toughest, I am more into comparing which one is more unpredictable.

IMO, Group I is also one of the groups that is unpredictable so far, especially after the friendly match between Spain and Iraq. They managed to draw against Spain 1-1. Whatever the reason, it definitely strengthens their confidence and mentality.

Another interesting group is Group F. Personally, I like Group F more. Group F consists of the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. If Japan leads the group table, it will be interesting to see.

Well.. I am from Asia and I have seen the Iraqi team in action quite frequently during various AFC tournaments. Ali Al-Hamadi is definitely their most well known player, and he represents Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship. During the 2024–25 season, he participated in the English Premier League. Other major players are Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein and Youssef Amyn. But when we compare Iraq with the top teams in AFC such as Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran, I need to say that they are not at the same level. IMO, they are likely to end the group phase with zero points.

Friendlies and tournaments have different flavor. Spain might have played Iraq lightly to avoid injuries knowing too well there nothing to lose but for a world cup tournament I am not seeing Iraq pass the group stage. They might not leave with zero points but obviously it will difficult to defeat any team in their group. France, Norway and Senegal should have a good time grabbing points on them except they manage to draw of their games and mostly happens when a team has already qualified for the next round and decides to reserve their energies for the next stage of the competition.

Yea, that's football, but sometimes too, we can see something different while in the tournament. They might be challenged to up there game and do better since they have noticed they aren't doing well.

For Senegal, I would love to see them perform well in this tournament. They have always represented Africa well in this tournament kin the previous editions. I will never forget how far they went in the Korea Japan 2002 fifa world cup. They went far as the quarter finals and almost eliminating Uruguay and heading into the semi's. Over All, the world cup is gonna be so enjoyable, I just can't wait to enjoy the game

[Oluwa-btc]

3 days left... Mexico and South Africa are going to play against each other in the opening match. I expect Mexico to win this match without huge problems.

Their performance against especially Serbia in their last friendly was really impressive! South Africa shouldn't be a big deal either.

I'm not going to be able to watch most of the matches because of the starting times. At least during the group stage I should say.

We all from Africa are obviously hate watching South Africa after everything they did recently to their fellow brothers and Africans. I want nothing more than 3 goals to nothing leaving them humiliated.

I will most definitely see the game and most importantly,  the opening performance by Shakira and the African giant Burna Boy.

[pewboy]

Portugal have many top player for the World Cup from Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandez, Vittinha and Jooao Neves also many top defense having who playing for top club. Looking the opponent team at Group K I think Portugal have chance finish at 1st place and Colombia will finish as runner up standing but has chance for Uzbekistan as Asian team for qualifying to next round.

Why do you think James Rodríguez won't be called up for the World Cup with Colombia? i think so, in fact now that i read she has been duly called up, but there is no match against Portugal at all, they are too much stronger, and this is a fact, they will certainly do better than them and will lead the group.

[Solokan]

Norway is in Group I, in the same group as France, Iraq, and Senegal. I think it will not be easy for Norway to face those teams, but I think the most difficult team for Norway to beat is France because France has a strength that is difficult to beat. Well, we'll see what happens later, and I hope I can win the bet in the World Cup match later.

France is very strong. But defeating France is not an impossible task , as the Ivory Coast players have proven a few days ago. France lost 2-1 against Ivory Coast. Even so, France is undoubtedly the strongest team in group I. They can qualify for the next round from the top of the group.

Not only France, but Senegal is also a strong opponent for norway. They do not have any star players except Sadio mane. Even so, their teamwork is quite good. Norway has a big chance of losing this match too.

Ivory Coast did indeed put in an extraordinary performance in that friendly match. I thought France would be able to beat Ivory Coast, but Ivory Coast actually performed well. However, I also don't know if France played seriously or not. With the World Cup approaching, sometimes a team might not take itself seriously in a friendly match to avoid injuries and physical exhaustion. The 1-2 Ivory Coast vs. France friendly match indicates that France didn't concede many goals, and I remember France also had a lot of possession. This certainly indicates that France is a strong team and could surprise in the upcoming World Cup.

But if you think about it, it won't be easy for Norway to advance to the next round. Teams in the same group as Norway are not to be taken lightly. We'll just have to wait and see what happens, as football always offers many surprises.

[pewboy]

So it is clear that we are not going to see something like this from them. However, if it does somehow end up happening then I would be very shocked to see that and I think it will not happen that easily, it should be very difficult.

I also think Norway isn't bad, but i think there are just as many much stronger teams that can do better in this world championship, even if they don't lack attackers, but these teams that live with just one player never go far and don't succeed in matches.

[Jossque]

Spain managed to seal the deal in the first half of their friendly against Peru. Spain, who scored in the opening minute, managed to close out the first half with a 2-0 lead. Making a few changes at the start of the second half, Spain extended their lead to 3-0 before simply seeing out the match. Conceding just one goal, Spain comfortably defeated their opponents to complete their final friendly match.

[Mustang Shelby]

Spain managed to seal the deal in the first half of their friendly against Peru. Spain, who scored in the opening minute, managed to close out the first half with a 2-0 lead. Making a few changes at the start of the second half, Spain extended their lead to 3-0 before simply seeing out the match. Conceding just one goal, Spain comfortably defeated their opponents to complete their final friendly match.

Peru still managed to score a goal against Spain, and they're probably somewhat happy about that, because there's a huge difference in quality between the two teams. Peru knew they were going to lose this match. They were hoping for a surprise, but they couldn't find the surprise they were looking for. Spain didn't allow a second surprise after the Iraq match. They drew with Iraq, which was one of the most surprising results in recent years.

[Jossque]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will face Chile today. Chile played against Portugal and lost the match 2-1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s performance in this match will likely give us a fair idea of how they will perform in the group stage. As Portugal is also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s group, this friendly against Chile will be decisive for them. Although the Democratic Republic of the Congo are slight favourites, Chile certainly have a chance of winning.

[Frankolala]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will face Chile today. Chile played against Portugal and lost the match 2-1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s performance in this match will likely give us a fair idea of how they will perform in the group stage. As Portugal is also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s group, this friendly against Chile will be decisive for them. Although the Democratic Republic of the Congo are slight favourites, Chile certainly have a chance of winning.

The friendly match is a game to warm up the players and for the coach to try a new experiment with the players on ground to see if it will work out for him in the world cup. Portugal might not use all their first eleven players in this game whether, they win or not, it doesn't count. However, Portugal will love to win the game.

[paco92x]

The Netherlands, the favourites in this friendly match, did not put a foot wrong and defeated their opponents 2-1. The Netherlands took the lead in the first half with a penalty scored by Gakpo, but the match became a nail-biter in the closing stages. Although Uzbekistan equalised in extra time, Gakpo scored another penalty six minutes later to secure the win for his team. There aren’t many familiar players in the Uzbekistan squad. Apart from Khusanov, who plays for City, and Shomurodov, who plays for Başakşehir, I hardly recognise any of the players.

The Netherlands put on a show in this friendly. The game was full of good chances, though scoring only two goals—both from penalties—isn't something to be overly proud of. Honestly, I thought Uzbekistan would put up more of a fight, but they looked like total underdogs. They have a tough group ahead of them in the World Cup, but I somehow still believe they can make a statement with their performance.

[Jossque]

Senegal lost 3–2 to the USA in their first friendly. Their next friendly will be against Saudi Arabia. They are, of course, the favourites for the match, and I expect them to win.
Senegal are in a tough group, and frankly, their chances of progressing seem slim. With Norway and France in the group, I don’t think they’ll make it through—or even finish in the top two.

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Just a couple of days until the tournament starts now. I think I might watch the opening ceremony too, I reckon it might be really good. Any excuse to watch Shakira to be honest (school boy crush haha).

Always good to see the home nations(s) do well so hopefully Mexico open with a win. Canada and USA have winnable first games too.

[allthebitandbobs]

It can be said that group I is a group that will steal a lot of public attention, because there are two big names that will meet, Mbappe vs Haaland, but obviously in terms of quality, Francis is much better because it is inhabited by more high-quality players, even so I do not doubt the strength of Norway, and in my opinion these two countries will qualify for the next phase and Senegal with Iraq will only fight for the best place in third place to enter the other 8 teams.

It's not hard to predict that after France and Norway, the other teams will be fighting to be the best third-placed team. Because both European teams in this group are in very good shape. Both Norway and France have had excellent qualifying rounds, capable of beating any team. Senegal and Iraq will simply be trying their luck.

On paper, it's looking not hard to predict the winner of this group in reality, it's never been easy to talk about any result because Senegal is one of the teams that can give surprises and have enough depth to compete with Norway. They have a good number of top players who are doing well in the European League and understand how to play against them.
 
France is going to be leading this group but who is having the second spot? This will be decided on the ground with the match between Norway and Senegal. Both will be balanced and have equal chance even Norway could be some favourite, but still this is going to be an easy game while Iraq is also a surprise package.

[Solodoski]

Is this a world cup or it's Trump cup because I don't understand anymore, if you're not ready to host the world why then did you bid for it. Last world cup was so smooth even though it was the very first time of it being hosted in the Middle East. I really don't understand this visa denial, you claim to have the best security in the world and we are all seeing this. Is it because the ref is from Somalia? I don't even know what's wrong with FIFA, 3 countries are co hosting the world cup and out of the 3 only one is doing something differently, all these started since last year, shouldn't FIFA have made alternative plans as regards this. Iran has 3 of it group stage matches in the US and the US authorities has told them that they can't spend 24 hours in the country, which means they would have to fly in before the match and fly out after the match, where have we seen this before? Russia hosted the world cup alone and every country enjoyed it, yet the US can't co host a tournament and it goes smooth.

It should be called USA cup not World Cup anymore because i cant comprehend what is happening with the US acting all up. The Iran airplane has also left the US back to Mexico. I don't know what FIFA was thinking when they pushed the World Cup to the US. FIFA should be ready because the World Cup will not be televised in Africa if the best referree in Africa that was called up for the World Cup is sent off because of skin color.