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

[chinhar]

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.

Norway has a very good chance in this group; France will be their biggest obstacle, but that's not to be discounted given France's performance against Ivory Coast.

I didn't expect them to lose, but it happened. So, all that remains is to see how Norway fares in this group, and in my opinion, excluding France, they shouldn't have any trouble against Senegal.

[Silence Scream]

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.

Norway has a very good chance in this group; France will be their biggest obstacle, but that's not to be discounted given France's performance against Ivory Coast.

I didn't expect them to lose, but it happened. So, all that remains is to see how Norway fares in this group, and in my opinion, excluding France, they shouldn't have any trouble against Senegal.

I think France will reach the quarter-finals without much difficulty in this tournament because there aren't many teams at France's level. Don't let the Ivory Coast match fool you. France was experimenting with different tactics there with a trial squad. Of course, in the World Cup, they will be on the field with the best options and the best tactics. The players' chemistry is improving day by day. They reached the final in the last World Cup and unfortunately lost to Argentina. This year, they want to win the trophy and take it home.

[juttsab@]

Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha are all great players and anyone who doesn't recognize their value doesn't understand much about football, this is truly what the best Portugal can offer and there are also players who have won a lot, so Portugal is one of the favourites.

Portugal does have a solid team with super good players that cannot be ignored or over looked because they are in good forms and have obviously stood out in their various teams in their club side which shows how well and of great impact they can be to the national team. so i believe they will do so well at the world cup.

Unfortunately there were two red cards in this match, it was an interesting drama because both teams are quite good in their performances, Chile is not to be underestimated, seeing them fight back in this friendly makes me think they have a good development.
So far they've done well I agree, but at the world cup I'd like to see Ronaldo at his best, even if he's not in his prime, but I'd be interested to see his contribution at his age.

Portugal beat Chile in friendlies by 2-1. In the first half Portugal  completely dominated 73% possession but only 1 big chance was created and 9 total shots but didn't get any goal. In the second half Portugal got their first goal in the 58th minute Guedes scored that goal. And in the 75th minute B. Fernandez showed his excellence and scored the 2nd goal for Portugal. In the added time of 2nd half 90+2 Chile got their only goal Cepeda scored that one. Vigouroux was named as player of the match for Chile for his incredible saves. Before the WC Portugal is going to play their last friendlies against Nigeria in 2 days.

[IjawMan]

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.

Let not wash out dirty linen outside boss, cause as equally as I hate to support South Africa for their stupidity and violence towards their African neighbors in living in their country

but having them humiliated in the world cup by Mexico and any other opponent they will play against will be a downgrading of Africa's record in the  world cup performance which was part of what granted Africa the 10 slot merit in this 2026 tournament after Morocco made it to the semifinals in 2022 for the first time of an African country reaching that stage.

Talking of the devil, it will be a delight to see one of Africa's most talented singer singing in the opening performance to the entertainment of the whole world. Our very own Port Harcourt boy making us proud internationally.

[Gabbylee]

Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Vitinha are all great players and anyone who doesn't recognize their value doesn't understand much about football, this is truly what the best Portugal can offer and there are also players who have won a lot, so Portugal is one of the favourites.

Portugal does have a solid team with super good players that cannot be ignored or over looked because they are in good forms and have obviously stood out in their various teams in their club side which shows how well and of great impact they can be to the national team. so i believe they will do so well at the world cup.

Unfortunately there were two red cards in this match, it was an interesting drama because both teams are quite good in their performances, Chile is not to be underestimated, seeing them fight back in this friendly makes me think they have a good development.
So far they've done well I agree, but at the world cup I'd like to see Ronaldo at his best, even if he's not in his prime, but I'd be interested to see his contribution at his age.

Portugal beat Chile in friendlies by 2-1. In the first half Portugal  completely dominated 73% possession but only 1 big chance was created and 9 total shots but didn't get any goal. In the second half Portugal got their first goal in the 58th minute Guedes scored that goal. And in the 75th minute B. Fernandez showed his excellence and scored the 2nd goal for Portugal. In the added time of 2nd half 90+2 Chile got their only goal Cepeda scored that one. Vigouroux was named as player of the match for Chile for his incredible saves. Before the WC Portugal is going to play their last friendlies against Nigeria in 2 days.

If Bruno can maintain his playmaking form from premier league in this world cup, I believe Portugal will go far. He'll be their main man for this world cup no doubt.

[Varnquister]

Iraq will face Venezuela in its final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. They have remained undefeated in their two warm-up matches this season. Iraq defeated Andorra 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Spain. Although they aren’t considered favorites against Venezuela, I honestly don’t think Iraq will lose this match. Their group is really tough, and in my opinion, they have no chance of advancing from the group. With Norway and France in the group, they have no chance of finishing in the top two anyway.

[Shussainshah]

Iraq will face Venezuela in its final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. They have remained undefeated in their two warm-up matches this season. Iraq defeated Andorra 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Spain. Although they aren’t considered favorites against Venezuela, I honestly don’t think Iraq will lose this match. Their group is really tough, and in my opinion, they have no chance of advancing from the group. With Norway and France in the group, they have no chance of finishing in the top two anyway.

It will be interesting match the Middle East Vs North American Battle. Actually the Middle East Team Are very well prepared for the WorldCup I watched sudia Arabia match it's make me shocked. So all the Middle east can make it to be the underdogs of this worldcup.  Venezuela are also in good form . But I think Iraq can rapped this tie and start the worldcup in style . The worldcup is only 4 days away to start and all the team are crazy ready I love to see this worldcup .

One thing is true everyone is talking who is the favourite but no one is talking about the black hourse the underdogs team of this worldcup I think Norway can be a big surprise sengal is very strong I can pick him in that's list . Japan is one who which shock most of the big team in big competition. We can add Colombia in that's list as well

[TastyChillySauce00]

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?

Yes it's because Artan is Somalian. As far as i know Somalia has been banning got getting visa to enter US for years. If you don't believe it, then you can check it out here.
So i think it's impossible to reverse his status because US authority has no intention to change his status. Don't expect FIFA has power to do this because they're not US government.

The only trump who may able to let Artan enter US with special permission, maybe.

[Obim34]

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.

There are stronger teams than Norway, it is not all about how they portray the team at first or friendly matches, I don't think Norway has any final spot in the tournament, except the team is going to catch us by surprise. I will rate some African countries ahead of Norway, but all of which we aren't sure, the tournament can be full of surprise.

[SilverCryptoBullet]

Yes it's because Artan is Somalian. As far as i know Somalia has been banning got getting visa to enter US for years. If you don't believe it, then you can check it out here.
So i think it's impossible to reverse his status because US authority has no intention to change his status. Don't expect FIFA has power to do this because they're not US government.

The only trump who may able to let Artan enter US with special permission, maybe.

If it is their national policy, FIFA would know about it months ago and they would chance the referee list for this World Cup. It's very surprising if this is a known visa policy from the USA for years and both FIFA and the Somalian referee did not know about it and did not response to it properly.

If this is a latest visa policy change from the USA under President Trump's administration, it's more acceptable. As in the USA, recent months there was drama with Ilhan Omar who is a Somalian American and a senator with accusations of fraud activities that last for many years and it seems Trump presidency has tried to tighten things related to Somalia.

[snipie]

One thing is true everyone is talking who is the favourite but no one is talking about the black hourse the underdogs team of this worldcup I think Norway can be a big surprise sengal is very strong I can pick him in that's list . Japan is one who which shock most of the big team in big competition. We can add Colombia in that's list as well

I think Argentina will go far, along with France and Spain. Portugal is not bad, I agree although I don't believe they will reach the final match, we will see. For Germany, Japan, England and Morocco. I expect them to advance to the quarter or even semi-finals, even for some of them.
For Senegal, I think they can advance the group stage although their group is quite difficult. Iraq is the weakest there in my opinion, they have one of their best players that got injured and was excluded from the final list from what I heard.

[Varnquister]

Portugal will face Nigeria. Based on the odds, Portugal should easily win this match, but I don’t think so. Nigeria is perhaps one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they’ll have a chance to give Portugal a run for their money in this match. Of course, it’s just a friendly, but I expect Nigeria to score against Portugal in this match. Even if Portugal wins, it will be a tough match for them.

[Donneski]

Portugal will face Nigeria. Based on the odds, Portugal should easily win this match, but I don’t think so. Nigeria is perhaps one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they’ll have a chance to give Portugal a run for their money in this match. Of course, it’s just a friendly, but I expect Nigeria to score against Portugal in this match. Even if Portugal wins, it will be a tough match for them.

Facing Portugal in a friendly game a day before the kick off of the FIFA World Cup I don't think should be of much interest. The Portugal players will play the game with all carefulness so they don't sustain injury. Again if you look at the Nigeria squad, they're without their two most prolific attackers in the person of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Unlike you, I don't expect a tough game and wouldn't take the result too serious.

[DiMarxist]

Portugal will face Nigeria. Based on the odds, Portugal should easily win this match, but I don’t think so. Nigeria is perhaps one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they’ll have a chance to give Portugal a run for their money in this match. Of course, it’s just a friendly, but I expect Nigeria to score against Portugal in this match. Even if Portugal wins, it will be a tough match for them.

With the way that, Nigeria has been playing in recent matches especially this international break leading to the world cup which also saw them win the Unity cup. Looking at the odds Portugal are the favorite as the Portuguese will be using this game to fine tune their preparation concerning the world cup which starts in some days time. This game will be a tough one for the both sides because I don't see Nigeria losing this game for the sake of national pride and even for the team, they will like to maintain this current form that they find themselves  Portugal approach towards this game will determine how prepared and ready that, they are going into the world cup.

[Minor Miner]

Portugal will face Nigeria. Based on the odds, Portugal should easily win this match, but I don’t think so. Nigeria is perhaps one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they’ll have a chance to give Portugal a run for their money in this match. Of course, it’s just a friendly, but I expect Nigeria to score against Portugal in this match. Even if Portugal wins, it will be a tough match for them.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the world cup. So they will try their best to perform well against portugal today. If Nigeria can draw the  match then it will be a good result for them. Portugal are undoubtedly considered  favorites in this match. Their squad is very strong. There is no doubt that nigeria will  try to perform well. But I do not think portugal will lose the match or the  match will be a draw. I am keen to put my money on a portugal win.

[Not your key not your BTC]

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.

In my opinion, in Group I, France is certain to advance as group winner because they are indeed a very strong team. So, which of Norway, Iraq, and Senegal will join France in advancing from Group I. I believe these three teams are nearly evenly matched, making it difficult to predict which one will advance from Group I alongside France. Therefore, I consider Group I to be the toughest group in the World Cup later.

[EL MOHA]

Yes it's because Artan is Somalian. As far as i know Somalia has been banning got getting visa to enter US for years. If you don't believe it, then you can check it out here.
So i think it's impossible to reverse his status because US authority has no intention to change his status. Don't expect FIFA has power to do this because they're not US government.

The only trump who may able to let Artan enter US with special permission, maybe.

This is politics included into world football, I have said it before that USA might actually go down as one of the worst World Cup host In recent times due to some of their sanctions, we were here when the World actually questioned some of the sanctions placed by Qatar in the last World Cup and they resulted in relaxing some of this sanctions, why can’t the FIFA actually looked at the same situation when US is in question.

Yes I don’t blame them for the ban on Somalians but are you telling me that exceptions cannot be made for people like Artaud who is on an official assignment? This is the World Cup and the first reason for it is to promote peace and co-existence through football, so if the Somalian national team had actually qualified they wouldn’t have been able to participate then because of this sanctions? Now I see why the Iranians actually wanted their camp moved to Mexico.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the world cup. So they will try their best to perform well against portugal today. If Nigeria can draw the  match then it will be a good result for them. Portugal are undoubtedly considered  favorites in this match. Their squad is very strong. There is no doubt that nigeria will  try to perform well. But I do not think portugal will lose the match or the  match will be a draw. I am keen to put my money on a portugal win.

When I look at this World Cup I can’t help to feel like Nigerians have done themselves really bad by not qualifying. Seriously this Nigerian national team is actually a joy to watch under this Eric Chelle, I think this is the best Nigerian side in the last five years, I actually love the way they play football now. Going into this game I think Nigeria with the arrival of players like Lookman and Osimhen will seriously cause this Portuguese team a serious problem

[disbil]

Portugal will face Nigeria. Based on the odds, Portugal should easily win this match, but I don’t think so. Nigeria is perhaps one of the strongest teams in Africa, and they’ll have a chance to give Portugal a run for their money in this match. Of course, it’s just a friendly, but I expect Nigeria to score against Portugal in this match. Even if Portugal wins, it will be a tough match for them.

Last friendly match Portugal will face Nigeria as the African team not qualify to World Cup, I don't expect this match Portugal playing with full regular players because its one week later will play the first match in Group K against RD Kongo. I think Portugal prefer for facing Nigeria at friendly match to know the characteristic the opponent team will face later RD Kongo as African national teams.
Nigeria indeed not qualify to World Cup not make them as easily opponent team for Portugal, you must be careful if place bet for Portugal because friendly match usually have unpredictable prediction based starting eleven until the match result. Seems this match Cristiano Ronaldo will not play at early minutes after playing as regular players last friendly match against Chili.

[Sally9256]

Nigeria failed to qualify for the world cup. So they will try their best to perform well against portugal today. If Nigeria can draw the  match then it will be a good result for them. Portugal are undoubtedly considered  favorites in this match. Their squad is very strong. There is no doubt that nigeria will  try to perform well. But I do not think portugal will lose the match or the  match will be a draw. I am keen to put my money on a portugal win.

No matter what it's still a friendly game so with the world cup getting closer day by day I don't think Portugal will play the game with utmost seriousness since they have an important competition ahead so they won't want to risk injuries for their players. Even at that I also don't think they will want to lose the match so it doesn't demoralize them in any way.

Nigeria have done well in their recent friendlies so they will definitely perform well and will be motivated to win this game but with Portugal squad strength a draw will be a good achievement for Nigeria.

[Danica22]

When I look at this World Cup I can’t help to feel like Nigerians have done themselves really bad by not qualifying. Seriously this Nigerian national team is actually a joy to watch under this Eric Chelle, I think this is the best Nigerian side in the last five years, I actually love the way they play football now. Going into this game I think Nigeria with the arrival of players like Lookman and Osimhen will seriously cause this Portuguese team a serious problem

Nigeria's squad is not weak. Even then they could not qualify for the world cup. This is their biggest failure. They have talented  players like Lookman and osimhen in their squad. It might be a bit difficult for portugal to counter the attack of these two. Then I expect portugal to win. Portugal's squad is very strong. Portugal will definitely want to win the  last warm up match  before the world cup and will want to boost the confidence of the players.