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

[Stavri]

I really hope that the surprise will be Japan. I mean, they already improved a lot during the last World Cups, their movement grew exponentially during the last 20-25 years, but they never managed to achieve a noticeable result in the World Cup despite beating big teams. I hope this year they can finally reach at least the quarter finals.

Japan were really good in the friendly matches too and they're a team that's used to playing together. i'm also expecting a quarter final or even a semi final from them. Norway will also most likely make it to the quarter finals.

Oh, yes, you're right, I forgot Norway! They probably have the best national team they ever had because, to be honest, it's kind of crazy when we think that the best striker in the world is Norwegian. They have a very solid team and definitely can be one of the surprises. I would be disappointed if they don't reach at least the round of 16.

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

[hyudien]

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.

If you are not hesitant to bet on this match then I think taking a risk for Nigeria victory does not seem to be a bad thing, of course I agree that Portugal is the favorite but considering the world cup championship is only counting the days, I don't think Portugal will play optimally to aim for victory, on the other hand Nigeria is not participating in the world cup. A match that is considered a warm-up for Portugal for Nigeria is a must-win match. But let's wait for the line-up of these two teams to be more convincing about which option to choose.

[Silikiem]

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.

This Portugal team have one of the best midfield players in this competition that can match that of the Spanish midfield. The likes of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes are world class midfielders capable of making some decisive plays and change the outcome of a game through their individual brilliance. If they can build a good team spirit and play as a team I don’t see anyone stopping them, Enzo Fernandes was certainly the best play maker in the just concluded premier league season. Vitinha and Joao Neves are one of the best midfielders in Europe currently, if they can replicate the form they had in the just concluded season then they have every chance of making it far in this World Cup.

[puloweh555]

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.

There are certainly other teams stronger than Norway, but they shouldn't be underestimated, especially with players like Haaland, Ødegaard, Fredrik and Sorloth. Norway performance at this World Cup is highly anticipated, as their squad is quite good. They are in Group I with France, Senegal, and Iraq, so they have a good chance of advancing to the round of 16.

Besides that, the Norwegian national team poster displays the Vikings, and I don't think that's a gimmick. The nickname Vikings has long been associated with Norway, as Norwegian football is synonymous with physical strength, mental toughness and a fighting spirit. So, I don't think Norway should be underestimated, as they are likely to cause a surprise at this World Cup.

[icebar]

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.

I don't really like the way Chile's players play. Although Chile has good players, they like to play a bit more aggressively. Chile's defense is very good, and they have a good goalkeeper. Vigor's saves in the last match were really amazing. Despite their good defense, they are a bit aggressive. Chile can't show the beautiful rhythmic play like the best teams in the world. They try to foul the opponent's players for no reason. They push violently while guarding the players. Which makes a beautiful football a bit ugly.

[Distraction]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

It looks great by the way. This reminds me of the series named Vikings.    Norway are one of dark horses in this World Cup I believe. They shouldn't be underrated surely!

They aren't only about Haaland. Of course he is their main goal source but they are playing really well as a team too. The last time they joined the World Cup was 1998. Let's see how good they benefit from this opportunity.

[Taricoins]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

It looks great by the way. This reminds me of the series named Vikings.    Norway are one of dark horses in this World Cup I believe. They shouldn't be underrated surely!

They aren't only about Haaland. Of course he is their main goal source but they are playing really well as a team too. The last time they joined the World Cup was 1998. Let's see how good they benefit from this opportunity.

An Iconic show by the way, but I do feel they are one of the underdogs people should look at for because they literally outscore almost all the teams in there qualification group. I think Norway and Morocco national teams are the one's I feel people shouldn't sleep on.

I saw a thread on Mbappe jeopardizing France teams play because he wouldn't want Dembele to outshine him, I don't know whether any body here shares thesame opinion ?

[YUriy1991]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

a very good photo to introduce their culture in a football event like this world cup will be a very iconic photo for the Norwegian team that will compete in the 2026 world cup. we are reminded of the history of the vikin philosophy that never gives up and is very strong in conquering their opponents. but even though the photo looks very good for promotion, on the side we will see a funny moment when the vikings who are people who live in a very cold climate will face the very hot American weather this will make them exhausted in adapting and will create a funny moment when the vikings who are used to living in cold temperatures will be burned by the hot temperatures of Amerika. it seems like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will run out of breath in America.

[BIT-BENDER]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

a very good photo to introduce their culture in a football event like this world cup will be a very iconic photo for the Norwegian team that will compete in the 2026 world cup. we are reminded of the history of the vikin philosophy that never gives up and is very strong in conquering their opponents. but even though the photo looks very good for promotion, on the side we will see a funny moment when the vikings who are people who live in a very cold climate will face the very hot American weather this will make them exhausted in adapting and will create a funny moment when the vikings who are used to living in cold temperatures will be burned by the hot temperatures of Amerika. it seems like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will run out of breath in America.

It's great seeing that Norway went towards promoting their culture and to be honest their culture is actually hard and oozes of strength and courage and I believe that is what they will be bringing to this world cup.
Speaking of culture African teams actually left their culture behind and that's sad to see. Usually especially during the African cup of Nations, African teams usually showcase their colours, tradition and culture but it was only Cote d'Ivoire that wore something relating to the Rich culture of Africa.

[Fiatless]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

With this costume it is difficult to identify some of the players. I really wanted to see how some of their major players looked.

Anyway this is the beauty of thee World Cup. The tournament is an avenue to showcase the culture and history of each country. I am also expecting to see some of these custums from fans as the tournament starts.

[Btcdeybodi]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

It looks great by the way. This reminds me of the series named Vikings.    Norway are one of dark horses in this World Cup I believe. They shouldn't be underrated surely!

They aren't only about Haaland. Of course he is their main goal source but they are playing really well as a team too. The last time they joined the World Cup was 1998. Let's see how good they benefit from this opportunity.

An Iconic show by the way, but I do feel they are one of the underdogs people should look at for because they literally outscore almost all the teams in there qualification group. I think Norway and Morocco national teams are the one's I feel people shouldn't sleep on.

I saw a thread on Mbappe jeopardizing France teams play because he wouldn't want Dembele to outshine him, I don't know whether any body here shares thesame opinion ?

I also think that Norway is an underdog team in the world cup because their only key players are Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland and I don't think the duo can take the team to a bigger stage. Morocco has the best team and best ranking among the African teams that qualified for the world cup so I agree that they will advance more than the group stages, they can even reach the semi final again because they did it before.

Mbappe not wanting Ousmane Dembele to outshine him is just nasty behaviour, i know he is important to the team but he should lower his ego because there are many players who are capable of doing what he does for the national team, they have Michael Olise who is a player to look out for, so it's not only about Mbappe and Dembele anymore.

[ndutndut]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

It looks great by the way. This reminds me of the series named Vikings.    Norway are one of dark horses in this World Cup I believe. They shouldn't be underrated surely!

They aren't only about Haaland. Of course he is their main goal source but they are playing really well as a team too. The last time they joined the World Cup was 1998. Let's see how good they benefit from this opportunity.

The photo of the Norwegian squad is truly stunning. The concept truly depicts their readiness to fight for WC2026. Judging from the theme of the photo we can conclude that the Vikings once needed a map and didn't need a compass. They trusted only the wind, the waves, the sun and each other. Long ago, the Vikings sailed across the Atlantic and set foot in North America. Now they're returning to the same continent.

But this time, they're on a mission to fight for the WC2016 trophy, donning their signature red jerseys and invading neighboring countries through sport (football). Norway has been absent from the World Cup for 28 years and now they're ready to surprise every team they face. Their squad isn't too shabby boasting a sharp striker like Haaland and Ødegaard in midfield.

[slapper]

~

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.

Behind closed doors, Broos was forced to play a secret friendly against Jamaica. He didn't wish to let Mexico witness his methods. That's how scared the camp is. Even in that hidden match, they couldn't help but give away a late goal. They simply don't have that confidence.

The bus will be parked on Thursday. SIT DEEP, TRY TO SURVIVE. Perhaps it lasts for an hour or two. They are actually good when organized in their defence. But Mexico's got the depth to throw fresh legs at tired defenders late in the game. And at that altitude, fatigue hits different. The goal comes late, probably 70th minute onwards. This is the way it goes.

[$crypto$]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

It looks great by the way. This reminds me of the series named Vikings.    Norway are one of dark horses in this World Cup I believe. They shouldn't be underrated surely!

They aren't only about Haaland. Of course he is their main goal source but they are playing really well as a team too. The last time they joined the World Cup was 1998. Let's see how good they benefit from this opportunity.

The photo --- Haaland shows his self-profile as a Viking.

I've seen many photo sessions before leaving for the host team as the organizer and this one from the Norwegian national team is the most notable, most of the other teams take photos after getting off the plane of the players in a row on the stairs.

I'm quite curious how Norway will perform, people say it's an underdog team that could surprise? I think it could be.

[Arenga pinnata]

If you are not hesitant to bet on this match then I think taking a risk for Nigeria victory does not seem to be a bad thing, of course I agree that Portugal is the favorite but considering the world cup championship is only counting the days, I don't think Portugal will play optimally to aim for victory, on the other hand Nigeria is not participating in the world cup. A match that is considered a warm-up for Portugal for Nigeria is a must-win match. But let's wait for the line-up of these two teams to be more convincing about which option to choose.

Portugal certainly won’t want to take any major risks by fielding their key players and giving it their all. Portugal will likely treat this match merely as a strategic test or simply a warm-up before the World Cup kicks off in a few days. so, picking Portugal to win this match is indeed a bit of a long shot. and well, on the other hand, Nigeria will certainly play as well as they can and will also strive to win this friendly match.

However, despite that, I still want to watch this match. because a friendly match can at least help relieve the boredom before the World Cup actually begins.

[Furious 7]

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 have speed for their wingers and in their last few games including against Poland last week they still seem to be doing the same scheme with speed and direct passes so this could be a bit troublesome but Portugal also have almost the same type now and Portugal's advantage is certainly in their midfield which is quite luxurious at the moment.

This match will be interesting but for a 1x2 result I think Portugal will still get the win while establishing themselves for the world cup which is just a few days away.
This is the last game for Portugal in their preparation before the world cup starts so I think a win is necessary to boost their mentality.

[Jaycoinz]

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 have speed for their wingers and in their last few games including against Poland last week they still seem to be doing the same scheme with speed and direct passes so this could be a bit troublesome but Portugal also have almost the same type now and Portugal's advantage is certainly in their midfield which is quite luxurious at the moment.

This match will be interesting but for a 1x2 result I think Portugal will still get the win while establishing themselves for the world cup which is just a few days away.
This is the last game for Portugal in their preparation before the world cup starts so I think a win is necessary to boost their mentality.

Well it's still a friendly game and the tempo still wouldn't be that serious although for Nigeria to score, that's something am well convinced they would do because they always seem to find the back of the net in almost all their friendly games and this one would be one of those games too and I say this because of the Portuguese defense as they too tend to conceiving a fare amount of goals which is something they ought to work on before the world cup officially kicks off.

[Fiatless]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

With this costume it is difficult to identify some of the players. I really wanted to see how some of their major players looked.

Anyway this is the beauty of thee World Cup. The tournament is an avenue to showcase the culture and history of each country. I am also expecting to see some of these custums from fans as the tournament starts.

[Stavri]

btw ahead of the tournament Norwegian team dressed up in Viking attire and posed for photos by the river   photos were so good quality that they looked like a colorized historical photograph or something straight out of a movie set

With this costume it is difficult to identify some of the players. I really wanted to see how some of their major players looked.

Anyway this is the beauty of thee World Cup. The tournament is an avenue to showcase the culture and history of each country. I am also expecting to see some of these custums from fans as the tournament starts.

yeah.

here is haaland 

[GbitG]

This Portugal team have one of the best midfield players in this competition that can match that of the Spanish midfield. The likes of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes are world class midfielders capable of making some decisive plays and change the outcome of a game through their individual brilliance. If they can build a good team spirit and play as a team I don’t see anyone stopping them, Enzo Fernandes was certainly the best play maker in the just concluded premier league season. Vitinha and Joao Neves are one of the best midfielders in Europe currently, if they can replicate the form they had in the just concluded season then they have every chance of making it far in this World Cup.

Well, I don't think that Portugal will survive longer last because for me they didn't have a wining mentality like for World Cup team need a strong tactics sect with great player despite Portugal have good players but didn't have good managerial accounting. So that's why I am doubting on them I mean they have good team but not that good to be considered favorite for title....

Here let me tell you something more like you say that Portugal have a greatest midfield and that's why they have a high probilities but unfortunately this not the facts. Great midfields can't win the World. For world cup entire team need effort only relaying on few players can give you a success rate.