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

[Agbam]

What a surprise for me yesterday with Korea’s victory over the Czech Republic. I really did not expect that at all.

It was a beautiful come back for S.Korea in the second half as the supersub gave them the winning goal on four minutes before full time. Honestly, there will be a lot of surprises in this ongoing world cup because every player wants to make name for themselves and also win the trophy for their country. S.Africa was too weak for their host yesterday.

The South Korean game was truly spectacular and entertaining, I expected a draw but the Koreans played with so much intensity and their midfielder Hwang In- Beom has all the praise for that win yesterday. The Feyenoord midfielder was all over the pitch and determined the outcome by a goal for the equaliser and an assist for the winning goal.

How the Czechia plays in their next game will determine their fate for this competition, they still have the co-hosts and the South Africans to play and these are no easy games.

[hd49728]

Today's World Cup match is Canada vs Bosnia, although we see the Canadian team as the favorite to win between these two teams. According to the betting odds between the two teams, it seems that the Canadian team has a higher chance, but only the team that can play strongly in the World Cup game will win. The Canadian team has better players and they are stronger than the Bosnian team, so maybe they will win today's match and collect their important three points. If Canada can collect three points today in the Group B stage, they will be ahead and their certainty will increase a lot for the next round, but I think these matches will not be very interesting, when the strong teams play, they will be much more competitive.

Canada historically does not have strong national team and Bosnia just eliminated Italy in World Cup play off matches in the Europe. I know Canada is one of three hosts in World Cup 2026 but Bosnia is not a team that can be underrated. They're very disciplined, well organized and know how to constrain strength of opponents as well as ways of winning matches.

Bosnia does not have many star players but they're a very united team and their strength comes from that. Canada as a host will try to play attacking for winning this match but they must pay attention and very careful with counter attacks, free kicks and corner kicks from Bosnia.

[Ahli38]

Horrible game played by the South Africa team they really deserve to lose , Mexico was not only the winner they were way better than them and they also deserve to win by a larger margin, i dont know what South Africa are gonna do in the next game but i feel like they are already out of this world cup playing like that.

South Africa’s loss to Mexico was predictable given their poor performance in several international friendlies against other national teams. And South Africa seemed to struggle greatly to compete effectively against their opponents. But they lately haven’t managed to secure a single victory. As for Mexico their performance has been impressive given the number of wins they’ve achieved against other national teams even though those matches were international friendlies. But they’ve continued their winning streak without a single loss this year. So I personally see that Mexico as a very strong opponent for South Africa. And Mexico’s victory was predictable if we compare the statistics of both teams before. Next South Africa will face the Czech Republic who seem to have the upper hand over them. And next Mexico will face South Korea who appear to be a strong rival for them by considering that South Korea has already defeated the Czech Republic in the first round of the World Cup.

[Pablo-wood]

After that perfect yesterday I don’t see South African beating any team from that group, both South Korea and Czech Republic are much of a decent team that them.

I agree with you. This will be a tough group stage for South Africa. We've already seen how South Korea and Czech Republic perform. If they play the same as before, it will be a tough competition for South Africa. Not to underestimate, but they might struggle to get points. But let's see if there will be any changes in their second match.

The Bafana Bafana might end up leaving the world cup tournament with no point the signs are obviously showing. South Korea did beat my imagination against Czech Republic. They had the possession, dominated the game play and still had their 3 points. Czech might not make it to the knock out stage but I am confident they can't lose to South Africa considering their composure during their first game.

I don't see anything changing in their remaining match. The best they can perform is a draw and I personally don't see any possibility for a draw match considering how they tackled their first game in the tournament.

[Sithara007]

Canada historically does not have strong national team and Bosnia just eliminated Italy in World Cup play off matches in the Europe. I know Canada is one of three hosts in World Cup 2026 but Bosnia is not a team that can be underrated. They're very disciplined, well organized and know how to constrain strength of opponents as well as ways of winning matches.

Bosnia does not have many star players but they're a very united team and their strength comes from that. Canada as a host will try to play attacking for winning this match but they must pay attention and very careful with counter attacks, free kicks and corner kicks from Bosnia.

I am not that familiar with the CONCACAF teams. How strong is Canada actually? Especially when compared to teams such as Mexico and the United States of America? I was looking at the odds at Stake, and they have given 1.83 for Canada and 4.50 for Bosnia. I know that Bosnia is not a bad team. For heaven's sake they defeated Italy during the UEFA second round qualifiers. They defeated Italy!!! And now they are being given 4.50 against Canada? I would have been OK with Bosnia being given 4.50 against Argentina or Brazil. But against Canada? Are they serious?

[Webetcoins]

It didn't seem to me that Korea dominated (only in possession of the ball, but in modern football this means nothing), they had the advantage but the result could have gone either way. But nevertheless, they earned 3 points and in the next game they meet Mexico, which also has 3 points, it turns out that if there is a winner in this pair, then they will take 1st place in the group ahead of schedule. The Czech Republic vs. South Africa game will also be decisive in terms of who will retain their chances of finishing second or making it into the lucky eight losers.

To be fair that may feel true in most games, but in this one, they did had the ball AND also dominated the game.

Yes not all teams that have the ball also dominates the game, you can have possession all game long and still end up losing, so I understand your assessment but in this game things were a bit different, we had Korea both have the ball but also dominated at the same time.

They missed many very close call shots, and eventually ended up winning the game as well so I can say they played very well.

[pusaka]

After that perfect yesterday I don’t see South African beating any team from that group, both South Korea and Czech Republic are much of a decent team that them.

I agree with you. This will be a tough group stage for South Africa. We've already seen how South Korea and Czech Republic perform. If they play the same as before, it will be a tough competition for South Africa. Not to underestimate, but they might struggle to get points. But let's see if there will be any changes in their second match.

The Bafana Bafana might end up leaving the world cup tournament with no point the signs are obviously showing. South Korea did beat my imagination against Czech Republic. They had the possession, dominated the game play and still had their 3 points. Czech might not make it to the knock out stage but I am confident they can't lose to South Africa considering their composure during their first game.

I don't see anything changing in their remaining match. The best they can perform is a draw and I personally don't see any possibility for a draw match considering how they tackled their first game in the tournament.

Looking at the way they play and comparing it to the other countries in the same group, it is likely to be difficult for them to compete in this group. The way they play is a mess and it doesn't look promising at all, especially since they will also lose 2 players who get red cards in the second match later.

But we'll see in the second match, because we don't know if they'll be much better or not. Because this is the first match which can happen field fever and so on. I myself hope they can be better so that they can provide a tight competition in this group.

[Danica22]

The South Korean game was truly spectacular and entertaining, I expected a draw but the Koreans played with so much intensity and their midfielder Hwang In- Beom has all the praise for that win yesterday. The Feyenoord midfielder was all over the pitch and determined the outcome by a goal for the equaliser and an assist for the winning goal.

How the Czechia plays in their next game will determine their fate for this competition, they still have the co-hosts and the South Africans to play and these are no easy games.

Czechia managed to score the first goal of the match. Even then, they couldn't win until the end. Neither team could score  in the first half. But the Korean  players were able to create several excellent chances. Hwang-In-beom equalized the match just 8  minutes after Czechia scored in the second half. And south korea secured the lead in the match with the help of Hyeon-gyu's goal in the  80th minute. From group a, south korea and Mexico are likely to qualify for the next round.

[X-ray]

Horrible game played by the South Africa team they really deserve to lose , Mexico was not only the winner they were way better than them and they also deserve to win by a larger margin, i dont know what South Africa are gonna do in the next game but i feel like they are already out of this world cup playing like that.

So what you have expected from South Africa? They were not Morocco or Senegal who were the top football nation in their continent. The lost against a nation that was multiple times stronger than then is a common result. I also think Czech will have same result when they fight the host soon.

I can even conclude South Africa is unlikely to go to the next round. I don't think they can beat South Korea in their upcoming game. They have only czech game that can give them a win. So my crystal ball tells me they will finish at third.

I consider it because they are not as strong as other candidates from their continent.

[savetheFORUM]

In my opinion, he also suffers from inexperience, which in my opinion does a lot
after all, it's his first world cup, I wouldn't be too rude to them
They have already qualified and this is a victory
There are teams with more history that haven't managed to do it (see Italy... how sad)..

Decline of quality is clear in the South African squad they were playing like street soccer. I was really surprised with their performance because I was expecting better soccer, but this was crap from them with this level. Now I am expecting they could be ended without any points even without any goals in this event as well.

Mexico won this game 2-0, which is also not a good result because with the performance level of South Africa, they surely deserve more goals, like Mexico playing against Serbia a few days back and scoring 5 goals, but still a good game for both sides, and Mexico is having a good start now. After 7 days, Mexico is going to entertain South Korea in their second game.

[HustleZ]

Czechia managed to score the first goal of the match. Even then, they couldn't win until the end. Neither team could score  in the first half. But the Korean  players were able to create several excellent chances. Hwang-In-beom equalized the match just 8  minutes after Czechia scored in the second half. And south korea secured the lead in the match with the help of Hyeon-gyu's goal in the  80th minute. From group a, south korea and Mexico are likely to qualify for the next round.

Honestly the first 2 games of the WC have been really interesting and entertaining. South africa’s match was much one-sided but still it was really fun to watch. The Three red cards were brutal considering there were 4 total red cards in the 2018 and the 2022 WC. But the best of it was the second game of Korea and Czechia. The game could’ve gone anywhere and was really interesting. Czechia scoring first but then Korea coming back and then Czechia getting close chances keeping the Korean fans on their toes was really fun to watch. That’s the kind of matches we pay for and it’s good to see the games go well and they deliver. Hope so the Tournament is as entertaining and even better than these games were.

[Franctoshi]

Today's World Cup match is Canada vs Bosnia, although we see the Canadian team as the favorite to win between these two teams. According to the betting odds between the two teams, it seems that the Canadian team has a higher chance, but only the team that can play strongly in the World Cup game will win. The Canadian team has better players and they are stronger than the Bosnian team, so maybe they will win today's match and collect their important three points. If Canada can collect three points today in the Group B stage, they will be ahead and their certainty will increase a lot for the next round, but I think these matches will not be very interesting, when the strong teams play, they will be much more competitive.

Canada historically does not have strong national team and Bosnia just eliminated Italy in World Cup play off matches in the Europe. I know Canada is one of three hosts in World Cup 2026 but Bosnia is not a team that can be underrated. They're very disciplined, well organized and know how to constrain strength of opponents as well as ways of winning matches.

Bosnia does not have many star players but they're a very united team and their strength comes from that. Canada as a host will try to play attacking for winning this match but they must pay attention and very careful with counter attacks, free kicks and corner kicks from Bosnia.

Based on the host nation side of advantage, Canada has more chances of winning this match, And I already had my stake on Canada to win against Bosnia &Herzegovina; they're the first team I chose in my slip to play, and in the slip, the game will run from today's game, the 12th and down to 17th when Portugal will play their game against the DR Congo. Hopefully, Canada wins their game.

[yixichloro2xx]

In my opinion, he also suffers from inexperience, which in my opinion does a lot
after all, it's his first world cup, I wouldn't be too rude to them
They have already qualified and this is a victory
There are teams with more history that haven't managed to do it (see Italy... how sad)..

Decline of quality is clear in the South African squad they were playing like street soccer. I was really surprised with their performance because I was expecting better soccer, but this was crap from them with this level. Now I am expecting they could be ended without any points even without any goals in this event as well.

Mexico won this game 2-0, which is also not a good result because with the performance level of South Africa, they surely deserve more goals, like Mexico playing against Serbia a few days back and scoring 5 goals, but still a good game for both sides, and Mexico is having a good start now. After 7 days, Mexico is going to entertain South Korea in their second game.

Well the problem of this south African team is because most of their players play at their country league. Maybe 1% play abroad which doesn't give them the  type of exposure they need especially in international games. Most the players in that team are from their local league which is Namledi sundowns. Whenever they play in Afcon or international games they always flop badly. They had no creativity yesterday, they just came to defend the game.  In that group I feel Mexico will.top their group next to south Korea, South Africa won't get past the group stage, if they want keep playing like the way they did yesterday, whereas Ceczh republic will occupy the 3rd position.

[DanWalker]

Bosnia does not have many star players but they're a very united team and their strength comes from that. Canada as a host will try to play attacking for winning this match but they must pay attention and very careful with counter attacks, free kicks and corner kicks from Bosnia.

There is no way to underestimate Bosnia. Canada is the host team. They will get home advantage. Even then, if they do not play well , there is no chance for canada to win against bosnia. If I am not  mistaken, Bosnia qualified for the world cup by defeating a giant team like Italy. Bosnia will definitely try their best  to win this match against canada. The match will undoubtedly be competitive.

[Pandu Geddon]

I agree with you. This will be a tough group stage for South Africa. We've already seen how South Korea and Czech Republic perform. If they play the same as before, it will be a tough competition for South Africa. Not to underestimate, but they might struggle to get points. But let's see if there will be any changes in their second match.

The Bafana Bafana might end up leaving the world cup tournament with no point the signs are obviously showing. South Korea did beat my imagination against Czech Republic. They had the possession, dominated the game play and still had their 3 points. Czech might not make it to the knock out stage but I am confident they can't lose to South Africa considering their composure during their first game.

I don't see anything changing in their remaining match. The best they can perform is a draw and I personally don't see any possibility for a draw match considering how they tackled their first game in the tournament.

We can look at the statistics, but in football, sometimes you can get disappointed if you rely on them too much. There’s always something that can surprise you. Even a draw means they get points. 
Anyway, this is the opening match, and we don’t know what other factors might affect their performance in the next game. I’m just trying not to dismiss the possibility of other outcomes.

[IjawMan]

Today Canada one of the host country will be meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and looking at the teams the Canadian has an edge over the Bosnia team on paper and strength of the teams

But if the Bosnia and Herzegovina can play like a typical european team they can offset the multitude expectations on Canada to win against them.

Football is about the fire and desire to win and when players are highly motivated it does not matter the calibre of who they may be up against they can propel a narrow win.

[Ale88]

I didn't watch the second game but I did watch the first one, and the thing that most impressed me, in a negative way, was South Africa's level. They are not a national team I follow so I really didn't know what to expect from them, but they were bad, like very very bad, almost embarrassing considering we're talking about a World Cup match. They couldn't complete 3 passes, they had no idea about what they were doing. And they were playing against Mexico which is an average team, in the past they had better players.

[fuguebtc]

Mexico won this game 2-0, which is also not a good result because with the performance level of South Africa, they surely deserve more goals, like Mexico playing against Serbia a few days back and scoring 5 goals, but still a good game for both sides, and Mexico is having a good start now. After 7 days, Mexico is going to entertain South Korea in their second game.

I would say that this is a  very good result in a platform like the world cup. Mexico did not concede any goals  in this match. This is their big achievement.

Most of the bettors thought that the match would be exciting. But it was a one-sided match. Mexico  has been able to perform very well. Mexico  has been able to win  the match by dominating. They have been able to do their world cup journey quite well. Mexico will face South korea in the next match. Korea is the toughest  opponent for Mexico in the group stage.

[Wakate]

What a surprise for me yesterday with Korea’s victory over the Czech Republic. I really did not expect that at all.

In the match involving Mexico, I would have rather predicted a draw, but South Africa was simply too weak to achieve that. Nevertheless, Mexico was clearly the favorite in that matchup anyway, so the final result was not particularly surprising in the end.

Frankly speaking, I never expected Czech Republic to defeat Korea because I know that the outcome will be a good one for Korea so I selected them to have a straight win. For the match between Mexico and South Africa,we all know that the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa must have brought hate to the country which will reduce the morale of South Africa winning the match.
Congratulations to Mexicans, my prediction was absolutely correct.

[ITExpert]

The World Cup is one of the biggest stage in football, where countries come together and they compete for glory as well as pride. People from all over the world, excitedly waiting for this tournament as it comes in every four years. It isn't just playing with the ball but how people feel the emotions, culture & the unity among different countries. key players showcase their skill while underdog teams give their effort to create surprises. The atmosphere in stadiums become change into another level where passionate supporters cheering for their teams to enhance their courage & strength. Every match brings surprise and unforgettable moments. That's why I'm excited about the first match which is going to start soon. For me, watching the World Cup means enjoying & feeling the true spirit of competition.

I think every viewer of the football and the remaining world as well are very exciting and awaited for the football worldcup. Because worldcup will happen after a long time period so the excitement are also settled on the peak and the everytime world Cup matches are the most joyable. Because the  curiosity about the favourite team and the favourite players are give next level excitement. Because the world class players and the top strong teams are going to participate in this world Cup. And i think its very difficult to predict about the exact winner of the worldcup because there are teams which are much stronger but still its too early to predict about the one. And their fans are crazily confident to support their favourite team and to make sure their efforts not get down.