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

[Lida93]

Yesterday, Cabo Verde ended the game with a tie against Uruguay. A loss would have been the worst to happen, but they would rather it ends in a draw. Just when they lost hope on their team's capability to score any more goals, in the second half, Uruguay's defender made what appears to be a mistake in front of the keeper's box. Instead of the goalie to stay relaxed and allow the defenders retify their mistakes and regroup, he left his post at a very wrong timing and pace, without any defensive close in, the Cabo Verdean stole that opportunity and scored in an empty net.

Cape Verde if can beat Saudi Arabia will control their own opportunity and finish this group with a position at top, and surely will be qualified for a next round. Their task is simple: beating Saudi Arabia, and don't have to concern about result in a match of Spain vs Uruguay.

They at least need to finish against Saudi with a draw. A lose will get them eliminated. This is about to get even more interesting.

It's one of the surprising things we would see a country like Cabo Verde doing in this World Cup by having to qualify to the next stage of the tournament in a group where Spain, Uruguay whom before now were believed to be the two teams that would easily qualify in the group H. If they can win Saudi Arabia, which is looking likely because if they can draw against Spain and Uruguay then it's possible the Saudi Arabia may not deny them the opportunity to get to the next stage. This is a big risk for Uruguay who has to face Spain in their next game with very little hope of a draw at least.

[MFahad]

Brazil managed to take the lead in the group by defeating Haiti 3-0. Although Brazil, which is tied for first place on goal difference, had more possession against Haiti, it’s worth noting that Haiti didn’t play poorly either. Brazil scored all three of its goals in the first half, with Matheus Cunha netting two of them. We haven’t seen Brazil play a truly dominant game yet, and frankly, I don’t think their chances of lifting the World Cup trophy are very high.

In Fifa World Cup history the most titles winning team is Brazil and no any other countries like Spain or Argentina can meet with the class and skills of Brazilian players. Brazil gets clear dominance against Haiti by passing three goals and in response Haiti don't put a single goal. Brazil take dominance in first half by putting goals and make the game easy for them. Matheus Cunha proves very effective who puts two goals and this shows the control and elegance and obviously it's the positive sign for Brazil. But the actual strength of Brazil can be seen against the strongest teams so against Haiti it's normal because Haiti is normal team. So the chances of Brazil to win this event cleares very early in upcoming games.

[Webetcoins]

The game just begun and Messi has missed a penalty in the 8th minute of the game... What?? That was an early chance to gain good possession of the game and increase the team's confidence level. I know they can still compensate for that miss, but an early penalty would have been a boost to the game. How do you just kick the ball into the keeper's gloves? That wasn't resounding for a first opportunity.
Austria will now have to take their time to defend without any further mistakes. Early goals, few substitutions and a full-time defensive play should be plan from now.

A big missed opportunity from Lionel Messi in the early minutes of this game. Now things are looking not easy for Argentina because Austria already has a strong defense, and they can put more pressure on them even though their attack is also doing a good job.

After this. I am not sure whether they will be able to put pressure on Austria. Odds for Argentina are already from @1.40 to @1.70.

A big change in 30 minutes just Messi has problems for Austria no other player is able to give his best. This could be a not-easy game for Argentina.

[AmoreJaz]

The game just begun and Messi has missed a penalty in the 8th minute of the game... What?? That was an early chance to gain good possession of the game and increase the team's confidence level. I know they can still compensate for that miss, but an early penalty would have been a boost to the game. How do you just kick the ball into the keeper's gloves? That wasn't resounding for a first opportunity.
Austria will now have to take their time to defend without any further mistakes. Early goals, few substitutions and a full-time defensive play should be plan from now.

It was not entirely Messi's fault

The Austrian goal keeper waited perfectly for Messi and chose the right side, denying the corner. Messi missed because he tried to do even a little bit to the right but there was no room for the ball, so it went out

The only chance was if he could change the side of the goal at the final second like what Neymar can do, and this is why I think Neymar scores more easily on penalties.

Well, this is sports and when you are outside the arena, even legends can commit mistakes. They are still humans after all and they can have some missing chances or errors just like any other ordinary player. So for me, there's should be no big deal out of that. It is just that Messi is one of the popular figures in this sports and the expectations are quite high. We all should think of that fact that anyone can commit the same.
The good thing here is that how he will get back after missing such chance. So that's one of just many missed opportunities, but there are more to see outside of that missed opportunity. It should not define the performance of any player.

[jakdanyel]

It was not entirely Messi's fault

Come on man! It was Messi's fault of course. He couldn't find even the target.    But if he did most probably it was going to be saved.


By the way the living legend Messi has just scored another goal! A classic goal by him to the corner which the goalkeeper can't reach easily.

Argentina should be comfortable with winning this match honestly. Then their road until quarter finals is likely to be easy. But it's normal while there are 48 teams.

[mikel_012]

It was not entirely Messi's fault

Come on man! It was Messi's fault of course. He couldn't find even the target.    But if he did most probably it was going to be saved.

Read the word ENTIRELY again.

When you are in the clear mindset of taking the ball away from the goalkeeper and in the moment he jumps perfectly to the post, all you have left is to switch sides but not many can do that, place it in the top corner which he did not consideer, or shoot it out. He did the last option

[Son Of Blockchain (SOB)]

Although I like Argentina's gameplay and I have  bet on Argentina winning this match, it must be said that it will not be easy for argentina to win this match. There is no room to  consider Austria a weak team. They won  3-1 against Jordan in their first match of the world cup.

Argentina's squad is very strong, there is no doubt about it. Messi and Martinez are in attack. Both are in excellent form. Messi scored a hat-trick in the first match. In  this match too, the fans have high expectations from messi. It is hoped that Argentina will not make any  mistakes in this match and will win.

This Austria might not be bad like that, Messi just missed a penalty and they are energize after the penalty. They have a game plan to suppress Messi and that's what they have done but it seems they sacrifice handling mess than attack. Since the beginning, their short on target is nothing, they have been defending and playing around the mid field, the only time they have made shot was all block by Argentina defenders but if they keep pushing, they might have chance.

The way Messi is blocked in this match, I'm not sure if the total goal will be upto that number but Argentina has a chance to win this match. However, we are just 20 minutes in the game, things can change in the second half but for now, Austria aren't that cheap like Algeria, they have tight their defense specifically because of Messi. That goal could have push Messi to the highest goal scorer in the history of world cup but is still believe he can do it again.

He's the major threat on the pitch for Australia so if they can handle in well then most of their problem is solved although they'll be aiming to draw than win since their gameplay would be more defensively and focused on keep Messi away from scoring or creating chance for a goal, then Argentina team has more advantage so far.
 The Messi they're trying to hold has scored, adding to the record he's broken already in their first leg, it would be very tough to stop him from scoring again, he's the G.O.A.T and keep proving it. Before the World Cup would end he might score up or more then 20 goals in tbe World Cup, setting a standard that would be tough for younger generations to meet up.
 

[Popkon6]

It was not entirely Messi's fault
The Austrian goal keeper waited perfectly for Messi and chose the right side, denying the corner. Messi missed because he tried to do even a little bit to the right but there was no room for the ball, so it went out

The only chance was if he could change the side of the goal at the final second like what Neymar can do, and this is why I think Neymar scores more easily on penalties.

Well, this is sports and when you are outside the arena, even legends can commit mistakes. They are still humans after all and they can have some missing chances or errors just like any other ordinary player. So for me, there's should be no big deal out of that. It is just that Messi is one of the popular figures in this sports and the expectations are quite high. We all should think of that fact that anyone can commit the same.

There is no such thing as Messi not making mistakes, because luck is not always on his side, so this happened to Messi. However, Lionel Messi made mistakes and again he gave the audience a goal in 38 minutes. In this match, one should not be so aggressive about making a mistake, so Messi can stay away from getting a hat-trick by missing this goal.
However, he can score more goals after half-time, because only Messi can kick at the reliable goalpost. So Lionel Messi needs to score two more goals if he wants to score a hat-trick, but he has an extra career to play for by missing a goal.

[BitcoinHunt3r]

A big missed opportunity from Lionel Messi in the early minutes of this game. Now things are looking not easy for Argentina because Austria already has a strong defense, and they can put more pressure on them even though their attack is also doing a good job.

After this. I am not sure whether they will be able to put pressure on Austria. Odds for Argentina are already from @1.40 to @1.70.

A big change in 30 minutes just Messi has problems for Austria no other player is able to give his best. This could be a not-easy game for Argentina.

And now Messi did well, he scored the first goal in the 38 minute yeah that's the right way to answer the doubts in the first minute. I agree, so far Argentina performance has not been very impressive but that doesn't mean their chances are lower yeah at least they are a little bit ahead on some lines. I personally waited until the first half was over before placing a bet but unfortunately I was too late yeah hope Messi can score one more goal in the second half so Argentina is safer with a 2 goal difference meaning they are certain to qualify for the next round. For Austria, they also still have a chance to qualify and only need one more point, yeah the 3rd match will be decisive.

[Sandra_hakeem]

Well, this is sports and when you are outside the arena, even legends can commit mistakes. They are still humans after all and they can have some missing chances or errors just like any other ordinary player. So for me, there's should be no big deal out of that. It is just that Messi is one of the popular figures in this sports and the expectations are quite high. We all should think of that fact that anyone can commit the same.

It's a goal!!  Messi has compensated for his miss in the 8th minute and I'm sure not so many of you have noticed that yet. Was I expecting him to score, of course yes! It's the first goal and many more to come. Austria doesn't seem to have a lot going on. Maintaining a defensive game won't earn them any point again Argentina. I like to remind myself of this popular quote, but in my own context that says "the best form of defense is attack".

I personally waited until the first half was over before placing a bet but unfortunately I was too late yeah hope Messi can score one more goal in the second half so Argentina is safer with a 2 goal difference meaning they are certain to qualify for the next round.

Never doubt the GOAT.

[9ja Amaka]

Brazil managed to take the lead in the group by defeating Haiti 3-0. Although Brazil, which is tied for first place on goal difference, had more possession against Haiti, it’s worth noting that Haiti didn’t play poorly either. Brazil scored all three of its goals in the first half, with Matheus Cunha netting two of them. We haven’t seen Brazil play a truly dominant game yet, and frankly, I don’t think their chances of lifting the World Cup trophy are very high.

We all know Brazil as a football power house, but I have not been convinced by them in this competition so far. They might have won Haiti to advance to the top of their group,  but I also not see them as a team that will go far in this competition. They won against Haiti, because Haiti were very poor. I think they will suffer if them play a good team, but I still will not want to write them off completely,  because football can be very unpredictable and I will not be surprised if they begin to do better as the world cup progresses, because I think they have some good players in their squad.

[HelliumZ]

It was not entirely Messi's fault

Come on man! It was Messi's fault of course. He couldn't find even the target.    But if he did most probably it was going to be saved.


By the way the living legend Messi has just scored another goal! A classic goal by him to the corner which the goalkeeper can't reach easily.

Argentina should be comfortable with winning this match honestly. Then their road until quarter finals is likely to be easy. But it's normal while there are 48 teams.

Messi scored a remarkable goal after the penalty miss. The legendary Messi's shot went wide of the goal post,which was an unfortunate mistake.But Messi's next goal was worth watching. While Austria was able to attack initially, the number of attacks Austria made gradually decreased. After conceding a goal, the morale of Austria's attack was further broken. But can Austria win against the powerful Argentina? I think Argentina easily win the game finally because Argentina is the last world cup champions.

[Frankolala]

The game just begun and Messi has missed a penalty in the 8th minute of the game... What?? That was an early chance to gain good possession of the game and increase the team's confidence level. I know they can still compensate for that miss, but an early penalty would have been a boost to the game. How do you just kick the ball into the keeper's gloves? That wasn't resounding for a first opportunity.
Austria will now have to take their time to defend without any further mistakes. Early goals, few substitutions and a full-time defensive play should be plan from now.

It was not entirely Messi's fault

The Austrian goal keeper waited perfectly for Messi and chose the right side, denying the corner. Messi missed because he tried to do even a little bit to the right but there was no room for the ball, so it went out

The only chance was if he could change the side of the goal at the final second like what Neymar can do, and this is why I think Neymar scores more easily on penalties.

Missing a penalty once in a while, doesn't mean that Messi isn't good at taking penalties. He over spin the ball which was why it went beyond where he wanted to place the ball. I don't see how Australia goalie was the cause of his miss because assuming that penalty was going into the back of the net, he wouldn't have stopped it.

[rezakurnia66]

The game between Argentina and Austria is going on, Austria is not playing too badly, they are trying to attack well, but overall I never expected Messi to miss the penalty, I thought maybe Argentina would secure a 1 goal lead at first, but Messi missed the penalty very unexpectedly. Argentina has not started attacking very well yet, but when Argentina starts attacking, they will definitely be able to score. I can definitely say with 80% confidence about this match that Argentina will win the match, now I am waiting for the first goal, let's see how great they can be.

Lionel Messi miss the penalty kick after his shot outside but he answer well by scoring goal at 38th minutes make Argentina leading 1-0 at first half match, I know fans disappointed when Lionel Messi miss the great chance for scoring goals from penalty kick but his one goal at first half its should remove his mistake miss penalty. Looks consistent performance from Lionel Messi scoring goals last two matches in a row after hattrick faced Algeria and for awhile scoring one goal against Austria.

I have expect Messi can't stoppable keep scoring goals although not fully playing for central forward but his timing position make him easily for scoring goals, lets waiting for second half match will Messi scoring goal again and so far leading the top scores in World Cup after scoring 4 goals of 2 appearances.

[Qastessa]

Austria plans to stay solid defensively, focusing on preventing Lionel Messi from creating chances. And stopping Messi is almost impossible when he has the ball, but Austria is determined and might cause an upset. However, I strongly believe that Argentina will shine as usual and take control of Group J tonight.

On paper, this game is looking not balanced, but I am sure Austria is going to be a not-easy opponent for Argentina because they have solid defense and good offense, which can create problems for any team. Messi is in good touch after scoring his first hat trick, but now it's going to be another level game.

There is serious hype about Argentina winning this game easily and having a top rank in the group, but I am expecting this game to end with a nail-biting end, and just one or two goals are going to have their part in the result for betting purposes. I am expecting going with under 2.5 is surely going to have a good chance to give good encouragement.

[Bluedrem]

Lionel Messi miss the penalty kick after his shot outside but he answer well by scoring goal at 38th minutes make Argentina leading 1-0 at first half match, I know fans disappointed when Lionel Messi miss the great chance for scoring goals from penalty kick but his one goal at first half its should remove his mistake miss penalty. Looks consistent performance from Lionel Messi scoring goals last two matches in a row after hattrick faced Algeria and for awhile scoring one goal against Austria.

I have expect Messi can't stoppable keep scoring goals although not fully playing for central forward but his timing position make him easily for scoring goals, lets waiting for second half match will Messi scoring goal again and so far leading the top scores in World Cup after scoring 4 goals of 2 appearances.

I am an Argentina supporter. I am enjoying the game while sitting with some of the opposing fans. When Messi missed a free kick, they started trolling me in various ways (although it was funny) but I told them that if Messi scores a goal with Planty, then if Argentina wins this match, you will say that Argentina cannot win without Planty. Now wait and see, Messi will score the first goal. Anyway, Messi kept his word. I hope Argentina will win today's match at least 2-0.

[longyenthanh]

JUST IN: 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi officially becomes the highest scoring player in World Cup history.

"Lionel Messi has officially broken the all-time men's World Cup scoring record by netting his 17th career tournament goal. The historic milestone occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, during Argentina's group stage match against Austria."

Before this title has Miroslav Klose from Germany with 16 goals.

Since there are more teams now, it might be a little easier to catch up with this result.

[Just Say]

Looking at this lineup, I don't think Austria stands any chance of getting a result from this particular game. Argentina coach named his strongest first XI because he wants nothing but a win. Austria will come into the game with the belief that they can get something out of the game but I strongly doubt that they'll get even a draw in this game. Not a fan of Argentina but a fan of Inter Milan's Martinez so I'll sit back and enjoy the game.

Yes, the Argentina manager has fielded their best XI for this game because we think they are desperate to pull off a win against Austria in this game. Argentina had an early chance to take the lead against Austria but you notice that a legendary player like Lionel Messi missed a penalty But he later scored a goal in the 38th minute to put his team ahead. However, in today's FIFA World Cup match, the Austrian team is most focused on their defense, as a result of which we can see that even though the Argentine team players attack perfectly, Austria is resisting it. At this stage, it seems to us that if the reigning champions Argentina can play with a stronger morale after the break, they might be able to win against Austria and if they win this World Cup game, they will be able to qualify for the knockout stage.

[Webutxo]

And now Messi did well, he scored the first goal in the 38 minute yeah that's the right way to answer the doubts in the first minute. I agree, so far Argentina performance has not been very impressive but that doesn't mean their chances are lower yeah at least they are a little bit ahead on some lines. I personally waited until the first half was over before placing a bet but unfortunately I was too late yeah hope Messi can score one more goal in the second half so Argentina is safer with a 2 goal difference meaning they are certain to qualify for the next round. For Austria, they also still have a chance to qualify and only need one more point, yeah the 3rd match will be decisive.

I swear I didn't see that goal coming, he did it and now everyone has went silent. Earlier I saw post that Messi is the first player to lose penalty in 2026 world cup and I was lmao, and not just that he is the first player to miss penalty in 3 world cup, like Messi is breaking record climbing ladder and at the same time he is making records with things that are not moving him, indeed you can only compare him to anyone but you can never have another Messi.

The pressure on Argentina has reduced and that's good, I want to see the same energy when they come back again in the second half. If they win this match now, they are qualified for the next stage where knockout will be draw later. If they allow Austria to win this match, they will have to win next match to be able to make it to the next stage, I believe on this team not to disappoint though.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Messi missed a penalty and I think he doesn't need a penalty to break a record in the World Cup, good move and he scored like it was nothing. Now let's talk about how the Argentina players move the ball from the defense to the attacking department, they make it so easy and now that they are leading by a goal the desperation on Austria will continue to grow and if care is not taken they'd miss more chances in the second half while Argentina take their time to get 1 or 2 goals in the second half. This group doesn't look like any other country will push either Austria and Argentina aside to take their spot, is the both countries that will finish first and second.