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

[Davidvictorson]

Their next opponent will be either the Netherlands or Morocco.

My prediction is that they will face the Netherlands and they will lose by 2 goals to 1. Between the two teams the Netherlands is the stronger. Canada was just luck with SA but they won’t be with the Netherlands.

[JoyMarsha]

Canada v South Africa. that was a strange match. i’ve rarely seen so many mistakes from the players in a World Cup match. an incredible number of misplaced
passes over the 90 minutes. and I didn’t think there was much atmosphere in the stadium. anyway, one of the host nations has progressed to the next round
and will now play in the round of 16 against ??  is their opponent known yet? which team could they be up against?

It could Netherlands or Morocco. We will find out that on Tuesday after the Netherlands or Morocco meet, for the qualification of the round of 16.

Till then, Canada has become the first country to get to the round of 32. They will be silently preparing in anticipation of facing the Netherlands or Morocco. I wish, it would be Morocco, let Canada face a tough team like them, not ready to be kicked out of the World Cup earlier.

[Rgram]

Canada fight was worthy of appreciation in this match, they still made an effort to end the match with a victory in normal time, and apparently the moment came when the match only left a few minutes that they did not waste, congratulations on the victory. And with this result they created a new history as they qualified for the round of 16 for the first time, once again they utilized the advantage of hosting the world cup very well. Their next opponent will be either the Netherlands or Morocco.

One thing is known, the host nations would continue to show a lot of strength in this World Cup, Canada, Mexico and the USA. One of them would like to keep it if they could manage it, that would be a victory for all trios. If they could manage it is what I doubt but, we would see.

That remains one of the reason why I didn’t get expect South Africa to advance at this stage of the World Cup. They’ve done themselves solid by going through the group stage but, home was calling when they had Canada to play against. I predicted a first half draw with Canada winning in the second half but, I didn’t think it would take them as long as it did to score, that was disappointing.

[Sexylizzy2813]

South Africa will be facing Canada in the round of 32 and I still believe that the SA guys will be leaving the FWC soon, this could be their last dance because I don't see anything special in that squad, they are good but they don't have that quality to fight for long in the World Cup. Canada have a chance of beating SA, as the favorite I expect them to continue with that good form they started with in the group games, the question is, can SA hold Canada to a draw? Because if it happens that they end up in a draw I bet you that SA will survive if they extend the game till extra time. What's your take on this?

These are the playoffs, and I usually find these matches the most interesting because there's no room for error. Even the favorites can sometimes be eliminated by the underdogs at the World Cup, due to accidents and other factors, like injuries to the leading team from previous games or an unexpected ejection. I'm sure we'll see something similar at this championship, and as for today's match, I think Canada will win, even by a bigger margin. In any case, I'll put everything aside to enjoy this football festival.

I said it before that if this game gets to extra time I believe South Africa will definitely go through and luckily Canada got that late goal. I never saw anything new from South Africa since the beginning of this FWC, they haven't been as good as they were in the qualifiers and in the AFCON, if they had brought that same spirit to this FWC I think they would have gone far and even in the group stage they would have been seen as the favorite to either finish 1st or 2nd but now see how weak they played, only settling for a draw and whenever they counter it doesn't produce anything to help them get a goal.
Never thought Canada would struggle much in this game because they had everything they needed but the issue they had is giving the final pass for the last man to get it in the back of the net. They really need to improve if they want to advance into the next round because this late goal they had in this game tonight won't come like this very one, they need to create something spectacular in their next game.

[GbitG]

Lionel Messi did not play in the first half time. He was sitting on a bench and analyzing the game from there. But as the game progressed and as soon as the perfect time came, he came onto the ground and still he scored a single goal, did an excellent job. But now what could be the reason behind not playing in the first 45 minutes or more than 45 minutes? I think previously in the first two games, Messi has scored 5 goals, so maybe Argentina realized he is in best form, so they were making other players feel confident in the further stages of the tournament.  

Maybe....
Everyone knew it that Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time and definitely his standing up in the field can impact the opponent emotions. However Lionel Messi didn't play the whole match but still they got the lead only playing 30 minutes on the field. Now officially Lionel Messi become the highest score in world cup history even with one record like scored most free kick goal in world cup history......

Scaloni keep Lionel Messi on the bench from the beginning of the match because right now Lionel Messi is 39 and playing til 90 minutes make him feel too exhausted. So that's why the coach brought him on the field for only 30 minutes. Like to keep energetic for the rest of the world cup.

[Balmain]

Canada narrowly beat South Africa. The goal was scored by Eustaquio in the 90+2nd minute. Canada eliminated South Africa and then advanced to the round of 16. On Friday, there's a Switzerland-Algeria match. It should be an easy match for Switzerland I expect a comfortable victory. I can't even imagine Switzerland failing to beat Algeria and being eliminated the probability is low, but the possibility always exists.

[EL MOHA]

One thing is known, the host nations would continue to show a lot of strength in this World Cup, Canada, Mexico and the USA. One of them would like to keep it if they could manage it, that would be a victory for all trios. If they could manage it is what I doubt but, we would see.

That remains one of the reason why I didn’t get expect South Africa to advance at this stage of the World Cup. They’ve done themselves solid by going through the group stage but, home was calling when they had Canada to play against. I predicted a first half draw with Canada winning in the second half but, I didn’t think it would take them as long as it did to score, that was disappointing.

Yes as host nations I was definitely expecting them to actually use the crowd advantage to themselves an advance to the knockout stage. In the first instance i actually was predicting the last 32 as their bus stop but with the nature of the opponents that they faced I think they actually would be able to advance to the last 16. But none of them except maybe the USA who I think will get to the last 8 and that will be their bus stop too.

Seriously many actually thought Canada would win this tie easily but football has so much evolve that underdogs actually dominate now. The South Africans were actually brilliant in the game they held up possession of the ball really well but lack the creativity to penetrate the Canadian defense and that’s what actually affected them in the game. With this Canada performance I don’t know who they will play against next but I don’t fancy them winning

[laspol65]

Canada narrowly beat South Africa. The goal was scored by Eustaquio in the 90+2nd minute. Canada eliminated South Africa and then advanced to the round of 16.

This is the worst because South Africa lost in the last extra minute. It is really sad to me that they performed so well throughout the game but then they were weak, Eustaquio was very aggressive in scoring and eventually succeeded. However, Canada was lucky to score in the extra minute and win.
But it is a pity for the South African players, they were the best and hardest working players I have ever seen.

[Adiljutt156]

Jordan showed plenty of courage against one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Jordan tried to stay with their discipline and determination. while Argentina slowed that why they come among the tournament favorites teams. Their passing accuracy was sharp, their dominance created constant problems for opponent, and they looked comfortable after two early goals before the end of first half. But Jordan defended with their full strength and never stopped fighting back. Even they made the first goal which encourage them more to gave extra focus on the match. Afterwards Argentina stayed more focused because Messi's goal was the final nail in the coffin as well as sealed the victory for Argentina

Messi is legendary player and that is reason they are winning the back to back matches. They are winning the matches one handed because players combination is best in this tournament and they are ready to win back to back title . Messi did last goal of the match and he did this goal at 80 minutes and before that goal there were more goals in this match and position of his team was very strong in this match. G. Lo Celso was a person who did first goal of the match and he did this goal at 19 minutes and he gave good start to his team and after that goal Martínez did second goal of the match and he did this goal at 31 minutes and that goal was at penalty . Al-Taamari did one and only goal in this match and he did this goal at 55 minutes and his team lose this match at the end.

[Jostern]

Canada narrowly beat South Africa. The goal was scored by Eustaquio in the 90+2nd minute. Canada eliminated South Africa and then advanced to the round of 16. On Friday, there's a Switzerland-Algeria match. It should be an easy match for Switzerland I expect a comfortable victory. I can't even imagine Switzerland failing to beat Algeria and being eliminated the probability is low, but the possibility always exists.

Its quite a good development that South Africa is eliminated from the World Cup, because I was expecting them to be eliminated from the group stages, teams like South Africa who are having a very horrible situation in their country aren’t meant to be supported or to be in the World Cup which is why I’m happy and excited that they have been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup which is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, and they are playing a very horrible football, most especially the game against Canada was mostly full of ups and downs and they deserve to be beaten the way they’ve been beaten for a team that isn’t good in playing football and mostly in playing a defensive style of play.

[laijsica]

Canada narrowly beat South Africa. The goal was scored by Eustaquio in the 90+2nd minute. Canada eliminated South Africa and then advanced to the round of 16.

This is the worst because South Africa lost in the last extra minute. It is really sad to me that they performed so well throughout the game but then they were weak, Eustaquio was very aggressive in scoring and eventually succeeded. However, Canada was lucky to score in the extra minute and win.
But it is a pity for the South African players, they were the best and hardest working players I have ever seen.

Canada is the lucky team. South Africa played well throughout the match but they were weak towards the end of the match and Canada scored in extra time. I was hopeful that South Africa would do well in the first match of the Round of 32. The extra time goal was a great moment for Canada and they have made it to the last 16 of the World Cup. Canada was attacking but Africa's strong defence and the goalkeeper hard work saved several goal chances.

[Solokan]

Source: https://radarsurabaya.jawapos.com/amp/piala-dunia-2026/2606290008/kanada-lolos-ke-16-besar-piala-dunia-2026-gol-dramatis-stephen-eustaquio-hancurkan-mimpi-afrika-selatan
The Canada vs South africa match was really tense for me because we all know that both teams competed closely, which ultimately made it difficult for them to score. In that match, I bet on Canada to win, and honestly, before Stephen scored, I was a bit nervous because I was afraid South Africa would win, and in the end, I lost my bet. But luckily, I won because Canada won. Did you also win your bet on this match? It's a shame that South Africa has now been eliminated from this year's World Cup and will not be able to advance to the next round. Now, many South Africans are certainly sad because South Africa lost against Canada, but this is a match that always has winners and losers

Stephen in this match he became a hero because he scored a goal and in the final minutes he scored a goal and of course this must have made Canadians happy because he saw the team he supported finally won now Canada advances to the next round to the last 16 and of course now Canada must prepare mentally and physically again because of course the opponent they will face is very strong in the last 16 match

[shinratensei_]

Brazil vs Japan has to be one of most hyped match to come. This game reminds me when Tsubasa meets Santana. So finally we're seeing it in the real life sport. Honestly, i'm rooting for Brazil to win because they have so many stars. Brazil also one of popular football house and they have Ancellotti in their side.
Nevertheless, Japan can also send them out from WC if they play badly. We have seen how Japan was complicating Netherland by drawing. So this is gonna be a tough game for Brazil.

A per the odds Brazil leads with (1.78) against Japan (6.25). We see how big the gap. So all of parties are so confident Brazil to win this. So i think money line on Brazil sounds a good choice. An alternative bet such as BTTS is also good too.
So what your choice?

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Brazil vs Japan has to be one of most hyped match to come. This game reminds me when Tsubasa meets Santana. So finally we're seeing it in the real life sport. Honestly, i'm rooting for Brazil to win because they have so many stars. Brazil also one of popular football house and they have Ancellotti in their side.
Nevertheless, Japan can also send them out from WC if they play badly. We have seen how Japan was complicating Netherland by drawing. So this is gonna be a tough game for Brazil.

A per the odds Brazil leads with (1.78) against Japan (6.25). We see how big the gap. So all of parties are so confident Brazil to win this. So i think money line on Brazil sounds a good choice. An alternative bet such as BTTS is also good too.
So what your choice?

If I was going to bet on this match, I will be going full moneyline on Brazil to win the match but unfortunately, I won't be betting on this one because this world Cup has been full of surprises, we never can tell, Japan might end up pulling a fast one on Brazil and before they know, they (Brazil) are out of the world Cup.

And the gap between the odds is also something, like you said, the public already have decided who they think or believe will win the match. I kinda sometimes hate to go with the public and in bets like this, I would rather like to sit back and watch how it ends because many times in the past, the public still end up failing and losing money.
You would say, why don't just bet on the opposite then? Well, my answer is, when I also don't trust that the opposite could win, I simply will choose to sit back from betting and just watch the match.

[Sithara007]

✂✂✂✂
A per the odds Brazil leads with (1.78) against Japan (6.25). We see how big the gap. So all of parties are so confident Brazil to win this. So i think money line on Brazil sounds a good choice. An alternative bet such as BTTS is also good too.
So what your choice?

At the moment, 82% of the bets are in favor of Brazil (as per Stake). Still, odds for Japan has improved to 5.00. Even at these numbers, I believe that they look quite attractive for Japan. Draw is at 3.65. BTW, does anyone know whether the score after extra-time is considered in these bets, or the score after the regular 90 minutes? In group phase, there was no extra time or penalty shoot-out possibility, and it was easier. From the round of 32 onwards it will get complicated. Another match which looks interesting for me is the Morocco vs Netherlands. Netherlands is at 2.25.

[BlackBoss_]

At the moment, 82% of the bets are in favor of Brazil (as per Stake). Still, odds for Japan has improved to 5.00. Even at these numbers, I believe that they look quite attractive for Japan. Draw is at 3.65. BTW, does anyone know whether the score after extra-time is considered in these bets, or the score after the regular 90 minutes? In group phase, there was no extra time or penalty shoot-out possibility, and it was easier. From the round of 32 onwards it will get complicated. Another match which looks interesting for me is the Morocco vs Netherlands. Netherlands is at 2.25.

Brazil and Netherlands have better tradition than Japan and Morocco in World Cup and they're more favorite national teams to win in coming matches but both Japan and Morocco have very good quality. They are able to make surprise and beat Brazil and Netherlands in the round of 16, and in World Cup 2022 four years ago, Morocco even did better than Netherlands.

Netherlands in recent years as well as this World Cup no longer have too many star players like in the past as after generation of Van Persie, Van de Vaar, Robben, Sneijder, Huntelaar, they have been in an era with lack of star players. It's similar with Brazil as they are weaker than about 20 or 30 years ago and it's a long waiting time for them since a fifth World Cup trophy in 2002.

[alankasman]

Source: https://radarsurabaya.jawapos.com/amp/piala-dunia-2026/2606290008/kanada-lolos-ke-16-besar-piala-dunia-2026-gol-dramatis-stephen-eustaquio-hancurkan-mimpi-afrika-selatan
The Canada vs South africa match was really tense for me because we all know that both teams competed closely, which ultimately made it difficult for them to score. In that match, I bet on Canada to win, and honestly, before Stephen scored, I was a bit nervous because I was afraid South Africa would win, and in the end, I lost my bet. But luckily, I won because Canada won. Did you also win your bet on this match? It's a shame that South Africa has now been eliminated from this year's World Cup and will not be able to advance to the next round. Now, many South Africans are certainly sad because South Africa lost against Canada, but this is a match that always has winners and losers

Stephen in this match he became a hero because he scored a goal and in the final minutes he scored a goal and of course this must have made Canadians happy because he saw the team he supported finally won now Canada advances to the next round to the last 16 and of course now Canada must prepare mentally and physically again because of course the opponent they will face is very strong in the last 16 match

Statistically it's true that Canada could be said to have had luck on their side in that match. I'd say that clearly with 58% to 42% possession South Africa dominated possession even though they didn't score to give their team the win. However the resistance against Canada was quite fierce. However Canada's alert defense made it very difficult for South Africa to score and equalize the score. For them Canada won this match making them the first team to advance to the round of 16.

This goal made Canada the first team to advance to the next round. This means the struggle between the two teams was truly exciting and intense. The goal came in the final minutes of the match which was decisive for Canada. With this goal, the Canadian players dedicated it to their fans who couldn't watch in person. However this goal meant a lot to them as their team is now in the round of 32 of this World Cup.

[LUCKMCFLY]

This goal made Canada the first team to advance to the next round. This means the struggle between the two teams was truly exciting and intense. The goal came in the final minutes of the match which was decisive for Canada. With this goal, the Canadian players dedicated it to their fans who couldn't watch in person. However this goal meant a lot to them as their team is now in the round of 32 of this World Cup.

Canada, in my opinion, was incredibly lucky to advance. They were truly fortunate throughout, enjoying unparalleled luck right up to the very end. That's why I don't think Canada will make it to the Round of 16. I think the remaining teams are much stronger and tougher. Personally, I wanted South Africa to win, but sometimes the luck of being the host nation helps a lot.

[BlackBoss_]

Canada, in my opinion, was incredibly lucky to advance. They were truly fortunate throughout, enjoying unparalleled luck right up to the very end. That's why I don't think Canada will make it to the Round of 16. I think the remaining teams are much stronger and tougher. Personally, I wanted South Africa to win, but sometimes the luck of being the host nation helps a lot.

Canada play better, create more shots, more opportunities and come closely to goals than South Africa in this match. They win the match by a very late goal which surely makes South African players feel disappointed and unfair. However, if looking and assessing performances of two teams in this match, we can see that in general Canada perform better than South Africa and they deserve this win, even it's a late win.

In a next round, Canada will meet either Netherlands or Morocco, and I guess it's where they have to stop their adventure in World Cup 2026. By the way, even they have to stop after a next match with Netherlands/ Morocco, they already made history for their national team in World Cup.

[dzonikg28]

Their next opponent will be either the Netherlands or Morocco.

My prediction is that they will face the Netherlands and they will lose by 2 goals to 1. Between the two teams the Netherlands is the stronger. Canada was just luck with SA but they won’t be with the Netherlands.

This is so theoretical. I understand that not many people would really bet against the Netherlands because they would have to put money on the line, but if they were to give their best guess without risking money, I think there is a good bunch of people who would say that Morocco has a very realistic chance to beat the Netherlands. There have been crazier surprises this world cup so far than Morocco perhaps beating the Netherlands. All the draws of those top favorites against underdog teams... 

The strongest reason to give Morocco a shot is because of what they did at the last world cup when nobody really ever thought there is a 1% chance that Morocco would still be in the tournament after facing Spain and Portugal. I think only a few hardcore fans may have said that they believe in Morocco because they come from that country, but no rational football fan has probably said back then that Morocco is going to eliminate those two teams in the final stages of the tournament.

And this time around Morocco is still a good team. They are not packed with amateurs. They have got several players playing for average to top teams in the best leagues. You got Diaz, Mazraoui, Hakimi and then several other well known players from clubs like Roma, Lille, Betis, Crystal Palace.

The Netherlands will probably have more chances and more ball possession, but that doesn't grant them to advance to the next round.