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

[Jatiluhung]

Sourch: kikabet.com

Although I fully realize that Brazil is most likely to win, maybe even a small hope could come true if luck is on our side? Besides, the odds are quite intriguing. 

I also think that Japan has what it takes to shock Brazil. Honestly, bookies are making Brazil a big favorite, but for me, they aren't. It's like 60:40 on the side of Brazil, but Japan had a good run in the group stage and managed to impress me. Knowing that this is the worst Brazil in many years, I would take the bet and place it on Japan today.

If Japan didn’t have any injured players, we might be able to expect even more from them. Unfortunately, key players like Kubo and K. Itakura appear to be injured and will miss today’s match. However, Brazil is also missing one of its key players, Raphinha, who is also injured. the difference is that Brazil has many high-quality star players who are always ready to step in for Raphinha.

I won’t set my expectations too high, but I do hope I’ll be lucky this time. After all, Japan certainly can’t be underestimated at all. In the previous World Cup, Japan also made it past the Round of 32, if I recall correctly.

[Stavri]

if Portugal had finished first in the group, they would have faced Argentina in quarter finals. in other words world cup final scenario i’ve been expecting wouldn't have happened.
but by finishing second, we are moving step by step toward that final I’ve been waiting for. Argentina vs. Portugal match on July 19, 2026.

When it was reviewed that Portugal would meet Argentina if they finish first in their group I was so desperate for Portugal to win Colombia and finish first in order for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to play against each other in a competitive tournament for the last time before they end their professional football careers but that won't happen since Portugal shared point with Colombia and ended up finishing second in their group. I don't think Portugal would be able to overcome the three teams they will play against from round of 32 to quarter final, so there's a high chance Argentina vs Portugal wouldn't happen on July 19, 2026.

Yes I was also expecting Portugal to win Colombia so they can meet Argentina so that we can experience Messi and Ronaldo meeting again, and since Portugal didn’t come out first in their group this means they cannot play each other in the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, or semifinals. If both teams keep winning all of their matches, they would meet in the World Cup final on July 19, 2026 and I don’t really think this can be possible however, this is football and in football anything is possible.
Portugal can actually overcome the teams from the round of 32 to quarter final, let just see how it will go.

Portugal is ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings and Colombia is 13th. this match was surprisingly the first time these two teams have ever faced each other. btw Colombia might be the physically fittest team in the tournament. Everyone is genuinely running. Portugal couldn't respond to this at all. Honestly, it's a miracle this match ended 0-0. imo Colombia could have easily won by a large margin.

[Rabata]

Brazil is definitely the heavy favorite in today’s match against Japan. The odds clearly reflect that. But personally, I think I’ll go with my gut this time and pick Japan to win. as an Asian, I really hope that at least one Asian team can make it far in the tournament. Besides, I feel like Japan is the only Asian team we can really count on right now.


Sourch: kikabet.com

Although I fully realize that Brazil is most likely to win, maybe even a small hope could come true if luck is on our side? Besides, the odds are quite intriguing. 

That’s not all, my friend. Remember how we saw Japan beat Brazil in that friendly match? Even though, well, you can’t really expect much from a friendly match, at least I saw a glimmer of hope that Japan could beat Brazil, even though, of course, it would definitely be very difficult.

I actually hoped Japan wouldn’t face Brazil this soon. But what can we do? The schedule has already been set this way. Brazil also sometimes seems unable to maximize their potential, I’m not sure why. But that team has many outstanding players. still, I feel like something is missing from that team. This feeling is almost similar to what I saw with the Portuguese team, which is also full of star players but doesn’t perform at its best.

Currently, Brazil is not as aggressive as it used to be. They have good players in their team, but the right balance is not being maintained between the players. Brazil has never been a bad team. Each player in Brazil has his own special talent. But due to the absence of Neymar, their finishing remains very incomplete. As a football fan, I am very worried about predicting Brazil's current game. Sometimes Brazil's performance is very good. They can play in the same rhythm from start to finish. Sometimes they lose their rhythm. So it has become very difficult to judge their previous performance now. Japan is showing a very good performance in this World Cup. They are constantly improving themselves. So instead of predicting today's match, I will just enjoy it.

[Balmain]

The Japan-Brazil match is about to begin, just minutes away. Japan has surprised everyone they're playing well in the group stage. They've won the hearts of all their fans. I'm sure many people want Japan to eliminate Brazil right now. They really can eliminate Brazil. Japan even beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match. They can do it again. It will be an entertaining match; may the best team win.

[Chilwell]

Yes I was also expecting Portugal to win Colombia so they can meet Argentina so that we can experience Messi and Ronaldo meeting again, and since Portugal didn’t come out first in their group this means they cannot play each other in the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, or semifinals. If both teams keep winning all of their matches, they would meet in the World Cup final on July 19, 2026 and I don’t really think this can be possible however, this is football and in football anything is possible.
Portugal can actually overcome the teams from the round of 32 to quarter final, let just see how it will go.

Portugal is ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings and Colombia is 13th. this match was surprisingly the first time these two teams have ever faced each other. btw Colombia might be the physically fittest team in the tournament. Everyone is genuinely running. Portugal couldn't respond to this at all. Honestly, it's a miracle this match ended 0-0. imo Colombia could have easily won by a large margin.

I don't really understand this world cup because it's going different Direction anytime they played, unlike the previous ones you can confidently choose a team that will win but take a look at how they are behaving as if no one want to give up, it has become very tough to me to predict any match most especially this Portugal and Colombia, it really shocked me because I was not expecting to end in that manner.

If you are calculating based on the FIFA ranking I think you should have been bothered with Spain and Cabo Verde, but take a look at how things went this team handle Spain as if they are in form for a very long time. With a lot of things that have learned, I found out that underestimating any team is a very wrong move. Right now I don't even know which team to support but with the look of things Argentina are still going very well, let us see how it going to end.

[KTChampions]

Brazil is definitely the heavy favorite in today’s match against Japan. The odds clearly reflect that. But personally, I think I’ll go with my gut this time and pick Japan to win. as an Asian, I really hope that at least one Asian team can make it far in the tournament. Besides, I feel like Japan is the only Asian team we can really count on right now.


Sourch: kikabet.com

Although I fully realize that Brazil is most likely to win, maybe even a small hope could come true if luck is on our side? Besides, the odds are quite intriguing. 

1.7+ odds is not heavy 
I heard that one of the Japanese players added fuel to the fire by saying that Brazil is not as strong as it once was, and this caused a storm of discussion on social media  Honestly, I don't know the reason for the Brazilian fans' outrage. Brazil hasn't won anything for 20+ years, and they haven't even been close to being contenders for anything in all that time. That's why they don't even have a Brazilian coach now. Anything is possible, but I think today's game will be tough.

[Miles2006]

The chances of Japan winning today's match against Brazil are very low, most of the gamblers will bet on Brazil. In today's match, the difference between the two teams is given, Brazil @1.73 draw @3.60 and Japan @5.0, which indicates a victory for Brazil between these two teams. I think that in today's match, the Brazil team will definitely enter the field strongly with a victory in the round of 32 and reach the next stage. Moreover, in today's match, the good players of the Brazil team will be put on the field, which will definitely help the team attack strongly. And looking at all aspects, the Brazil team is much stronger than Japan, so if they play strongly on the field, the Brazil team will definitely win.

Brazil might likely win against Japan due to the performance displayed by Brazil so far, fans will definitely bet in Favour of Brazil. I will predict same viewing Japan is not strong enough to withstand Brazil players although Japan are likely to play better and win if Brazil let this chance slip out of their hand besides we’ve seen Brazil play effortlessly against stronger opponent so why will Japan stand as a threat well let’s watch out.

[Pumared]

Brazil and Germany should be able to win their matches against Japan and Paraguay respectively, hence my decision to place a medium bet on that parlay. Considering how well both teams have been scoring and conceding, I also decided to bet them over 2.5 goals and the combine odd was above 3.2 which is tempting for me. Which ever way the match goes, I'm hoping I will be able to win a ticket from the game, although anything can happen in gambling.

In both cases, I would only bet on a victory. It's the World Cup and everyone wants to win. So, it won't necessarily be one team superior to the other, but a draw is more likely. Therefore, in my view, I wouldn't bet on goals. Although I think it will be a 2-1 win for Brazil, for example.

[sergiorus]

Brazil is definitely the heavy favorite in today’s match against Japan. The odds clearly reflect that. But personally, I think I’ll go with my gut this time and pick Japan to win. as an Asian, I really hope that at least one Asian team can make it far in the tournament. Besides, I feel like Japan is the only Asian team we can really count on right now.


Sourch: kikabet.com

Although I fully realize that Brazil is most likely to win, maybe even a small hope could come true if luck is on our side? Besides, the odds are quite intriguing. 

1.7+ odds is not heavy 
I heard that one of the Japanese players added fuel to the fire by saying that Brazil is not as strong as it once was, and this caused a storm of discussion on social media  Honestly, I don't know the reason for the Brazilian fans' outrage. Brazil hasn't won anything for 20+ years, and they haven't even been close to being contenders for anything in all that time. That's why they don't even have a Brazilian coach now. Anything is possible, but I think today's game will be tough.

People on the internet get triggered by everything nowadys, he's not wrong, Brazil now is probably even weaker than the one that lost 7-1 to the Germans in 2014 but truth be told, Japan used to be stronger as well and a Brazilian player could say that right back at them.

Overall Brazil is still one class higher but this WC has proven anything can happen.

[Ale88]

I heard that one of the Japanese players added fuel to the fire by saying that Brazil is not as strong as it once was, and this caused a storm of discussion on social media  Honestly, I don't know the reason for the Brazilian fans' outrage. Brazil hasn't won anything for 20+ years, and they haven't even been close to being contenders for anything in all that time. That's why they don't even have a Brazilian coach now. Anything is possible, but I think today's game will be tough.

Because in today's world people get offended for everything, it's basically impossible to give an opinion about something. It doesn't make any sense. Unless somebody has been living under a rock, it's clear that this Brazil is nowhere close to be good as the Brazil we used to know. The current star is Vinicius, does anybody think Vinicius is better than Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario, etc etc, just to mention a few?

[IjawMan]

Yes I was also expecting Portugal to win Colombia so they can meet Argentina so that we can experience Messi and Ronaldo meeting again, and since Portugal didn’t come out first in their group this means they cannot play each other in the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, or semifinals. If both teams keep winning all of their matches, they would meet in the World Cup final on July 19, 2026 and I don’t really think this can be possible however, this is football and in football anything is possible.
Portugal can actually overcome the teams from the round of 32 to quarter final, let just see how it will go.

Portugal is ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings and Colombia is 13th. this match was surprisingly the first time these two teams have ever faced each other. btw Colombia might be the physically fittest team in the tournament. Everyone is genuinely running. Portugal couldn't respond to this at all. Honestly, it's a miracle this match ended 0-0. imo Colombia could have easily won by a large margin.

I don't really understand this world cup because it's going different Direction anytime they played, unlike the previous ones you can confidently choose a team that will win but take a look at how they are behaving as if no one want to give up, it has become very tough to me to predict any match most especially this Portugal and Colombia, it really shocked me because I was not expecting to end in that manner.

If you are calculating based on the FIFA ranking I think you should have been bothered with Spain and Cabo Verde, but take a look at how things went this team handle Spain as if they are in form for a very long time. With a lot of things that have learned, I found out that underestimating any team is a very wrong move. Right now I don't even know which team to support but with the look of things Argentina are still going very well, let us see how it going to end.

Based on the gap in rankings between Portugal and Columbia I was anticipating that the Portuguese team to beat to Columbian team irrespective of the outwardly y good form of the South American country.

But unfortunately it was the Columbians that created some good chances during the game, though they could not find the back of the net but they were the better side according to the statistics.

[ASloveapg]

Japan is playing a very difficult game, it is not easy for Brazil to win this match. Japan's performance is very good, Brazil is trying to attack, but they are not very effective, Japan's defense is also very good. The match is a very difficult match for both teams, it is not easy to win. Brazil is trying to keep possession of the ball and also trying to create attacking opportunities, let's see when they can score the first goal, the first half is more likely to be 0-0, maybe we can see a goal in the second half, but nothing is certain after that, but I will hope that Brazil can score a goal as soon as possible.

[Jatiluhung]

Brazil is definitely the heavy favorite in today’s match against Japan. The odds clearly reflect that. But personally, I think I’ll go with my gut this time and pick Japan to win. as an Asian, I really hope that at least one Asian team can make it far in the tournament. Besides, I feel like Japan is the only Asian team we can really count on right now.


Sourch: kikabet.com

Although I fully realize that Brazil is most likely to win, maybe even a small hope could come true if luck is on our side? Besides, the odds are quite intriguing.  

1.7+ odds is not heavy  
I heard that one of the Japanese players added fuel to the fire by saying that Brazil is not as strong as it once was, and this caused a storm of discussion on social media   Honestly, I don't know the reason for the Brazilian fans' outrage. Brazil hasn't won anything for 20+ years, and they haven't even been close to being contenders for anything in all that time. That's why they don't even have a Brazilian coach now. Anything is possible, but I think today's game will be tough.

But from the match currently underway, it does seem that these two teams are fairly evenly matched. Brazil certainly appears to have more individual skill, but the high level of discipline shown by the Japanese team really makes Japan look like a force to be reckoned with as well.

Within the first 20 minutes of the match, both Brazil and Japan have already begun building their respective attacks. However, neither has yet posed a threat to the other’s goal.

I like the playing styles of both teams. I’m enjoying this match more than the others, it seems.  

Edit: Brazil 0-1 Japan

Looks like I'm going to get lucky with my choice this time 

[Sandra_hakeem]

this game is really unpredictable, yes the Brazilian team is very strong but you never can write the Japanese team off, like we all can see how the tournament has being going, it really not what it used to be at least everyone that has been following the tournament can attest to it, so this game between Brazil and Japan is really a game one can't be sure of, despite the fact that the Brazilian team have the higher chance of winning, the fact still remains that the Japanese team is not also a small team, so the game with be like he whom the cap fits should wear it.

It's 25 minutes down the clock and they're both holding it down. The problem with the current Brazil squad is that they prefer to knock their passes back and forth, hoping to wear their opponents to exhaustion before they can play a counter. Who does that in a knockout stage? All the Japanese will need is one on-point counter attack and this game is over. I know how dangerous they can be it you let them have the space to counter.  
Edit: Just like I predicted, the space opened up and Japan has a goal. Do y'all now understand that player's name and glories don't matter?  I just hope they can hold on till half time is over.

[Ruttoshi]

This is unbelievable as Japan has scored first before Brazil despite the fact that Brazil was dominating the game. Sano beautiful finish as puts them upfront as he finds the last corner of the goal post to open the scoreline on the 29th minutes.

This is an incredible start for the Japanese. However, it's still possible that Brazil will come from behind and win the game. The scoreline is Brazil 0-1 Japan.

[skarais]

~~~

Yes, even though Brazil is the favorite to win, it won't be easy for Brazil. Japan shouldn't be seen as weak, they also perform well. So Brazil should be careful, you are right, even if Brazil wins, the difference in their scores margin won't be too big, they will have to win hard, and the goal difference is 1-goal margin very likely, I also think too. I am excited to watch the match, I will definitely watch the match, and especially I am excited to see Neymar's performance, but Neymar is on the bench now, let's see when Neymar comes on the field.

Yes, you're right, the first half was pretty tense. Brazil dominated the game, but Japan were also able to build a quick attack that ultimately made Brazil have to be careful. Brazil are the favourites to win this game, but Japan cannot be underestimated. Both teams have a chance to win the game, even Japan could have made Brazil lose this game if they were really solid in terms of the game.

Now that Brazil has fallen 0-1 behind Japan, this is a big advantage for Japan. Kaishu Sano scored from outside the box, it was a sign that Japan really cannot be underestimated as a team. Brazil may need to change its approach to the game considering that Japan are still quite good in defense, but this is still the first half.

[shinratensei_]

Japan leads the game now. They're playing low block + direct counter attack. It's successfully confusing Brazillian defenders when they lose the ball. So i guess Japan has learned a lot from their result during the friendly.
Japan may not dominate the stats, but this kind of tactic is really effective agaist a team that play openly like Brazil.

Honestly, i don't like the way Brazil play in this game. They relying too much to their dribblers, and they also often lose the ball. Even Brazillian playes are seeking for a pen by throw themselves down on pitch.

If Japan win this, it's gonna be shock the world.

[MinMan]

Japan is playing a very difficult game, it is not easy for Brazil to win this match. Japan's performance is very good, Brazil is trying to attack, but they are not very effective, Japan's defense is also very good. The match is a very difficult match for both teams, it is not easy to win. Brazil is trying to keep possession of the ball and also trying to create attacking opportunities, let's see when they can score the first goal, the first half is more likely to be 0-0, maybe we can see a goal in the second half, but nothing is certain after that, but I will hope that Brazil can score a goal as soon as possible.

Japan emerged as one of the best Asian soccer teams in recent times. Their performance is having great improvement. Before the start of the game, they were doing a good job just after 30 minutes of this second match of the knockout stage, they are leading by 0 - 1.

Brazil had good control of the ball 76%, but still they are not able to end the deadlock. Japan's defense is having a good workout in this game overall their performance is also not bad, but today they are playing impressively, creating serious problems for Brazil's attack. I am expecting this match can go into extra time as well.

[Sandra_hakeem]

~~~

Yes, even though Brazil is the favorite to win, it won't be easy for Brazil. Japan shouldn't be seen as weak, they also perform well. So Brazil should be careful, you are right, even if Brazil wins, the difference in their scores margin won't be too big, they will have to win hard, and the goal difference is 1-goal margin very likely, I also think too. I am excited to watch the match, I will definitely watch the match, and especially I am excited to see Neymar's performance, but Neymar is on the bench now, let's see when Neymar comes on the field.

Yes, you're right, the first half was pretty tense. Brazil dominated the game, but Japan were also able to build a quick attack that ultimately made Brazil have to be careful. Brazil are the favourites to win this game, but Japan cannot be underestimated. Both teams have a chance to win the game, even Japan could have made Brazil lose this game if they were really solid in terms of the game.

Now that Brazil has fallen 0-1 behind Japan, this is a big advantage for Japan. Kaishu Sano scored from outside the box, it was a sign that Japan really cannot be underestimated as a team. Brazil may need to change its approach to the game considering that Japan are still quite good in defense, but this is still the first half.

Someone was even expecting to see Ney perform? C'mon.. He's now an injury-prone player that needs to be careful. One careless move and he's out of the world cup entirely, so don't expect to see much of those dribbling, skills and quick feints and on-the-run we all use to enjoy when he was much younger.

Meanwhile, the Japanese came out strong with one mind, one believe that they can win. The knockout stage is no man's game, so if the Brazilians don't react fast to this goal, then maybe this will be their last match. Infact, with the switch in momentum, I feel Japan might even score another one.

[BIT-BENDER]

Brazil is really struggling to break the Japanese team. Brazil has all to do in the second half and I don't envy them because the Japanese team are a hard nut to crack.
One underrated team that has surprised everyone has been Japan, they aren't like the other underated team that made it through to the knockout stage because they are actually playing good football.
Japan do not have the best players but the play such intelligent football that is working well for them.