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

[Fiatless]

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.

The game has just started, and I predict it will be entertaining. Brazil finished top of Group C, while Japan qualified as runners-up. Japan has shown much quality by drawing against top teams like Sweden and the Netherlands. The Brazilian side has not performed badly after their disappointing draw with Morocco.

Japan is currently leading by one goal. The winner of this game will meet either Ivory Coast or Norway. Neymar is on the bench today. Maybe he might come up later in this game.

[Joca97]

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.

Brazil dosent have a single idea in attack and this will be a serious problem in the second half. Its really wierd that they cannot create a single chance,Japan currently playing incredible in defence and is waiting for a counter attack. I wonder what will happen in the second half,if Japan will continue like this to defend and will they be able to hold out until the end. If Brazil continues like this they will qualify for the next stage for sure.

[Merit.s]

The Brazilians were unable to break through the strong Japanese wall as they tried several times without any success. The Japanese are good look at how they were holding the ball for long close to Brazil 18 yard box.

The mistake, I saw from the Brazilians was that they rushed to attack aggressively and lose guard their defense which led to that goal from Suno. After that goal, they came back to their senses that the Japanese attack is very effective. The second half will judge the final winner but currently, Japan is half way to the round of 16.

[skarais]

~~~

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.

So far I don't know Neymar's performance at this World Cup, but he has played in previous matches. I don't expect much from Neymar, probably the same thing most people think, but his presence in the game might change something even if Brazil have to go home with their heads down. Neymar can still be expected to help because of his experience, I think that is what might make Ancelotti include him in this World Cup.

The first half was over and Japan still secured the lead. Brazil had to act quickly to score, which meant they had to find a solution on how to break through Japan's solid defence so far. Honestly, I did not hope Japan would lead by 2 goals, Brazil is very likely to find an equaliser in the second half.

[Altryist]

The Brazilians were unable to break through the strong Japanese wall as they tried several times without any success. The Japanese are good look at how they were holding the ball for long close to Brazil 18 yard box.

The mistake, I saw from the Brazilians was that they rushed to attack aggressively and lose guard their defense which led to that goal from Suno. After that goal, they came back to their senses that the Japanese attack is very effective. The second half will judge the final winner but currently, Japan is half way to the round of 16.

Unexpected first half, Brazil conceded, and now, at the end of the first half, Japan continues to control the match while Brazil are defending. It looks very strange, I noticed that Japan were in good form and had a very solid group stage, but I definitely did not expect Brazil to be losing and defending after the first half. I hope Brazil start playing better because I'm considering placing a live bet on Brazil to score.

[As-Soon-As]

I am disappointed with the performance of the Brazilian team, I am very worried about betting on this match. I never thought that the Brazilian team would perform so badly against the Japanese team, but there is still enough opportunity for the Brazilian team's players to return to form. If Neymar enters the field, then of course the game of the Brazilian team will change a lot, but let's see how much role the Brazilian team can play to protect their self-respect.
The Japanese team is performing well, if Neymar enters the field, the attack of the Brazilian team will definitely increase and the chances of scoring goals will increase a lot.

[MK-74]

Japan went into halftime with a 1–0 lead against Brazil.
The match was fairly ordinary until the opening goal, but it became much more entertaining afterward.
Brazil are struggling to break down Japan's well organized defense and have created very few clear-cut chances. Japan have defended with great discipline and have made life difficult for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
It will be interesting to see what tactical changes Carlo Ancelotti makes in the second half.
Right now, nothing is going Brazil's way, they need to find an equalizer as soon as possible if they want to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

[ASloveapg]

The first half is over and the score is now unexpectedly Brazil 0 and Japan 1, that's why every second is unexpected in football, I never expected Japan to score before Brazil. Brazil had 68% of the ball possession, but Japan scored first. I don't understand if Brazil can come back in the second half or if Brazil's journey will end in the knockout stage. If Brazil loses this match, it will be an unexpected disappointing result for every Brazil fan, and this is where their journey will end.

[meser#]

Brazil, the side with more possession, is trying to dominate the game, but it was Japan that found the opening goal. Japan took a 1-0 lead through Sano in the 29th minute.
Now, a stressful 45 minutes of the second half lie ahead for Brazil. If Brazil fails to find an equalizer by the 70th minute, Japan could well score a second goal.
Brazil is facing the threat of elimination.

[jakdanyel]

Brazil are just playing too poorly. This isn't the Brazil I would like to watch. There are 8 shots by them but their goal expectation barely reaches just over 0.30...

I have really missed the good old Brazilian national team. With players whose technique and quality are much higher than the current players'...

For example what is Rayan doing in the starting eleven? Can't a nation like Brazil find a much better replacement for him?

[HustleZ]

Hah, i never expected to see brazil 1-0 down in about 50 minutes. As i write this post the ball is in japan’s possession and the game looks in their control too. Brazil are also having attacks but they are of no quality and and we can’t say that they have potential to convert the chances. Neymar is warming up just now and will be subbed on, i would be pleasantly surprised to see neymar score 2 for brazil to win. Im a messi fan but deep down want to see neymar succeed.

Edit: brazil scored

[Alex077]

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.

From what I have seen of the game, Japan's low block and counter style gameplay is working wonders. They are very clinical on the break and equally solid in defense. I think Brazil has become overly dependent on individual dribbling. This is what is backfiring on them now.

However, Brazil still has enough quality players on the bench.

So I think they should increase their tempo now.

There is no time to adjust tactics and widen the gap in defense.

If Japan somehow wins today, it will be a massive upset.

[Humblevirus]

The first half is over and the score is now unexpectedly Brazil 0 and Japan 1, that's why every second is unexpected in football, I never expected Japan to score before Brazil. Brazil had 68% of the ball possession, but Japan scored first. I don't understand if Brazil can come back in the second half or if Brazil's journey will end in the knockout stage. If Brazil loses this match, it will be an unexpected disappointing result for every Brazil fan, and this is where their journey will end.

As far as the match has not ended, I still believe that anything can happen, so we are looking forward to the second half to see how the match will turn out. Maybe Brazil will find its way back and make a comeback in this match, or possibly Japan will even add another goal.It is known that this match is not going to be an easy one for either team, despite the fact that many people believe Brazil is the favorite to win. Sometimes, winning a match is not all about ball possession; it is all about tactics. If a coach has very good tactics, the team may have less possession but still end up winning the match.

If Brazil fails to qualify from this Round of 32 stage against Japan, it will not surprise me that much because Brazil is not as strong as many people see them. Although they are considered one of the top favorites to win this World Cup, I expected they could face difficulties from the knockout stage onward.Let  just wait and see what is going to happen. If Brazil can equalize in time, they may have a good chance of beating Japan.

[Cossyblack]

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.

Japan is doing alright without kubo,they can't be underestimate and shouldn't be taken lightly.  Japan is  leading brazil  by 1-0, k sano scored outside of the box and it was an incredible shot, even Allison couldn't stop it. However, I predicted this game will end in full time draw. Brazil will likely score back but it won't be easy because Japan defence is strong and they are pulling another dangerous strings to score a second goal. The match is ongoing let us see how the match will end.

[Merit.s]

If Japan somehow wins today, it will be a massive upset.

Casemiro has level the scoreline to 1-1 with a fantastic header. Of course, Brazil increased their tempo in order to pressurize Japan defense and forcefully get a goal. It was a top notch cross from Magaheus which went straight to Casemiro head.

Suzuki just made a great save to deprive Vino from putting down his name on the score sheet.

[HustleZ]

If Brazil fails to qualify from this Round of 32 stage against Japan, it will not surprise me that much because Brazil is not as strong as many people see them. Although they are considered one of the top favorites to win this World Cup, I expected they could face difficulties from the knockout stage onward.Let  just wait and see what is going to happen. If Brazil can equalize in time, they may have a good chance of beating Japan.

Brazil is not that bad and japan is not that good for japan to win and brazil to lose, doubting them i believe isn’t good but it’s football and any team can beat another, but having the bias that brazil wont perform is not correct. They have one of the best teams in the world cup and it’s their legacy too, so i don’t think you should doubt Brazil.

[Iroh]

Casemiro, with a stunning header has helped his side equalize. The scoreline now stands at 1:1. The game is now on as both sides is now on their toes to find another goal to go ahead of their opponent. Japan has been surprisingly good in withholding Brazil from scoring as their defense has been up and doing in stopping Brazilian strikers from scoring.
I noticed Brazil changed tactics and started crossing in the ball and it apparently worked as Casemiro found the back of the net with a good cross in. The game is now on.

[RockBell]

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.

The game is not even favoring Brazil, and this is what we always say about football, because I always expected that Brazil was going to win against Japan, and see the way the tables have turned around this was the least we expected and japan was dominating the game with one goal but finally Brazil have scored one goal, seems like Brazil is underestimating there opponent and that is why to some extent we should not just jump into conclusion because i was almost concluding that japan was going to win the and look at what turned out to be true because there is no way that they will make it easy for there self so it is very important.

[juttsab@]

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.

Japan vs  Brazil RO32. Japan scored first in the 29th minute beautiful strike by Sano as the game started in Brazil put pressure on Japan but Sano took the ball from Cunha and struck solo in Brazil's net. Brazil tried their best but didn't get any goal in the first half 68% possession by Brazil in the first half and 8 shots Japan's defense did an amazing job here. In the second half again Brazil put pressure but this time they created 3 big chances 66% possession so far in 2nd half Casemiro equalized with a beautiful header in the 56th minute 6 shots by Brazil in just 24 minutes in 2nd half. Suzuki japanese goalkeeper did an amazing job so far . So far Brazil is dominating and has high chances to go through to the next round.

[Amphenomenon]

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.

Brazil has been able to equalized now but are still finding it hard to get another goal(s), Vini. Junior saw his shot hit the post. If Japan had met a lower team than Brazil they could have a better chance of remaining in the competition for a longer time but this unfortunately this is the night they might be out.

Brazil just have to try not to concede and then they will break the defense of Japan again.