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

[EL MOHA]

Mbappé could climb to the top of the goalscoring charts if he scores more than one goal tonight. However, Lionel Messi will certainly try to score more goals with the Argentinian squad. It seems the Argentinian players are working harder to help Messi score. Of course, I understand their point of view, as he is one of the greatest talents in the country and the world. If he becomes the top scorer at the World Cup at the age of 38, he will hold that record for a long time. And since it will likely be his last World Cup, it would be a magnificent ending for Messi.

While it’s true that they are actually trying to make Messi gets another World Cup and the reason why they actually are playing together for him, I would say that I don’t agree that they are actually gathering around to allow Messi score. I would say that Messi actually is their prolific goal scorer in this tournament, in fact their only source of goals so the passes to him is that they have no other option than to play through him because it looks like he is the only one that can actually score.

Yes we can say that there some goals that the players made possible for him to score most especially in the Algeria match while he was looking for Hattrick. Aside this games have you seen other goals which were mostly scored because of his brilliance? I think he himself is stepping up because he knows he is focal point for the country and that’s why wants to step himself, this wasn’t giving cv

[SmartCharpa]

I did not watch that last goal, that was a big one, I think Martinelli will be seen as hero when he goes back lol. To be fair, Brazil already showed the world that they are not really contenders for the title, they are not going to win the world cup, we know that much.

People should realize, if Brazil has hard time beating Japan, there is no way they are going to beat England or Argentina, we know that they are going to end up losing. So Brazil may have won today, but they have not looked good.

I don’t think you have been watching Brazil from the beginning of the World Cup, they only struggled against Morocco, and we all know how strong Morocco is in this tournament. Brazil only draw one match and won three matches. Of course, Martinelli became a hero after scoring a late minute goal to rescued Brazil and advanced to the next round. Do not underestimate Brazil in this World Cup because anything can happen, this a is a game of football.

However, Brazil have the ability to beat Argentina and England. I can’t believe you have confidence in England to beat Brazil, the same England that failed to beat Ghana in the group stage. I can only see Argentina as a tough opponent for Brazil before the final. Let’s see what happens in the next round.

[Btcdeybodi]

I don’t expect any surprises in the next game France vs Sweden. Mexico vs Ecuador will be close but I think with home fans behind them, Mexico will win.

At this stage I think there are more surprises waiting to unfold in the upcoming round of 32 games.
Germany vs Paraguay had almost same odds as the upcoming France Vs Sweeden but the gap is still there because it’s France.

I wouldn’t expect France to lose to Sweden on a normal day, but I can’t help thinking about how Germany got disqualified. I didn’t even bother watching the extras thinking Paraguay should be weak by then already .

Of course, surprises do happen when a tournament enters the knockout stages but just because Paraguay eliminated Germany from the rounds of 32 doesn't mean that similar thing will happen to France against Sweden. In the case of Germany, I will say that they only had a big name and not a big team because their flaws began to appear during their group stage match against Ecuador so the one that happened against Paraguay was just a confirmation that Germany never made any good preparation for the world cup matches.

I think France will easily win this match. If it's a draw, I would be really surprised.

Draw shouldn’t be a surprise.. there’s so much draw in this round of 32 , even Norway almost draw and besides, Cote d’lvoire played better.

So much draw you say? It's just 2 draws. In the match between Ivory Coast versus Norway, Ivory Coast played a good game but Norway was the better team here.

[Callido]

I wasn't surprised with Netherlands being knocked out of the World Cup, because Morocco has the quality to go toe-to-toe with any strong team in this World Cup, as for Germany, I was surprised they couldn't win Paraguay that the USA defeated 4-2. I'm very sure there will be no surprise in the France vs Sweden match, France will have a comfortable win against Sweden. But for Mexico vs Ecuador, I'm expecting a surprise as Ecuador has a chance against Mexico.

Morocco style of playing is not like other African countries, countries from north Africa plays differently than countries from West Africa, Morocco plays more like European countries, that is why i think they can reach any stage of the competition.

Scores 0-0 after 15 minutes of playing time, France are controlling the game and they have better chance of winning.

[JiiBs]

Morocco style of playing is not like other African countries, countries from north Africa plays differently than countries from West Africa, Morocco plays more like European countries, that is why i think they can reach any stage of the competition.

They do play differently alright but, that’s largely due to the manager of the team and how confident he is about his players. Most managers would want to play from behind but, Morocco just happens to be way more offensive than we can say of the rest of the teams from Africa. They are certainly one team that would last for a long time in the tournament.

France vs Sweden is on the go and at the moment, it’s being France dominance in the game. They’ve managed to get shots on target and even a goal which was called off due to offside. It’s looking like a game for France but, they’ve just being experiencing little difficulties.

[skarais]

~~~

Scores 0-0 after 15 minutes of playing time, France are controlling the game and they have better chance of winning.

Kylian Mbappe scored, but unfortunately it was offside.
So far both teams are playing well and trying to trying to create chances goals, but unfortunately they still don't get goals until the hydration break. The current score is still 0-0, but I think France will soon score to go ahead first over Sweden.

I must admit that the French have a better depth of players than the Swedes. This is one of the reasons why France is favored to win this match. The depth of the Swedish squad should not be underestimated either, especially those who play in some of Europe's top leagues such as Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and others.

[Mayor of ogba]

The Olise and Mbappe understanding gave France the lead in the 20th minute but Mbappe was caught offside and the goal was ruled out. France is really dominating Sweden both in ball possession and chances created but they haven't been able to take the lead, the match is now 37 minutes and the score is still 0-0.

[CLS63]

So far we have 5 teams in round of 16. It wasn't really easy for Norway today. Morocco already impressed in the last World Cup so I was giving them a serious chance against Netherlands too.

But Paraguay is a big surprise here. Germany are really that bad now. The next team to qualify would be France under normal conditions. France are wasting unbelievable opportunities currently.

[JiiBs]

The Olise and Mbappe understanding gave France the lead in the 20th minute but Mbappe was caught offside and the goal was ruled out. France is really dominating Sweden both in ball possession and chances created but they haven't been able to take the lead, the match is now 37 minutes and the score is still 0-0.

It’s just more on Olise, it’s how he plays even when you watch him in Bayern Munich, he often finds an outstanding player on the pitch and connects with him. It’s no surprise his doing that with Mbappe. Unfortunately for France, they are just finding it way too difficult to get goals, they are creating chances but, the execution have come to no good so far. Sweden as well have managed to get some chances, at least 2 chances after the hydration break and Isak isn’t getting the touch he needs to get it in the net. This could turn out to be one of those games where France gets to be knocked out, not because they didn’t play better but because Sweden got lucky.

[Davidvictorson]

I wasn't surprised with Netherlands being knocked out of the World Cup, because Morocco has the quality to go toe-to-toe with any strong team in this World Cup, as for Germany, I was surprised they couldn't win Paraguay that the USA defeated 4-2. I'm very sure there will be no surprise in the France vs Sweden match, France will have a comfortable win against Sweden. But for Mexico vs Ecuador, I'm expecting a surprise as Ecuador has a chance against Mexico.

Morocco played an absolute fantastic football against Netherlands. No doubt they have what it takes to reach the quarter and semi finals. Germany has a very disappointing knock out from a brilliant Paraguay team. Personally, I would say that if you know your team is a weakness for penalty kicks, you want to do all you can to win in the normal and extra playing time especially at this knock out stage. As for the Côte d'Ivoire match it was obvious that they had a weak defense which the Norwegian team, took good advantage of. It was like a walk in the park for them, you could even see it on Haaland's face at the end of the game. Finally, the best goal from this world cup is was scored in this game by Amad Diallo.

[SmartCharpa]

Norway booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast, thanks to Erling Haaland's winning goal in the 86th minute.
That result sets up an exciting Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Norway, which has the potential to be one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage.

Paraguay's Round of 16 opponent will be decided later tonight when France take on Sweden.
I expect France to come out on top, which would set up a France vs. Paraguay showdown in the Round of 16.

Erling Haaland with a winning goal for Norway to secure their place in the round of 16. What a great game against Ivory Coast, both teams had a great performance throughout the match, but the best team won the match, and qualified to the next round. Amad scored equalizing goal in 74 minutes, but wasn’t enough to win the match. Ivory Coast is eliminated from the tournament, and deserve to be praised for their performance, I didn’t expect them to be so strong in this tournament.

However, France is going to win against Sweden. Sweden struggled before they qualified to the World Cup, they are not a threat to France at all. Mbappe scored an early goal in 21 minutes but it was disallowed due to an offside. He just scored another goal before the first half to give France the lead. I expect more goals to come in the second half.

[Rgram]

It’s being an interesting first half between France Vs Sweden. Sweden has being a little docile in this first half, they’ve not being too forward and have being trying to absorb the intense pressure from the French team but, weren’t doing very good at it. France have being very attacking, have got 2 balls come off the bar from both Mbappe and Olise with both Mbappe and Dembele missing from a point blank range, you just wouldn’t believe it but it’s the reality of the game at the end of the day. Mbappe though for find a way to put his team ahead and they lead Sweden with a goal into the first half.

[meser#]

Ivory Coast started the match well. I thought they would advance to the next round playing this way, but that didn't happen. As the game progressed, Norway asserted their dominance, and Nusa made it 1-0. Nusa scored a beautiful goal.
In the second half, Amad Diallo demonstrated exactly how to score through individual brilliance; he scored a Messi-esque goal.
Just before that goal, a Norwegian shot was cleared off the line; the Ivorian defense prevented a certain goal.

After Ivory Coast found the equalizer, the goal they conceded was very simple and amateurish.
I felt bad for Ivory Coast, but Norway deserved the win.
Their opponent in the Round of 16 will be Brazil, and Norway is no easy opponent for Brazil.

[Plutomanian]

This is another day to remind you that Kylian Mbappe is entirely on a different level. This performance is brilliant and we've watched him carried France on his back in this world cup, not just that but also in 2018 and 2022. When we talk about the France national team, Kylian Mbappe is different breed and on another level. I think nobody comes close when Kylian Mbappe means business. I know one thing for sure, France will go far in this world cup and Mbappe will be the main pillar for France.

Its halftime and France are leading 1 nil against Sweden. This game is really an interesting one with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele. These players are not relenting because they've all stepped forward for the France national team and doing everything within their strength to ensure they win.

[Issa56]

So far so many surprises and they continue to happen and i think we might see even more surprise until this round ends. Paragvay surprise for me was the biggest one they just parked the bus and knocked out one of the best teams in the world cup.

Some top countries are not just performing well in the World Cup, countries which are suppose to be fighting for the cup are just performing below my expectation, maybe the country which is going to be winning the World Cup is a country which e don’t even expect.

It’s really surprising that it’s a country like Paraguay that kicked Germany out of the World Cup, I don’t even know how that happened, because it’s something which I never believed it’s even going to happen. But we should know it’s football, anything can happen. Germany was in control of the match, but they found it so difficult to score in the match.

[Zoomic]

It’s being an interesting first half between France Vs Sweden. Sweden has being a little docile in this first half, they’ve not being too forward and have being trying to absorb the intense pressure from the French team but, weren’t doing very good at it. France have being very attacking, have got 2 balls come off the bar from both Mbappe and Olise with both Mbappe and Dembele missing from a point blank range, you just wouldn’t believe it but it’s the reality of the game at the end of the day. Mbappe though for find a way to put his team ahead and they lead Sweden with a goal into the first half.

With what we've seen from this France team in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, I'll be very surprised if they don't make it to the final of the competition.

They've been almost unstoppable and the more you try to reduce their attacking threats, the more dangerous they become. They should've been three or four goals up at halftime but were unlucky not to score those goals that they were denied by the woodwork.

First half is under way, I'm expecting more than a goal in this second half from France.

[Rgram]

With what we've seen from this France team in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, I'll be very surprised if they don't make it to the final of the competition.

They look the most likely team to win this World Cup. People not giving them much of the credit as a team with great prospect is just doing that out of sentiment, given that they were the World Cup winners not so long ago.
The talents in the French team is certainly those that can keep the cup if they want, every one of them are players at their peak and haven’t fallen short on performance since the beginning of the tournament.
They are a team every nation would want to avoid playing against.

[dzonikg28]

They never reached good form and they never had the players to win this World Cup. You think they were the favorites and you say that when there are teams like France, Argentina and Spain. Does it mean you thought that Germany can beat all of them?   I talked to a lot of football fans and you are the first person who thought that Germany can beat the best teams with the best players in the world.
Paraguay deserved the win, made the right decisions and they had a strategy which you could recognise from the beginning and they did exactly what their coach wanted from them. Germany played bad and they can go home.

Germany have never been in the conversation as one of the favorites to win this year’s FIFA World Cup as they seem to have lost the sort of momentum that we all know the German team used to have before during the Golden generation era that won the World Cup in 2014 in Russia. Right now this current German team is playing with no clear identity, the team understanding and confidence is very low. While I was watching the match last night between them and Paraguay I didn’t see Germany winning the game, Especially when Paraguay scored the first goal I knew the highest thing Germany can do was to equalize and probably take the game to extra time and then penalty shootout. Manuel Neuer really put out his best trying to save some penalties for his team but his teammates let’s him down in several occasions falling to convert their penalty kicks and they lost out on penalties meaning they will not advance to the next round as they have been eliminated by Paraguay.

Germany never won a world cup in Russia in 2014 because there was no world cup in Russia in 2014.

You still have to acknowledge that Germany was disallowed a goal for no reason. It was a regular goal and everyone agrees on that. Paraguay got lucky there that the VAR and the referee helped them because if that goal had been given to Germany, Paraguay wouldn't have been able to come back.

But it shouldn't be relevant because the old German team from the world cup is a thing of the past as it seems. Back then they were strong on every position, now they have only two or three players that I think are strong.

The penalties have been bad this world cup for many teams. The Netherlands and Germany need to practice more of those next time. 

[Franctoshi]

So far we have 5 teams in round of 16. It wasn't really easy for Norway today. Morocco already impressed in the last World Cup so I was giving them a serious chance against Netherlands too.

But Paraguay is a big surprise here. Germany are really that bad now. The next team to qualify would be France under normal conditions. France are wasting unbelievable opportunities currently.

Obviously that of Morocco's match was the game with a shocking outcome to me, because when they were paired to play Netherlands, I thought that's going to the bus stop for them because never thought Netherland wouldn't be able to win on a heat-to-head encounter despite that the game ended in a draw and both teams had to settle in the penalty shootout.

[Adbitco]

Who saw that attempt by Olise! That goal would have been marvellous if it had entered, the cross came in a d Olise attempted a bicycle kick in an attempt to score. The ball past the Swedish goalkeeper and was stopped by the cross bar, only for Dembele to curle away the ball in an attempt to score. France are well in front with 2 - 0 advantage, beautiful football from them and they seem to be one of the main contenders in this competition. At least one more goal from France to make it 3 - 0 and solidify the win as they head to the next stage of the competition.