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

[Agbamoni]

The so called "favorite" drew their first match in this edition against one of the weakest teams (Cape Verde). None of the so called strong teams are having smooth sailing so far. Germany and Netherlands are on their way back. So are Croatia and Algeria. BTW, in a few hours the match between Cape Verde and Argentina will start. Stake has given odds of 20.00 for Cape Verde. This is perhaps the most one-sided odds I have so far seen in this tournament. Anyone courageous enough to bet in favor of Cape Verde? Bet just $25 and if they win, you will get $500.

France is having a smooth sail. However, the so-called favorite is not playing at a high level of football. All I've seen them do is scrap out a win when it's close to full time. France and Spain are the only favorite teams that won comfortably in the round of 32. Portugal struggled for a win, England struggled for a win, and I am pretty sure Argentina will also struggle to win Cape Verde.

[Supreme Donvic]

Portugal played very well yesterday and Croatia also played very well but Croatia played more better, Portugal would have lost the match if not for that penalty that was given to them, if Portugal really want to lift the world cup they should do better, they have a lot of good players but they are not performing very well, I don't see Portugal as a team that wants to lift the world cup because I see no seriousness in them and their midfield players are not performing very well, this their midfield players when it comes to their club they do better but coming to this world cup they are playing rubbish.

[Fakhrulenclix]

The so called "favorite" drew their first match in this edition against one of the weakest teams (Cape Verde). None of the so called strong teams are having smooth sailing so far. Germany and Netherlands are on their way back. So are Croatia and Algeria. BTW, in a few hours the match between Cape Verde and Argentina will start. Stake has given odds of 20.00 for Cape Verde. This is perhaps the most one-sided odds I have so far seen in this tournament. Anyone courageous enough to bet in favor of Cape Verde? Bet just $25 and if they win, you will get $500.

France is having a smooth sail. However, the so-called favorite is not playing at a high level of football. All I've seen them do is scrap out a win when it's close to full time. France and Spain are the only favorite teams that won comfortably in the round of 32. Portugal struggled for a win, England struggled for a win, and I am pretty sure Argentina will also struggle to win Cape Verde.

I don't think so, I believe that Argentina will have no difficulty in beating Cape Verde because realistically, overall strength is clearly Argentina is much stronger in all lines compared to Cape Verde, it's just that Cape Verde made some surprises so many people expect the same thing when they face Argentina later and I'm sure that won't happen because Argentina has so far continued to show its best performance.

[Cyber_warrior]

Portugal played very well yesterday and Croatia also played very well but Croatia played more better, Portugal would have lost the match if not for that penalty that was given to them, if Portugal really want to lift the world cup they should do better, they have a lot of good players but they are not performing very well, I don't see Portugal as a team that wants to lift the world cup because I see no seriousness in them and their midfield players are not performing very well, this their midfield players when it comes to their club they do better but coming to this world cup they are playing rubbish.

A lot of football fans have really complained about how Portugal are playing in the World Cup, they have not really perform to expectations. Right now they are in the round of 16, they will be playing against spain, which will be a very difficult game for them. Right now I can say if they are going to win the World Cup but all I know is they are amongst favorites to win the tournament.

That midfield have been a mess, when you look at how they all performed individually at their clubs you will be expecting Portugal to be dominant but instead that midfield have let them down. I just hope they turn up against Spain.

[Akbarkoe]

Spain played relaxed and truly executed their strategy, both defensively and offensively. They demonstrated how to play the ball well against Austria, without conceding a single goal. This was a crushing defeat for Austria. Never mind goals, there weren't even any chances to shoot at goalkeeper Simon. This time, Spain was truly tight.
In contrast, their opponent, Portugal, had to work very hard in this round to advance to the round of 16. The tight competition with Croatia was truly a very difficult task. I initially thought it would end in a draw, but fortunately, Goncalo Ramos was able to add a goal in the final minute.

They played comfortably because Austria could not keep up with the flow of the game that Spain did so they just played according to the rhythm because Austria could not develop the game even in 90 minutes Unai looked relaxed under the bar.

But the last 16 will be interesting because Portugal are sure to face Spain in this phase and this will be the big match in the last 16 apart from Brazil who will face Norway.
I'm pretty sure the last 16 match will be iconic in terms of results because whoever manages to get the victory then their chances are even greater due to increased confidence.

Yes, that's the name of the great domination carried out by Spain which is getting more and more mature.

This is what makes me interested to see Portugal play against Spain which is a very strong team, I myself support Portugal because obviously I still like to see Ronaldo play even though it is not so great, against Lamine Yamal and his squad who have started to clop into something very difficult, I myself am quite pessimistic in terms of victory but I have to keep believing he can do it, at least if Spain fail it will make it easier for the future.

[liasbaa]

The so called "favorite" drew their first match in this edition against one of the weakest teams (Cape Verde). None of the so called strong teams are having smooth sailing so far. Germany and Netherlands are on their way back. So are Croatia and Algeria. BTW, in a few hours the match between Cape Verde and Argentina will start. Stake has given odds of 20.00 for Cape Verde. This is perhaps the most one-sided odds I have so far seen in this tournament. Anyone courageous enough to bet in favor of Cape Verde? Bet just $25 and if they win, you will get $500.

France is having a smooth sail. However, the so-called favorite is not playing at a high level of football. All I've seen them do is scrap out a win when it's close to full time. France and Spain are the only favorite teams that won comfortably in the round of 32. Portugal struggled for a win, England struggled for a win, and I am pretty sure Argentina will also struggle to win Cape Verde.

That is why many people are already predicting that France is one of the strongest and most capable teams to win this trophy based on their current performance. We may see Portugal lose in the round of 16 against Spain. Spain did not perform as well as they were thought to be strong in the first match. They drew with newcomers like Cabo Verde although they have proven their ability in the following matches. Cabo Verde is a threat for Argentina because they have drawn every match so far and have not lost any match. Argentina will have to fight to win this is true and it would not surprise me if something happens in this match.

[Ahli38]

Portugal musst play vs Spain now, and I dont think they can win. Ronaldo was substituted in the last game, and then comes some unrest.  Substituted and now everyone is talking about it, that is not fair for the other players. The coach makes the decisions, and every player has to understand that. I think Spain has better teamwork, and that will more valuable at this stage of the tournament. Argentina is a top favorite this year, you can see how strong they are. The team and their games are much better, and I think we see them in the semifinals.

I agree that Portugal will have a tough time facing Spain in the next round, but as long as the Portuguese players can build solid teamwork, especially in attack, they have a chance to win. The problem is that Spain defense has been very strong so far, and it will take extra pressure to penetrate their defense.

Personally, France is the favorite for this year's World Cup.

I think the Portuguese national team still has a chance to face Spain in the upcoming round of 16. And they might use a full-defensive strategy to counter Spain’s play. Not long ago Cape Verde managed to hold Spain to a draw even though they had to work hard to keep their defense very solid. So I personally convinced that Portugal will use a similar strategy when they face Spain later. And perhaps they’ll struggle to create major scoring opportunities because of that. But I think it’s effective enough to beat Spain in extra time or even a penalty shootout, where Portugal can balance all their lines to play more openly and create chances. And I predict that Portugal will definitely win if they use the same strategy as Cape Verde. They’ll just need to rotate their players to stay in the game longer.

[Shineup]

Last night, I think it was very bad luck for Croatia, they scored multiple goals but most of the time those were canceled due to the offside. And with that, it marks the end of Croatia's journey in the World Cup, now they wait another 4 years to make their place up. Already we have seen many big names get out by the small teams, the biggest example is of Germany, but still Croatia was not facing a noob team.

The goals were disallowed for offside but the last one was the most painful. Croatia have been one of the most successful teams in the World Cup, having won one silver and two bronze medals within the short period they have participated in the World Cup. Waiting for another four years after having high hopes in this World Cup is painful. But for me, they did their best, only that mother luck was not on their side.

Like what multiple goals are you guys actually talking about? If there's a disallowed goal that is to be talked about I think it should be that of Christiano Ronaldo's, because that was never an offside, because the players upfront was the one that kept him inside but they disallowed the goal, and again before the equalizer, the ref is supposed to have ended that goal, but he became adamant of that, and even the guy that scored the goal was clearly offside, and the other goal was still an offside which other multiple goals are you guys talking about?

[Oluwa-btc]

It was a shame to see Croatia get knocked out of the tournament so early
I was happy for Portugal, but sad for Croatia

In my opinion, Croatia has become an extremely experienced team in knockout tournaments, making them a tough opponent for any team
I think the Croatian team would have had a better chance of beating Spain than Portugal will
Actually, I would have liked to see Croatia face France, hehe

What do you think?
Am I wrong?

They punished Portugal in midfield though. I still can not understand how the midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Neves finds it difficult to doninate games. Good and solid win most especially for the remembrance of Diogo Jota who died exactly this day last year.

What are you even saying?! Lol! You all seem to underestimate Portugal. They have won them before, although they're not all that in this competition, they could still beat them and I won't be stunned if it happens.
Na! Thry fvcked already. Portugal will beat Spain.

[martinom]

the portugal vs. croatia match is about to start. croatia is no easy opponent, but portugal's starting 11 is definitely better. i think portugal will win, though it won't be so easy. i'm guessing the score will be 2-1.

Spain has always been one of the best teams in this tournament, the World Cup could really be won by them, but by winning the match against Austria they will meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, which strikes me as a truly formidable team that is not afraid of anyone and is clearly strong.

[Publictalk792]

Portugal played very well yesterday and Croatia also played very well but Croatia played more better, Portugal would have lost the match if not for that penalty that was given to them, if Portugal really want to lift the world cup they should do better, they have a lot of good players but they are not performing very well, I don't see Portugal as a team that wants to lift the world cup because I see no seriousness in them and their midfield players are not performing very well, this their midfield players when it comes to their club they do better but coming to this world cup they are playing rubbish.

A lot of football fans have really complained about how Portugal are playing in the World Cup, they have not really perform to expectations. Right now they are in the round of 16, they will be playing against spain, which will be a very difficult game for them. Right now I can say if they are going to win the World Cup but all I know is they are amongst favorites to win the tournament.

That midfield have been a mess, when you look at how they all performed individually at their clubs you will be expecting Portugal to be dominant but instead that midfield have let them down. I just hope they turn up against Spain.

In fact, Portugal did make it through last night, 2-1 to Croatia, Ronaldo got it up and down and Ramos knocked in the game winner in the last stages. Right at end Croatia had equalizing goal canceled as well so it was a real nerve racking affair.
But it is still midfield worry. Portugal did not dominate, just as this tournament has been. But Spain on other hand made it 3-0 against Austria and would seem very sharp team with Yamal and Oyarzabal and Porro all having goal or assist. That is the difference in goodness that the two sides are at in terms of performance right now.
Ronaldo also wore the No.21 post match, as it was his nod to Diogo Jota, and meaningful emotional moment for the team. That sort of unity will be felt as discipline if it is one and half games from Portuguese midfielders on Monday, if Portugal are to get that quarterfinal, they will need different level from their midfielders.

[promise444c5]

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~

The goals were disallowed for offside but the last one was the most painful. Croatia have been one of the most successful teams in the World Cup, having won one silver and two bronze medals within the short period they have participated in the World Cup. Waiting for another four years after having high hopes in this World Cup is painful. But for me, they did their best, only that mother luck was not on their side.

That last goal shouldn’t have been disqualified.. I don’t care what the rules says but that was one of the iconic moments in football and just like that they came up with so bs rules to disqualify the goal.

I’m not against Portugal, I don’t care which side wins that match but it painful to watch a goal like that get disqualified because of some rules that nbased on assumption regarding what last man is trying to do with a ball .. scrap it .

It was fun to watch though, the specific goal was just the bad part of the game..

[bangjoe]

Portugal played very well yesterday and Croatia also played very well but Croatia played more better, Portugal would have lost the match if not for that penalty that was given to them, if Portugal really want to lift the world cup they should do better, they have a lot of good players but they are not performing very well, I don't see Portugal as a team that wants to lift the world cup because I see no seriousness in them and their midfield players are not performing very well, this their midfield players when it comes to their club they do better but coming to this world cup they are playing rubbish.

I think the penalty kick was just an equalizer goal that was previously led by Croatia through Ivan Perisic in the 53rd minute of the second half and Ronaldo's goal in the penalty area in the 68th minute, so this is not the answer, Portugal's victory was actually because Ramos managed to create a goal at the end of the second half and that should be the answer to your statement, but honestly this match was quite exciting because both were very fierce in their competition even though not many goals were created but it was very interesting to watch the match, for the winner of the world cup it is certainly difficult to consider the performance that is in Portugal at this time, being able to reach the semi-finals is already very good in my opinion.

[Razmirraz]

Snip.

France is having a smooth sail. However, the so-called favorite is not playing at a high level of football. All I've seen them do is scrap out a win when it's close to full time. France and Spain are the only favorite teams that won comfortably in the round of 32. Portugal struggled for a win, England struggled for a win, and I am pretty sure Argentina will also struggle to win Cape Verde.

France is still a tough opponent for their opponents, it is natural that they are the favorite team in this competition. It's very difficult to stop France if the players are playing at their best level, the victory over Sweden shows that their forward line is still very productive and their defense is also still solid. Mbappé remains a fearsome threat to opposing teams. This kind of performance will make it easier for France to win, especially with the support of a very strong defense.

Spain also managed to follow in France footsteps, they had absolutely no problem defeating Austria. After successfully defeating Croatia, Portugal will face Spain, I think Portugal steps will be very difficult because they are facing one of the favorite teams. England fate is almost the same as Portugal, they will face Mexico in the round of 16.

Argentina is still very strong for Cape Verde, I am not so sure that Cape Verde with all the limited abilities of its players can match Argentina, especially Argentina status in this competition as the defending champion, of course they will give their best in every match to defend this most prestigious title.

[Obim34]

Spain has always been one of the best teams in this tournament, the World Cup could really be won by them, but by winning the match against Austria they will meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, which strikes me as a truly formidable team that is not afraid of anyone and is clearly strong.

Who knows, Spain are also a tough side in the tournament, and they will face Portugal in the round of 16, obviously Spain are the bigger side, and my bet is on Spain to qualify for the quarter final, Portugal despite their victory against Croatia isn't convincing enough for me to take them as the favorites.

[Velvet78]

For once I thought it was really going to extra time... Portugal conceded an uncalculated goal at first which made things really difficult for them. But still they got the deserved win for themselves.

I'm not saying that Croatia played badly of course. They were poor only in the first half but they improved a lot later on. What a dramatic ending for the game though as their equalizer was disallowed. 

[Crytohillss]

Portugal musst play vs Spain now, and I dont think they can win. Ronaldo was substituted in the last game, and then comes some unrest.  Substituted and now everyone is talking about it, that is not fair for the other players. The coach makes the decisions, and every player has to understand that. I think Spain has better teamwork, and that will more valuable at this stage of the tournament. Argentina is a top favorite this year, you can see how strong they are. The team and their games are much better, and I think we see them in the semifinals.

I agree that Portugal will have a tough time facing Spain in the next round, but as long as the Portuguese players can build solid teamwork, especially in attack, they have a chance to win. The problem is that Spain defense has been very strong so far, and it will take extra pressure to penetrate their defense.

Personally, France is the favorite for this year's World Cup.

I think the Portuguese national team still has a chance to face Spain in the upcoming round of 16. And they might use a full-defensive strategy to counter Spain’s play. Not long ago Cape Verde managed to hold Spain to a draw even though they had to work hard to keep their defense very solid. So I personally convinced that Portugal will use a similar strategy when they face Spain later. And perhaps they’ll struggle to create major scoring opportunities because of that. But I think it’s effective enough to beat Spain in extra time or even a penalty shootout, where Portugal can balance all their lines to play more openly and create chances. And I predict that Portugal will definitely win if they use the same strategy as Cape Verde. They’ll just need to rotate their players to stay in the game longer.

Messi and Ronaldo have pushed each other to incredible Heights over the years there were seasons when Ronaldo stood out more and others when Messi was simply unstoppable . That's what made their rivalry so special. As for the world cup Messi has been outstanding , but football is unpredictable one player brilliance doesn't guarantee the trophy because is a club effort and strong sides like France and others can change everything .

[Sim_card]

For once I thought it was really going to extra time... Portugal conceded an uncalculated goal at first which made things really difficult for them. But still they got the deserved win for themselves.

I'm not saying that Croatia played badly of course. They were poor only in the first half but they improved a lot later on. What a dramatic ending for the game though as their equalizer was disallowed. 

Several goals were disallowed in the game and that stopped Croatia from getting an equalizer because it affected them more. It's was an interesting game and the second half was filled with thrill but unfortunately, Croatia has to depart from the world cup.

[Taricoins]

Spain surprised me a lot in this game. I watched the game from beginning to end and I didn't expect Spain to play as well as they did today. They never stopped attacking the opponent, they were solid defensively, Marc Cucurella managed to get into the opponent's defense, make good passes, and run back to his position. Yamal also had some good shots, but the opposing goalkeeper was very determined to save everything Yamal shot. It was a very unlucky game for Yamal, but a very joyful one for Spain, who advanced to the next phase and awaits their next opponent, who will emerge from the game between Portugal and Croatia.

I don't understand how Cucurella could go up and down like that, starting ti doubt whether he has lungs, I think he was the biggest asset in that match. I know Yamal dribbled alot but I still don't get why he was given the superior player of the match when he didn't even score or assist and funny enough Oyarzabal had two goals in that match. Guess I must be missing something

[Popkon6]

For once I thought it was really going to extra time... Portugal conceded an uncalculated goal at first which made things really difficult for them. But still they got the deserved win for themselves.

Here Portugal team did not perform well in the beginning, but after conceding a goal, Portugal team has returned to form. And Cristiano Ronaldo did not perform well in this game today, there was a rivalry among the players of Portugal team, the remaining 10 players played in the same way, but Cristiano Ronaldo was left alone. So this match did not win easily, Portugal team had to snatch victory through difficult circumstances.

I'm not saying that Croatia played badly of course. They were poor only in the first half but they improved a lot later on. What a dramatic ending for the game though as their equalizer was disallowed. 

Croatia performed very well and are a hardworking team, if the last goal had not been ruled out for offside, they would have had to work harder in extra time. If the game had gone into extra time, Croatia would have had a better chance of winning. Because most of the experienced players were taken from Portugal. But if the goal was conceded, Croatia would have been able to score the next goal.