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

[Rgram]

Finally Egypt has qualified to the round of 16 after knocking out Australia in a penalty shootout that ended 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. I think the round of 16 will be the end of road for Egypt because their performance wouldn't take them father than this. Congratulations to the Egyptians for this great victory.

Egypt just had to, they played so well and at a very high intensity. One would feel that, if they had more time, they could have scored but, Australia was just good defensively and that earned them a chance to go to the penalties. Unfortunately for Australia, they put themselves under so much pressure with that first spot kick that was missed. It wasn’t even on target and that was the worst part, he sent it flying over the cross bar. That did set them on the wrong foot and then, they missed the 3rd spot kick which ultimately ends their World Cup journey.

[Bobrox]

The way African teams are getting eliminated from this tournament is quite alarming, like I don't really see any reason why Switzerland will pipe Algeria 2 goals to nothing like I still find it difficult to figure out the the reason why, before that Senegal got the worst FIFA world cup exit and it was really embarrassing, now Australia is holding Egypt to a 1-1 draw, like what really is going on, all this things happening I didn't expect it from these teams, I think African teams should get over that threat when they meet an European teams, because that tension plays a major role in those losses.

After Algeria eliminating by Switzerland make African have one team only so far qualified to round of 16, have positive result as many African team qualified to round of 32 but the round of 16 only few teams who qualified. Good news in last few minutes, Egypt as second African team have been qualified after beating Australia trough penalty kick and now African have two teams have secure the next round ticket.

Today have two African team will play from Cape Verde against Argentina and Ghana will face Colombia, for Ghana have bigger chance but looks Cape Verde not sure will beat Argentina have consistent performance during the World Cup 2026. Actually not really bad for African team achievement have 9 teams qualified to round of 32 and for awhile 2 teams already qualifying to knock out round.

[Woodie]

Egypt started the game well but Australia were the better team on the pitch, for some reason these teams were almost playing like they just wanted to settle this over penalties which was painful to watch sitting in from of the Tele knowing very well penalties are coming.

Btw how the hell was Australia allowed to score to start with, because the penalty shootout was very much avoidable, but lucky Egypt faced a team that doesn't know how to hit them!!

Round of 16 end of the road for you Egypt!

[skarais]

~~~

In a penalty shootout, there’s really no way to predict the outcome at all. The odds are always 50-50, and it all comes down to mental toughness and accuracy.

I’m not sure if Egypt will lose or not. But the Egyptian players are actually much more experienced and have slightly better quality than the Australian players. It’s just that when it comes to mental toughness in taking penalties, I’m not sure whether the Egyptian or Australian team has the edge.

I don’t like the nail-biting moments of a penalty shootout, but I’ll enjoy it.  

You're right, both teams have an equal chance of winning on penalties, but there are some important factors that should not be ignored. The mentality and experience of the players will be the most crucial factor in the penalty area, but the goalkeeper's ability cannot be ignored either. In fact today we are both witnessing that Egypt and its penalty takers are better mentally, unlike Australia, so Egypt deserves to get into the last 16.

For the next match, I will really wait for who will qualify for the round of 16 between Argentina and Cape Verde. To be honest, I really want Argentina to get to the last 16 without too much drama, but given Cape Verde's performance, I can't underestimate it. Cape Verde being an undefeated team in the group stages, this is an important message for Argentina so I think Scaloni needs to prepare a good strategy to punish his opponent.

[AYOBA]

Egypt is trying so hard to make sure this game doesn’t go to penalties, they’ve being very attacking in the extra time and have constantly kept the pressure on Australia, pushing them right within the goalkeepers box and have them defend all they could to have this draw. If only Egypt had played with this much intensity in the second half, they wouldn’t have gotten to the extra time and it’s already looking like we would most definitely go into penalties, we’ve got barely 3 minutes to end the game.

Yeah, the biggest fear of Egypt is may the game doesn’t know lead the penalties that is why they keep mouthing pressure on Australia. Egypt knows that there not so good in the penalty shootout which is why they want to add another goal to double their goals, but it wasn’t happen at the end of day the game end of penalty shootout.

And with the results given it has definitely affected the Egypt, the penalties shoutout results is 2-4 which was favor of the Australia, their biggest issue was the penalty and still later end up of penalties shootout that is all about the football it’s unpredictable.

[Egii Nna]

Finally Egypt has qualified to the round of 16 after knocking out Australia in a penalty shootout that ended 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. I think the round of 16 will be the end of road for Egypt because their performance wouldn't take them father than this. Congratulations to the Egyptians for this great victory.

Egypt just had to, they played so well and at a very high intensity. One would feel that, if they had more time, they could have scored but, Australia was just good defensively and that earned them a chance to go to the penalties. Unfortunately for Australia, they put themselves under so much pressure with that first spot kick that was missed. It wasn’t even on target and that was the worst part, he sent it flying over the cross bar. That did set them on the wrong foot and then, they missed the 3rd spot kick which ultimately ends their World Cup journey.

Egypt has qualified and made it to the Round of 16, but I am sure that is the highest they could go. They are likely going to meet Argentina, and I don’t think they will be able to win against them in the next game, so they will just end up getting knocked out in the Round of 16.

Talking about the game tonight, Australia were so determined. If not, Egypt really played an amazing game. But still, after all the defensive gameplay on the pitch, they were not able to score more than 2 goals in the penalty shootout, which shows they are not a match for Egypt.

[Nheer]

Agreed, Portugal survived their last match due to technology and Croatia's goal was not counted in this match either but they played great and unfortunately they have to stop here in this World Cup competition. However, now Portugal is going to face their toughest opponent of the tournament, Spain.This is one of the most anticipated matches of the round of 16 of the World Cup, where the winner will advance to the quarter-finals. I think if Portugal wins this match then there will be no more obstacles for them to play in the final. But at the moment if they cannot perform according to the right plan against Spain then their defeat in this match is certain. However, this match could go to a tiebreaker, and I would like to bet on that.

Portugal obviously won't survive the round of 16 match against Spain, I assure you all that Portugal don't have enough materials needed to win that match. The Portuguese side has lacked consistency in their performance although their play in this tournament, Portugal might have some best players like Christiano Ronaldo and other quality players but they lack team work and consistency to dominate matches, and that is one of the qualities Spain has more than the Portuguese side.

Spain on the other hand have a good understanding among the players but also are not the same level we used to know them. They lack attacking strength and we've seen how they struggle with goal scoring nowadays. It will be interesting game and also unpredictable one because both teams are not at their best performance currently.

[Mayor of ogba]

When Egypt scored in the 13th minute, I was optimistic they were going to make it to the round of 16, but when Mohamed Hayed scored a goal and gave Australia a lifeline I became afraid because I thought what happened to Africa teams in the round of 32 was about to happen to Egypt but it didn't; they defended very well to end the match 1-1 after 120 minutes. Egypt was lucky enough to win Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout. They are now the second African team to qualify to the round of 16.

[LUCKMCFLY]

The goal at the very end of the match was truly something surprising. This World Cup is very exciting and it's great to see Cristiano motivated and scoring, even if it was from a penalty. I hope they manage to get through to the next round.

I think all Madrid fans didn't want to see this match, because one of the two legends was going to leave. Modri ​​is undoubtedly a master, but I know football isn't about deserving. However, Portugal deserves to be judged in my opinion, because CR7 has fought for it alone without help, even overcoming the envy of his own teammates. It's difficult to fight against everyone, while others just make everything easy for them...

[MK-74]

Egypt vs. Australia match remained level after both regular time and extra time, sending the game to a penalty shootout.
Egypt came out on top in the shootout, securing a historic place in the Round of 16 in their very first World Cup appearance.
It's a memorable night for Egypt. In their debut World Cup campaign, they have managed to reach the last 16, an incredible achievement.
Congratulations to Egypt on making history.

[Ndabagi01]

Agreed, Portugal survived their last match due to technology and Croatia's goal was not counted in this match either but they played great and unfortunately they have to stop here in this World Cup competition. However, now Portugal is going to face their toughest opponent of the tournament, Spain.This is one of the most anticipated matches of the round of 16 of the World Cup, where the winner will advance to the quarter-finals. I think if Portugal wins this match then there will be no more obstacles for them to play in the final. But at the moment if they cannot perform according to the right plan against Spain then their defeat in this match is certain. However, this match could go to a tiebreaker, and I would like to bet on that.

This match could not be what we are anticipating for as you’ve said it. We may see it as a very great match and the team we don’t expect to go through will be the one to surprise us all. Portugal may not have been the best of team in this World Cup but I’ve seen them being very competitive for success. I know they’ll give Spain a tough time even though Spain  at end up qualifying for the next round.

One thing that I’m certain of in this match is that both teams will get to score before the full time, only time can tell how these games will get to end up in this match, but I still stay very hopeful that we will see an intriguing game to enjoy. Both teams have good attacks, so goals will come out from this match even though not many, but there is a high chance that both teams will score.

[Mate2237]

Congratulations to Egypt for reaching the last sixteen of the world cup, at least we have two teams in the round of sixteen. Let's see how the last two team will perform, as cape Verde will come against Argentina later this night. Egypt really showed class in the game even though they almost lost the game , through the own goal that they caused. The goal gave the Australian much energy as they try to come back.


Ghana is another team that is African hopeful to make it to the next round of the world cup. I believe that Ghana can give a very good fight against Colombia come tomorrow. But Colombia has looked good and played very well so far , in the world cup. This game is open for the both teams because there are two favorite in this game.

[Unknown01]

For Argentina's game, I'm betting on a 0:2 handicap in favor of Argentina and that Messi will score at least one goal. It's already a huge achievement for Cape Verde to have made it this far, but their run is definitely over now, because Messi and the team are in a league of their own and, in my opinion, will score a lot of goals today.

[Adbitco]

At long last, Egypt has made it to the Rounds of 16 making them the only second African country to qualify for this stage. Out of 9 of the that made it to the Rounds of 32 6 are already out and remaining only Ghana to play against Columbia few hours from now. If Ghana doesn't defeat columbia to qualify, it means Africa will only be having 2 representatives for the other rounds. It's been a good world cup so far, so many underdogs stories but these stories as anticipated will mainly end in the group stages, things are taking another turn now as the elite teams are now taking the centre stage as usual.

[Odusko]

At long last, Egypt has made it to the Rounds of 16 making them the only second African country to qualify for this stage. Out of 9 of the that made it to the Rounds of 32 6 are already out and remaining only Ghana to play against Columbia few hours from now. If Ghana doesn't defeat columbia to qualify, it means Africa will only be having 2 representatives for the other rounds. It's been a good world cup so far, so many underdogs stories but these stories as anticipated will mainly end in the group stages, things are taking another turn now as the elite teams are now taking the centre stage as usual.

Ghana Colombia game is most anticipated for most football fans from Africa as the round of 6 is going to reveal the real strength of most teams different from what we saw in the round of 32 that just concluded, let see if Ghana is able to beat Colombia or we are going to be left with jus two team representing Africa in this round.

[Callido]

Congratulations to Egypt for reaching the last sixteen of the world cup, at least we have two teams in the round of sixteen. Let's see how the last two team will perform, as cape Verde will come against Argentina later this night. Egypt really showed class in the game even though they almost lost the game , through the own goal that they caused. The goal gave the Australian much energy as they try to come back.

Congratulation to Egypt, second African country to qualify for the round of 16 alongside Morocco, i expected to see more African countries qualified for this stage of the tournament, unfortunately only two or three will be able to qualify for this stage, i don't know about Cape Verde, maybe a miracle will help them qualify against the World Champions.

[Franctoshi]

Congratulations to Egypt for reaching the last sixteen of the world cup, at least we have two teams in the round of sixteen. Let's see how the last two team will perform, as cape Verde will come against Argentina later this night. Egypt really showed class in the game even though they almost lost the game , through the own goal that they caused. The goal gave the Australian much energy as they try to come back.


Ghana is another team that is African hopeful to make it to the next round of the world cup. I believe that Ghana can give a very good fight against Colombia come tomorrow. But Colombia has looked good and played very well so far , in the world cup. This game is open for the both teams because there are two favorite in this game.

Thrilled to see that Egypt has made it this far to the round of 16 because this is actually where competition begins when we talk about toughness. I wasn't completely sure that they would have scaled through when I saw their fixture that it was them and Australia at the stage, though Australia isn't that very tough a team, but because we have many African teams beginning to get knocked out and start leaving the competition at the round of 32 as the competition is getting even tougher seeing the very teams that are remaining in the competition at the moment.

[Abbatty]

When Egypt scored in the 13th minute, I was optimistic they were going to make it to the round of 16, but when Mohamed Hayed scored a goal and gave Australia a lifeline I became afraid because I thought what happened to Africa teams in the round of 32 was about to happen to Egypt but it didn't; they defended very well to end the match 1-1 after 120 minutes. Egypt was lucky enough to win Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout. They are now the second African team to qualify to the round of 16.

Honestly African teams have been very disappointing in the round of 32. 9 African teams made it to the round of 32 but just one have quailed for the round of 16, with Egypt now making it 2. 5 have Already been knocked out, the big problem is they do perform well but then they always do lost concentration in the ending period of the game.

Now cape varde and Ghana are the African teams left to decide their fate, if they will be knocked out also or they will make it through to the round of 16.

A really good shift from Egypt especially in the extra time, they pushed for a win And could have won the game but it went down to penalties and they did well also.

[Ndabagi01]

Egypt just had to, they played so well and at a very high intensity. One would feel that, if they had more time, they could have scored but, Australia was just good defensively and that earned them a chance to go to the penalties. Unfortunately for Australia, they put themselves under so much pressure with that first spot kick that was missed. It wasn’t even on target and that was the worst part, he sent it flying over the cross bar. That did set them on the wrong foot and then, they missed the 3rd spot kick which ultimately ends their World Cup journey.

Congratulations to Egypt to have made it past the round of 32 and headed for the round of 16. They are now the second African team to have made it to the round of 16 after Morocco. We still have two more African teams in the competition who are yet to play in their round of 32 matches, until then can we tell the African teams that can make it there. The Egyptians nearly bottled this match but they were able to win it back through the penalty shootout. I hail them for this achievement and I hope that they’ll do better going forward in the round of 16 in the competition.

[Furious 7]

Finally Egypt has qualified to the round of 16 after knocking out Australia in a penalty shootout that ended 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. I think the round of 16 will be the end of road for Egypt because their performance wouldn't take them father than this. Congratulations to the Egyptians for this great victory.

Egypt just had to, they played so well and at a very high intensity. One would feel that, if they had more time, they could have scored but, Australia was just good defensively and that earned them a chance to go to the penalties. Unfortunately for Australia, they put themselves under so much pressure with that first spot kick that was missed. It wasn’t even on target and that was the worst part, he sent it flying over the cross bar. That did set them on the wrong foot and then, they missed the 3rd spot kick which ultimately ends their World Cup journey.

For normal time + extra time I felt their match was balanced because looking at what Australia did for 120 minutes it looked very good even to balance the Egyptian game until the end but it cannot be denied that the finishing of these two teams did not look good from start to finish because of the many opportunities they had only a few managed on target.

But the penalty was different because their chances depend on the mentality of the kicker and in this match the Egyptians were much better prepared than Australia.
Egypt will wait for the result from Cape Verde against Argentina. Although in terms of actual conditions it is clear that Argentina will face them later but we still have to wait for the final result whether this will be an easy bet or there will be surprises.