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

[l99l]

While Norway didn't let Vini Junior create many opportunities, Brazil allowed Haaland to score twice. It was the third elimination in the history of world cups for Brazil on the round of 16.

Many people who watch the game are putting Gabriel under a lot of criticism because they say that he is a player who is used to defending against Haaland with Arsenal and they are surprised how he was able to allow Erling have the advantage in the first goal to put Norway ahead. It was a sad ending for the Brazilian team because I'm sure they came into that game with the idea that they were going to be the team to celebrate at the ending I think that's made them very confident in their display forcing them to making mistakes in the game because they thought they're going to have a lot of chance to recover and win the game still. Vini was stingy with passing at some point, Guimeras wasted the penalty chance, or was he unlucky?

Portugal vs Spain, who do you think is going home?

Vinicious is a winger. Haaland, on the other hand, is a complete brute and one of the best strikers.
While Brazil has a few talented players, it's understandable they were ineffective against a full-fledged team like Norway. Brazil's only goal came almost at the end of the match. Unfortunately, the old Brazil is gone. Oh, and there was the missed penalty, right? Norway defended well against Vini, but his potential as a goalscorer is limited. He can't even be compared to Haaland.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Yesterday Brazil got eliminated from the World Cup, they played like we expected but the display was too poor for me even as they were pressing the Norway defenders it still doesn't add up, with an opportunity to take the lead through a penalty still they missed that chance.
Now the only thing I'm focused on is the fact that Haaland didn't play anything starting from the first minute till when they went for the hydration break that was when Haaland started causing problems for Gabriel and his teammates at the back, 2 good goals and he was still hungry for more and I love the way he positioned himself to rescue his teammates, isn't this the best we have seen from the Manchester City forward?

They played very well but in a match what matters is wining and they not able to get that, Germany has been eliminated and now it is Brazil and  who knows the next big team that'll be leaving today, the penalty miss was a disaster for them, penalty shot can be missed by any player but in an important match as that, the best shooter would've been allowed to take the penalty, it is very unfortunate that Brazil has to be eliminated by Norway although everything about them has changed, although they faced hard luck too but we give it to Haaland for taking his country to the next stage of the FIFA world cup.

It is so sad that the countries that we expected to go far are the ones that are being eliminated from the World Cup too early, Germany out and Brazil, I prefer to even see Belgium out of the world cup than seeing Brazil or Germany because the Belgium side are lacking a lot to be in this round they are in now, it would be better if they use that same last minute performance to play their next game if not it will be a case of Brazil and Germany that will happen to them, being eliminated.
Brazil are the cause of their problem, playing so well and missing chances, they forget that Norway have a striker that is very hungry and when that little chance comes by he'll convert it so now who are we to blame for this elimination? The coach or the player that started missing the golden opportunity? Sometimes I wish this is whole Brazil are out is a drame but what else can we do other than move on.

[Arenga pinnata]

Picking btts for both of hype games.

Spain vs Portugal, a hard game to decide. Spain basically better with their tactical gameplay. Their mid and backline are also proper in tracking the ball back too. They will own the stats of game, create more attempts, and obviously high possession.
Nevertheless i don't underrated Portugal because their low block obviously make Spain to struggle to score, but i prefer spain to score more than Portugal. As for the bet, i prefer to safe bet btts.

Belgium vs USA, Belgium obviously favorite, but USA has been improving so much since Poch took the job. So Belgium won't win this with ease. I expect a tough game until the stoppage time, and both clubs to score.

Expecting both teams to score in the Portugal vs. Spain match and the USA vs. Belgium match is indeed the most reasonable bet so far. That’s because predicting which team will win is clearly very difficult. Moreover, there’s a possibility that both matches could end in a draw in regulation time. However, it’s likely that both teams in each of those matches will indeed score. And besides, the odds are quite attractive.

As for Belgium vs. the U.S., well, I agree that Belgium is the favorite. But the thing is the U.S. has also proven to be a very strong team in this World Cup, and they can’t be underestimated. Still, for this match, I’m willing to take a risk by picking Belgium to win. And adding that both teams will score seems like a better bet.

[yudi09]

Portugal and Spain This match is going to be really great, we have seen that Ronaldo failed to make his team successful in the last World Cup. However, it seems really challenging whether Ronaldo's team can win against Spain in today's match. If Spain plays strongly, then there is a high possibility of Portugal losing and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo can lead his team forward in his last World Cup. However, Spain is currently in a strong form and they will enter the field today with the intention of defeating Portugal. There will be wins and losses in football and those who are lucky in today's match will qualify for the next round, and those who are unlucky will have to leave. However, Portugal should play well, thinking about Ronaldo's last World Cup, and every player should play to win the team.

In his interview, Ronaldo explained what he actually wants to do and plans to do at this World Cup while answering various questions from reporters, and from his answers, I believe he is aware of what has been circulating out there.
Some observers have noted that Portugal hasn’t been successful as long as Ronaldo has been on the field and still playing for Portugal. Ideally—and honestly—it’s Ronaldo who has, for the past 20 years, put Portugal on the world soccer map.

Facing Spain is clearly no easy task. But this is a tribute match for a world soccer legend. A loss would mean Spain ends Portugal’s run and simultaneously brings Ronaldo’s World Cup journey to a close—so that in the next World Cup, we won’t see a player who rose to prominence through hard work and discipline rather than natural talent.

[PremiumcryptoHub]

Portugal have gone through a lot of hardships in each of their matches so I think they will be able to put up a strong fight against Spain. Spain has been impressive in almost every match of the World Cup and has not lost a single match. Spain drew with Cabo Verde in the group stage. They performed well in every match and probably will be able to continue that winning streak against Portugal in the upcoming match.

Spain drew against Cabo Verde and we noticed that the team performed at a top level against an experienced team like Spain. Also another thing you should notice is that they fought evenly against the Argentine team in the Round of 32 match. However we can say for sure that today's FIFA World Cup knockout match between Spain and Portugal will be the most exciting because these two teams are still playing at a great pace in this World Cup. Honestly I think Spain will have a chance to win today's match because Portugal managed to win their last match against Croatia in a very difficult way and their performance in that match was also relatively weak.

[Smartprofit]

Portugal is certainly not the favorite against Spain, and frankly, I don’t think Portugal can win—that is, advance to the next round. In my opinion, Spain is the team closer to advancing, and I expect Spain to score in the first half against Portugal and knock the wind out of their sails. If Portugal tries to take control of the game, they’ll need to score in the first half. If the first half ends in a tie, I think Spain’s chances increase even more—and if the game goes to extra time, Spain will be the one to advance.

Nah… It’s going to be a tough game for both teams. Right now I think Portugal are the favourites going into this match, they have the better squad and have beaten Spain before or rather a draw.
I’ve not seen Spain as having the spark they had for the Euros or the Nations Cup in this World Cup, they’re just a big team scaling through. To win tonight they have to do more than they’ve been doing.

Tonight will decide which other big team leaves the World Cup, I feel so sad for Mexico they were having a good time until they met England and conceded three in one game, the only game they conceded.

Personally, I don't see Portugal as the clear favorite in this match. Spain's chances of winning seem better to me! 🙋

Spain is the only team at this World Cup that hasn't conceded a single goal! And they've played some pretty strong opponents in their group. I truly think Spain could very well win this World Cup (they have every chance).

For me, Lamin Yamal represents the future of world football. And I think he'll make a huge contribution to Spain's victory in this match against Portugal (yes, I'm betting on Spain and can't wait for the game to start). If he does, he'll inherit the symbolic title of best player in the world from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Luis de la Fuente has transformed Spain into a young, incredibly active team that simultaneously maintains a strong defense and constantly attacks the opponent's goal. I think Portugal will have a very difficult time against such a modernized Spanish team. 🦾

[IceLincoln]

While Norway didn't let Vini Junior create many opportunities, Brazil allowed Haaland to score twice. It was the third elimination in the history of world cups for Brazil on the round of 16.

Many people who watch the game are putting Gabriel under a lot of criticism because they say that he is a player who is used to defending against Haaland with Arsenal and they are surprised how he was able to allow Erling have the advantage in the first goal to put Norway ahead. It was a sad ending for the Brazilian team because I'm sure they came into that game with the idea that they were going to be the team to celebrate at the ending I think that's made them very confident in their display forcing them to making mistakes in the game because they thought they're going to have a lot of chance to recover and win the game still. Vini was stingy with passing at some point, Guimeras wasted the penalty chance, or was he unlucky?

Portugal vs Spain, who do you think is going home?

There’s no need putting the blame on Gabriel Malgahaes he did his best, Haaland is a predator and he did just that, if anyone is to be blamed I think it should be the guys who missed goal scoring chances: Endrick with that insane miss for a player like him who needs to show up in times like this and Bruno Guimareas penalty miss.
Even the coach should have started Neymar Jnr since he was back fit. Overall the Brazilian team wasn’t great, I never expected much from them.

[Donneski]

Portugal and Spain This match is going to be really great, we have seen that Ronaldo failed to make his team successful in the last World Cup. However, it seems really challenging whether Ronaldo's team can win against Spain in today's match. If Spain plays strongly, then there is a high possibility of Portugal losing and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo can lead his team forward in his last World Cup. However, Spain is currently in a strong form and they will enter the field today with the intention of defeating Portugal. There will be wins and losses in football and those who are lucky in today's match will qualify for the next round, and those who are unlucky will have to leave. However, Portugal should play well, thinking about Ronaldo's last World Cup, and every player should play to win the team.

Don't know why I'm very nervous about this particular game. Maybe because I don't want to see Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football without winning the World Cup or maybe I can don't want him to retire from international football. Even if he goes on to win this tournament, it'll bring so much satisfaction to me but surely not satisfying enough to want to see him play in the biggest football competition again.
Looking at the lineup, I think any of the two teams can win the game. I'm backing Portugal but won't be too surprised of Spain goes through

[icebar]

Portugal is certainly not the favorite against Spain, and frankly, I don’t think Portugal can win—that is, advance to the next round. In my opinion, Spain is the team closer to advancing, and I expect Spain to score in the first half against Portugal and knock the wind out of their sails. If Portugal tries to take control of the game, they’ll need to score in the first half. If the first half ends in a tie, I think Spain’s chances increase even more—and if the game goes to extra time, Spain will be the one to advance.

i agree.
i don't have high hopes for Portugal as well. Spain is cruising through their matches, whereas Portugal is grinding out wins...
Portugal doesn't concede easily cause their defense and defensive midfield are solid but they struggle to find the back of the net...

Portugal have gone through a lot of hardships in each of their matches so I think they will be able to put up a strong fight against Spain. Spain has been impressive in almost every match of the World Cup and has not lost a single match. Spain drew with Cabo Verde in the group stage. They performed well in every match and probably will be able to continue that winning streak against Portugal in the upcoming match.

Although Portugal is my favorite team, I did not like their performance in this World Cup. They managed to reach the Ground of 16 only by the power of luck after overcoming many adversities. But on the other hand, Spain got a good win through their clear performance. Portugal is my favorite in the Portugal vs Spain match, but today Spain has a high chance of winning. This is Ronaldo's last World Cup, so Ronaldo needs the help of his teammates a lot now. If Portugal's players want to outplay Ronaldo in today's match, then Portugal will have to leave in this match. Of course, good luck to Portugal, but today's victory will be for Spain.

[SuperBitMan]

This is the line up for both Portugal and Spain, this match is going to be one of the matches people are going to watch very well in this World Cup, looking at the players in this two countries I believe Portugal has more quality players but the problem is that this players are not performing very well in this World Cup so I won’t be surprised if Spain end up winning this match today.
I’m expecting Portugal to put in their best in this match, if they are determined and put in their best I’m sure they are going to win, the midfielders of Portugal should turn up today.
Goodluck to both countries.

[9ja Amaka]

Today there is a superb match waiting for us...    Spain are favoured against Portugal by bookmakers which is normal.

However I don't see it that simple. Their match history is quite interesting. None of the sides has a clear superiority to the other.

So I think Portugal shouldn't be underrated here. They also have a really good chance to advance. I hope Ronaldo has a good match tonight.

This match seems to be a very interesting match and in my opinion I think it's hard to predict. The bookmakers might favor Spain to win this contest and I really can't talk much about that. What I think is its a 50/50 match because I think they are both of the same level and the both team has not been at their best in this World Cup.  What I am very sure is that is going to be an interesting match as I have mentioned, and I also think it's going to produce at least 3 goals, so I will just watch the match and enjoy it.

[Pumared]

The Portugal vs Spain match is actually a bit easier to predict, making BTTS the best option. But, the USA vs Belgium match is a bit more questionable. Can Belgium pull off a surprise by beating the USA and qualifying?

Do you think picking the USA to qualify is a good choice?

Yup, for Portugal vs Spain match I think we all agree both teams will fight each other for 90 minutes and yeah Spain is a slight favorite by the Sportsbooks. I predict both teams will score and this match will not be decided by a penalty shootout I mean we will see the winner in 90+ minutes. You know I have placed a Bet Builder on this match total cards over 2.5 cards  + BTTS + over 2.5 goals.

For the match between USA vs Belgium it seems that many people prefer USA and I think I agree, even though so far USA has not faced a strong opponent, they have the advantage of being the home team. Betting on both teams to score is also interesting because both teams have weaknesses in their defense, yeah just checking the match history of both teams in the group stage.
Source: Degen.com

In these two games, I'm going with the USA and Spain to qualify. If you're brave enough, you can bet on Spain winning, as that's also a possible scenario. But I think it's easier for Spain to qualify with one goal than for Portugal to win.

[Unsoldier]

Haaland, Mbappé, and Messi will continue to compete, and with all three contributing goals, it's quite difficult to determine who will ultimately lead the way. But now that Argentina has to face Egypt, Messi has the opportunity to score again and secure his place at number one for the time being.
Argentina has a strong chance, while Portugal vs Spain is a much more interesting match today. The result will determine CR7 fate in his final World Cup.

I’m looking at the bigger picture here not just the goals. For three players in particular, there is a lot more at stake in this World Cup. If Norway wins the World Cup, Haaland may be winning the Ballon d’Or, like if England wins (big IF) Declan Rice may just win the ballon d’Or because then he would have won the premier league and the World Cup, and if the favorites France wins, Mbappe will definitely be getting the ballon d’Or.

Scoring goals is mostly down to a striker's luck. Looking at the bigger picture is definitely the right approach. For France, a huge number of scoring opportunities were initiated by Michael Olise—it was his passes that set up goals for both Mbappe and Dembele. I think if any club pays top dollar for him, it won't be an overpayment. If France wins it all, he could very well win the Ballon d'Or. Harry Kane and Declan Rice will also be in the running for the award, though I think Kane has a better chance.

[Btcdeybodi]

Portugal and Spain This match is going to be really great, we have seen that Ronaldo failed to make his team successful in the last World Cup. However, it seems really challenging whether Ronaldo's team can win against Spain in today's match. If Spain plays strongly, then there is a high possibility of Portugal losing and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo can lead his team forward in his last World Cup. However, Spain is currently in a strong form and they will enter the field today with the intention of defeating Portugal. There will be wins and losses in football and those who are lucky in today's match will qualify for the next round, and those who are unlucky will have to leave. However, Portugal should play well, thinking about Ronaldo's last World Cup, and every player should play to win the team.

In his interview, Ronaldo explained what he actually wants to do and plans to do at this World Cup while answering various questions from reporters, and from his answers, I believe he is aware of what has been circulating out there.
Some observers have noted that Portugal hasn’t been successful as long as Ronaldo has been on the field and still playing for Portugal. Ideally—and honestly—it’s Ronaldo who has, for the past 20 years, put Portugal on the world soccer map.

Facing Spain is clearly no easy task. But this is a tribute match for a world soccer legend. A loss would mean Spain ends Portugal’s run and simultaneously brings Ronaldo’s World Cup journey to a close—so that in the next World Cup, we won’t see a player who rose to prominence through hard work and discipline rather than natural talent.

Ronaldo need not to explain anything to the media, it is not his fault that Portugal couldn't win the World cup all through his 20 years playing for his country team. Not winning the world cup does not remove the fact that he is one of the best footballers in history. I know that Ronaldo spoke out of emotions because even though he is sounding like the world cup trophy is not significant but he still wishes to win the world cup.

Spain is a team that comprises of world class players, same as Portugal so it  will be another clash of giants because apart from Ronaldo, Portugal has many other standard players in the squad so we are going to see an epic match tonight.

[GxSTxV]

I would say that the whole world is waiting for the upcoming match between Portugal against Spain. This match isn’t just about the two national teams, but we will agree that most fans of Real Madrid this time will support Cristiano Ronaldo against Spain with Lamine Yamal. The fan base of these two teams and players is very numerous around the world.
What’s coming next is very unpredictable, let’s say that Spain has better players and tactics as we have seen, although they didn’t perform as expected, I guess that Portugal will play with a big grinta like Italians name it. The chances for Spain are bigger. However, football is very unpredictable and fun, we are just enjoying and hoping the best for our favorite team to gain.

In my opinion or how I will predict this match, I would say we are going to see a surprise from Portugal and the score will be filled with goals. My prediction is 3-2 for Portugal. If anyone here knows any contest for this prediction, please appoint it here.

[Bluedrem]

Ronaldo need not to explain anything to the media, it is not his fault that Portugal couldn't win the World cup all through his 20 years playing for his country team. Not winning the world cup does not remove the fact that he is one of the best footballers in history. I know that Ronaldo spoke out of emotions because even though he is sounding like the world cup trophy is not significant but he still wishes to win the world cup.

Spain is a team that comprises of world class players, same as Portugal so it  will be another clash of giants because apart from Ronaldo, Portugal has many other standard players in the squad so we are going to see an epic match tonight.

Yes, I don't think it is possible to take a single person to the World Cup champion team. Ronaldo is a good performer, there is no need to test this because he has shown the proper application of his skills in the game so far, which has won the hearts of Ronaldo fans. Yes, Portugal has several good quality players apart from Ronaldo who can turn the outcome of the match in an instant if they want. So we cannot say that Spain does not have quality players. They have young Turks like Lamin Yamal and several other good players who are performing well consistently. So no one will leave anyone out in today's match, that is, it is very difficult to make a tradition about this match because Shaktimar is not inferior to anyone in terms of strength.

[dzonikg28]

Portugal and Spain This match is going to be really great, we have seen that Ronaldo failed to make his team successful in the last World Cup. However, it seems really challenging whether Ronaldo's team can win against Spain in today's match. If Spain plays strongly, then there is a high possibility of Portugal losing and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo can lead his team forward in his last World Cup. However, Spain is currently in a strong form and they will enter the field today with the intention of defeating Portugal. There will be wins and losses in football and those who are lucky in today's match will qualify for the next round, and those who are unlucky will have to leave. However, Portugal should play well, thinking about Ronaldo's last World Cup, and every player should play to win the team.

In his interview, Ronaldo explained what he actually wants to do and plans to do at this World Cup while answering various questions from reporters, and from his answers, I believe he is aware of what has been circulating out there.
Some observers have noted that Portugal hasn’t been successful as long as Ronaldo has been on the field and still playing for Portugal. Ideally—and honestly—it’s Ronaldo who has, for the past 20 years, put Portugal on the world soccer map.

Facing Spain is clearly no easy task. But this is a tribute match for a world soccer legend. A loss would mean Spain ends Portugal’s run and simultaneously brings Ronaldo’s World Cup journey to a close—so that in the next World Cup, we won’t see a player who rose to prominence through hard work and discipline rather than natural talent.

Ronaldo need not to explain anything to the media, it is not his fault that Portugal couldn't win the World cup all through his 20 years playing for his country team. Not winning the world cup does not remove the fact that he is one of the best footballers in history. I know that Ronaldo spoke out of emotions because even though he is sounding like the world cup trophy is not significant but he still wishes to win the world cup.

Spain is a team that comprises of world class players, same as Portugal so it  will be another clash of giants because apart from Ronaldo, Portugal has many other standard players in the squad so we are going to see an epic match tonight.

Saying that the World Cup is not important is a bit disrespectful towards the competition as a whole, but it is who Ronaldo is. He can't handle his ego and when he wins something, it is of course important, and if he doesn't win a specific title, it was of course not important. He has lost the race against Messi long ago and he is not playing for Latvia, he is playing for Portugal, a meaningful football nation and if he failed to win the World Cup, it is still partially his responsibility. It doesn't make his career a bad career, but why can't he admit that he failed and period?

Whatever, he has one more shot against Spain and this is the final time the world will be watching him. It will be a hard match for them, but they are not without chances. So many matches were on the fence now that I don't see why Portugal shouldn't be able to win. They can do it, but they will need the best Ronaldo they can get and it will be seen whether he is complaining all the time or whether he will give this match his all. Complaining won't get him anywhere.

Spain has improved after that shocking draw in the beginning in the group stage. I still don't see them as strong as they used to be 15 years ago, but beating them is hard. Many many things have to work out in order to have a chance against them.

[GxSTxV]

This is the line up for both Portugal and Spain, this match is going to be one of the matches people are going to watch very well in this World Cup, looking at the players in this two countries I believe Portugal has more quality players but the problem is that this players are not performing very well in this World Cup so I won’t be surprised if Spain end up winning this match today.
I’m expecting Portugal to put in their best in this match, if they are determined and put in their best I’m sure they are going to win, the midfielders of Portugal should turn up today.
Goodluck to both countries.

It’s the same line up for both teams, the only difference is the tactics with two different coaches with a total different style and mindset. I am not very satisfied with Roberto Martínez who is Spanish by the way. The bad news is that no coach with a different nationality than his team managed to win a world cup, even though it doesn’t mean much in football because it’s not science or data, but that’s a point where we can my some logical predictions.
Spain will play more in attack with their quality players, Lamine Yamal will have much to say today and prove himself, knowing that he score only one goal. In the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo should also prove himself and create more history as he did back in 2018 where he fought Spain alone.

The match will be very difficult for both sides but the difference in my opinion is the coaches and how they are going to handle the pressure, in case they managed to bring that confidence for their players, it will be easier for them to dominate.

[StarenseN]

Norway being able to win is not really a huge shock if you consider how they both came here. This is why we should not be considering how this could be very different and difficult for Brazil.

Because for Brazil they played very bad for the past two years, and they got there and because of that we ended up with something that is bad for Brazil, they ended up not great. Norway on the other hand destroyed everyone on their groups and became very good and that's how they got here.

[7788bitcoin]

~
Personally, I don't see Portugal as the clear favorite in this match. Spain's chances of winning seem better to me! 🙋

Spain is the only team at this World Cup that hasn't conceded a single goal! And they've played some pretty strong opponents in their group. I truly think Spain could very well win this World Cup (they have every chance).

Like you mentioned, Spain has not conceded a goal in this World Cup, so I accept the fact that they are a difficult team to beat. But to become the World champions they need to beat teams like Argentina and France who are in great form.

Since I am a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, I would like to see Portugal replicate the UEFA Nations League Final result from last year, where both teams scored two goals each during the regular and extra time before going to the penalties and Portugal winning the cup.  

I am eagerly waiting for the match to start shortly.