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

[RockBell]

You got me running back to check the stats on this game and even then, you would find that Spain dominated in possession? Shots on target, shots off-target, goalkeeper saves, corners and just about any stats of value. Spain played more better than Portugal. Portugal played as though they wanted to see this game to penalties and only decided to attack more after conceding in the second half, they didn’t deserve nothing here. I would have wanted this for Ronaldo but the better team won today.

I was not happy at all when I saw that spain scored and Portugal are better than this but there is nothing that can be done and even at that I see a lot of celebrations because Ronaldo is truly a legend and it is true that spain played even better than Portugal they were not putting the kind of energy we wanted to see but it is fine and there will always be more opportunities next time for them to win the world cup and the thing now is that even if you play the games to the penalties there is still no guarantee that they are going to win so it is even better that it ended like this because we all expected Ronaldo to win but hard luck next time and spain was dominating actually and they eventually won.

[BIT-BENDER]

A quick banter, if you were looking for Cristiano Ronaldo all through the match you need to go to the parking lot and you will see him crying in his car.
Not such an electrifying game we usually see between Portugal and Spain, the goals were scarce, no body wanted to put a foot wrong in this match and the unprecedented caution limited the amount of goals we could get from this match


Ithis is Cristiano Ronaldo las world cup and it ended just like his previous world cups although we might love to banter he is a player that the world will definitely miss on the biggest stage of them all.

[Synchronice]

Honestly, I really wanted Portugal to win, just because of Cristiano Ronaldo. To my mind, Portugal was a bit unlucky that they had to face Spain because Spain has a strong team but honestly, this world cup is crazy. Brazil lost against Norway and actually Haaland scored 7 goals and stands next to Messi and Mbappe. Guys, he scored 7 goals while playing for Norway. Also, Argentina even lost against Cape Verde, that has a population of 500K people.

It's really a pity that we will never be able to see Cristiano on World Cup again. A final of Portugal VS Argentina would be such a beautiful thing to see and it would be especially the most beautiful and precious thing because it would be the final clash of two greatest football players of all time, Messi and Cristiano. Sadly, such a beautiful dream rarely comes true.

[MorganaX]

A quick banter, if you were looking for Cristiano Ronaldo all through the match you need to go to the parking lot and you will see him crying in his car.
Not such an electrifying game we usually see between Portugal and Spain, the goals were scarce, no body wanted to put a foot wrong in this match and the unprecedented caution limited the amount of goals we could get from this match


Ithis is Cristiano Ronaldo las world cup and it ended just like his previous world cups although we might love to banter he is a player that the world will definitely miss on the biggest stage of them all.

One thing I will just have to throw out there is that now that Christaino Ronaldo will be no longer playing for Portugal, I will absolutely love to see the great improvement that the entire football world are aiming to preach because for me I strongly believe that even to get qualifications for the next world cup will be difficult for them, so many persons forget so easily what the man has done for his national side with all the goals he scored just that he is so unlucky when it comes to the world cup and that alone can't define him as a player because he has given his very best to the game of football.

[Ndabagi01]

I was not happy at all when I saw that spain scored and Portugal are better than this but there is nothing that can be done and even at that I see a lot of celebrations because Ronaldo is truly a legend and it is true that spain played even better than Portugal they were not putting the kind of energy we wanted to see but it is fine and there will always be more opportunities next time for them to win the world cup and the thing now is that even if you play the games to the penalties there is still no guarantee that they are going to win so it is even better that it ended like this because we all expected Ronaldo to win but hard luck next time and spain was dominating actually and they eventually won.

This was a great game and the better team won the game. Portugal really tried their best but it was not enough to give them the win that would give them continuity in this World Cup. Ronaldo has already got his last dance and this was not why it was expecting, but nothing can be done now and he’ll have to retire from football without winning the World Cup. Regardless of that, he is a player that his name will never be off written from the records, I am very certain that he’ll still retired a legend which he already his. Portugal can still win the World Cup in the future but then it has to be without Ronaldo. I still respect him and he has done well having come this far and achieved a lot of records in football.

[puloweh555]

A quick banter, if you were looking for Cristiano Ronaldo all through the match you need to go to the parking lot and you will see him crying in his car.
Not such an electrifying game we usually see between Portugal and Spain, the goals were scarce, no body wanted to put a foot wrong in this match and the unprecedented caution limited the amount of goals we could get from this match


Ithis is Cristiano Ronaldo las world cup and it ended just like his previous world cups although we might love to banter he is a player that the world will definitely miss on the biggest stage of them all.

Portugal journey was ultimately halted by Spain, and there was no World Cup trophy for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yes, it must be said that watching this match, we all know how intelligent coach De La Fuente is and how coach Martinez always thwarts the golden generation. He also failed in Belgium, even though Belgium had many star players at the time, and now Portugal has talented players in almost every line.

I'm still speechless at how Portugal potential wasn't utilized properly by Martinez. Portugal played too cautiously, even though with the squad he had, he had the ability to continuously pressure Spain.

After Martinez failure in Belgium, how can Portugal still have Martinez as coach? It's truly strange. Under Martinez, Ronaldo couldn't win a World Cup in his career even though with the current squad they have so much potential. But even without a World Cup trophy and despite the jokes we often make about Ronaldo, he's still had a career that shouldn't be underestimated. Now, Ronaldo is focused solely on reaching 1,000 goals and enjoying retirement. For Portugal, it's not too late to sack Martinez.

[Obim34]

This was a great game and the better team won the game. Portugal really tried their best but it was not enough to give them the win that would give them continuity in this World Cup. Ronaldo has already got his last dance and this was not why it was expecting, but nothing can be done now and he’ll have to retire from football without winning the World Cup. Regardless of that, he is a player that his name will never be off written from the records, I am very certain that he’ll still retired a legend which he already his. Portugal can still win the World Cup in the future but then it has to be without Ronaldo. I still respect him and he has done well having come this far and achieved a lot of records in football.

Portugal played a very interesting game, I was surprised when they held the ball more, used the midfield and collected back the ball many times, aside from Spain missing chances too, Portugal deserves right in this game.

The Spain I witnessed tonight were poor, I expected better from them against Portugal, thanks to the coach tactical changing and good finishing from Merino, kinda obvious if he was the one earlier on faced with the goalkeeper, he wouldn't miss the goal scoring opportunity.

[Berry2d]

It is quite unfortunate to see Portugal's dream end so short in the hands of Spain whom know one believed could eliminate Portugal this season because of there ambitious nature before the world tournament started, all considered Portugal favourite to win this year's world cup because of Cristiano's final wishes before calling his international duties activities to an end but at last the unpredictable nature of football have shown itself once again.
Although I won't say am happy seeing Portugal go back home at this stage but know one can change what has happened but my heart will never stop bleeding because of this unfortunate occurrence that happened in the game.

[KingsDen]

Yeah the match was a very tough one and i was thinking they will go for extra time, but i didn't know the match within 90+ how could Portugal allowed Spain to score them in added time they've defend and play extra time first even go for penalty shootout. Some favourite countries are being knocked out don't be surprised that Spain will be knocked out in their next match too, my worried is Ronaldo didn't win world cup because he'll retire from football very soon.

The match was a very tough one right from the start, both teams had some chances in the first half, but none could score one goal. Coming into the second half, Spain had more possession of the game, they also had some scoring chances. At a point, I also thought we might see extra time again, but Mikel Merino won the game. I know many fans wanted Portugal to win, but it was clear that Spain dominated the game and deserved the win.

Ronaldo not winning the World cup does not change the fact that he was of the best in the history of football. They are also legends like Johan Cruyff, Baggio, Maldini, Puskas, and many more, that didn't win the World cup, but they are still remembered. You must not achieve everything to prove you are the best.

I knew very well that many people are predicting France or Argentina to win this very world, but I'm not sure if this two countries will be lucky to win it, a country will never expected will be the winner of world cup but let's see how it's goes.

Exactly, most football fans are starting to predict Argentina and France to win the world cup. Norway (The Vikings), and Spain are starting to make their presence felt, but I think France and Argentina will still meet yet again. They both knocked out two of the best teams in the tournament. I read a quote online saying "Haaland knocked Neymar out of his last World cup, Lamine yamal knocked Ronaldo out of his last world cup, and Mbappe might do the same to Messi. I think France and Argentina might still meet in the finals again.

[As-Soon-As]

It is quite unfortunate to see Portugal's dream end so short in the hands of Spain whom know one believed could eliminate Portugal this season because of there ambitious nature before the world tournament started, all considered Portugal favourite to win this year's world cup because of Cristiano's final wishes before calling his international duties activities to an end but at last the unpredictable nature of football have shown itself once again.
Although I won't say am happy seeing Portugal go back home at this stage but know one can change what has happened but my heart will never stop bleeding because of this unfortunate occurrence that happened in the game.

This game was a close contest, both teams were very strong but Portugal was forced to lose due to a slight weakness. If Portugal had dominated at this time, they would have had a chance to win, their attacks were sufficient but the spin team players were the most defensive and the Portugal team was not able to move forward with the ball in any way. However, I am certainly sad to see that everyone has considered Cristiano Ronaldo to be neglected, this is not the case among the players of the Portugal team.
Because of this, even though they attacked, the finishing of the attack did not come, and if Cristiano Ronaldo had given more balls to him, Cristiano Ronaldo would have certainly tried hard to score.

[Ndabagi01]

The Spain I witnessed tonight were poor, I expected better from them against Portugal, thanks to the coach tactical changing and good finishing from Merino, kinda obvious if he was the one earlier on faced with the goalkeeper, he wouldn't miss the goal scoring opportunity.

We never can tell, he could have also missed those chances if he had started the game with them. How the player coming into the game sees the game is different from how those already in the field playing sees it. So Merino did what it’s expected of him as a super substitute, they needed that goal and he scored it at the right time it was most needed. I really loved their game and they deserved to be in the quarterfinals once again.

It is quite unfortunate to see Portugal's dream end so short in the hands of Spain whom know one believed could eliminate Portugal this season because of there ambitious nature before the world tournament started, all considered Portugal favourite to win this year's world cup because of Cristiano's final wishes before calling his international duties activities to an end but at last the unpredictable nature of football have shown itself once again.
Although I won't say am happy seeing Portugal go back home at this stage but know one can change what has happened but my heart will never stop bleeding because of this unfortunate occurrence that happened in the game.

Let us put it this way that he was never destined to win the World Cup and no matter how he tries, he will continue to get eliminated from the competition. He has shown up in the World Cup the sixth time, and have only made it to the semifinals once in 2006 in Germany, this is a sign that he was never destined to win the World Cup in his career. We will not forget his hardwork, he is truly a legend to commend and look up to. It was an emotional moment but nothing can be changed.

[JiiBs]

this is Cristiano Ronaldo las world cup and it ended just like his previous world cups although we might love to banter he is a player that the world will definitely miss on the biggest stage of them all.

He wanted this trophy so badly, it’s sad to see him leave without it. It’s a little better he left at this stage than to come so close, getting to the semi finals or even finals and not win it. That would have being more heart breaking than this is.

Portugal started the game well, they played with intensity well before the first half hydration break but, they did relax their game right after and that’s how things fell apart for them, giving Spain more chances to attack them. The loss of Mendes on the pitch due to that injury situation constituted a little to their defensive weakness.

It was a game of two giants and one just had to leave, too bad it’s Portugal.

[Franctoshi]

It is quite unfortunate to see Portugal's dream end so short in the hands of Spain whom know one believed could eliminate Portugal this season because of there ambitious nature before the world tournament started, all considered Portugal favourite to win this year's world cup because of Cristiano's final wishes before calling his international duties activities to an end but at last the unpredictable nature of football have shown itself once again.
Although I won't say am happy seeing Portugal go back home at this stage but know one can change what has happened but my heart will never stop bleeding because of this unfortunate occurrence that happened in the game.

This world cup competition isn't more important to the Portugal national team as it's to their Legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo, For Portugal, their dream didn't entirely end but it only ended for this tournament. There's 2030 world cup ahead and they should go home and prepare very well for it. The person that his dream ended totally is Cristiano Ronaldo who was expecting to complete his football career dream with the world cup trophy, but unfortunately things didn't go as expected, it's touching that it will now be in history that one of greatest footballer the world has ever seen didn't get his hands on the world cup trophy 🏆 till he retired. It really a sad moment for Ronaldo tonight and really feel his pain.

[GbitG]

Portugal vs. Spain match is over and Spain came away with a 1–0 victory.
Spain secured their place in the quarterfinals thanks to Mikel Merino's winning goal in the 90th minute.
Portugal, meanwhile, have been eliminated from the World Cup.

This was Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup, meaning we will not see him play in the tournament again.

Goodbye, Cristiano.....
Goodbye, Portugal......

Well, before the match I was super excited like I was thinking that this battle will too challenging from both sides but unfortunately match was too boring like both side didn't make any strong effort on each other even the match was also end in tiny margin...

However, congratulations to Spain. They really deserve this play they were intense push to move to advance stage of the tournament. Today Mikel Merino was the here of the match like they came up and got a lead for his team I mean he garb the wining goal.

Besides that for Cristiano Ronaldo I feel little emotions   like he is an legend a he deserves a prestigious honor, but unfortunately it's not shared with him....

[Sexylizzy2813]

Portugal vs Spain game is really a tight game, no sides wants to make any careless errors, if it happens that in the next 30'mins either of the side score I think that is the end. Spain had the better chance to lead at half time but my question is, what is Oyarzabal doing that he could not convert that one on one, this shouldn't affect them in this game, talking about Spain.
In the second half Spain create more chances and defend more, really want the Spanish side to advance in this encounter, my prediction, 2-0 for Spain to win.

This match is tough one, i have not see any sign to conclude that Spain is going win Portugal, the performance of the both teams is credible, so predicting now who wins the match is base on exaggeration, the first half has ended and they're now in second half, even the possessions is not much difference from each other, so i can not conclude now base on their performance the matches that Portugal is going to win neither Spain..

You know Spain started crawling in the 18 yard box of Portugal more immediately Mendez left the pitch, it gave Yamal a better chance of driving in and out of the box without much stress. Spain had it under their control but they had already missed chances all thanks to their striker, one thing I believe is that if Portugal had those opportunities Spain had I don't think Spain would have won the game because Spain made the final hit on the ball easy but nobody could get the job done. This stage of the FWC doesn't require any form of mistake, ones you're out you're out so let this game be a warning sign for Spain to take their game seriously.

[Churchillvv]

this is Cristiano Ronaldo las world cup and it ended just like his previous world cups although we might love to banter he is a player that the world will definitely miss on the biggest stage of them all.

He wanted this trophy so badly, it’s sad to see him leave without it. It’s a little better he left at this stage than to come so close, getting to the semi finals or even finals and not win it. That would have being more heart breaking than this is.

It’s sad but then I guess it was all on his side putting all he has achieved already in one basket while trying to catch another, the World Cup is a dream, in his worlds but then he could have better not put himself in that shoe now it seem like the he wasn’t who he is all this while but that’s just for a moment he will be fine.

Spain played so well and Portugal too but it was a matter of team not player, but to Ronaldo it was a matter of player not team which made the big difference. You can’t break a bunch of broom but you can break one if you pick it out.

[Bit-Mj1014]

This defeat is not supposed to be surprising to anyone who has been supporting Portugal, right from the start Portugal has been badly, they were just grinding out results, they had no convincing performance, even against congo they were struggling, the match against Columbia was even worse, they deserved to go.

[Byebyebtc]

A quick banter, if you were looking for Cristiano Ronaldo all through the match you need to go to the parking lot and you will see him crying in his car.

Yesterday his interview was nothing like the normal, maybe he knew they will not be able to win Spain,
But if you think of Portugal some type of way you will have confidence that they will win, they have a good squad but still yet they fail to deliver for their country. Ronaldo as a matter of fact on the interview sounded emotionally and mentally ready for what ever the had to offer and that was impressive from him

[Felicity_Tide]

I thought it would go to extra time. I was expecting Portugal to win before the match started. But they didn't play as I expected.

Well, if there's one thing I have come to understand, it's the fact that... Same thing that makes us laugh, also makes us cry_{(can't remember the movie I heard that from)}. I'm not a fan of CR7, and I'm also not an hater. I have always seen football as a sport that needs some rational level of thinking, especially during engagement. First, with how Portugal had started the world cup, I have always knew that they won't make it far.

The truth is, how a team starts a competition might not really matter, but settling down in that competition is always a bigger deal. Check out their performance against Columbia, DR Congo, and Croatia. Those games were tough of course, but the tactical/individual errors kept repeating itself. Portugal has one of the best midfield trios in this competition especially if we're to judge by last season's performance, but I'm still yet to see what they could make of it. Attack isn't that effective either. Some of the players were looking so average than normal. Mind you, Spain on the other hand are also acting similar. And that's why if you ask me, I won't even place spain in my top two countries to win the WC.

It's quite an unfortunate situation. At some point in the game, I knew a late goal from any side would have done 70% damage to the other. Both teams were not just doing enough, until the unexpected happened. Best to luck to the Portuguese national team, and good luck to the Spanish team.

[HelliumZ]

A quick banter, if you were looking for Cristiano Ronaldo all through the match you need to go to the parking lot and you will see him crying in his car.

Yesterday his interview was nothing like the normal, maybe he knew they will not be able to win Spain,
But if you think of Portugal some type of way you will have confidence that they will win, they have a good squad but still yet they fail to deliver for their country. Ronaldo as a matter of fact on the interview sounded emotionally and mentally ready for what ever the had to offer and that was impressive from him

I feel very sorry for Cristiano Ronaldo because despite his best efforts in the last match of his life, this legend could not win the team, but his team Portugal lost in extra time. This legend spent everything in his life on football and could not touch the World Cup. He got everything in life but the World Cup is not in his destiny. This legend left this World Cup with a lot of regret and he will never be seen on the colorful stage of this World Cup again. Farewell legend, I will miss you very much.