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

[BIT-BENDER]

The last African cup of nations held in Morocco had lots of scandals and questionable decisions even after the world cup there was still more questionable decisions from the African football governing body. I was so ashamed on their behalf and I actually believed that football has moved beyond this and host nations should not be allowed to do as they please, and I even thought that this will not happen in FIFa.

I was actually wrong to think that FIFA is above scandals and questionable decisions because even before the matches started lots of signs about how FIFA handles things and how some teams has had it very difficult for them than others, to crown it up FIFA suspended the one match compulsory ban for a united state player that got a red card, although I think it should not be a red but it was given and he should serve it, where do they draw the line and will this leniency be given to other teams.

[SUPERSAIAN]

Portugal is going home. Spain advanced to the next round with a single goal. The USA and Belgium match is in a few hours, which I expect will be more entertaining. I actually expected more from the Portugal-Spain match. Goodbye Ronaldo, another legend has passed from the world football stage. I wish Portugal had at least reached the final. It's unfortunate that they're currently matched against Spain.

[JiiBs]

I was actually wrong to think that FIFA is above scandals and questionable decisions because even before the matches started lots of signs about how FIFA handles things and how some teams has had it very difficult for them than others, to crown it up FIFA suspended the one match compulsory ban for a united state player that got a red card, although I think it should not be a red but it was given and he should serve it, where do they draw the line and will this leniency be given to other teams.

FIFA was always going to bend to Trump, we all know how he is as a person and being the president of the world power, Gianni Infantino was always going to say yes to whatever Trump throws at him, knowing he would be smiling to the bank.

Now the game has being split into 3, hydration breaks and half time break. Football is now looking like basket ball. America has never being a big fan of soccer and FIFA is ready to look the other way with the idea that, it’s just this once just to cash in. It’s very disturbing and quite frankly sport is lacking in standards right now, even with all the advancement in technology.

The USA and Belgium match is in a few hours, which I expect will be more entertaining.

Two host nations already out, are we going to see a third being kicked out tomorrow? I don’t really trust Belgium to do the job though.

[EL MOHA]

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.

I looked at Spain today and sincerely I am not convinced because let’s be honest this wasn’t any different performance from the Portuguese too. This current Portugal team have actually been so poor that I didn’t fancy them even winning anything but Spain too is on same class with them for me and the only major difference now is that one person is still in the competition which is Spain and can get to actually improve their game but let’s say they move to the Semi finals, I definitely will be fancy any of the Morocco or even France to knock them out for me.

For the other side I think Norway are definitely the most underrated side at the tournament and just like many actually chose them to be the most surprised team of the tournament and currently they are on the verge of winning that accolade. But let’s not forget that they are actually going against the England side who I think even if they go against any side remaining they would find a way to win. For me they are the favorite to reach the semi final against Norway

[topbitcoin]

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 will be a massive heartbreak because seeing the conditions and chances then this is the last chance for one of the goats but this is the competition even though their squad is quite complex but when a rift occurs then the situation is like What Portugal is experiencing now.

Since the first match in the group phase we have always seen a rift in the Portuguese squad and unfortunately this cannot be fixed and we also cannot close our eyes that in this match Spain was more dominant and deserved to win.

I also hope Portugal can continue to go to the next phase but sometimes things like this cannot be forced because in big competitions like the World Cup all teams expect the same result.  Portugal have worked hard to get to this stage but they also have to admit that there are still some teams that are more solid than Portugal at the moment.

[Tonimez]

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 will be a massive heartbreak because seeing the conditions and chances then this is the last chance for one of the goats but this is the competition even though their squad is quite complex but when a rift occurs then the situation is like What Portugal is experiencing now.

Since the first match in the group phase we have always seen a rift in the Portuguese squad and unfortunately this cannot be fixed and we also cannot close our eyes that in this match Spain was more dominant and deserved to win.

I also hope Portugal can continue to go to the next phase but sometimes things like this cannot be forced because in big competitions like the World Cup all teams expect the same result.  Portugal have worked hard to get to this stage but they also have to admit that there are still some teams that are more solid than Portugal at the moment.

This is the biggest heartbreak I have had in recent years, watching Portugal now out of the world cup, not just world cup: last world cup for the world biggest name to grace the pitch. I pains me how FIFA has always given a rough path to Portugal or maybe nature has always destined them to have it in a hard way. This Portugal team definitely needs a new coach who can manage the dressing room better. Roberto Martinez has overlooked the underlying rift in this team and it has destroyed the team already.

Roberto Martinez don't seem to unite the players and it reflects on their games in each match. Portugal is even lucky to reach the round of 16 because truth be told, the team has a lot of things to talk about. How Bruno Fernandez got into the world cup and became a shadow of himself, many wrongs, the selfish forwards and unnecessary hoarding of balls and shooting for shooting sake.

Christiano Ronaldo has done his part to the great team of Portugal and is leaving the tournament. Portugal may have lost, but the entire world will forever stand with Ronaldo. The goat will forever be remembered. Portugal could loose half of their fanbase henceforth because the hero will soon leave the stage completely.

[Juicyhome]

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.

Every lover for football wanted Ronaldo to win this world cup, but the Portugal players let him down, they didn't play with their hearts for Ronaldo to win, they expected him to do all the dirty work and carry Portugal on himself at 41years.  The management was also poor, it's hurt to see Ronaldo existing from the world cup at this stage. This is football, unpredictable game,the lucky team won,  Spain wasn't special in this game,both team played rubbish football,but span was able to make use of the last opportunity to win.

Cape Verde left the world cup with a standing ovation, Haaland is a mortal he displayed against Brazil in and knocked them out other world cup, Mbappe will be the top scorer, he's in form and I wish he wins the world cup too.

[Hispo]

Portugal is going home. Spain advanced to the next round with a single goal. The USA and Belgium match is in a few hours, which I expect will be more entertaining. I actually expected more from the Portugal-Spain match. Goodbye Ronaldo, another legend has passed from the world football stage. I wish Portugal had at least reached the final. It's unfortunate that they're currently matched against Spain.

So far Belgium has advantage against the United States. The USA team is specially under pressure, not only because they are hosts in this world cup but also because they have just reached 250 years of independence this year, and I am sure there are many fan who would wish their national team to bring the World cup to the USA as a gift for the 250th anniversary.

However, Football and the world cup does not care about the feelings of the people of a country, this is a do or die sport, when all matter is raw skill and dominance on the ball.

Let us see if the United States has enough willpower to score another goal an remain within this competition.

[Ale88]

I'm sorry for Portugal because despite having a lot of very good young players, many others are at the end of their cycle with the national team: Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva above everyone. I always felt like Portugal played many games in 10 men because of Ronaldo, you could see how the players were obsessively trying to pass him the ball even when other mates were in a better spot.

[Catenaccio]

I'm sorry for Portugal because despite having a lot of very good young players, many others are at the end of their cycle with the national team: Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva above everyone. I always felt like Portugal played many games in 10 men because of Ronaldo, you could see how the players were obsessively trying to pass him the ball even when other mates were in a better spot.

Portugal have many star players and individually they are very good but as a team, they lack of chemistry among star players. While Spain are more like a united team and they play very well from control balls to create attacking chances. Playing against Spain, only a moment can change the match and it's a moment when Ferran Torres and Merino combined each other and scored the winning goal for Spain.

The goal came at very late time so Portugal had very little minutes left for finding an equalizing goal. Generally Spain played better than Portugal but Portugal had their own chances in this match and had reasons to feel disappointed with this result.

In this match, again Yamal struggled when playing against Nuno Mendes and this fight reminds me about Cristiano Ronaldo and Ashley Cole about 2 decades ago.

[virasog]

That early chance should have been the best time to say they won against Norway, my problem is why wasn't Vinicius Jr holding the ball to take that penalty? That is the story and now they struggle to even cover for that mistake, while Haaland was kept off the actions of the game I expected Brazil to quickly get another chance to score but they missed other opportunities until Haaland came to life to score the first goal of the game. True, that is football for you, ones the other misuse their chances the other team capitalize on it and that was what happened to Brazil.

And with that, Brazil is out of the tournament. Goodbye another time, and another disappointment for them over the years. Brazil out and Neymar is retired. Brazil is no more, but at least they witnessed the last goal of Neymar. Yesterday, Brazil had a single penalty and this marks the last goal of Neymar in the FIFA World Cup.

Now we will only be able to see him in club matches, but not international matches; however, on the other hand, Norway qualified for the next stages and let's see whether they will make it into the semi-finals. Haaland is in very good form. He has scored 7 goals so far in the World Cup in four matches.

[Rashlyowl]

You cash out the game out of fear, you assumed England was not going to win the match after the pressure you saw from their opponent in the first half of the match. Mexico dominated England throughout the match in term of ball possession, and created more chances than England. To be honest, I had a doubt about England winning the match because Mexico is very strong team without conceding a single goal from the start of the tournament.

However, most gamblers would do the same thing if they were in your position. This match was crazy, England defender got a red card in 54 minutes, and that did not stop them from winning the match. But this is gambling, either you win or lose. I knew that it was going to be a difficult game for England, so I didn’t include them on my bet slip.

Mexico really surprised me with their gameplay against England, that’s why I cashed out. I had some doubts about England winning & initially wanted to let the bet ride, but I decided to be rational & secure the win early. Many gamblers start out winning but end up losing because they fail to overcome their own egos, I do not want to be one of them. I just want to be a gambler with a healthier mindset.

[Solokan]

Source: https://www.viva.co.id/amp/bola/1911561-hasil-portugal-vs-spanyol-gol-mikel-merino-antar-la-roja-ke-perempat-final-piala-dunia-2026-akhiri-perjalanan-ronaldo
Portugal must now return home after losing to Spain with a score of 0-1. Many Portuguese supporters are certainly sad to see their team lose to Spain and ultimately be unable to continue in the 2026 World Cup. Many Ronaldo fans are also certainly sad to see Portugal lose because many Ronaldo fans wanted to see Ronaldo become champions with Portugal in the World Cup, but now it's all over because Spain has defeated Portugal.

Portugal actually had good opportunities to score, but unfortunately, the Portuguese players couldn't capitalize on them, ultimately failing to score a single goal. Now Spanish fans are certainly happy because their team has won. Spain has advanced to the quarterfinals, and now Spain must be ready to face a stronger opponent than Portugal. Merino was the hero in this match because he scored for Spain and he looked very happy after scoring.

[Adbitco]

Paraguay players has done very well in this match against France. While I was watching the match my mind went directly towards the Argentina's and Cape Verde last match, like the pressures were extremely the same, the way Cape Verde was consistent throughout the match, that was what the Paraguay did to France despite the France were putting them on pressures. Well I was impressed with the Paraguay performance and consistency throughout the match  and as well congratulations to the France on this great victory. Let see what the Brazil will play today against Norway, and  Brazil is my favorite to win.

Well personally, I don't share this opinion of liking the way Paraguay played against France to the way Cape Verde played against Argentina. Both France and Argentina are big teams who played small teams and by contrast it normal for both Paraguay and Cape Verde to defend against these team but there was a solid difference between the 2 defensive teams. Cape Verde were not playing to injure the Argentine player, they were playing the ball and in some occasion attacking. Paraguay were hell bent on injuring the French players with there tactics and play patterns. Cape Verde and Paraguay can't be likend as the same to me.

[Sithara007]

Portugal have many star players and individually they are very good but as a team, they lack of chemistry among star players. While Spain are more like a united team and they play very well from control balls to create attacking chances. Playing against Spain, only a moment can change the match and it's a moment when Ferran Torres and Merino combined each other and scored the winning goal for Spain.

The goal came at very late time so Portugal had very little minutes left for finding an equalizing goal. Generally Spain played better than Portugal but Portugal had their own chances in this match and had reasons to feel disappointed with this result.

In this match, again Yamal struggled when playing against Nuno Mendes and this fight reminds me about Cristiano Ronaldo and Ashley Cole about 2 decades ago.

I am not sure whether it is about the chemistry. From what I can see, the Portuguese still have a lot of dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo. On the other hand, although Lamine Yamal maybe making waves in Spain, there is no dependency on him. Anyway, it was disappointing to see Ronaldo ending his world cup campaign (in all probability this was the last world cup for him). Coming to today's matches, 90% of the 1x2 bets favor Argentina in their match against Egypt. The latter is placed at 9.40. Again, I would say that they are underestimating the underdogs. Egypt has performed really well so far.

[danadc]

See how the tempo of the game is fast from the beginning until now it seems like Portugal and Spain do not want to slow down their tempo before they can get a goal and this will be very draining and focused because the slightest mistake when the game with this fast tempo will end with the worst possible.

Spain had more momentum but Portugal's attack was not so bad but actually in this match I only focused on Lamine and Nuno Mendes who always clashed in the first half but because of the fast tempo it seemed that Nuno had problems with his feet and my pleasure was a little lost.
60 minutes into the game but they still haven't dropped the tempo of the game and this is what I always expect for a big match.

According to my friends at work, since everyone places bets, they said they lost when Nuno got injured. That wing was lost, and he was the one preventing Lamine from playing. But the goal had nothing to do with that. The goal was fortuitous, quick, and due to Portugal's carelessness. But I give Spain credit because they tried harder and got a better result. It's a shame for Ronaldo; this generation he played for wasn't, in my opinion, the most suitable.

[Adbitco]

Like Neymar yesterday, today we lost another legend away from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo I will miss you, I used to watch Portugal games only because of Ronaldo, but from now on Ronaldo may never be seen on the field in a Portugal jersey again. This was his last match for Portugal in the World Cup, I feel very bad for him, I really hoped that the match would somehow return to equal score again even at the last minute, and that the game would reach extra time, but that did not happen. Spain won the match 1-0 and reached the quarter-finals, but through this we lost the legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Same here, I watch Portugal games and support them all because of Ronaldo, the only time I wouldn't have supported them was if they were playing against my country. The best team won which was Spain and frankly Portugal were lucky to escape with just a goal. I do hope Ronaldo will retire after this so these players can enjoy themselves as they have always wanted. Bruno can now take the lead and become the main man as his also wanted, I hope they win everything from now on because it seems as if they were doing everything possible to be kicked out of the competition. Portugal plays as if they are one amateur team.

[Tamaperdana]

Portugal is going home. Spain advanced to the next round with a single goal. The USA and Belgium match is in a few hours, which I expect will be more entertaining. I actually expected more from the Portugal-Spain match. Goodbye Ronaldo, another legend has passed from the world football stage. I wish Portugal had at least reached the final. It's unfortunate that they're currently matched against Spain.

Yes, it is very unfortunate that Portugal failed in this round and had to go home. Even though from the beginning of Portugal playing in this World Cup, I had high hopes for them, but unfortunately Portugal's performance cannot be forced and maybe this is the only performance. So yes, it doesn't matter, but what makes me sad, this will most likely be their last World Cup event, so I think Portugal's failure in this World Cup edition explains that Ronaldo will most likely not be able to get the World Cup trophy.

So that's what makes me disappointed right now as a Ronaldo fan. But what can I do, because basically Ronaldo and also the Portuguese players have also worked very hard at this time. So yes, they deserve high appreciation from all of us even though Portugal has failed this time. Apart from that, I also congratulate Spain who has qualified for the next round. They really deserve to continue and may be able to reach the final. Because Spain's performance is quite good at the moment, even though they also seem to have difficulty scoring goals in every match.

[abaeze]

Portugal is going home. Spain advanced to the next round with a single goal. The USA and Belgium match is in a few hours, which I expect will be more entertaining. I actually expected more from the Portugal-Spain match. Goodbye Ronaldo, another legend has passed from the world football stage. I wish Portugal had at least reached the final. It's unfortunate that they're currently matched against Spain.

The result will be determined by the performance of the team on the field. Both teams tried to avoid mistakes but Spain did not give Portugal any chance, on the contrary, their attack was much stronger. Portugal was breathless towards the end of the game and the Spanish youngsters took advantage of that opportunity. That is why in the end, although the goals were few in this game, Spain won and Portugal lost. It will be really painful for Cristiano Ronaldo. We saw the departure of a legendary player and this time he deserves respect, and criticism based on his performance on the field is also natural. This is really his last World Cup and the football world saw the end of a historical chapter. He can be made fun of, but his contribution is difficult to deny.

[OsaiEmma]

Like Neymar yesterday, today we lost another legend away from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo I will miss you, I used to watch Portugal games only because of Ronaldo, but from now on Ronaldo may never be seen on the field in a Portugal jersey again. This was his last match for Portugal in the World Cup, I feel very bad for him, I really hoped that the match would somehow return to equal score again even at the last minute, and that the game would reach extra time, but that did not happen. Spain won the match 1-0 and reached the quarter-finals, but through this we lost the legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

I Love Messi, but I honestly wished CR7 had a world cup; i feel he is a true legend. Scratch that, he is a true legend; I mean, he had proved that time and time again how much of a remarkable player he is. With a world cup title to his name, that would've been a beautiful, perfect retirement for him.

Anyways, congrats to Spain for advancing and Belgium too, that was an overwhelming victory. Let's see how Argentina vs Egypt goes.