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

[xzone]

There is not long to go until the second semifinal between England and Argentina. It is tough to call a favorite—both teams are incredibly closely matched in terms of quality and skill. But Argentina have luck on their side, plenty of grit, and Messi, who can decide the game in a single moment. Personally, I feel Argentina are more deserving of a spot in the final.

When we watch England's matches, we see that they haven't been playing very well. Therefore, I think Argentina has a higher chance of winning this match. Neither team is dominant yet; both teams play similarly. Of course, everything can change in a few minutes. I think we're watching one of the most enjoyable matches of the year.

There are a lot of Messi haters, and just for that reason alone, I want Argentina to win more

[KTChampions]

There is not long to go until the second semifinal between England and Argentina. It is tough to call a favorite—both teams are incredibly closely matched in terms of quality and skill. But Argentina have luck on their side, plenty of grit, and Messi, who can decide the game in a single moment. Personally, I feel Argentina are more deserving of a spot in the final.

I don't really know what the Argentine team has done in this year FIFA world cup that makes you guys believe they are unstoppable, the last time I checked this England game is the only true challenge they are having since the beginning of this tournament, because the least I knew is while others were playing world cup they were playing AFCON, and even though they were not winning without controversy, that's why I keep telling people if they keep the controversy aside they stand no chance against England, but I will just keep calm and watch how it goes tonight.

Yes, Argentina had an incredibly easy run to the semi-finals, but despite this, they managed to play extra time a couple of times against weaker teams and almost got knocked out of the tournament by Egypt. I also see England as the favorite, but now it seems that the Argentinians are taking control of the ball (and playing quite roughly), I don’t know if this will bear fruit for them, England doesn’t need control of the ball, they need effective attacking actions.

[Z_MBFM]

There is not long to go until the second semifinal between England and Argentina. It is tough to call a favorite—both teams are incredibly closely matched in terms of quality and skill. But Argentina have luck on their side, plenty of grit, and Messi, who can decide the game in a single moment. Personally, I feel Argentina are more deserving of a spot in the final.

When we watch England's matches, we see that they haven't been playing very well. Therefore, I think Argentina has a higher chance of winning this match. Neither team is dominant yet; both teams play similarly. Of course, everything can change in a few minutes. I think we're watching one of the most enjoyable matches of the year.

There are a lot of Messi haters, and just for that reason alone, I want Argentina to win more

The Argentina team is known to everyone and Argentina has so many fans that no matter how good the match is with Argentina, there is an expectation that they will win. In the entire World Cup, everyone has enough expectations about Argentina, Brazil, Portugal and France. This time, the Norway team created new excitement for Haaland in the World Cup. In today's match, I also have expectations that Argentina will win and in the final match we will see Argentina vs. Spain. So far, both teams are playing almost the same. The score can change at any time in football. Argentina won the match by scoring a goal in the final minute of the game, and today it seems that Argentina will go in that direction too.

[Woodie]

These semis will surely produce unexpected semi finalists, already France the favorites of the tournament have been knocked out of the race and for some reason seeing Spain 🇪🇸  defend and get those winning goals,they are my favorites regardless of who wins in the England- Argentina game..

BTW this England game has been tipped to be a draw, so penalties highly likely..lets see what's coming.

[Ryu_Ar1]

Though I expected a lot for France in the second half but indeed Spain was ready with Deschamps ' scheme in this match.
Spain knew to dampen France's pace was with their signature tiki taka short balls and this France could not stand.

See how the process of the second goal, France did not even intend to presing Strictly and only focus on the defense of the area that made Pedro Porro managed to score kill the game in this match.

I feel we were able to see such poor performance because Spain broke through them and made them weak. France were so confused, desperate and this led to them making easy mistakes which had not happened since the beginning of the tournament. Imagine Michael Olise not enjoying the game like he used to because Cucurella made life difficult for him. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first game France has failed to score and what a way to get booted out of the tournament. This performance yesterday just cancelled all the excellent record of Mbappe and should Messi score today, he would be the favorite to win the Golden boot since Kylian is out of the discussion.

What I don't like about Deschamps in this game is that they are too imposing with the same scheme. From the start in the first half they should have known that the same scheme would not be beneficial in the second half but Deschamps stuck with his scheme which is precisely what makes Spain feel comfortable with his game.

If only they were more presing when not getting the ball maybe things like this could be minimized. Now everything has passed and Spain will be in the final for this period.

Just waiting for the right opponent for them later because currently England and Argentina are fighting for 1 place although in the first 20 minutes I feel quite bored because the ball is more in the middle of the field even looking at the statistics in the first 20 minutes there is still no 1 shot and on target for both teams.

[Nheer]

Yes, Argentina had an incredibly easy run to the semi-finals, but despite this, they managed to play extra time a couple of times against weaker teams and almost got knocked out of the tournament by Egypt. I also see England as the favorite, but now it seems that the Argentinians are taking control of the ball (and playing quite roughly), I don’t know if this will bear fruit for them, England doesn’t need control of the ball, they need effective attacking actions.

It has really been an easy run since and I think England is the strongest side they've face since the knockout stages. Based on performance Argentina is far from being the best but luckily they had an easy route and yet they still struggled with the opponents they faced. This has made me believe that Argentina might find it difficult to eliminate England or rather it has made England the favorite and even the bookmakers are aware. It's true England should just take advantage of their attacks, they shouldn't be focused on possession. If they attack well they can take the lead easily they just need to create chances and make them count.

[Princess Leah]

There is not long to go until the second semifinal between England and Argentina. It is tough to call a favorite—both teams are incredibly closely matched in terms of quality and skill. But Argentina have luck on their side, plenty of grit, and Messi, who can decide the game in a single moment. Personally, I feel Argentina are more deserving of a spot in the final.

When we watch England's matches, we see that they haven't been playing very well. Therefore, I think Argentina has a higher chance of winning this match. Neither team is dominant yet; both teams play similarly. Of course, everything can change in a few minutes. I think we're watching one of the most enjoyable matches of the year.

There are a lot of Messi haters, and just for that reason alone, I want Argentina to win more

They have a good squad and can do better than what they've done in the competition so far but somehow they've not exhibited the full potential of the squad, the match that got me disappointed was against Ghana cause my expectation was that they'll score three goals with Harry Kane scoring a brace.

 Although I'm impressed that they've come this far and they're currently standing their ground against Argentina. I couldn't focus on the game in this first half cause I'm currently distracted but England has made a good attempt and should keep it up. I can see their midfielder has already got booked with a yellow card, something similar to what happened with France yesterday, I hope the first team to get booked doesn't end up losing.

[Inwestour]

Yeah, that’s absolutely right, buddy. England does look better. And personally, I’ve always liked England’s performance, not just in the World Cup but in other competitions as well. But strangely, even though this team is always strong, they very rarely get lucky. And that’s exactly what worries me about this team. If I had to choose which team is stronger right now between England and Argentina, I’d personally pick England. But we know that luck tends to favor one team more than the other in this World Cup. So I won’t get my hopes up too much for the England vs. Argentina match or even for any team’s match against Argentina.

You see, teams play a little differently in every match, adapting to their opponents. And when I watch the match, England certainly isn't playing any better than Argentina in the first half. And towards the end of the half, Argentina even plays more aggressively and at times pins England back. But the game already feels very tense, there are several yellow cards, and the players are on the verge of some kind of clash. But it's actually a very difficult match, I'd like to see goals in a match like this, but for now, in a match like this, with a lot of play in the center of the field and few shots, I don't think there will be many goals.

[Ale88]

The first half is about to end. I can't really say I enjoyed the match until this moment: I only saw a lot of nervous players who were more interested in fighting rather than actually playing football. Especially the Argentinian players. I hope the managers will calm down the players and that we'll finally see some football in the second half.

[|MINER|]

Indeed England and Argentina match is quite tough to pick a favorite, because both teams has good team and they haven't lost any match in this World Cup. England also have luck on their side and they have two players who can win match for them, which are Harry Kane and Bellingham, and that's a good advantage England has over Argentina. I think England is slightly better than Argentina in terms of individual players, so I'm rooting for them to win.

I don't think it's difficult to choose which team is the favorite between England and Argentina because it's actually as clear as day that Argentina's defense and attacking formation are stronger than England's and more importantly, the understanding between the players of Argentina's team is a little higher than that of other teams and that's why they always have a tendency to win and where there is a world's best finisher then there is no question.
So in my opinion, today's favorite team is Argentina. I wouldn't call England a weak team because they have also performed many great matches in a row and that's probably why Argentina has not scored a single goal even after half time.

[disbil]

The first half is about to end. I can't really say I enjoyed the match until this moment: I only saw a lot of nervous players who were more interested in fighting rather than actually playing football. Especially the Argentinian players. I hope the managers will calm down the players and that we'll finally see some football in the second half.

Both team indeed play with high tempo but not any good attempt create yet, the match statistic during 45 minutes Argentina had zero shot on target than England made only one on target. Not really interested and enjoyed the match have many fault made from both teams, Argentina's players made many fault but only one players get yellow card neither from England or from Argentina.

I hope the second half both teams show us most interested match by scoring as many as possible goals and both teams can make many attempts during first half match only one shots on target from England. Lionel Messi get difficulty for this match without huge pressure but the midfielder of Argentina less creativities giving great assists for Messi.

[BitBakerr1]

The result is still 0:0 and the first half is over, this match is going to become very tough in the second half, and is now becoming unpredictable, I am seeing the determination in the eyes of Argentina players they are putting their best. I think they really want to retain the title of the world champion.
England is also putting in their best and they may actually win the match if they continue putting more pressure on Argentina, they are a better team to win this match and they need to put in some work to achieve a win and go to the final.
Let’s see what the second half will bring.

[meser#]

Two things stood out to me the most in the first half. The first was the way the Argentine players rallied around Messi and the immense respect they showed him.
The second was how Messi seemed intent on scoring a goal by dribbling past players all the way from midfield—much like Maradona’s famous goal in the '86 World Cup.
Or perhaps that was just my impression.
On his first attempt, the English players committed a rough foul on Messi in midfield, effectively saying, "We won't let a goal like that happen."
I expect the second half to be even more entertaining, though Argentina is already performing better than I anticipated.

[Ruttoshi]

I don't think it's difficult to choose which team is the favorite between England and Argentina because it's actually as clear as day that Argentina's defense and attacking formation are stronger than England's and more importantly, the understanding between the players of Argentina's team is a little higher than that of other teams and that's why they always have a tendency to win and where there is a world's best finisher then there is no question.
So in my opinion, today's favorite team is Argentina. I wouldn't call England a weak team because they have also performed many great matches in a row and that's probably why Argentina has not scored a single goal even after half time.

I don't see how Argentina is the favorite from what I watched in the first half. England got a shot on target and Argentina didn't. Secondly, Argentina played roughly in the first half because they're not able to tactically get the ball from England players.

The second half will produce at least one goal and I expect to see a higher game tempo from England when Saka and Rashford steps into the field. It's still 50/50 for both teams to advance to the finals.

[SatoPrincess]

It’s not easy playing against a team and referees. However I really want England to win Argentina just for the way they have been favored by FIFA in the tournament. The second half will soon begin, and both sides may just continue this physical football they have been playing in the first half. It is only a matter of time before the referee to award a penalty in favor of Argentina to seal the game.

[Iroh]

The first half is about to end. I can't really say I enjoyed the match until this moment: I only saw a lot of nervous players who were more interested in fighting rather than actually playing football. Especially the Argentinian players. I hope the managers will calm down the players and that we'll finally see some football in the second half.

The first half has ended with a goaless draw. You're quite right as I thought the players were a bit too physical. I can understand the tension surrounding the game and the need to win the game but I hope they can calm down and play some good football.
Hopefully, we'll see some better action and goals in the second half.
Edit: The second half has now started with the same enthusiasm and energy from both sides. Perhaps, we'll see a goal soon.

[$crypto$]

It’s not easy playing against a team and referees. However I really want England to win Argentina just for the way they have been favored by FIFA in the tournament. The second half will soon begin, and both sides may just continue this physical football they have been playing in the first half. It is only a matter of time before the referee to award a penalty in favor of Argentina to seal the game.

Why do so many people hate Argentina so much? OK I understand you guys about this, however the behavior of the referee before his opening our eyes like there is no justice.

The first half is quite insten, in the second half will be a little rougher again his game, one player has been provoked emotions can lead to defeat because the team is not compact

The second half doesn't need to be missed.

[GIF-JOBS]

The match ended 0-0 in the first half, both teams are playing very well in terms of attack, defense, but their performance is almost equal, now the second half has started. Neither team is willing to concede a goal, but in the second half they also started with a very attacking porfrom, let's see I expect we will see goals very soon, but the match is going to be very difficult for both teams.

I will be very happy if England wins the match. 

[Mayor of ogba]

The first half is about to end. I can't really say I enjoyed the match until this moment: I only saw a lot of nervous players who were more interested in fighting rather than actually playing football. Especially the Argentinian players. I hope the managers will calm down the players and that we'll finally see some football in the second half.

I didn't also enjoyed the first half, because England and Argentina used the same strategy; anytime England is in possession of the ball, Argentina will play a defensive football and anytime Argentina is in possession of the ball, England will also play a defensive football, this strategy is preventing both from creating good chances and if they continue with it in the second half, this match would likely be decided in a penalty shootout.

[Yabani]

There is a great footballing battle on the pitch, but it feels like a penalty shootout will decide which team advances to the final.
There were some preconceptions about the referee on social media before the match, but in my opinion, he has been excellent so far.
I want Argentina to advance to the next round. Two Argentine players are currently playing on a yellow card; it would be wise for Scaloni to make a substitution, as the risk of a red card is very high.