FIFA 2026 World Cup/Ticket Discussion Thread.

[tiCeR]

~Snipped

Germany shouldn't be in the conversation, is like saying Netherlands are going to win the WC, I'm saying this because countries are almost the same, Germany would go far but winning the World Cup is not possible. We have countries that are still making the whole game look difficult for the others and if you place Germany and Spain or Germany and France I bet you that Germany would struggle, they won't play like they played when they won Brazil 7-1, that squad was the best and as they are now they don't have anything close to what they had back then in 2014, Germany are good but when it becomes heated up they can't stand it, we have Spain France and the other countries that when the game begins the whole atmosphere will change and you'd see Germany slowing down in performance.

I see you're underestimating Germany in this world cup. Well, here are some of the reasons why I think Germany have a chance to win:

• In Euro2024, it took Spain 120 minutes to defeat Germany with a late goal from Merino in the 119" minute to beat Germany. Germany matched Spain very well in that match but unlucky to have lost it.
• Germany have been good so far in recent games especially in the international friendlies that have been held in recent times. Their 1-2 win against USA tonight made it their 9th win in their last 10 international games.
• Germany is World cup royalty. 4 world cup titles so far so winning the world cup isn't new to them.

I am German and I think nobody is underestimating them. Germany doesn't have the team that is a favourite. Germany had a say in many big championships, but this is not one of those when I think they have a realistic chance to win it. There is Spain and there is France, we are not close.

[Sexylizzy2813]

~Snipped

Germany shouldn't be in the conversation, is like saying Netherlands are going to win the WC, I'm saying this because countries are almost the same, Germany would go far but winning the World Cup is not possible. We have countries that are still making the whole game look difficult for the others and if you place Germany and Spain or Germany and France I bet you that Germany would struggle, they won't play like they played when they won Brazil 7-1, that squad was the best and as they are now they don't have anything close to what they had back then in 2014, Germany are good but when it becomes heated up they can't stand it, we have Spain France and the other countries that when the game begins the whole atmosphere will change and you'd see Germany slowing down in performance.

I see you're underestimating Germany in this world cup. Well, here are some of the reasons why I think Germany have a chance to win:

• In Euro2024, it took Spain 120 minutes to defeat Germany with a late goal from Merino in the 119" minute to beat Germany. Germany matched Spain very well in that match but unlucky to have lost it.
• Germany have been good so far in recent games especially in the international friendlies that have been held in recent times. Their 1-2 win against USA tonight made it their 9th win in their last 10 international games.
• Germany is World cup royalty. 4 world cup titles so far so winning the world cup isn't new to them.

Yes they have all these records and all that but they don't look like a team to dominate the other countries in this World Cup tournament, is good they won the World Cup 4 time but the other countries that nobody seem to be talking about could be the head of the table and nothing Germany can do about it. Winning today isn't suppose to surprise the both of us, that was their game to go home with and if by chance they lost or drew that game you won't have been adding it to how good they are. Watching them during the qualifiers that was when I saw a different team, they have all it takes to win the WC but not this year, something seem off with this squad and even the Spain I think can make it to the finals might not get their nobody knows but I'm certain that Germany can't, not about me underestimating them, it could be but they can't.

[Silikiem]

I strongly believed that Belgium would beat Tunisia but was not expecting to see those plenty goals. 5-0 against Tunisia. Upon the goals Tunisia still got red card. This is one of the highest goal scoring match in the friendlies. If Tunisia received such massive goals in the friendlies. Can they scale through in the group stage?

The goals were obvious and the Tunisia team could not defend their side conceding such numbers of goals on a pre world cup friendlies. Anyways, we never can tell if it was intentional from the Tunisia team to not put efforts because they are avoiding injury that could prevent them from going to the world cup tournament so they watch and observe to see strategies and play patterns of their opponents and also take cognizance of it.

I saw the game between this two teams and I can clearly tell you that this was not intentional play from Tunisia. The game was already dead before arrival because it’s going to be practically difficult for Tunisia to escape defeat against Belgium. Tunisia haven’t really been impressive recently, during the last Afcon tournament they performed woefully, and somehow they managed to qualify for this World Cup. Belgium really outplayed them even Belgium was somehow not taking the game too seriously but still they put 5 un-replied goals against Tunisia. I think the Tunisian team lost their momentum after conceding the red card and it was from there they gave up. They really need to improve in their performances if truly they want to compete in this World Cup if not with this kind of display they might end up not getting any single point through out the tournament.

[nelson4lov]

~Snipped

I am German and I think nobody is underestimating them. Germany doesn't have the team that is a favourite. Germany had a say in many big championships, but this is not one of those when I think they have a realistic chance to win it. There is Spain and there is France, we are not close.

 

I'm not supporting Germany for this world cup. I just mentioned Germany earlier because everyone keep talking about Germany like they're a walkover in this world cup but I don't think it's the case. This is why I don't think they would easily be eliminated in this world cup. My current favorites to win are either France or Spain. Also, I'm supporting Portugal to win as well because this is Ronaldo's last chance to win it.

[tiCeR]

I strongly believed that Belgium would beat Tunisia but was not expecting to see those plenty goals. 5-0 against Tunisia. Upon the goals Tunisia still got red card. This is one of the highest goal scoring match in the friendlies. If Tunisia received such massive goals in the friendlies. Can they scale through in the group stage?

The goals were obvious and the Tunisia team could not defend their side conceding such numbers of goals on a pre world cup friendlies. Anyways, we never can tell if it was intentional from the Tunisia team to not put efforts because they are avoiding injury that could prevent them from going to the world cup tournament so they watch and observe to see strategies and play patterns of their opponents and also take cognizance of it.

I saw the game between this two teams and I can clearly tell you that this was not intentional play from Tunisia. The game was already dead before arrival because it’s going to be practically difficult for Tunisia to escape defeat against Belgium. Tunisia haven’t really been impressive recently, during the last Afcon tournament they performed woefully, and somehow they managed to qualify for this World Cup. Belgium really outplayed them even Belgium was somehow not taking the game too seriously but still they put 5 un-replied goals against Tunisia. I think the Tunisian team lost their momentum after conceding the red card and it was from there they gave up. They really need to improve in their performances if truly they want to compete in this World Cup if not with this kind of display they might end up not getting any single point through out the tournament.

Probably any match is dead because there is nothing on the line. The idea to find out how strong teams are or how they could perform at the World Cup, it is not realistic. All of them want to play the real tournament but not get an injury like Karl. Why does everyone still think they can use friendlies to see how the bit World Cup goes.

[tiCeR]

~Snipped

I am German and I think nobody is underestimating them. Germany doesn't have the team that is a favourite. Germany had a say in many big championships, but this is not one of those when I think they have a realistic chance to win it. There is Spain and there is France, we are not close.

 

I'm not supporting Germany for this world cup. I just mentioned Germany earlier because everyone keep talking about Germany like they're a walkover in this world cup but I don't think it's the case. This is why I don't think they would easily be eliminated in this world cup. My current favorites to win are either France or Spain. Also, I'm supporting Portugal to win as well because this is Ronaldo's last chance to win it.

It is not easy to develop an idea where Germany will end up. The whole match against USA was not promising. Yes it is friendly and everything can change when it is serious, but still I think this was not the match that Germany stands for.

They have good players, but compare them to Spain and France and then I think it is over for Germany.

[satscraper]

I can only predict the first‑place teams in the following groups:
C – Brazil, D – Turkiye, E – Germany, F – Netherlands, G – Belgium, H – Spain, I – France, J – Argentina, K – Portugal, L – England.

Regarding the winner of the trophy, I’m inclined to think it will be Germany, but a more precise prediction will be possible after the results of the quarter‑finals

This comment makes me wonder what is up with all the African teams, not a single one of them came to notice for something in the World Cup. Like, are they all there for just participation alone and that’s it… no I wouldn’t want to see that in this would cup. Nigeria isn’t there to have my support but, I would like to see how Senegal performs in this, after the Afcon and the stunt from Algeria, most Africans would like to see Senegal thrive and they can, get to the quarterfinals at least. The trophy though would be between Germany, Spain Brazil and Portugal.

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

[Mustang Shelby]

I can only predict the first‑place teams in the following groups:
C – Brazil, D – Turkiye, E – Germany, F – Netherlands, G – Belgium, H – Spain, I – France, J – Argentina, K – Portugal, L – England.

Regarding the winner of the trophy, I’m inclined to think it will be Germany, but a more precise prediction will be possible after the results of the quarter‑finals

This comment makes me wonder what is up with all the African teams, not a single one of them came to notice for something in the World Cup. Like, are they all there for just participation alone and that’s it… no I wouldn’t want to see that in this would cup. Nigeria isn’t there to have my support but, I would like to see how Senegal performs in this, after the Afcon and the stunt from Algeria, most Africans would like to see Senegal thrive and they can, get to the quarterfinals at least. The trophy though would be between Germany, Spain Brazil and Portugal.

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

I would love to see African teams succeed, because they bring a fresh perspective to the World Cup. Morocco was the last team to give us this excitement. I hope another African team reaches the semi-finals or finals in this World Cup. The most exciting aspect of World Cups is the unexpected results. We saw that in the friendly matches as well.

[Agbe]

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

Most of the African teams which qualified in the World Cup are playing rubbish in the international friendlies and right now I don't know which of them will represent Africa to the quarter final or semi-final because their performances are not encouraging at all. I was expecting Senegal to do well in the international friendlies but they were beaten but I don't know of they will do well in the tournament. European and South American teams played good. Today we have Morocco vs Norway by 20:00:00 (8:00:00). We will know more.

[Supreme Donvic]

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

Most of the African teams which qualified in the World Cup are playing rubbish in the international friendlies and right now I don't know which of them will represent Africa to the quarter final or semi-final because their performances are not encouraging at all. I was expecting Senegal to do well in the international friendlies but they were beaten but I don't know of they will do well in the tournament. European and South American teams played good. Today we have Morocco vs Norway by 20:00:00 (8:00:00). We will know more.

As for me the only African countries that I know we do very well in the world cup are Senegal and Morocco these two countries are doing very well and I believe they will do better in the world cup they are going to show good level of performance and they are going to surprise a lot of people I trust is two countries and I believe these two countries will go far in the world cup tournament as for the rest countries in Africa that are going to the world cup they may even be disqualified in the group stage because they are playing rubbish they are not even worthy of going to the world cup I still don't understand why Nigeria is not going to the world cup because with the level of good players that Nigeria have they were supposed to go to the world cup but because of their unseriousness in the qualifiers match that was why they could not make it.

[SatoPrincess]

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

Most of the African teams which qualified in the World Cup are playing rubbish in the international friendlies and right now I don't know which of them will represent Africa to the quarter final or semi-final because their performances are not encouraging at all.

African teams usually underperform in the World Cup. With all the talents they export to Europe, you’d think they would be able to make it to the quarter finals. And I don’t want to hear the same excuse of infrastructure, other countries have the same problem but they still compete actively in the World Cup.

[Sexylizzy2813]

African teams usually underperform in the World Cup. With all the talents they export to Europe, you’d think they would be able to make it to the quarter finals. And I don’t want to hear the same excuse of infrastructure, other countries have the same problem but they still compete actively in the World Cup.

I agree with you but I don't really know why when it comes to competing with other European countries the performance drop like is the first time they (African countries) find themselves in such competition as the World Cup? The energy and the drive are all there but they some how fear to make other European countries fear to withstand their pressure. Last time we saw some African countries who caused problems for the other competitors and if I'm to be honest about this edition of the WC, I'm expecting something much stronger in terms of performance wise to happen this time around because as it is Africans have all it takes to reach not only the semi finals but the finals, Morocco have paved way for the other African countries to do more than they did last time to go far, eliminating European countries and also surviving the group stage.

[Roseline492]

Most of the African teams which qualified in the World Cup are playing rubbish in the international friendlies and right now I don't know which of them will represent Africa to the quarter final or semi-final because their performances are not encouraging at all. I was expecting Senegal to do well in the international friendlies but they were beaten but I don't know of they will do well in the tournament. European and South American teams played good. Today we have Morocco vs Norway by 20:00:00 (8:00:00). We will know more.

Is all visible already so when the much of this poor effort starts on the world Cup we wouldn't be asking why because they have exposed it on the friendlies matches, even if a country didn't get serious on friendly games but is from performance you would no they were joking but neither of this has some of those qualified African countries has on those matches, Tunisia is the worst of them in times of conceding because they got really jumped by Belgium with a high score of 5:0 and those are the countries people are giving credit of good outcome of the world cup, super eagles didn't go but took it serious with all friendlies, Egypt has also been won by Brazil but Morocco may rest on draw or victory against Norway.

[SatoPrincess]

African teams usually underperform in the World Cup. With all the talents they export to Europe, you’d think they would be able to make it to the quarter finals. And I don’t want to hear the same excuse of infrastructure, other countries have the same problem but they still compete actively in the World Cup.

I agree with you but I don't really know why when it comes to competing with other European countries the performance drop like is the first time they (African countries) find themselves in such competition as the World Cup?

Can’t say for other African countries, but for Nigeria I can easily blame it on poor management and a lack of passion (on both the sides). We can’t attract the best talents, and aren’t ready to scout for exceptional local talents. If we are being honest, Super Eagles could have Saka, Eze, Olise, and others in the team but because of the problems with the Nigerian team, nobody with options wants to play for them.

[icebar]

I didn’t mention any African team simply because I’ve never watched them play, so I have no idea about their strength or performance. Probably some of them are really good and can compete with European and South American teams ^{we’ll see}. Time will tell, but you’re right that we need some “fresh blood” in the World Cup competition.

Most of the African teams which qualified in the World Cup are playing rubbish in the international friendlies and right now I don't know which of them will represent Africa to the quarter final or semi-final because their performances are not encouraging at all. I was expecting Senegal to do well in the international friendlies but they were beaten but I don't know of they will do well in the tournament. European and South American teams played good. Today we have Morocco vs Norway by 20:00:00 (8:00:00). We will know more.

As for me the only African countries that I know we do very well in the world cup are Senegal and Morocco these two countries are doing very well and I believe they will do better in the world cup they are going to show good level of performance and they are going to surprise a lot of people I trust is two countries and I believe these two countries will go far in the world cup tournament as for the rest countries in Africa that are going to the world cup they may even be disqualified in the group stage because they are playing rubbish they are not even worthy of going to the world cup I still don't understand why Nigeria is not going to the world cup because with the level of good players that Nigeria have they were supposed to go to the world cup but because of their unseriousness in the qualifiers match that was why they could not make it.

I think it would not be right to judge the current performance of the team by looking at the matches before the start of the World Cup. Senegal and Morocco have shown good strength long ago. They really deserve praise. But the rest of the African countries are trying to play well from their position. Not only Nigeria, there are still many countries that have good players but have been eliminated in the qualifying matches. Because we have to remember that football does not depend only on one good player. For example, a team has very good players in defense but if their striker is not good then the team will not be able to score well despite a lot of effort. Again, if the striker is good but not very good in defense then even if they can score goals, the number of goals conceded may be high. So even though the rest of the African countries have good players, they are losing opportunities due to the lack of a good team.

[Sexylizzy2813]

African teams usually underperform in the World Cup. With all the talents they export to Europe, you’d think they would be able to make it to the quarter finals. And I don’t want to hear the same excuse of infrastructure, other countries have the same problem but they still compete actively in the World Cup.

I agree with you but I don't really know why when it comes to competing with other European countries the performance drop like is the first time they (African countries) find themselves in such competition as the World Cup?

Can’t say for other African countries, but for Nigeria I can easily blame it on poor management and a lack of passion (on both the sides). We can’t attract the best talents, and aren’t ready to scout for exceptional local talents. If we are being honest, Super Eagles could have Saka, Eze, Olise, and others in the team but because of the problems with the Nigerian team, nobody with options wants to play for them.

But come to think of it, is it every time that the NFF would have to plead for these guys to come and play for the national team? For me no, why is because they have to make it known to the NFF that they would love to play for Nigeria but it seems they never had that passion to play for the country that's why and what you said is the truth, the system is corrupt so some of these players don't see any need to play for the country, lack of management as the number 1 problem why some of these guys don't want to play for the national team. Is really clear, even Ross Barkley is a Nigerian (a Nigerian father), all these things could be that the parents of these players have told them how poor the management is to the old players back then that is why we lost many of these players.
And I also think the Super Eagles could do better if they had qualified for the WC, I can't write them off completely because they showed something we haven't seen in a very long while at the AFCON.

[SatoPrincess]

Can’t say for other African countries, but for Nigeria I can easily blame it on poor management and a lack of passion (on both the sides). We can’t attract the best talents, and aren’t ready to scout for exceptional local talents. If we are being honest, Super Eagles could have Saka, Eze, Olise, and others in the team but because of the problems with the Nigerian team, nobody with options wants to play for them.

But come to think of it, is it every time that the NFF would have to plead for these guys to come and play for the national team? For me no, why is because they have to make it known to the NFF that they would love to play for Nigeria but it seems they never had that passion to play for the country that's why and what you said is the truth, the system is corrupt so some of these players don't see any need to play for the country, lack of management as the number 1 problem why some of these guys don't want to play for the national team.

For any international player that has options, the Super Eagles squad is usually the last option they consider after not being called up for the national team of their choice. Bearing this in mind, you can’t be shocked that they aren’t as passionate on the pitch like they are in their club side. Like you pointed, the system is broken hence the reluctance of players to join the national team. If Nigeria had qualified for the World Cup, I can bet you we will have issues about players refusing to play because of unpaid wages and benefits. That’s how bad it is.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Can’t say for other African countries, but for Nigeria I can easily blame it on poor management and a lack of passion (on both the sides). We can’t attract the best talents, and aren’t ready to scout for exceptional local talents. If we are being honest, Super Eagles could have Saka, Eze, Olise, and others in the team but because of the problems with the Nigerian team, nobody with options wants to play for them.

But come to think of it, is it every time that the NFF would have to plead for these guys to come and play for the national team? For me no, why is because they have to make it known to the NFF that they would love to play for Nigeria but it seems they never had that passion to play for the country that's why and what you said is the truth, the system is corrupt so some of these players don't see any need to play for the country, lack of management as the number 1 problem why some of these guys don't want to play for the national team.

For any international player that has options, the Super Eagles squad is usually the last option they consider after not being called up for the national team of their choice. Bearing this in mind, you can’t be shocked that they aren’t as passionate on the pitch like they are in their club side. Like you pointed, the system is broken hence the reluctance of players to join the national team. If Nigeria had qualified for the World Cup, I can bet you we will have issues about players refusing to play because of unpaid wages and benefits. That’s how bad it is.

That would be another style of shame to the NFF because how can they bring such behavior to a place where all eyes I mean where the whole world are watching, it will be a shame. Instead of saving themselves from such embarrassment they choose to let it out to the world to see how they treat their players, you are right with the unpaid salary or allowance, it will happen because the players too have tried their best. Well, some of these players make decisions to join the Super Eagles base on how well they manage the players and our NFF are doing a terrible job on that part but the sad part is that after they call them and they refuse and hoping on playing for England, as soon as England or any other nation reject them that is when they'll remember that the Nigeria national team called, is really a bad move and this same act have made some better players to end their career with a single call up. Yet again, we can still do better if we had the opportunity of playing at the WC, the club side seriousness will still show when we play at the world cup.

[Taricoins]

I'm not in support of the ill treatments of the United States towards the Iranian national team and also their training staffs. If we're being honest they're killing our sports and this should be the very last time they get to host the FIFA World Cup Competition.
The thing driving me insane is how FIFA themselves have kept mute over this disrespectful treatments from the United States. The FIFA World Cup Competition yet to kick off and this is how they host visitors?! I can not even fathom what they’ll be doing to the Congolese National team ( over the case of Ebola ).

I see the FIFA's side of story as it's a delicate situation as they don't want anything to disrupt the relationship the have with America, if they take any stand, it would be choosing sides and with the World Cup so close, there is no room for excuse.

But I agree with you on the stand that this acts are unfair and his despicable.

[JoyMarsha]

I strongly believed that Belgium would beat Tunisia but was not expecting to see those plenty goals. 5-0 against Tunisia. Upon the goals Tunisia still got red card. This is one of the highest goal scoring match in the friendlies. If Tunisia received such massive goals in the friendlies. Can they scale through in the group stage?

That I doubt due to Tunisia being in the same Group F with Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden are not small countries for Tunisia to win over to be among the two countries that will appear victorious in the Group qualification in Group F. I am looking forward to Japan and the Netherlands to be the qualifying countries for Group F. I suggest for Tunisia should work on their team because from what I see them play against Belgium, it is not what they will use to qualify out of the group stage