17 Things to Know About the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will mark a major turning point in the history of soccer. For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the tournament, compared to 32 in previous editions. This expansion aims to provide emerging nations with more opportunities to take part in the sport’s most prestigious competition. For fans, this means more matches, more rivalries, and more stories to follow.

Several countries that have traditionally struggled to qualify will now have a better chance of securing a spot. This decision by FIFA will profoundly transform the dynamics of the competition. Some see it as a democratization of global soccer, while others question the impact of this expansion on the overall quality of the tournament.

As in previous editions, several soccer powerhouses are among the favorites. Argentina, the defending world champion, will be looking to defend its title. France, the 2022 runner-up, still boasts one of the most talented squads in the world. Spain, Brazil, and England also have high hopes.

Other nations like Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands could also play the role of spoiler. However, World Cup history shows that the favorites are never immune to surprises. The pressure will be immense on these teams, which will have to live up to their status throughout the tournament.

For the first time in World Cup history, three countries will co-host the tournament. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will join forces to welcome the world’s top national teams in the summer of 2026. This format reflects the exceptional scale of the event and the desire to spread the economic and tourism benefits across North America.

Each country will bring its own soccer culture and organizational expertise to the table. Fans will have the opportunity to experience very different environments while cheering on their favorite team. This historic collaboration also serves as a symbol of regional unity. The success of this joint hosting effort could inspire similar projects in the years to come.

At 39 years old during the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi could be playing in the final World Cup of his exceptional career. After finally winning the coveted trophy in Qatar in 2022, the Argentine has nothing left to prove. Yet his mere presence is an event in itself.

As captain, leader, and symbol of an entire generation, he remains capable of changing the course of a match thanks to his vision and technical skill. Fans around the world will want to savor every one of his appearances, knowing that these may be their last memories of Messi on soccer’s biggest stage. His journey will be one of the most closely followed stories of the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 nations. This expansion will allow more countries to participate in soccer’s most prestigious competition. For many teams that typically struggle to qualify, this reform represents a historic opportunity. Fans will see new rivalries emerge and discover nations rarely seen on the world stage.

Some, however, fear a drop in the quality of play in certain matches. FIFA, on the other hand, believes that this expansion will promote the development of soccer in all regions of the world. One thing is certain: the face of the World Cup will change profoundly starting with this edition.

With the expansion to 48 teams, the total number of matches will increase from 64 to 104—a rise of 40 matches compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This change will allow more nations to participate and give fans even more opportunities to follow their favorite sport. The schedule will be particularly packed, with matches played daily for several weeks.

Broadcasters, sponsors, and host cities will benefit from increased visibility thanks to this expanded schedule. For the teams, this new format also means more complex management of rosters and recovery. This abundance of matches will help make the 2026 edition the largest ever organized.

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in the greater New York area. This state-of-the-art stadium is one of the largest in North America and can seat more than 80,000 spectators. The choice of this region underscores New York’s economic and media significance on the global stage.

The final is always the highlight of the tournament, the moment when the most memorable moments are created. Millions of people across every continent will follow this historic event. The organizers hope to deliver a spectacle worthy of the greatest World Cup ever held.

Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first player to compete in six World Cups. At 41, the Portuguese star continues to defy the odds thanks to his extraordinary discipline and physical conditioning. Although his role has evolved over the years, his influence on the team remains significant. Every time Ronaldo takes the field, he captures the attention of the media and fans alike.

His experience, leadership, and goal-scoring instinct could once again prove invaluable to Portugal. More than just a tournament, this World Cup could mark the final chapter of a legendary career that has left its mark on several generations of soccer fans around the world.

The 2026 World Cup will feature a fascinating clash between several generations of players. On one side, legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Modrić could be playing in their final tournament. On the other, young stars like Yamal, Bellingham, Doué, and Endrick are looking to claim their place at the top of world soccer.

This symbolic transition is one of the tournament’s major themes. Fans will have the opportunity to witness a unique passing of the torch between the icons of the past twenty years and the sport’s future leaders. Few competitions bring together so many different career paths in a single event. That is what makes this World Cup particularly captivating.

Lamine Yamal heads into the 2026 World Cup with the reputation of being the future face of world soccer. Despite his young age, the Spaniard has already impressed with his maturity, creativity, and ability to make a difference in big games. Blessed with excellent technique and remarkable confidence, he represents the future of the Spanish national team.

Many observers consider him the player capable of taking over from Messi and Ronaldo in the collective imagination. The 2026 World Cup will be his chance to confirm his immense potential in front of a global audience. A standout performance could definitively establish him among the sport’s biggest stars.

For the first time in its history, Canada will host matches in the Men’s World Cup. Toronto and Vancouver will be at the heart of the event, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe. This competition represents a unique opportunity for the country to demonstrate its ability to organize a major sporting event.

Beyond the economic benefits, the tournament could accelerate the growth of soccer in Canada, particularly among young people. The country has already shown its enthusiasm during the 2015 Women’s World Cup and now hopes to leave a lasting mark on the global soccer scene. Expectations are high, but so is the excitement.

For Alphonso Davies, the 2026 World Cup will hold special significance since it will be held in part in Canada. A true ambassador for Canadian soccer, he embodies the spectacular progress his country has made in recent years. His explosiveness, speed, and leadership make him the most recognizable player on the Canadian national team.

Playing in front of his fans at such a prestigious event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Expectations will be high, but Davies has already proven his ability to perform under pressure. He will be one of the faces of the tournament and could help inspire a new generation of Canadian players.

Kylian Mbappé will head into the 2026 World Cup at the peak of his career. Already a World Cup champion in 2018 and a runner-up in 2022, he has an impressive goal tally in the tournament. His speed, his finishing ability, and his experience in major tournaments make him one of the top favorites for the Golden Boot.

The Frenchman also dreams of leading Les Bleus to a second World Cup title under his leadership. Each World Cup seems to cement his status among the best players of his generation. Another exceptional campaign could allow him to join the greatest names in the history of the World Cup and international soccer.

Mexico will become the first country to host three Men’s World Cups, following the tournaments in 1970 and 1986. This record is a testament to Mexicans’ deep passion for soccer. The legendary Azteca Stadium, the setting for many historic moments, will once again host matches during the tournament. For local fans, this World Cup is a source of immense national pride.

The streets of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are expected to buzz with the excitement of the competition. Mexico has a long soccer tradition and hopes to once again demonstrate its organizational expertise. The atmosphere promises to be among the most festive of the tournament.

Luka Modrić continues to impress with his longevity and high level of performance. As he approaches his 40s, the Croatian captain remains one of the most respected midfielders in the world. His footballing intelligence, vision, and leadership more than make up for the effects of time.

After leading Croatia to several memorable runs in major tournaments, he could embark on one last World Cup adventure in 2026. Soccer fans particularly appreciate his consistency and elegance on the field. Every appearance by Modrić is now seen as an opportunity to watch one of the greatest midfielders in history in action.

The United States will host the majority of the tournament’s matches, including the final. The country sees this event as a unique opportunity to boost soccer’s popularity within its borders. Despite the steady growth of the MLS and the arrival of numerous international stars, soccer still lags behind other sports in American culture. A successful World Cup could change that.

The infrastructure is already in place thanks to the massive NFL stadiums, capable of hosting huge crowds. Organizers aim to provide a spectacular experience for fans. The success of the event could mark a historic turning point for the development of soccer in the United States.

Endrick has been considered one of Brazilian soccer’s brightest prospects for several years. Despite his young age, the forward has already built an impressive reputation thanks to his goal-scoring instincts and maturity. Brazilian fans hope he will become one of the great strikers of his generation.

The 2026 World Cup could be his first major international stage. In a country where expectations are sky-high, every young talent is compared to the legends of the past. Endrick will have to handle this pressure while making the most of the opportunity he’s been given. His development will be closely watched by soccer fans around the world.