Excitement is building as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon, taking place across North America throughout June and July. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico will host forty-eight national soccer teams from around the globe, each eager to be crowned world champions of the sport. It will be the first time the U.S. hosts a FIFA World Cup since 1994, and Mexico’s first since 1986; Canada is yet uncharted ground for the event.
For those unfamiliar, the FIFA World Cup is the world’s biggest soccer tournament, drawing hundreds of millions of live viewers. The first event took place in 1930, and repeats every four years at varying worldwide locations. All but two continents have hosted the World Cup, and eight different teams have been crowned champions at least once. Each of the forty-eight teams will be placed into groups before progressing to knockout rounds, eventually leading to the final match that decides the champions.
This year’s FIFA World Cup will run from June 11th to July 19th, and will feature forty-eight teams – more than any other World Cup in its 96-year history. Typically, thirty-two international teams compete, but the event organiser, FIFA, added an extra sixteen nations to increase participation. Consequently, the total number of matches will balloon from 60 to 104, and a record-breaking audience is expected. Another remarkable aspect of the upcoming World Cup is that venues will be spread across three countries, as opposed to the usual one country. The U.S, Canada and Mexico are joint-hosts, and every match will be played in one of sixteen selected cities. Of the sixteen stadiums, eleven are in the U.S, two are in Canada, and three are in Mexico.
Several nations are already being discussed as favourites to be crowned World Cup champions. Reigning champions Argentina will hope to maintain their title, with longstanding talisman Lionel Messi expected to play at a record-breaking sixth World Cup. However, equalling that record will be arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who hopes to lead a star-studded Portugal side to their first World Cup victory. Additionally, neighbouring Spain have been in red-hot form recently, and are arguably primed to win their second title. Other strong contenders include France, Brazil, England, and the Netherlands – but don’t rule out an underdog!
Whatever the outcome, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises record-breaking viewership and will doubtlessly feature some iconic moments. With just weeks until the tournament begins, millions are anticipating an action-packed display of sport.
