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Tournament expands to 48 teams across three nations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in days, marking the first time the tournament will be co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition also introduces a historic expansion, increasing the number of competing teams from 32 to 48. While critics argue the change dilutes the competition, debut nations like Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan celebrate their inclusion.
Final to feature Super Bowl-style halftime show
The championship match will take place in New Jersey and, for the first time, include a high-profile halftime performance akin to the Super Bowl. Confirmed performers include global stars Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
Messi and Ronaldo set for final World Cup appearances
Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Argentina and Portugal, respectively, in what are expected to be their last World Cup tournaments. Both players, along with Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa, could make history as the first men to appear in six World Cups. Ronaldo has confirmed this will be his final global outing, while Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, led Argentina to victory in 2022.
Host nations eye home advantage amid mixed recent results
Hosting traditionally provides a competitive edge, with roughly one in four tournaments historically won by the host nation. However, recent editions have seen early exits for South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022), while Brazil suffered a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014. Mexico reached the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986, and the U.S. advanced to the Round of 16 in 1994. Canada will host for the first time in 2026.
Fan culture: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico bring unique energy
Argentina's supporters stood out during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, filling metro stations with vibrant, noisy processions. Brazil's fans, meanwhile, transform host cities into carnival-like celebrations, complete with samba bands and rhythmic performances. Mexico's matches at Estadio Azteca will evoke memories of iconic moments, including Brazil's 1970 final victory over Italy and Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal against England in 1986. If England advances to the Round of 16, they could face a charged atmosphere in the historic stadium.
In Brazil, the World Cup reshapes daily life. Government offices, including the National Congress, adjust schedules to accommodate matches, and streets are adorned with flags and national colors. Rio de Janeiro will even award prizes for the best-decorated streets this year.
Financial incentives and managerial legends
National associations offer players financial bonuses for World Cup success, though amounts vary widely. Germany's 2014 winning squad received €300,000 (£260,000; $350,000) each, one of the most transparent payouts. However, disputes over bonuses have arisen in the past, notably involving African teams like Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria in 2014, where reported sums were significantly lower.
France's Didier Deschamps joins an elite group of three individuals who have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager. Over a dozen current coaches, including the U.S.'s Mauricio Pochettino (who played for Argentina), previously competed in the tournament.
From Instagram fame to obscurity: Player profiles
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominate social media, each boasting over half a billion Instagram followers. In contrast, New Zealand defender Tim Payne had fewer than 5,000 followers until Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini launched a campaign to boost his profile. Payne now has over four million followers.
Packing essentials: From slippers to Scottish treats
England's 2022 squad packed more than just the basics. Harry Kane brought comfy slippers, Jude Bellingham carried a deck of Uno cards, and Declan Rice included an Xbox-and an extra bag in hopes of bringing home the trophy. Meanwhile, Scotland's Andy Robertson surprised his Euro 2020 teammates with goodie bags of Scottish treats, including cans of Irn-Bru. Scotland returns to the World Cup this year after a 28-year absence.
