Football, known as soccer in North America, is the world’s most popular sport, and the FIFA World Cup is its biggest and most prestigious tournament.
This year, the World Cup will make history by being hosted by three countries for the first time: Mexico, Canada and the United States.
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The tournament begins in Mexico City on June 11, while the final will be played on July 19 in New Jersey, United States.
How Does the World Cup Work?
The FIFA World Cup takes place every four years.
The 2026 edition is the biggest ever, with 48 national teams competing.
The teams have been divided into 12 groups of four teams each based on world rankings.
During the group stage:
- A win earns a team 3 points.
- A draw gives both teams 1 point.
- A loss gives 0 points.
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the Round of 32.
The remaining places in the Round of 32 will go to the best-performing teams that finish third in their groups.
After that, the tournament becomes a knockout competition, where losing teams are eliminated.
Match Rules
Each football match lasts 90 minutes and is divided into two halves of 45 minutes each.
Players get a 15-minute break at half-time.
Unlike some sports, the clock does not stop during play. Instead, referees add extra time at the end of each half to make up for injuries, delays and water breaks.
During the group stage, matches can end in a draw.
However, in the knockout rounds, if the score is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time are played.
If the score is still level, the winner is decided through a penalty shootout.
Host Cities
Mexico
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
- Mexico City
Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver
United States
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York/New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Seattle
Which Teams Are Favourites?
Many football experts believe France and Spain are among the strongest contenders.
France have a world-class squad led by stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Spain are relying on young talent, especially 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is already considered one of football’s brightest stars.
England are also seen as serious contenders after reaching the finals of the last two European Championships.
Brazil, the most successful team in World Cup history, remain one of the favourites as they chase a record sixth world title. Their last World Cup triumph came in 2002.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé is playing in his third World Cup. He won the tournament in 2018 and finished as runner-up in 2022.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
The teenage sensation is viewed as one of football’s future superstars and could become one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The Argentine legend will turn 39 in June and is likely playing in his final major international tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
At 41 years old, Ronaldo is also expected to make his last World Cup appearance.
Other players to watch include:
- Neymar (Brazil)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Christian Pulisic (United States)
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- Alphonso Davies (Canada)
- Son Heung-min (South Korea)
- Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
- Erling Haaland (Norway), who has been one of the Premier League’s top scorers in recent years
New Teams Making Their World Cup Debut
The expanded tournament format has allowed more countries to qualify.
Curaçao
Curaçao will play in the World Cup for the first time. With a population of around 156,000, it is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde will also make its World Cup debut. With about 500,000 people, it is one of the smallest countries ever to reach the competition.
Jordan
Jordan have qualified for their first World Cup after several successful years. Their coach, Jamal Sellami, was awarded Jordanian citizenship by King Abdullah II in recognition of his achievements with the team.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan are another first-time participant. Their coach is Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and played in four World Cups.
Matches With Interesting Storylines
The World Cup is not only about football. History, politics and culture often add extra meaning to certain matches.
France vs Senegal
This match carries historical significance because of the colonial relationship between France and Senegal.
Senegal famously shocked France at the 2002 World Cup by defeating the defending champions.
Ghana vs England
This game also reflects historical ties between the two nations due to Britain’s colonial past in Africa.
Iran vs Egypt
This match in Seattle has attracted attention because local organisers referred to it as the “Pride” match in support of the city’s LGBT community.
Both football federations objected to the label because same-sex relationships are illegal in both countries.
The match will be closely watched to see how both teams handle the situation.
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Iran are also arriving at the tournament during a period of tension and conflict involving the United States, one of the host nations.
Although all of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled in the US, the team has chosen Mexico as its base and will travel to the United States for games.
Haiti vs Scotland
Haiti are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
They will face Scotland, who are also making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
A Historic Tournament
With 48 teams, 1,248 players, three host countries and several nations making their debut, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest and most diverse tournament in football history.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or watching for the first time, there will be plenty of exciting matches, star players and memorable moments to enjoy.
