By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Football greats Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are all set to mesmerise soccer fans once again with their brilliance as the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 11 in North America.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
For the first time ever, 48 countries will participate in the tournament, a major expansion from the 32-team format that had been in place since 1998. The tournament will also be historic because three nations are jointly hosting the event for the first time.
The new format has dramatically widened the global reach of football. Twelve groups of four teams each will compete in the opening phase, with the top two teams from every group and the eight best third-placed sides advancing to the Round of 32. In total, the tournament will feature 104 matches over 39 days, making it the longest and biggest World Cup ever staged.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the expanded event is the arrival of several smaller and lesser-known football nations. Countries such as Jordan, Uzbekistan, Curaçao and Cape Verde have qualified for the World Cup for the first time, showcasing FIFA’s push toward greater inclusivity.
Jordan, led by star winger Mousa Al-Tamari, has emerged as a strong Asian side after its impressive performances in recent continental competitions. Uzbekistan, long considered Asia’s sleeping giant, finally broke through after years of heartbreak in qualifying campaigns. Curaçao, a tiny Caribbean nation with strong Dutch football links, has stunned many experts by reaching the finals, while Cape Verde’s rise underlines Africa’s growing football depth.
Despite the arrival of new entrants, traditional football giants remain the favourites. Defending champions Argentina will once again rely on the magic of Lionel Messi, though this could well be his final World Cup appearance. France, runners-up in 2022, possess enormous depth with Kylian Mbappé spearheading one of the world’s most dangerous attacks.
Brazil are always contenders whenever the World Cup arrives. With the return of Neymar and a new generation of talented attackers, the five-time champions look capable of reclaiming global supremacy. Spain, powered by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, are also among the strongest teams after their recent European successes.
England, Portugal and Germany cannot be ignored either. England possess one of the most balanced squads in world football, while Portugal still depends on the experience and goal-scoring instincts of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup. Germany, meanwhile, are rebuilding under a younger core but still retain their traditional tournament pedigree.
The hosts too could spring surprises. The United States, under Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, have assembled an energetic and technically gifted squad. Canada, inspired by Alphonso Davies, and Mexico, backed by passionate home support, could make deep runs in the tournament.
The expanded World Cup has divided opinion among fans and analysts. Supporters believe it offers smaller football nations a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and makes the sport truly global. Critics, however, argue that the larger format may dilute quality and increase the number of one-sided matches.
Yet there is little doubt that the 2026 World Cup will be unforgettable. With legendary stars nearing the end of their careers, emerging superstars ready to shine and new football nations eager to make history, the tournament promises drama, emotion and football on a scale never seen before.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match scheduled at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico. The tournament will run until July 19, 2026, when the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York City.
This edition will be historic because:
It will feature 48 teams for the first time.
It will be jointly hosted by three countries — the US, Canada and Mexico.
A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities.