It has been an undeniably strange buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But in four short days, the tournament will finally begin in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. And like it or not, after swearing once again that you’re going to boycott FIFA and its questionable ways, you’re going to be eating up every second of it.
But first, you’ll need to play catch-up on what you’ve missed. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with seven frequently asked questions about the return of the world’s biggest sporting event.
Who is in the 2026 World Cup?
With 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the largest in the tournament’s history, up from 32 teams between 1998 and 2022. All of the usual suspects are here. Well, except for Italy. (It’s a long story.) There’s also a lot of less familiar faces and even four newcomers: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
What is the format?
Just as they have been since 1986, teams are drawn into groups of four and will play a three-match round robin. But this time, the single-elimination knockout phase that follows will double in size to 32 teams. All 12 teams that finish first or second will advance to the bracket, as well as the eight best third-place finishers.
Who is going to win this thing?
France and Spain are oddsmakers’ favorites, with England close behind. In other words, France and Spain have the two best teams, and the sportsbooks know English people will bet with their hearts instead of their minds. Brazil, Argentina and Portugal follow close behind. History suggests the value is with Brazil and Argentina; Germany, the 2014 champs, are the only European nation ever to win a World Cup hosted in the Americas.
Do the Americans have a chance?
What do you call “a chance”? They probably won’t win, but it’s not absurd to try. If you’re going to think of it like American sports, Team USA is stronger relative to the field than 1985 Villanova or 2014 UConn was during their respective March Madness title runs. But the modern NCAA Tournament has been played more than 40 times. This will only be the 12th World Cup played with more than 16 entrants, and only the 23rd total.
Who is this Lamine Yamal guy?
Spain’s 18-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy is the most hyped teenage World Cup talent since a 17-year-old Pele led Brazil to its first World Cup title in 1958. In the 2025-26 season, Yamal scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more to help Barca to its 29th La Liga title. He already has 101 career appearances in the Spanish top flight, and will already be making his second major international tournament appearance after he helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Wait, Messi and Ronaldo are still around?
Oct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Not only are the former La Liga rivals still competing for their national teams, but they are still producing on the international stage despite moving on to lesser club leagues like MLS and the Saudi Pro League. The 38-year-old Messi led all of South American qualifying with eight goals, while the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal’s qualifying effort with five.
Where Should I Watch?
Given FIFA’s … erm, capitalistic … ticket pricing scheme, the overwhelming majority of ordinary fans will choose to watch the games at home rather than in person. But there is some good news on that front: Of the 104 World Cup matches, 70 will be available on over-the-air Fox TV for English speakers, and 92 will be broadcast over Telemundo’s Spanish-speaking airwaves. So if you are looking for an excuse to buy a digital TV antenna, this is it.
