The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most anticipated sporting event in years — the first to feature 48 teams, the first co-hosted by three nations (USA, Canada, Mexico), and the first to be played across 16 cities on two continents. With the tournament beginning in June, here is a comprehensive preview of what to expect.
The Expanded Format
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams is the most significant structural change in World Cup history. The new format features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advancing to a 32-team knockout round. The additional games mean more matches, more upsets, and more opportunities for smaller nations to make their mark on the global stage.
Critics argue the expansion dilutes quality and produces more lopsided group stage matches. Supporters point to the commercial opportunity — more games, more broadcast revenue, more nations with genuine stakes in the tournament. The first expanded tournament will test both arguments.
Top Contenders
France
France enters as the consensus favorite. Kylian Mbappé, now 27 and at the absolute peak of his powers, leads a squad with extraordinary depth at every position. The midfield — anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga — is the best in the world. The defense, built around William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, conceded the fewest goals in European qualifying. France's only vulnerability is the pressure of expectation — they have the talent to win comfortably and the history of underperforming it.
England
England's golden generation is running out of time. Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka are all in their prime simultaneously — a convergence that may not recur. The Three Lions have reached the final of the last two European Championships and the semifinal of the last two World Cups. The question is whether Gareth Southgate's successor can unlock the attacking talent that has sometimes been constrained by cautious tactics.
Brazil
Brazil's rebuild after the 2022 quarterfinal exit has produced a young, dynamic squad. Vinicius Jr. is the most dangerous wide attacker in the world when in form. Rodrygo and Endrick provide depth and quality. The midfield has been the concern — Brazil has struggled to find the right balance between creativity and defensive solidity — but the new coaching staff has addressed this with a more pragmatic approach.
Argentina
The defending champions face the challenge of repeating without Lionel Messi at his peak. At 38, Messi is still capable of moments of brilliance, but the physical demands of a World Cup are significant. Argentina's strength is their collective — a well-organized, tactically disciplined team that does not rely on any single player. Lautaro Martínez has developed into a world-class striker capable of carrying the attacking burden.
Dark Horses
Portugal
Post-Ronaldo Portugal has found a new identity under Roberto Martínez. Bruno Fernandes leads a creative midfield; Rafael Leão provides pace and directness on the wing; Rúben Dias anchors a solid defense. Portugal has the quality to reach the final but has historically underperformed at major tournaments relative to their talent level.
United States
The host nation has genuine quality for the first time in a generation. Christian Pulisic leads a squad with significant European experience. Playing at home, with passionate crowds in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas, gives the USMNT a real advantage in the group stage. A quarterfinal run is realistic; a semifinal would be historic.
Key Storylines
The tournament's narrative will be shaped by several compelling storylines: whether Mbappé can finally deliver on the biggest stage after his penalty miss in the 2022 final; whether England can end 60 years of hurt; whether the expanded format produces the upsets and surprises its architects promised; and whether the three host nations — particularly the US — can use home advantage to exceed expectations.
Tournament Prediction
France over England in the final, 2-1, with Mbappé scoring the winner in extra time. Brazil reaches the semifinal before losing to England on penalties. Argentina exits in the quarterfinals. The United States reaches the last 16 before a narrow defeat to Brazil in a match that generates the highest US television ratings in World Cup history.