Over the next six weeks, the world’s biggest sporting event will captivate billions of fans as 48 nations battle for football’s most coveted trophy across North America. From global superstars and emerging talents to historic rivalries and unforgettable moments, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest tournament in football history.
ALSO READ: Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fanatic or a casual fan tuning in for the biggest matches, here’s everything you need to know before the action gets underway.
The Biggest FIFA World Cup Ever
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup features 48 teams.
Previous editions consisted of 32 nations, but FIFA expanded the tournament to provide more countries with the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
The expansion means:
- 48 participating nations
- 104 matches
- More knockout fixtures
- More opportunities for upsets
- The largest World Cup in history
It also means more football than ever before.
Fans can expect matches almost every day throughout the tournament.
Who Is Hosting The Tournament?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by:
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States
It is the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations.
Mexico makes history by becoming the first country to host FIFA World Cup matches at three separate tournaments after previously hosting in 1970 and 1986.
Matches will be played across some of North America’s most iconic stadiums, including venues in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Mexico City, Toronto, Atlanta, Vancouver, Miami and Seattle.
The Nations Making Their FIFA World Cup Debut
One of the biggest benefits of the expanded 48-team format is the opportunity for new nations to experience football’s biggest stage for the very first time.
Five countries will make their FIFA World Cup debuts in 2026:
- Uzbekistan
- Jordan
- Oman
- New Caledonia
- Curacao
For Uzbekistan, qualification marks the culmination of years of progress in Asian football. Jordan captured global attention with their remarkable run to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final and will now experience their first World Cup campaign.
Oman finally broke through after decades of near misses, while New Caledonia became one of the biggest stories of qualifying by earning a historic first appearance from Oceania.
Curacao complete the list of debutants and become one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
One of the most exciting aspects of every World Cup is discovering new teams, players and stories. These five nations will have the opportunity to create history and become the tournament’s surprise package.
Tournament Format Explained
The 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four.
Each team will play three group-stage matches.
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage.
They will be joined by the eight best third-placed teams.
This creates a 32-team knockout bracket featuring:
- Round of 32
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Final
The expanded format means more teams will experience knockout football than ever before.
Who Are The Favourites?
Several nations enter the tournament among the favourites.
Argentina
The defending champions are attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup.
With Lionel Messi potentially playing in his final World Cup and Lionel Scaloni still in charge, Argentina remain one of the most complete teams in international football.
Spain
European champions and loaded with young talent, Spain are considered one of the strongest contenders.
Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams lead a side many believe is capable of dominating world football for years to come.
France
With Kylian Mbappé at the peak of his powers and one of the deepest squads in the competition, France are expected to challenge for a third World Cup title.
Brazil
The five-time champions always carry enormous expectations.
Brazil enter the tournament looking to end a World Cup drought that stretches back to 2002.
England
England possess one of the strongest squads in the world and arrive with genuine ambitions of ending decades of World Cup heartbreak.
Discover our top five favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dark Horses To Watch
Every World Cup produces surprise packages.
Several nations could exceed expectations in 2026:
- Morocco
- Croatia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Türkiye
Morocco already became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, while Ecuador arrive on a lengthy unbeaten run and are widely regarded as one of the tournament’s most underrated teams.
Meet the five nations capable of upsetting the giants and making a deep run in North America.
The Biggest Storylines
Can Argentina Go Back-To-Back?
No nation has successfully defended the FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Argentina have the opportunity to make history.
Messi’s Last Dance?
At 39 years old, this is expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup.
The Argentine legend will be looking to end his international career on the highest possible note.
Can Mbappé Break The Goalscoring Record?
Kylian Mbappé enters the tournament with 12 World Cup goals.
He needs just five more to surpass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16.
At only 27 years old, he could become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Can Africa Reach The Final?
Morocco broke new ground in Qatar by reaching the semi-finals.
Many believe an African nation reaching the final is no longer a matter of if, but when.
Which Young Star Will Shine?
Every World Cup creates new heroes.
Players such as Lamine Yamal, Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Arda Güler and Relebohile Mofokeng could all use the tournament as a launchpad to global superstardom.
The Best Individual Awards
Several prestigious individual awards will be handed out during the tournament.
Golden Boot
Awarded to the tournament’s leading goalscorer.
Leading contenders include:
- Kylian Mbappé
- Harry Kane
- Erling Haaland
- Lionel Messi
- Lamine Yamal
Golden Ball
Awarded to the tournament’s best player.
Best Young Player
Awarded to the best player aged 21 or younger.
Golden Glove
Awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
South Africa’s Return
For South African fans, one storyline stands above all others.
Bafana Bafana are back.
South Africa return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have developed into one of Africa’s most organised teams and will be hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
Players such as Ronwen Williams, Lyle Foster, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng will carry the hopes of millions of South Africans.
Their journey begins against Mexico in the opening match of the tournament, creating a remarkable full-circle moment after the same two nations opened the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg.
Read our preview, best bets and prediction for the tournament opener.
The Markets To Watch
For bettors, the World Cup offers countless opportunities.
Popular markets include:
- Tournament Winner
- Group Winner
- Golden Boot
- Best Young Player
- Winning Continent
- Match Result
- Both Teams To Score
- Over/Under Goals
- Correct Score
- Team To Reach The Final
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.
