The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be unlike any tournament we have seen before. For the first time, three countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico – will share hosting duties, with matches staged across 16 cities including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Toronto and Vancouver. The competition runs from June 11 to July 19, kicking off at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca and concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This will also be the first 48-team World Cup. The new format features 12 groups of four, with the top two and eight best third-placed sides progressing to a last-32 knockout phase, taking the total number of matches from 64 to 104. It means more nations on the biggest stage and a more demanding route to lifting the trophy.
Who Are the Favourites?
Bookmakers have already sketched out a clear pack of frontrunners. After their Euro 2024 triumph and continued strong form, Spain sit narrowly at the head of the market, with England, France, Brazil and defending champions Argentina close behind. World Cup betting online suggests that this core of established powers remain best equipped to navigate the expanded format, thanks to strong squads and proven tournament know-how.
Prodigies like Lamine Yamal fuel Spain’s new-look side, while England’s golden generation, led by Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, look determined to end their long wait for a trophy. France still have Kylian Mbappe at the peak of his powers, Brazil can call on Vinicius Junior, and an exciting supporting cast, and Argentina’s experienced core will believe they can contend again. Just behind sit Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands, all dangerous if the draw breaks kindly.
Stars Ready to Light Up the World Cup
Every World Cup creates new superstars, but 2026 feels tailored for a generational handover. Bellingham, already a talisman for club and country, should arrive close to his peak as the complete modern midfielder, capable of dictating games and providing goals. Yamal, still a teenager, is tipped to be one of the faces of the tournament thanks to his fearless dribbling and creativity in the final third.
Germany’s Florian Wirtz, Netherlands playmaker Xavi Simons and Brazil’s teenage attacker Endrick are widely highlighted as potential breakout stars, while players such as Jamal Musiala, Gavi and Joao Neves could also take another leap on the world stage. Add in the established elite – Mbappe, Vinicius and the battle-hardened Harry Kane – and the attacking talent on show should be exceptional.
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Storylines to Watch
The three hosts will command huge attention: the United States aiming to prove their progress on home soil, Canada building on their 2022 breakthrough, and Mexico chasing a long-awaited run beyond the last 16. In an expanded field, Africa and Asia will also fancy deeper runs. Sides like Senegal, Japan, and South Korea have already shown they can compete with anyone on their day, and extra qualification slots give emerging nations more experience and belief.
With an extra game for those who reach the latter stages, squad management and rotation will matter more than ever. Coaches who keep key players fresh while maintaining rhythm could find a vital edge in the closing fortnight.
Final Thoughts
For travelling supporters, this World Cup promises a festival feel: state-of-the-art stadiums, vast fan zones and the chance to experience three distinct football cultures within one tournament. For those watching from home, the expanded schedule means more football crammed into five weeks than ever before, with high-stakes fixtures from the very first round.
The 2026 World Cup is set up to be bigger, noisier and more unpredictable than any edition that has come before. With a historic three-nation hosting, a bold new format and a generation of rising stars ready to seize the stage, everything points towards a summer that could redefine what the World Cup looks and feels like for decades to come.
