Two months out and the World Cup 2026 is starting to feel very real. The biggest tournament in football history - 48 teams, three host nations, 12 groups - kicks off in June across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The format
FIFA expanded the field from 32 to 48 teams, meaning 12 groups of four. Top two from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams. More nations in the mix and a harder path to obscurity for the smaller sides who qualified for the first time.
Groups to watch
Europe arrives in strong shape. England finally look like they have figured something out. France have Mbappe back to his best. South Korea captain Son Heung-min heads into the tournament in form - 34 years old but no sign of decline through the Tottenham season. World Cups have a funny way of pulling the best out of players in their final dance.
Brazil are Brazil - either dominant or spectacular chaos. Argentina enter as defending champions but everyone is ready for them now. Messi is still Messi, which remains an absurd sentence to type in 2026.
The host nations
USA play in front of enormous crowds at MetLife and SoFi Stadium. Canada host their first World Cup since 1986 with Davies and David leading the attack. Mexico always survive the group stage - the round-of-16 curse either breaks here or becomes the most persistent joke in football history.
Dark horses
Morocco were the story of Qatar 2022 and have kept building. Japan are quietly one of the best-organized sides in the tournament. Portugal look more fluid now - Leao, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha driving a side less dependent on any one player.
Bottom line
The group stage of a 48-team World Cup will have some poor matches - that is just math. But it will also have the moments that stop everything else. Set the alarm, pick your groups, and enjoy it. These come around once every four years.
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