Indeed, the World Cup is upon us! Every four years, the finest men’s teams worldwide converge to determine who will earn the title of world champions. This year’s event will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, spanning 16 diverse cities, including Vancouver, Kansas City, and Guadalajara. The tournament features 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four. Each team will face off against the others in its group once, with the top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout rounds. From that point on, it’s a do-or-die scenario—lose, and you’re out. If the match remains tied after extra time, a penalty shootout will decide the victor.
The grand finale is scheduled for July 19 in the New York area (technically New Jersey, officially referred to as New York/New Jersey by FIFA), wrapping up after a total of 104 matches across three nations. The inaugural match kicks off this Thursday, June 11, at Estadio Azteca, where co-hosts Mexico will battle South Africa.
Wait, There Are 48 Teams? I Thought It Was 32!
That was indeed the case in prior tournaments, including the last World Cup, with only 32 teams participating. The inaugural tournament in 1930 featured just 13 teams. Some skeptics argue that FIFA expanded the tournament to boost financial gains—after all, the previous World Cup in 2022 raked in approximately $7.5 billion. However, FIFA asserts that the additional revenue supports grassroots development in soccer, and the expanded format allows underdog teams—like Jordan, Curaçao, and England—a chance to compete against more established squads.
Isn’t FIFA All About Supporting the Underdogs? Aren’t They Loved?
Not quite universally. FIFA has faced intense backlash over exorbitant ticket prices for this summer’s matches. A recent analysis revealed that the cheapest tickets for this year’s final are nearly ten times pricier than those from the 2022 tournament. Moreover, FIFA imposes a 30% fee on ticket sales through its resale platform. Adding to the controversy is FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s decision to give a peace prize to Donald Trump, a figure currently entangled in conflicts, including a standoff with Iran.
With High Prices and Controversies, Why Should I Tune In?
Because this is where some of the world’s top athletes compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in sports. Expect stunning goals, unexpected outcomes (remember Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match last World Cup?), heartbreak for those who fall short, and euphoric celebrations for the victors.
Who Are the Likely Champions?
Spain is eager to add a World Cup victory to their European title from 2024, having previously won in 2010 as well. With a mix of talented young players, seasoned veterans, and an impressive coach, they are a formidable contender. France, which reached the final in 2022, also poses a significant threat. Defending champions Argentina are still in the running but are less dominant than they were four years ago, while their historical rivals England are among the favorites, largely due to their fervent supporters betting on them. Brazil and Germany, boasting nine titles collectively, should not be underestimated, even if they aren’t currently at their peak.
If you’re interested in making your own predictions, consider trying out our Bracketology game.
What About the Dark Horses?
Notably, New York City’s mayor and self-described democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani, has boldly claimed that Morocco will emerge victorious. Should they win, they would become the first African nation to take home the trophy, having previously reached the semi-finals in 2022. Norway, fresh from their remarkable performance at the Winter Olympics, boasts the exceptional scorer Erling Haaland. Mexico, Canada, and the US are expected to advance beyond the group stages, but their fans might realistically hope for a quarter-final appearance at best.
Which Players Should I Keep an Eye On?
The tournament will feature iconic figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, although at 41 and 38, respectively, they may not be at their best. Ousmane Dembélé, who recently helped Paris St-Germain clinch the Champions League title, is often regarded as the top player in the world. Meanwhile, Spain’s 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal is generating significant excitement. In addition, Haaland, England’s Harry Kane, and France’s Kylian Mbappé are all known for their scoring prowess, and Vitinha’s skillful play in Portugal’s midfield has earned him admiration from peers.
Where Can I Watch All These Matches?
If attending one of the 16 venues (two in Canada, three in Mexico, and 11 in the US) isn’t an option, you can enjoy the action from the comfort of your home. In the US, Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) will broadcast the matches, while Australian viewers can catch every game live on SBS and SBS Viceland. In Canada, TSN and CTV will provide English coverage, with RDS offering French broadcasts. In the UK, the BBC and ITV will share the coverage throughout the tournament. For the most comprehensive analysis, tune in for live coverage of every match on our website.
Canada, Mexico, and the US positioned their bid as a shared World Cup. However, the US will host 78 matches, with Canada and Mexico receiving 13 each, and all matches from the quarter-finals onward will take place in the US. The 2026 bid also highlighted the co-hosts’ commitment to environmental issues, though the tournament will nonetheless involve substantial travel. Should teams reach the final, many will have traveled over 8,000 kilometers, alongside their passionate fans.
How Much Prize Money Is Up for Grabs?
FIFA has set aside $727 million for prize money for this tournament, a substantial sum indeed. Nonetheless, FIFA’s vice-president, Victor Montagliani, anticipates that this World Cup will generate around $13 billion in revenue. The champions will receive $50 million, which could cover two tickets to the 2030 World Cup final.
