The 2026 World Cup will be the largest soccer tournament in history since it is expanding from 32 teams to 48 teams this year. This allows for even more countries to participate than before, especially those that would not usually reach the entry requirements. Some teams making their tournament debut are Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Because of FIFA’s choice to include more countries, more fans have the opportunity to experience rooting for their team in the World Cup. Furthermore, the tournament will feature more games due to the increase of teams participating. The 2022 World Cup featured 64 matches in total while the 2026 World Cup will have 104 matches total. A 40-game increase will make the 2026 World Cup the longest one to date. “I’m really excited to see more teams given a chance to compete in the World Cup,” Faith Saba (12) says.
Additionally, the event will be hosted in three different countries for the first time in history. These countries include the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Due to the games being in several countries, time zones will play a crucial role in kickoff times and broadcast schedules. The tournament will range from 4 different time zones across 16 major cities. Alongside time zones, weather conditions will be another major factor that must be taken into account by those organizing the times and places of the games. Weather is always an important factor in athlete’s performances, which can either benefit or negatively affect their gameplay. Hasika Potluri (12) expresses, “I think it’s really cool that it’s in multiple countries this year because it gives more people the opportunity to be able to go to the games.”
The tournament is estimated to garner as high as $14 billion for FIFA, which would be an all-time high for them. It will also bring a lot of tourism to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, meaning that these countries will have put a lot of effort into preparing their infrastructures, stadiums, and security measures that will ensure that everything runs smoothly.
As of recently, Spain, France, and England are predicted to have a high chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament. However, a great majority of fans are rooting for Spain. Overall, the World Cup is more than a tournament regardless of the winner because it unites the whole world as they gather to watch the games and support their favorite teams.
