We’re less than two months from kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, and this one will look very different from anything we’ve seen before.
Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, this edition is expanding in both size and scope, bringing major changes for players, fans, and the way the competition unfolds. Here’s what’s new for 2026.
The Favorites
It’s only fitting to start with the teams most likely to lift the trophy this summer (odds via FanDuel).
At the top of the board is Spain at +430, fresh off its UEFA European Championship title just over two years ago. Spain enters as one of the most complete teams in the field, blending emerging stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri with established leaders such as Rodri and Mikel Merino. After three straight early exits at major tournaments, expectations are firmly set on a deep run.
Next is France at +470, currently ranked No. 1 in the world by FIFA. Led by Kylian Mbappé and backed by one of the deepest squads in international football, France will again be among the most dangerous teams here. Manager Didier Deschamps is also expected to step down after the competition, adding another layer of motivation.
England sits third at +650, still chasing its first World Cup title since 1966. With a talented core that has consistently contended, this could be another opportunity to break through.
Elsewhere on the board, Brazil is listed at +750, the defending champions Argentina at +850, and both Germany and Portugal at +1100, rounding out a crowded group of contenders.
Format Changes
The 2026 World Cup is expanding from 32 to 48 teams, a significant jump that brings nearly a quarter of all FIFA nations into the field.
The new format features 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to a newly added round of 32 following the group stage. In the past, only the top two teams progressed directly to the round of 16, so this change creates more opportunities for nations to reach the knockout stage while also adding an extra hurdle to the path of a title run.
In total, the tournament will feature 104 matches, a substantial increase from previous editions. While the expanded format opens the door for broader global participation, it has also raised concerns about player workload and the risk of fatigue and injuries over the course of the competition.
Venues
The 2026 World Cup will also break from tradition in how it is hosted. Instead of a single country, matches will be spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Canada will host games in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico will feature Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. The United States will host the majority of matches across 11 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York/New Jersey, with the final set to be played at MetLife Stadium.
One notable adjustment involves playing surfaces. Several U.S. venues currently use artificial turf, but to meet FIFA requirements, those stadiums will install temporary natural grass for the tournament. It’s a necessary change for player safety and match quality, and one the NFL might want to keep in mind when its own season begins this fall.
Fan Experience
Beyond concerns over the expanded format, there is already frustration building around logistics, particularly at MetLife Stadium.
A typical ride on New Jersey Transit from Penn Station in New York City to the stadium usually costs around $13. For the World Cup, however, that price is expected to exceed $100, as the agency looks to offset roughly $48 million in event-related costs.
Driving offers little relief. There will be no on-site parking or tailgating at the stadium, leaving fans with limited alternatives. The primary option is the nearby American Dream Mall, where parking is projected to cost around $225 per spot.
For an event built on global accessibility, those added costs are likely to frustrate fans and raise questions about the overall experience.
Injuries & Notable Absences
Several contenders will enter the 2026 World Cup short-handed due to key injuries.
In Europe, France will be without Hugo Ekitike, who suffered a ruptured Achilles in a recent Champions League match. Germany also takes a hit with Serge Gnabry ruled out due to an adductor tendon tear after playing a key role in qualifying.
Brazil faces multiple absences as well. Rodrygo is sidelined with a torn ACL suffered in March, while defender Éder Militão is expected to miss the tournament following hamstring surgery that carries a lengthy recovery timeline.
Mexico will be without goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, a key contributor to recent Concacaf success. His absence, however, opens the door for veteran Guillermo Ochoa, who is set to appear in his sixth World Cup alongside legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Other notable absences include the Netherlands’ Xavi Simons (knee), the United States’ Jonathan Klinsmann (neck), and Japan’s Takumi Minamino (ACL).
Final Kick
The 2026 World Cup marks a turning point, with expansion and structural changes that will carry beyond this summer. Whether it delivers a better product or a more complicated one, its impact will be felt long after the final whistle. And as always, it unfolds on the sport’s biggest stage, where the expectations never change and the anticipation only grows.
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