The FIFA World Cup 2026 has commenced across North America, marking a significant evolution for football's premier international tournament. For the first time in its history, 48 nations are competing, organised into 12 groups. This expansion from the previous 32-team format seen in Qatar 2022 means a substantial increase in matches, with 104 games scheduled throughout the competition.
The co-hosting nations, Mexico, the USA, and Canada, have been positioned as top seeds in Groups A, B, and D respectively. England finds itself in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while Scotland is in Group C, facing Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. The structure for progression to the knockout stages has also been revised: the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the newly introduced Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams across all groups. This means that a relatively small points tally, potentially even just three, could be sufficient for some teams to advance.
The tournament began at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue steeped in World Cup history, famous for hosting two finals and significant moments from Diego Maradona's career in 1986. Mexico and Canada are each set to host 13 matches, while the United States will stage the majority of the games, with 78 fixtures. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining matches will take place in the US, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This expanded format is expected to provide more opportunities for nations to compete on the global stage, potentially leading to new rivalries and unexpected outcomes. It also means a longer tournament duration and more football action for fans worldwide. With football legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo widely anticipated to make their final World Cup appearances, the tournament carries an added layer of historical significance.
Early discussions amongst pundits and fans are already focusing on potential winners. Defending champions Argentina, a strong French squad, England's 'golden generation', and an evolving young Spanish side are among the teams frequently mentioned as strong contenders for the coveted trophy.