The 2026 World Cup is the biggest tournament football has ever attempted, stretched across three countries and sixteen stadiums. For the players it is a once-in-a-generation stage. For the host cities it is a logistics test measured in flights, fan zones and hotel rooms.

What happened

The expanded format gives smaller nations a real chance to reach the knockout rounds, and early results suggest some of them intend to take it.

“Every nation arrives believing this is its summer. Only one leaves without regrets.”

Why it matters

Whatever happens in the final, the tournament will be remembered as the moment football truly went continental.

Key facts

• The 2026 World Cup is the biggest tournament football has ever attempted, stretched across three countries and sixteen stadiums.

• The expanded format gives smaller nations a real chance to reach the knockout rounds, and early results suggest some of them intend to take it.