48 World Cup Teams Arrive in North America as Messi, Ronaldo Chase Final Run
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 4
48 World Cup Teams Arrive in North America as Messi, Ronaldo Chase Final Run
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 4
Summary
48 teams have begun arriving at training bases across Canada, Mexico and the United States for final preparations before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
The expanded format is a central storyline: with 48 entrants and eight third-placed teams able to reach the knockout stage, analysts see more room for a Cinderella run from sides such as Cape Verde, Haiti or Curaçao.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo still dominate attention, with Luka Modrić also tipped for a strong last World Cup, while players such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Luis Díaz are early Golden Ball candidates.
Co-host pressure is heaviest on Mexico and the United States, with Mexico expected to win at least one knockout match on home soil and the U.S. facing scrutiny after major investment in venues and coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Potential surprise packages include Türkiye, Japan, Canada and Colombia, while some analysts warn traditional powers England, France and defending champion Argentina could underperform in the new-look tournament.
Will the World Cup’s promised $17B US boom materialize, or will host cities face a legacy of debt?
Does the 48-team format create true Cinderella stories or just an easier path for football’s elite?
With soaring costs and travel hurdles, is the World Cup becoming an event only the wealthy can experience?
2026 FIFA World Cup Report: Expansion to 48 Teams, Record Prize Money, and Global Challenges
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest and most expansive tournament ever, taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams, the event opens new opportunities for nations that have never qualified before, such as Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. This broader representation highlights the inclusive nature of the new format and promises a more globally representative and exciting competition. The expansion not only increases participation but also brings fresh energy and diversity to the world’s biggest football stage.