2026 World Cup Guide Profiles 48 Teams Ahead of Expanded Tournament in 3 Host Nations
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 7
2026 World Cup Guide Profiles 48 Teams Ahead of Expanded Tournament in 3 Host Nations
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 7
Summary
A new team-by-team guide maps all 48 nations heading to the 2026 World Cup, outlining how each qualified, how they play, and the key players and squad issues to watch.
The tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest men’s World Cup yet, expanding from 32 teams and bringing in several debutants and less familiar nations.
The guide highlights pressure on co-hosts such as Mexico, injury concerns around stars including Canada’s Alphonso Davies and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, and late coaching shifts for contenders including Brazil and Morocco.
It also frames the field through broader storylines: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo chasing likely final World Cups, traditional powers such as Germany and Brazil seeking rebounds, and newcomers like Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan chasing history.