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Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 8World Cup 2026 Opens With 48 Teams Across 3 North American Hosts
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 8Summary
- Thursday’s opener in Mexico starts the first 48-team World Cup, with matches in Canada and the United States beginning Friday.
- Mexico and the United States enter as favorites to top their groups, while Canada is projected to finish second behind Switzerland in Group B.
- Mexico is favored at -140 in Group A, the United States at +125 in Group D, and Canada at +170 to win Group B.
- The expanded tournament uses 12 groups of four, with the three host nations aiming to turn home advantage into at least a round-of-16 run.
Insights
With its key defender's status uncertain, can the USMNT's shaky defense survive its World Cup opener on home soil? Will the expanded 48-team World Cup create legendary underdog stories or dilute the tournament with uncompetitive matches?