World Cup 2026 goes big: 48 teams across North America, with a crowded schedule and big-ticket questions
The Athletic’s 100-question guide explains the first 48-team World Cup, spreading 104 games across 16 North American venues (USA, Canada, Mexico) from June 11 to July 19, with a 12-group format feeding into a 32-team knockout stage (top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams). It covers logistics, tickets and soaring prices, heat/altitude considerations, travel, security, and the political/societal spotlight around Infantino and Trump, while highlighting the U.S. men’s national team under Mauricio Pochettino and stars like Christian Pulisic. The piece also touches on new elements (hydration breaks, the Trionda ball), fan experiences, and the broader push to grow soccer in the U.S. ahead of a likely record-viewing event.