Welcome to the 2026 World Cup
A first look at the biggest World Cup ever — 48 teams, three host nations, and everything we'll be covering here all summer long.
The 2026 World Cup is the biggest in the tournament’s history: 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations across North America. Whether you watch every kick or just want to know who’s going to lift the trophy, this is the place to follow along.
What makes 2026 different
For the first time, the group stage is built around twelve groups of four. The top two from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams — 32 sides into a single-elimination knockout that ends in New Jersey on 19 July.
This is also where we’ll publish our predictions and analysis. Components like the one below are interactive — proof that a static article can carry live, hydrated pieces exactly where they earn their place:
What we’ll cover
- Predictions — who we think wins, with a transparent model you can poke at.
- Match previews and reviews — the stories around the fixtures that matter.
- Analysis — the numbers, made readable.
Stick around. It’s going to be a fun few weeks.