The FIFA World Cup is coming back to the United States for a summer filled with soccer, watch parties and definitely a lot of upsets or drama. With the new format including a never-before-seen 48 teams and three countries hosting, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, there’s a lot to look forward to. There will be a record 104 matches played over 39 days across 16 host cities, kicking off on June 11.
The Format
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to a new knockout stage. The tournament will include an additional Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and the final on July 19, 2026.
The UNDerdogs
In qualification rounds, everyone was shocked that Italy was defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’m excited for more upsets in the tournament itself. There are also a couple of countries debuting in the World Cup for the first time, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
Uncle SAm
The United States’ men’s soccer team has been through a lot these past few years. From sacking Gregg Berhalter to now appointing famed former Chelsea coach Pochettino, it’s been an interesting ride. Nonetheless, it’s exciting to root for Team USA on home turf, and captain Christian Pulisic has a lot to hold up this year.
Tickets
Unfortunately, FIFA has handled tickets very poorly this year. To get a ticket, you had to play a lottery, and they were already so expensive. Scalpers are a huge issue as well, as tickets are being resold for thousands of dollars. It really harms the fans who support the teams and who want to see their team play live.
For many, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which makes these accessibility issues even more frustrating. While I missed out on a ticket, I’m excited to watch at home with friends and family.
FAN Fests
These events are a great alternative for fans who can’t attend matches in person, creating a lively atmosphere that captures the global spirit of the tournament. For example, the Fan Fest in New York City is going to be in Rockefeller Center. According to FIFA, “It will offer live match viewings, interactive soccer experiences, meet-and-greets, local vendors and more.”
Soccer is all about bringing people together. From the same nationalities to even deep rivalries, soccer (or football, for the Europeans) is a language we all understand. The passion and energy from the fans will be unmatched at these events.
Brackets
When the tournament gets to the Round of 16, my family and I will always draw up our bracket for the matchups we think will lead to the final. It’s always fun to look back at the predictions and compare. Make it a friendly competition between friends or family!
No matter who you’re rooting for, or if you’re just a neutral fan, the World Cup is for everyone. It will be available to watch in the U.S. on FOX, Peacock, Telemundo and NBC Universo. Whether you’re watching from the stadium, a fan fest or your living room, the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most memorable tournaments yet.