As a Brazilian, my love for football (or as you might call it, soccer) has been running through my veins since before I could even walk. Every game is always the same: watching, celebrating, predicting, gossiping, and definitely arguing — even when we’re still six months away from the tournament. The emotions? Already at 100%.
If you’re a girl who has no idea how the World Cup works (and honestly, there’s zero shame in that), here’s your cute, beginner-friendly crash course.
What’s the World Cup?
The World Cup is the biggest soccer event on the planet; imagine the Olympics, the Met Gala, and the Eras Tour wrapped into one chaotic, emotional, international spectacle.
In 2026, it’s getting even bigger. For the first time ever, the tournament will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In numbers, we’re talking about 48 national teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities, six elimination phases, and the whole event spanning from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
During the group stage, each of the 12 groups has four teams. Everyone plays everyone, and only the top two move on. After that? It’s pure heartbreak or pure bliss. Win and survive or lose and go home listening to “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA.
What to expect beyond the matches
Besides good vibes, fun, and some cute things to look at during the summer (wink wink), there are many more things to expect from this tournament.
Starting with fashion, these soccer kits are works of art, and every day I change my mind on which one’s prettier. The new Brazil jersey is on my Christmas wish list, but I’m also obsessed with Mexico’s and Portugal’s, and honestly, it’s becoming a problem. Give it two weeks, and you’ll want a jersey too.
Besides that, if you love plot twists, rivalries, cliffhangers, and crying men, you’re welcome. The World Cup provides everything a reality show offers, but it’s international and with higher stakes. Expect arguments on and off the field, a lot of tears, impossible last-minute goals, and drama with a side of adrenaline — imagine Love Island vibes but in cleats.
Expect your For You Page to become a runway of national-flag makeup looks, GRWMs for matches, stadium OOTDs, and couples wearing matching jerseys. Suddenly, every group chat becomes a live sports commentary (with only one friend actually understanding offside), and everyone discovers a new international crush. There are plenty of themed snacks, cocktails, and watch parties becoming the new “let’s get drinks.”
There will also be some rituals and celebrations for you to admire or to cry over. They can go from heart hands and choreographed team dances, to kissing their wrists — usually for the players’ babies or girlfriends. You can also see some players removing their jerseys to reveal another shirt underneath, with a sweet or impactful message on it.
If you’re not already loyal to a country, you’ll pick one and defend it like you were born in its stadium, complete with themed nails and a Pinterest board. With three host countries, expect travel TikToks, fan zones, pop-up bars, and enough drama, adrenaline, and emotional damage to rival any reality TV show.
Whether you’re here for the sport, the vibe, the fashion, or the cute players, this World Cup isn’t just for boys screaming at the TV. It’s for the girls who love a little international drama, aesthetics, and summertime excitement.
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