The Sun officially starts today: Why this could be the most beautiful World Cup in history

The biggest football spectacle on the planet officially begins today.

For the first time in history, the World Cup will be played with 48 teams. The matches will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The United States will have 11 host stadiums, Mexico 3 and Canada 2. By rule, the host countries are automatically qualified. 

From the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico, under unstable weather between sun and rain, to the final that will be played next month near New York, millions of fans around the globe will live 39 days full of emotions, hopes, disappointments and moments that will remain forever in their memories.

The prestigious British newspaper, The Sun, has written in an article why this World Cup could be the most beautiful in history.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest tournament ever organized. For the first time in history, 48 national teams will participate, while a full 104 matches will be held in 16 cities spread across three host countries: the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

When these three countries won the right to host the 2018 tournament, the reaction was enthusiastic. However, as the tournament approaches, not all fans are willing to travel. The high costs of tickets, hotels, flights, restaurants and local transportation have led many to forgo the North American adventure.

Despite the criticism and organizational challenges, expectations remain high. Football continues to be a force that unites millions of people and this World Cup promises to offer spectacle in every corner of the continent.

The start at the Azteca Stadium has a special symbolism. It is where two historic World Cup finals have been played: in 1970, when Brazil led by Pelé amazed the world, and in 1986, when Diego Maradona wrote one of the greatest chapters in football.

However, this year's final will not be played in Mexico. In practice, this is considered a US-centric World Cup, with Canada and Mexico hosting a more limited number of matches.

The biggest innovation remains the expansion to 48 teams. The new format brings more matches and more opportunities for smaller national teams, but it has also raised questions about the complexity of the competition. However, the knockout stages will be longer and more dramatic, requiring the champion to win five straight matches to lift the trophy.

Another challenge will be the vast distances between the host cities. Teams will have to travel thousands of kilometers, cross different time zones and adapt to completely different climatic conditions.

Meanwhile, the new rules against time-wasting seem to be paying off. The game is expected to be more dynamic and the ball will stay in play longer, increasing the intensity of the matches.

Meanwhile, The Sun has focused much of its attention on England. The English national team, now managed by Thomas Tuchel, enter the tournament with high expectations after the success of recent years under Gareth Southgate. The objective is clear: winning the trophy. Any other result will be considered a disappointment for a team aiming for the top of world football.

However, the rivals are numerous and strong. France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina remain the main contenders for the title.

This World Cup could also mark the last appearance on the biggest stage for two of modern football's icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. There is even a possibility that they could face each other in the final stages of the tournament, in what would be one of the most anticipated duels in football history.

On the other hand, the tournament will also welcome new debutants such as Jordan, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Curaçao, bringing new stories and big dreams.

For more than five weeks, fans will experience intense emotions, spectacular matches, decisive goals and dramatic moments. The World Cup remains the event that manages to unite the globe like no other sporting competition.

The battle for the throne of world football has just begun.