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The World Cup starts tonight, 48 teams competing for a trophy

Politiko 2026-06-11 13:37:05

The World Cup starts tonight, 48 teams competing for a trophy

The 2026 World Cup officially begins this Thursday with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, ushering in a historic edition that for the first time will be held in three countries simultaneously: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

This World Cup comes with a new format and record participation, as 48 national teams will compete, more than in any previous edition. The matches will be played in 16 stadiums, while the grand final is scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium near New York.

In addition to the sporting spectacle, the tournament is also expected to attract attention for the debates that accompany it. Analysts and commentators have called this one of the most politicized World Cups in history, due to travel restrictions in the US for citizens of several participating countries, as well as geopolitical tensions that directly affect the organization of the competition.

In terms of sports, Spain and France are considered the main favorites for the trophy, while defending champions Argentina, Brazil, England and Portugal remain among the serious contenders. Special attention will also be paid to Japan, Ecuador and Turkey, teams that could surprise during the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is also expected to be the last global stage for two football icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, young stars such as Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala and Arda Güler are aiming to make their mark at the most important tournament in football.

This year's edition will also bring some innovations to the regulations, with the expansion of VAR's powers and new measures against delays in the game. Organizers are also preparing for the high temperatures that are expected to accompany some of the matches, especially in American stadiums.

With 104 matches on the schedule and a month full of excitement, the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most watched and discussed sporting events in recent years.

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