Storylines

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expanding to a 48-team format, hosted across North America to increase the tournament's global scale and cultural impact. • On June 16, the event broke a 32-year-old attendance record, with 281,223 fans attending four group-stage matches. • This expansion aims to maximize global viewership and revenues for what is already the world's biggest sporting event, viewed by over five billion people.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expanding to a 48-team format, creating a larger and more complex tournament structure. • Global superstars including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Lamine Yamal are expected to lead their respective nations in a high-stakes competition. • The tournament will feature the continued influence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while introducing new logistical elements such as hydration breaks.

• England will compete in the 2026 World Cup in North America, marking the team's first major tournament under the leadership of new manager Thomas Tuchel. • The squad aims to secure its first World Cup title since 1966, building on a decade of consistent performance that included two consecutive European Championship final appearances. • Tuchel will manage a 26-man roster entering the competition as one of the favorites, attempting to translate recent deep tournament runs into a championship victory.