2026 World Cup prepares for kickoff amid high expectations and performances
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 11:24 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
The 2026 World Cup is set to begin on June 11 across the US, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic co-hosting by three nations. The tournament expands from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches and debuts for some countries. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, and Lionel Messi, soon to be 39, are set to captain Portugal and Argentina, potentially making their last World Cup appearances. Recent hosts have struggled, raising questions about whether the trend continues. Iraq, among the 48 teams, has been previewed as a squad that has overcome adversity, ready to face a challenging group.
- •Tournament starts on June 11, 2026, with unprecedented 48 teams.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may play their final World Cup.
- •Past host nations have faced early eliminations in recent tournaments.
- •Iraq's team has been highlighted for overcoming challenges off the pitch.
- 11:24 PMYahoo Sports — A bluffer's guide to the 2026 World Cup
- 11:01 PMThe Guardian Sport — Iraq World Cup 2026 team guide
"Graham Arnold’s team have overcome adversity on and off the pitch, but may benefit from the pressure being off them in a tough group This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June Continue reading...
"Not a football superfan? Try these easy conversation-starters to sound like an expert.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 11:24 PMA bluffer's guide to the 2026 World Cup
Not a football superfan? Try these easy conversation-starters to sound like an expert.
- The Guardian SportJun 6, 2026, 11:01 PMIraq World Cup 2026 team guide
Graham Arnold’s team have overcome adversity on and off the pitch, but may benefit from the pressure being off them in a tough group This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June Continue reading...
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