FIFA World Cup 2026: 10 Fascinating Facts to Know

Every World Cup is significant, but the 2026 tournament is particularly noteworthy. With more teams, more matches, and a record-breaking format, it is already shaping up to be a historic event for loyal football fans and casual viewers alike.

1. The 48-Team Expansion

Here is a major shift: for the first time in history, the men’s World Cup will feature 48 national teams, up from the usual 32. Sure, it sounds like just a boring numerical adjustment, but think about the ripple effect. It fundamentally reshapes the entire dynamic. It means fresh stories from nations that have never dreamed of this before and global representation on a level we have never seen.

2. A Calendar-Busting 104 Matches

Naturally, more teams equal more matches. A lot more. The total number of games is jumping from 64 to a frankly astonishing 104. For fans like us, it is just incredible news—weeks of virtually nonstop action. From a business angle, it is obviously a massive commercial goldmine, but the real thrill lies in simply looking forward to a solid month of pure football.

3. A Historic World Cup Hosted by Three Countries

While we have seen co-hosting before, this is the very first time the men’s World Cup is being spread across three distinct nations: the USA, Mexico, and Canada. With matches held in 16 cities across the continent, it is not just a tournament—it is a truly international festival of football.

4. The Striking Football Culture Gaps Between Three Nations

Despite being neighbors, the United States, Canada, and Mexico have vastly different relationships with football. Down in Mexico, football is not just a game; it is woven into the very fabric of daily life. Matchdays are less like sporting events and more like national holidays. Then you cross the border, and the landscape changes completely. In the US and Canada, sports like gridiron football, basketball, baseball, and hockey still hold the crown.

But that sharp contrast is exactly why this tournament is so important. Many of us see this as a potential tipping point. Just look at what Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami did for MLS recently—interest is just exploding right now.