The World Cup is now just over 100 days away and the buzz is reaching fever pitch ahead of what looks to be the most ambitious tournament to date. It has been more than three-and-a-half years since Lionel Messi's Argentina reached the summit of world football, and now the elite nations are finalising their plans to snatch away that most famous of trophies.
For the first time, 48 nations will descend upon the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 finals. With 104 matches scheduled across the summer months, fans are being promised an unprecedented festival of football across the North American continent.
The action kicks off on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where Mexico face South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup's opening fixture. Following five weeks of high-stakes drama, the tournament will reach its climax at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the new world champions will be crowned.
England, France, and Brazil are widely tipped as the teams most likely to end Argentina's reign. The expanded format also makes room for history, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan all preparing for their first-ever appearance at the finals.
Who will win the World Cup? Have your say, here!
Portugal will be desperate for glory in what many expect to be Cristiano Ronaldo's international swan song. Meanwhile, European champions Spain and a resurgent Germany are both gunning for the top spot as the world's heavyweights prepare to go toe-to-toe.
England arrive as one of the genuine frontrunners, now led by Thomas Tuchel. The German has been tasked with ending 60 years of frustration for the Three Lions, whose last major triumph remains that 1966 victory on home soil. Under Gareth Southgate, they fell just short in 2018, but the feeling now is that they have the tactical edge to go all the way.
They will face stiff competition from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil. The legendary Italian coach has a star-studded squad at his disposal as he looks to bring home a record sixth star. The Seleção haven't lifted the trophy since 2002 and are determined to avenge the success of their bitter rivals, Argentina, from the last outing in Qatar.
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