The wait is finally over. After two years of qualifying matches involving nations from every corner of the globe, the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway today 11th of June, 2026 ushering in what promises to be the biggest and most ambitious tournament in football history.
For millions of fans, the World Cup remains more than just a sporting event. It is a global celebration that unites countries, cultures and generations through a shared passion for football.
This year’s tournament is historic on several fronts. For the first time, 48 teams will compete for football’s most coveted prize, expanding the competition beyond the traditional 32-team format.
The tournament is also being jointly hosted by three nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico marking another first in World Cup history.
The opening match will see co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium, setting the stage for over a month of football action that will culminate in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19.
A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities spread across the three host nations. While the expanded format presents significant logistical challenges, it also offers more countries the opportunity to compete on football’s grandest stage.
Defending champions Argentina arrive in North America hoping to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Led by captain Lionel Messi, the South Americans remain among the favourites alongside traditional powerhouses Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, England and Uruguay the only nations to have won the World Cup since the competition began in 1930.
Brazil, seeking a record-extending sixth title, will be guided by renowned Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, while France will look to build on the form that saw Kylian Mbappe emerge as the tournament’s top scorer four years ago.
This edition will also welcome four debutants Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, highlighting football’s growing reach across the globe.
Africa will enjoy unprecedented representation, with 10 nations participating in the tournament. Morocco, whose remarkable run to the semi-finals in Qatar made history, will once again carry the hopes of a continent eager to see one of its teams challenge for the title.
Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt and other African representatives will also be aiming to make a significant impact as the continent seeks its first World Cup triumph.
Off the pitch, however, geopolitical tensions threaten to cast a shadow over the tournament. Ongoing conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East have generated controversy in the build-up to the competition. FIFA’s decision to maintain Russia’s exclusion following its invasion of Ukraine remains a major talking point.
Despite these concerns, football enthusiasts across the world are expected to focus on the action on the field, where new heroes will emerge and fresh memories will be created.
The financial stakes are equally impressive. FIFA has increased the tournament prize pool to $770 million, with every participating nation guaranteed at least $10.5 million. The eventual champions will receive $50 million, while clubs releasing players for the tournament will also share substantial compensation.
As always, attention will shift to the knockout rounds beginning on June 28, where the pressure intensifies and legends are often made.
While the tournament promises excitement, several notable football nations will be watching from home.
Four-time world champions Italy headline the list of absentees after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Azzurri, winners in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, have now missed the 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments despite boasting a squad filled with elite talent.
Nigeria is another major absentee. The Super Eagles failed to secure qualification, extending their absence from the competition after also missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
For Nigerian fans, however, there will still be some representation at the global showpiece, with music stars Burna Boy, Davido, Rema and Ayra Starr set to perform during World Cup-related events.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify remains a painful reminder of missed opportunities. After becoming a regular feature at the World Cup since making their debut at USA ’94, the three-time African champions have now missed consecutive editions of the tournament.
Cameroon, another African heavyweight, also failed to book a place at the finals, while Zambia, Denmark, Hungary, Romania, Poland and Chile are among the other notable teams missing from the competition.
Despite the disappointment for those left out, attention now turns to the month-long festival of football that awaits. With a record number of teams, unprecedented global interest and billions watching around the world,
World Cup 2026 promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the history of the beautiful game.
Advertisement