Here we are! You’ve likely caught wind of the skyrocketing ticket prices, the hefty parking fees, the soaring temperatures, the water bottle regulations, the uncertainty around Iran’s participation, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close ties to the Oval Office, but at last—we’re just days away from the kickoff of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, ready to take center stage once more.
It’s been quite a journey to this point, with the excitement building as match day approaches, just like in previous tournaments held in South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and Qatar. In the end, it’s always the players and teams that steal the spotlight as we look back on those World Cups.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will undoubtedly dominate memories of Qatar four years back, while the remarkable feats of Kylian Mbappé captured our hearts in Russia 2018. Germany’s stunning 7-1 victory over Brazil in 2014 is now infamously known as the ‘Mineirazo‘ (Agony of Belo Horizonte), and Spain will always be remembered for their triumph in 2010.
– What you need to know about all 48 teams at the biggest World Cup ever
– World Cup Rank: The 50 best players who’ll be at the 2026 tournament
– Kit ranking: All 105 jerseys at the World Cup, ranked from worst to first
Pre-tournament worries about incomplete stadiums, unreliable transport, and issues regarding workers and minority rights usually fade into the background, rightly or wrongly, once the matches commence. History suggests that the same will happen during this edition in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, for this to occur, it’s crucial that players, teams, and fans reconnect with the World Cup, reclaiming it from the grasp of administrators, politicians, and sponsors who often seek to prioritize their interests.
Nobody can ignite the World Cup like Spain’s Lamine Yamal, England‘s Harry Kane, Portugal‘s Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, or even USMNT hero Christian Pulisic. And just imagine the atmosphere in Bosnia-Herzegovina if 40-year-old Edin Dzeko scores a game-winning goal, or the excitement in Port-au-Prince if Wilson Isidor nets a victory against Scotland in Haiti’s Group C opener on Sunday in Boston.
These are the unforgettable moments that create World Cup magic, reinforcing its place as the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet. It allows nations to showcase themselves on a global stage like no other.
Everyone remembers where they were when Cameroon shocked the defending champions Argentina in the opening match of Italia ’90. Similarly, Senegal made headlines by defeating France in the opening fixture of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Will Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan experience a similar moment of national pride on their World Cup debuts this summer?
There’s always an underdog that rises up, like Morocco reaching the semifinals in Qatar. With 32 teams qualifying for the knockout stage in this expanded 48-nation tournament, the opportunity for an outsider to shine is greater than ever.
This will undoubtedly take place, just as the race for the Golden Boot will see renowned strikers like Kane, Mbappé, or Ronaldo face competition from unexpected talents—much like Russia’s Denis Cheryshev, who was a surprising contender for the top scorer in 2018.
Though the group stage might seem like a lengthy process to narrow down to 32 teams, the anticipation of watching three to four matches daily becomes incredibly engaging. By the time the first day without games arrives—July 8—there’s often a palpable sense of emptiness and longing for the matches to resume.
Once the knockout phase begins, the real excitement kicks in, creating unforgettable memories through extra time, penalty shootouts, moments of despair and joy, and a turbulent journey to the final. The highs and lows of facing formidable opponents lead fans to think, “This might be our year!”
Only a select few nations enter this World Cup as genuine contenders for victory. While the European Championship and Copa America can surprise, the World Cup remains a realm for football’s most formidable countries.
Portugal stands out as a potential candidate for their first World Cup win this summer, but it would be remarkable if any team outside of Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, and Spain—previous champions—walks away with the trophy from New Jersey on July 19.
By then, football will take over the conversation, with new talent emerging and seasoned veterans (like Ronaldo, Messi, and Luka Modric) stepping away from the grand stage for the final time. Children around the world will discover heroes they never heard of before the tournament.
As for the pre-tournament buzz? It will have been long forgotten, drowned out by the thrilling action on the field, just as it has always been.