Preparations for the 2026 US-Canada-Mexico World Cup enter the final sprint. It is the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations and the debut of a 48-team format. Many fans still remember the dramatic Qatar final where Messi led Argentina to beat France and drew over 1.5 billion global viewers. Hosted in North America, the tournament once faced criticism over bloated competition rules, high construction carbon emissions and pricey tickets, yet all disputes fade as kickoff approaches.
This World Cup marks the final World Cup journey for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Modric and Neuer take part in their fifth World Cup, while Mbappé, Haaland and Yamal step into the spotlight as football’s next generation. Defending champion Argentina stays competitive, chased by top sides like France, Brazil, Germany and England. Newcomers including Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan and Jordan make their World Cup debut, and Iraq returns after a 40-year absence.
With June 2 set as FIFA’s squad deadline, national teams publish rosters one after another. On May 29, Argentina confirmed its lineup: nearly 39-year-old Messi captains the side for his sixth World Cup. Scaloni only made nine roster tweaks from the title-winning Qatar squad, keeping 17 champions while Di Maria and Dybala miss out. Messi shifts into a spiritual leader role with Lautaro and Alvarez leading the attack.
Aged 41, Ronaldo features in Portugal’s 27-man squad, making history as the first footballer to compete in six World Cups, likely playing his last World Cup. Spain’s squad draws heated debate with zero Real Madrid players. After 944 days out of the national setup, 34-year-old Neymar returns to Brazil for his fourth World Cup; Messi publicly backed his selection, and Neymar celebrated with friends upon being picked.
Veteran keepers and midfielders include 40-year-old Neuer for Germany, Modric for Croatia, De Bruyne and Lukaku for Belgium. Mbappé starts his third World Cup with 12 goals from previous two tournaments; France’s star-studded squad sees Camavinga and Muani omitted unexpectedly. At 22, Haaland ends Norway’s 28-year major tournament drought after a stunning qualifying run of 16 goals in 8 matches against group rival France. 18-year-old Yamal earns a Spain spot despite ongoing injury, valued at €200 million. Germany mixes veteran Neuer with teenage prospect, while England leaves out Foden and Arnold alongside Kane and Bellingham.
Group draw was held in Washington on Dec 6,2025. 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four; top two plus eight best third-placed teams advance to an expanded knockout stage starting from Round of 32. FIFA announced training bases on May 26:39 teams base in USA,7 in Mexico,2 in Canada, with Argentina in Kansas City, England in Swope Soccer Village, Brazil in Columbia Park and France at Bentley University.
World Cup unites fans across borders and time zones. As the countdown ticks down, legends’ farewell and youngsters’ rise will craft an unforgettable 2026 World Cup.