The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11th with three host countries—the USA, Canada, and Mexico—and feature 48 teams for the first time. Some veterans are hoping to make a final run. Messi and Argentina are looking to go back-to-back, and Ronaldo, with a strong Portugal team, is trying to make his case for GOAT status.
This will likely be the big three’s last World Cup—Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar—and it may also be the last time we see childhood heroes represent their national teams on this stage. Stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric, Harry Kane, and Mo Salah have all had success at the World Cup and will look to make one last run. Although this will be the last World Cup for many distinguished and skilled players, we will also see the emergence of young, talented stars who can take over the world.
Hot youngsters leading Spain with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are favorites to take home the biggest event in sports. Right behind them is France, with Kylian Mbappé, who has reached the finals of both World Cups he’s played in. France also has Ousmane Dembele and Désiré Doué, who are fresh off back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG. Other strong candidates include Turkey, with youngster Arda Güler, and Brazil, with Vini Jr. and Raphinha.
Unfortunately, some excellent stars will be missing out on this legacy tournament. Robert Lewandowski, who recently announced he is leaving Barcelona, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missed the cut. Both elite-level players are missing out on the tournament, but still have great careers.
The tournament has been getting well-deserved hype. The big question remains: Who will take home the trophy this summer?
