Get ready for the biggest World Cup ever! What you...
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup will launch on June 11, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring 48 teams and a final on July 19.
- Group A consists of Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia, with Mexico opening the tournament.
- World Cup debutants include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, making their first appearance.
- Star players to watch include Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Kylian Mbappé (France), Harry Kane (England), Vinícius Júnior (Brazil), and Lamine Yamal (Spain).
- Betting odds for the tournament are provided by DraftKings (as of publication).
Why it matters: Fans and host cities gain more matches and tourism revenue, while betting operators like DraftKings see heightened wagering activity from the expanded 48‑team format and star‑studded line‑ups.
