The Biggest World Cup Ever Has Arrived

There has been much controversy in the build-up to this World Cup. Extortionate ticket prices have limited the number of fans travelling from Europe and elsewhere while the political situation in the USA has made it difficult for even some players and coaches to enter the country.

Almost every week in the build-up to the World Cup has brought another crisis or controversy and yet there is still plenty to look forward to. The expanded format has opened the door for more teams to take a seat at the top table of international football and so there will be no shortage of storylines to follow once the action kicks off.

Curacao are one of the teams set to make their World Cup debut. With a population of just over 150,000 people, they are the smallest nation to ever punch their ticket to the tournament and could now make an impact with the world watching. The Blue Wave deserve your attention.

Jordan and Uzbekistan are two more debutants at this World Cup while Haiti are playing at their first since 1974 when they were known as Zaire. While the trophy will ultimately be lifted by one of the giants of the international game, the defining tales of the 2026 World Cup could be created by some of the relative minnows. That’s where the real interest could be found.

This isn’t to say there won’t be things to keep the attention among the frontrunners. Spain are considered favourites after winning Euro 2024, yet are sweating on the fitness of Lamine Yamal who missed the last month of the season through injury. Nico Williams is another injury concern for the European champions.

France might boast the most fearsome frontline of any World Cup team with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue all capable of a match-winning moment. However, concerns remain about the viability of Deschamps-ball to get the best out of these attackers.

England are another team with a deep squad. However, Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home will be scrutinised if the Three Lions fall short as they have in every World Cup since 1966. Tuchel has been hired to get England over the line. Anything less than that will be considered a failure.

Portugal look to have their strongest squad since their fabled ‘golden generation,’ yet continue to play 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as their starting centre forward when Roberto Martinez might be better off favouring other options. Ronaldo could hold back his country from experiencing World Cup glory.

Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions after getting their hands on the World Cup trophy in Qatar three-and-a-half years ago. Lionel Scaloni’s side are still strong from back to front and Messi, even at the age of 38, has the ability to decide a match at the elite level.

Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands also have good reason to believe they can make a deep run at this summer’s World Cup. There will be upsets and lends will be made as the football gets under way in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The great and good of the game will be evident at the 2026 World Cup.