The excitement is palpable as the World Cup approaches, set to kick off this week! Every four years, elite men’s soccer teams from around the globe come together to compete for the prestigious title of world champion. This year’s event will take place in 16 diverse cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including Vancouver, Kansas City, and Guadalajara. A total of 48 teams will first compete in 12 groups of four, with each team facing the others in their group once. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout rounds, where it’s all or nothing—lose, and you’re out. If a match ends in a tie after extra time, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.
The tournament’s grand finale is scheduled for July 19 at “New York” (officially New Jersey, but referred to by FIFA as New York/New Jersey) after 104 matches unfold across three nations. The opening match will feature co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa this Thursday, June 11, at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Wait, 48 Teams? What Happened to 32?
Previously, the World Cup had 32 teams, a format that was in place for the last tournament and several before it. The inaugural World Cup in 1930 had just 13 teams. Critics argue that FIFA expanded the tournament to generate more revenue—indeed, the 2022 World Cup amassed approximately $7.5 billion. However, FIFA asserts that the increased participation fosters grassroots development and gives underdog teams, like Jordan, Curaçao, and even England, a chance to compete against the giants of the sport.
FIFA: A Friend to Fans or a Profit Machine?
While FIFA claims to support the sport’s growth, not everyone is enamored with the organization. The high ticket prices for this summer’s matches have drawn sharp criticism; a recent analysis revealed that the cheapest tickets for the final are nearly ten times pricier than those for the 2022 event. Additionally, FIFA takes a hefty 30% cut from sales on its resale platform. The organization faced more backlash following FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial decision to give a peace award to Donald Trump, a figure currently entwined in geopolitical conflicts.
With All This Controversy, Why Should I Watch?
Despite the issues surrounding FIFA, this tournament promises thrilling moments featuring some of the world’s finest athletes vying for one of the most sought-after trophies in sports. Viewers can anticipate incredible goals, surprising outcomes—such as Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opener at the last World Cup—and a rollercoaster of emotions for both fans and players alike.
Who Will Claim Victory?
Spain is looking to build on their European title from 2024 and reclaim the World Cup, which they previously won in 2010. They possess a blend of talented youngsters and seasoned veterans, making them formidable opponents. France, fresh off a 2022 final appearance, and Argentina, the reigning champions, are also strong contenders, though Argentina may not be as dominant as before. England, buoyed by their optimistic fanbase, is among the favorites, while Brazil and Germany, with a combined nine titles, cannot be overlooked despite being off their peak performance.
If you’re feeling bold, test your prediction skills with our Bracketology game.
Are There Any Dark Horses?
In a surprising forecast, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confidently predicts that Morocco will triumph in this tournament. If they succeed, they would be the first African nation to win the trophy, having reached the semi-finals in 2022. Norway, coming off a strong performance in the Winter Olympics, boasts the prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the US are expected to advance past the group stages, though they may aim for a quarter-final berth at most.
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
Undoubtedly, the tournament’s most recognizable stars are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, although at 41 and 38, respectively, they may not be at their peak. Ousmane Dembélé, who recently helped Paris St-Germain clinch the Champions League title, is often regarded as the top player in the world. Additionally, Spain’s 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal brings excitement to the tournament. Other notable goal-scorers include Norway’s Haaland, England’s Harry Kane, and France’s Kylian Mbappé, while Portugal’s Vitinha is admired for his skill and finesse in midfield.
How Can I Watch the Matches?
If you can’t make it to one of the 16 venues hosting the matches—two in Canada, three in Mexico, and 11 in the US—there are plenty of viewing options available. In the United States, matches will air on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). Australians can catch every game live on SBS and SBS Viceland, while TSN and CTV will broadcast in English in Canada, with RDS providing French coverage. In the UK, the BBC and ITV will share broadcasting responsibilities. For comprehensive coverage, check out live updates on our website.
The bid for this World Cup emphasized a collaborative effort among Canada, Mexico, and the US, yet the US will host 78 matches, leaving Canada and Mexico with just 13 each. All quarter-final matches and beyond will occur in the US. The co-hosts also pledged to prioritize environmental responsibility, but the tournament will still require significant travel, potentially exceeding 8,000 kilometers for teams and their dedicated supporters.
What’s at Stake for Players?
FIFA has allocated a staggering $727 million in prize money for the tournament. However, FIFA’s vice-president, Victor Montagliani, anticipates that this World Cup will generate around $13 billion. The champions will earn a hefty $50 million, which could cover two tickets to the 2030 World Cup final.
