Hey honey! The World Cup is coming soon…

In just a few days, the Trionda ball will be rolling in magnificent stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Every four years, the World Cup becomes the center of attention, where billions of people share the same emotions, transcending national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and a total of 104 matches. With a series of groundbreaking changes, the tournament is expected to usher in a completely new chapter for the biggest football event on the planet.

The most noticeable highlight of the 2026 World Cup is that, for the first time in history, the tournament will be held simultaneously in three countries. The United States, Canada, and Mexico have been chosen by FIFA as hosts, making North America the center of world football throughout the summer of 2026.

The fact that three countries are co-hosting the event not only helps share the organizational burden but also brings about a rare diversity of cultures, climates, and football environments. From the most modern stadiums in the United States and the passionate atmosphere in Mexico to the meticulous and friendly environment of Canada, fans will experience a rich and diverse World Cup like never before.

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (USA), with a capacity of over 80,000 seats, has been chosen as the venue for the 2026 World Cup final. Photo: Getty Images

Along with expanding its scope, the 2026 World Cup also marks a major turning point in scale, with the number of participating teams increasing from 32 to 48. This expansion aims to provide more footballing nations with the opportunity to compete on the world's biggest stage. Many countries that rarely qualify for the finals, especially those from Asia, Africa, or the CONCACAF region, will make their first appearance at the World Cup. With 48 teams, the World Cup will not only be "bigger" in number but also more diverse in terms of football styles, playing styles, and the stories behind each team.

The increase in the number of teams has led to a new record for the number of matches. The 2026 World Cup will have a total of 104 matches, making it the longest and most-played World Cup in history. This is significantly higher than the 64 matches of previous World Cups, meaning fans will be able to enjoy top-level football continuously for over a month. The increase in the number of matches stems directly from the new format, with more group stage matches and an expanded knockout round.

The 2026 World Cup also brings an unprecedented new feature: each co-hosting nation will host an opening match. This is the first time in World Cup history that there have been multiple opening matches, allowing each host nation to have a memorable opening moment. In addition, all three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – automatically qualify for the finals. This decision ensures that North American fans will be able to support their team from the very first matches.

Until mid-July when the tournament concludes, everyone will have different perceptions and assessments of the first-ever 48-team World Cup, but for football fans worldwide, the World Cup will always be the biggest, most special, and most anticipated football festival. The World Cup arena is where the whole world can connect regardless of gender, religion, political views, or wealth... simply through passion and a burning love for the beautiful game.

Let's enjoy the endless festive atmosphere of a football summer together.

Dong Nghi

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/the-thao/202605/em-oi-world-cup-den-roi-do-9971e34/