A record 48-team field, complex logistics and likely farewells of soccer icons are among key storylines for the 2026 World Cup, which starts Thursday.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are among the players with records in their sights at this summer's tournament

With 48 teams, three host nations and more than a month of matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history.

This year's edition is the biggest in tournament history.

Discover the monumental 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, and a projected $40.9 billion economic impact.

The United States is casting a shadow over the FIFA World Cup 2026