The biggest sporting event in the history of the world kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday afternoon (June 11), and before long, it will arrive in the Pacific Northwest.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the men’s tournament, will feature the largest field and most games in the competition’s illustrious history: 104 matches played over five-plus weeks in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The tournament’s arrival on North American soil was supposed to be a watershed moment for soccer’s popularity in the U.S., but the buildup to the tournament has been dominated by FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s obsequiousness towards Donald Trump, outrageously high ticket, accommodation, and public transportation prices, U.S. visa policy, the war in Iran, the presence of ICE agents at games, and a host of FIFA-mandated nonsense.
If corporate greed and far right politics can ruin a World Cup, this might be the one so ruined. But while this World Cup is exemplifying all that is wrong with soccer, it’s also showcasing what is incorruptible about the sport: the unparalleled joy that greeted qualification in every corner of the world, the passion of players representing their countries, and, somewhat specific to this tournament, the pride of diaspora communities who will have the rare opportunity to support their teams in person.
The World Cup remains, despite it all, a kind of global religious festival: a once-every-four-years feast that simultaneously serves as a celebration of the world’s diversity and, even if fleetingly, a force that unites people across vast distances and differences. It is, at a time like this, an especially welcome occasion.
Where can I see the games?
In person, potentially. The men’s World Cup has never been closer to Portland than it will be this summer, when Seattle will host six games—including the U.S.’s second game against Australia. Vancouver, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles will also host games, and while ticket prices remain astronomical, they’re expected to drop in the coming days.
If you’re not planning on traveling to see a match, there are all kinds of festivities planned in Portland. OMSI will be showing select games on the big screen at its Empirical Theater, with free admission offered on a first come, first served basis.
Away Days Brewing is hosting a fan fest in the Historic U.S. National Bank building, with a big screen and a variety of games, food, drink, and entertainment options, while the Timbers are hosting free screenings of games during the first weekend of the tournament in Pioneer Square.
A number of local bars will be showing all the matches, including T.C. O’Leary’s, Gol, and Legends, the bar across from Providence Park run by supporters of the Timbers and Thorns.
If you’re watching at home, Fox has the English language rights to the tournament—but given how poorly the network has covered past tournaments, the pro move, regardless of your level of fluency, is to watch the Spanish language broadcasts on Telemundo.
So how does this tournament work, anyway?
The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, a decision driven purely by sporting concerns by FIFA greed, has complicated things.
The 48 teams have been split into 12 groups of four. Each team will play the other teams in their group, and the top two teams in each group will advance to the next round. So will the eight best third place teams. That will leave us with 32 teams. From there, it’s a knockout competition: the field will be reduced to 16, then to eight, and so on.
Who’s playing? Who can win?
Let’s break it down.
Group A
Mexico: Having been knocked out in the Round of 16 in seven straight tournaments, Mexico sank to a new low in Qatar when they failed to advance past the group stage. Four years later, with a rejuvenated team led by Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre and the promise of vociferous home support, there is renewed optimism—and expectation. Should Mexico win this group, it could play its first two knockout matches in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca.
South Africa: Qualified for the World Cup for the first time since they hosted the 2010 edition, South Africa now feature a mainly domestic-based side that will likely face a talent deficit in each game they play. The manager, 74-year-old Belgian Hugo Broos, has nevertheless won plaudits for building a cohesive, committed team.
South Korea: Endured a somewhat chaotic journey back to the World Cup that included hiring and quickly firing former U.S. manager Jürgen Klinsmann. Star Son Heung-min, who features for LAFC in MLS, has endured a difficult start to the club season, but anchors a strong core group of players. They will play each of their three group games in Mexico.
Czechia: Returning to the World Cup for the first time in two decades after beating Denmark in a penalty shootout, the Czechs have far less talent now than they did when they routed the U.S. 3-0 in Gelsenkirchen during their 2006 appearance. The team does feature a star striker, Patrick Schick, but will likely be reliant on physical defending and set pieces to grind their way through the group stage.
Group B
Canada: A soccer afterthought until it qualified for the last World Cup in Qatar, Canada is arriving at its first home World Cup with its most talented group of players ever. They’ll be led by a charismatic American manager, Jesse Marsch, whose aggressive, high-pressing system and political outspokenness have won him enormous popularity north of the border.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Won consecutive penalty shootouts in the European qualifying playoffs to reach the tournament, the latter of which, shockingly, eliminated Italy. Manager Sergej Barbarez, a legendary Bosnian player, said he wanted to coach the national team after he retired and refused to take another coaching job until he got the post 15 years later. His team plays intense, physical, direct soccer.
Qatar: Performed abysmally at home during the last World Cup, scoring just once and failing to secure a single point. Managed by Julen Lopetegui, who was fired as Spain’s coach on the eve of the 2018 World Cup for failing to inform the Spanish federation that he’d agreed to a contract with Real Madrid. Expectations are low.
Switzerland: Perennial qualifiers over the last two decades, Switzerland have advanced past the group stage at its last six major tournaments and came within a penalty shootout of reaching the semifinals at the European Championship two summers ago. Experienced, consistent, and likely aiming for a quarterfinal appearance.
Group C
Brazil: Still a favorite of many neutrals, Brazil has struggled mightily in recent years and has not reached the final since 2002. Now, the Seleção has turned, for the first time ever at a World Cup, to a foreign manager: Carlo Ancelotti, the famously unruffled Italian who has won five Champions League titles. This is not one of Brazil’s most talented teams, but there’s hope that Ancelotti’s attacking system can restore their swagger.
Morocco: The darlings of the last World Cup in Qatar, when they upset Spain and Portugal en route to becoming the first African side ever to reach the semifinals. Still have a highly talented team, but there has been trouble over the last year: Morocco struggled with the weight of immense expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, and have since made a coaching change.
Haiti: A remarkable story: Haiti qualified for the first World Cup since 1974 despite not being able to play a single home qualifying match due to the relentless political tumult in the country. The well-respected French manager, Sébastien Migné, has never even been able to visit the country. Haiti will be supported superbly by the Haitian diaspora on the East Coast.
Scotland: One of the world’s most passionate footballing nations, Scotland is appearing at its first World Cup in 28 years after an excellent qualification campaign climaxed in a thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark in Glasgow. Scotland boasts a strong, experienced core group of players, and will have the support of the world-renowned—and thrifty—Tartan Army. Their aim is to advance from the group stage for the first time ever.
Group D
United States: A golden generation led by Christian Pulisic was supposed to take the U.S. to new heights, but progress seems to have stalled since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Argentinian manager Mauricio Pochettino was hired at great expense to get the team back on track, and while he still appears to be tinkering with his tactical approach, there’s talent enough here to reach the Round of 16 at minimum.
Paraguay: It’s all about defense for Paraguay, who conceded just ten goals in 18 qualifying matches under another Argentinian manager in Gustavo Alfaro. If Paraguay gets out of the group, it will be on the strength of that defense—if they fall behind in games, however, their lack of attacking firepower will make it difficult for them to take the game to opponents.
Australia: Australia rarely overwhelm teams with their talent at World Cups, but they’re almost always a tough out: rugged, determined, rarely overawed by the stage—somewhat reminiscent of U.S. teams of past decades. The defense has improved under manager Tony Popovich, who has several noteworthy young attacking players to deploy.
Türkiye: Türkiye are irregular World Cup qualifiers, but they made a splash the last time they reached the finals in 2002 and may be poised to do so again: an energetic, entertaining team led by 21-year-old Arda Güler reached the quarterfinals of the last European Championship and qualified easily. They appear to be the biggest threat to the U.S. in the group.
Group E
Germany: Long renowned for their tenacious defense and killer mentality, this version of the German team is much more predicated on attacking fluidity and skill. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has had his critics at home, but the team appears to be rounding into form—they’ve won nine consecutive games.
Curaçao: This tiny island nation of just 158,000 people shocked the world by qualifying for this tournament for the first time. The vast majority of its players were born in the Netherlands, as was the coach—78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who previously managed the Dutch team and has returned to lead Curaçao into the competition after resigning in February to care for his ailing daughter.
Côte d’Ivoire: Gone are the days of Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, but expectations are high for a new generation of Ivorian players led by the likes of Amad Diallo. Côte d’Ivoire didn’t concede a single goal in qualifying, and their pace could make them threatening on the counter. A win over France in a warmup game has added to the sense of optimism.
Ecuador: Ecuador is entering this competition with what might be its best ever team, led by world class players in central defense and midfield. La Tri will also be the beneficiaries of boisterous support from the Ecuadorian diaspora in the U.S., with the team scheduled to play two of their three group matches in the Northeast. Goalscoring remains the primary concern.
Group F
Netherlands: Considered the greatest footballing nation that has never won the World Cup, the Netherlands has a long tradition of producing some of the globe’s most thrilling attacking play and players. These days, however, the Dutch seem to be producing more world class defenders than attackers—and this team, while thoroughly competent, is not expected to threaten the top sides.
Japan: Long admired for their hardworking, skillful play, Japan in past tournaments has won plaudits but lacked the talent and physicality required to make a deep run. This year, there’s hope it will be different: the squad has more depth than in the past and is deeply familiar with manager Hajime Moriyasu’s system.
Sweden: Dismal in qualifying, but handed a spot in the playoffs due to their Nations League performance and made it under the direction of English manager Graham Potter. The job has been a homecoming of sorts for Potter, who speaks Swedish and made his name a decade ago managing the tiny Swedish side Östersund. The team will defend pragmatically, but has some elite attacking talent.
Tunisia: Tunisia has struggled to make an impact at previous World Cups, but qualified with an extraordinary defensive record: zero goals conceded in ten games. It remains to be seen whether a relatively young team has either the experience or the talent to advance from a group where there will likely be no easy games.
Group G
Belgium: As the golden generation of the mid-2010s fades into the background, Belgium arrive at this tournament with fewer expectations than in years past. Favorites to win the group, but not to threaten for the trophy. This will be the last World Cup for Kevin De Bruyne, one of the greats of his generation.
Egypt: Returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2022, Egypt is still led by talisman Mohammad Salah and will likely rely on a stout defense and periodic counterattacks. Manager Hossam Hassan, who was reportedly a supporter of Hosni Mubarak’s during the Arab Spring, is a divisive figure. He has, for some reason, decided to bring four goalkeepers to the tournament.
Iran: Iran’s preparations for the tournament have been overshadowed by the political situation with the U.S. The Iranian camp was supposed to be in Arizona, but was moved at the last minute to Tijuana to prevent visa issues; the team is planning on flying in and out of the U.S. on the same day of their games. Striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad, likely because he’s been critical of the Iranian regime. Expect to see massive support when Iran opens in Los Angeles—or Tehrangeles—against New Zealand.
New Zealand: New Zealand acquitted themselves quite well when last they reached the World Cup in 2010, but expectations are low this time. The All Whites are the lowest-ranked team in the competition, and a 4-0 defeat by Haiti in a friendly in Fort Lauderdale hasn’t helped the mood. New Zealand does boast Finn Surman, the only active Timbers player in the tournament.
Group H
Spain: One of the favorites. After dominating the international game in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Spain were again crowned champions of Europe two summers ago in Germany and remain a cohesive, balanced, immensely skillful team. But Lamine Yamal, who at 18 is one of the best players in the world, is one of several key injury concerns.
Cape Verde: Another great story. Cape Verde will play at its first World Cup with a team that visited each of the country’s nine inhabited islands before departing for the tournament and is led by star forward Dailon Livramento. Have produced perhaps the best World Cup song of the summer.
Saudi Arabia: These have been unhappy times for the 2034 host nation, with Giorgios Donis replacing longtime manager Hervé Renard in April. The team struggled mightily to score goals in its qualification campaign, and does not appear to have the talent required to make a significant impact this summer.
Uruguay: This tiny nation of less than 3.5 million people has long punched above its weight at the World Cup, reaching the semifinals in South Africa and the quarterfinals in Russia. Now led by Argentinian manager Marcelo Bielsa, a genius tactician with a cult following whose perfectionism and intense pressing system has also won him a reputation as one of the game’s most difficult coaches. “I’m toxic,” he said after his team lost a friendly 5-1 to the U.S. last year.
Group I
France: Ludicrously talented, especially in the attacking positions—no team in the tournament can rival their individual quality. The question is whether Didier Deschamps, the longtime manager and former World Cup-winning captain known for his conservative approach, can find a balance that allows all of the superb players at his disposal to shine.
Senegal: Perhaps the most talented African team in the tournament, and winners (though not officially) of this winter’s Africa Cup of Nations. Expectations have never been higher for the Lions of Teranga, and their first game against France will be an excellent and significant test: Senegal was a French colonial possession until 1960, and nearly half the Senegal players are French-born.
Iraq: Competing in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and facing a daunting schedule. Led by colorful Australian manager Graham Arnold, Iraq qualified through the intercontinental playoff and will be massive underdogs in each of the three group games.
Norway: One of the dark horses. Norway hasn’t been to a World Cup since France ‘98, but they arrive in the U.S. with a golden generation spearheaded by star forward Erling Haaland and a sizable contingent from surprise Champions League contenders Bodø/Glimt. In case there were any doubts about the significance of the tournament, the King helped announce the squad.
Group J
Argentina: The defending champions return almost every key player from their 2022 team, including captain Lionel Messi—who will turn 39 during the tournament’s second week. Messi is so venerated at this point that his teammates appear to be competing as much for him as for any other reason. Argentina have individual quality, but their cohesion and spirit under manager Lionel Scaloni has been integral to their recent success.
Algeria: Qualified in style and have plenty of attacking quality, including in the shape of star winger Riyad Mahrez. Questions persist about the defense, however, as well as the team’s mentality after a major letdown in the AFCON quarterfinal against Nigeria. The squad includes goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of the French great Zinedine Zidane.
Austria: After several decades of humdrum soccer, Austria have been rejuvenated under the leadership of German manager Ralf Rangnick—the inventor of gegenpressing, an all-out pressing system, and a mentor to Canada’s Marsch. They impressed at Euro 2024, and will be seeking to advance from the group stage for the first time since 1978.
Jordan: Based at the University of Portland for the duration of the competition, this will be Jordan’s first ever World Cup appearance. They’ll likely sit deep and try to hit their opponents in transition.
Group K
Portugal: Yes, for better or worse—and probably for worse—Cristiano Ronaldo is still around and still the face of this team. Ronaldo, at 41, is a significantly diminished player, and there’s a concern that his presence could hamper what is otherwise an excellent group. It will be up to coach Roberto Martinez to manage the aging star and get the team to live up to its immense potential.
Congo DR: When the Democratic Republic of the Congo ended a 52 year wait to return to the World Cup, the country’s authorities declared a national holiday amid euphoric celebrations in the streets of Kinshasa. The team’s preparations for the tournament have been upended by an Ebola outbreak in the country, but a battle-hardened team with plenty of European experience may still be a tough out.
Uzbekistan: This will be the first ever World Cup for Uzbekistan, who are, strangely enough, managed by Italy’s former World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro. Young Abdukodir Khusanov, the country’s first player to appear in the Premier League, is a focal point in Cannavaro’s 5-2-3 system.
Colombia: The Colombians are returning to the World Cup and will receive raucous backing from their fans—partiuclarly in Miami, where they will face Portugal in a marquee game. The team is flush with attacking talent, including playmaker James Rodriguez, but has struggled to hit their peak consistently. This might be the time.
Group L
England: An immensely talented generation of English players came close to winning multiple major championships under departed manager Gareth Southgate, and England have turned to a German coach in Thomas Tuchel to help get them over the line this summer. He’ll have to navigate heat, a potentially unfavorable draw, and a questionable defense.
Croatia: Croatia’s elegant midfield play and extraordinary mental toughness saw them through, remarkably, to the semifinals of each of the last two World Cups. Captain Luka Modrić leads a vastly experienced group of players at 40 years old, but the physical demands of a tournament in the North American summer heat could prove challenging for the veteran players.
Ghana: One of the strongest African teams of recent decades, Ghana features an array of excellent attacking players, but has question marks most everywhere else. Well-traveled Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz was hired in April to lead the team into the tournament. His squad includes midfielder Thomas Partay, who has been charged with multiple counts of rape in England.
Panama: Panama’s maiden voyage at the World Cup eight years ago was a disaster, with the team losing all their games and conceding 11 goals in the process. This year’s team is reputed to be stronger, but a difficult draw means they may be happy to win just a point or three.
These team previews are not enough! I want to know about all 1,248 players!
I salute you, and you’re in luck: The Guardian has you covered.
