The World Cup is here. Why it's time to get excited for the big kick-off

After months of preparation and excitement, the 2026 World Cup finally kicks off this week, with the tournament's opening game taking place on Thursday. 

North America is ready for a feast of football over the next month as the biggest names and the best national teams from around the globe compete on the game's grandest stage of them all. 

The 2026 vintage is bigger, bolder and could be the most enthralling World Cup of all time, so strap in and get ready for what promises to be a tournament not to be missed.
 

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World Cup 2022 best goals

Featuring Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon, France

It's the biggest tournament of all time 

You've already seen the numbers, right? 48 teams, more than any World Cup before, resulting in 104 matches over the next few weeks. Some say less is more, but the World Cup ridicules that notion by going bigger than it's ever been before. 

Yet, it's not just in literal terms why this is the biggest of all time. There are three hosts for the first time, giving the tournament a larger flavour from three nations connected by land, but differ in culture, politics and sporting heritage. Making it feel like three World Cups rolled into one, potentially a controversially spectacular package.

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Consequently, the tournament feels bigger too, because let's face it, when do the US not go to town on something? Their biggest day in the sporting calendar is more about half-time shows and pre-match shenanigans; imagine what's in store for a whole month of World Cup games? 

Some won't enjoy it, some will snarl in the face of tradition, but believe this, America will go to town to deliver a World Cup that will make USA 94 look like a college rehearsal. 

So, expect fireworks, expect Katy Perry, expect squad sing-a-longs before kick-off, because this is a World Cup where big is just an understatement. 

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It's a farewell to a generation 

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar - generational names who have shaped the game over the last two decades. Well, get ready to shed a tear because this is their final hurrah in the international sun. 

Every tournament brings about a shift in eras, but 2026 feels like it's bigger than ever, and the superstars are some of the most iconic players we've ever been lucky enough to watch. And the best thing is, they're not done yet. 

Could Messi lead Argentina to retain their crown? Something not done since 1962. 

Will Ronaldo actually score a knockout goal and even get his hands on the only major trophy he's never won? 

Is there one more ridiculous run from Modric and Croatia? 

These aren't players ready for a final walk in the park and a testimonial World Cup, they are winners, icons, who still feel they have something to prove.

Enjoy them while they are here, because we may not see the like of them again. 

It might be coming home? 

Sorry, we've started already. But we won't be the first to begin to utter those words that have become a noose around England's neck. Yet, it could happen, right?

A squad that's so well balanced that it's left two of his leading names at home, because there was simply no room. A captain who is being talked about as a potential Ballon d'Or winner and is in the form of his life. And a manager who was hired with one goal in mind - to end sixty years of hurt. 

Of course, this is England, and it's not that easy. There are still concerns over the back four, the inability to have beaten a 'big name' and Tuchel's overthinking, but it doesn't take away from the fact that this feels like an upgraded Three Lions with only very few to fear. 

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It's anyone's game 

If not England, then there's split opinion on who may lift the famous trophy in New York next month. 

France are the favourites, and why not given their choice of talent in attack - Olise, Mbappe, Dembele, just to name a few. Didier Deschamps has reached the last two finals and would love to sign off with another World Cup win, and there are very few weaknesses in the squad. 

Spain will look to follow up their Euros win by taking the big one; however, it feels like a squad that isn't quite as strong as two years ago - and will be missing Lamine Yamal for the first stages. 

Could Argentina swoop once again or can Carlo Ancelotti carry his trophy-winning mentality onto the international stage and seal a sixth triumph for Brazil? They are certainly ones to watch. 

Then there's Portugal or Germany...or maybe the Netherlands and even Erling Haaland's Norway. 

It's not cut and dry, and that makes it all the more exciting. Who's your pick? 

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It's time to get excited 

If that's not enough, there are the young stars to look forward to seeing, the World Cup debutants and just what the host nations can do. Plus, Scotland are back and looking to make it to the knockouts for the first time ever.

There is literally something for everyone in a cast of players packed with narrative and ready to explode in a month-long celebration of what makes tournament football so incredible. 

The talking is over. The hype is real, and we're ready for World Cup 2026. 

Bring. It. On. 

 

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