The 2026 World Cup will kick off with a historic opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, setting the stage for a month‑long celebration of soccer that culminates in the final on July 19.
With 48 teams split into 12 groups, each side is guaranteed at least three group‑stage matches, and the top two from every group plus eight of the best third‑placed teams progress to the knockout rounds.
Knockout matches follow the traditional bracket format, but unlike group play they cannot end in a draw; if scores are level after 90 minutes, extra time and, if needed, penalty shootouts decide the winner.
The Roots of Modern Soccer
The modern rules of soccer were codified in the late 19th century, notably by the English Football Association, founded in 1862 at the Freemasons’ Tavern in London. Figures such as Ebenezer Cobb Morley helped standardize the game, paving the way for the sport’s global spread.
FIFA, the sport’s governing body, oversees the tournament and has turned the World Cup into a massive commercial and political phenomenon, drawing billions of viewers and influencing host nations’ economies and policies.
Traditional powerhouses such as France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, England and Portugal are among the favorites, yet the competition’s allure lies in the possibility of upsets, as the tournament’s structure often produces surprising results.
From its British origins to its current status as the world’s most watched sporting event, the World Cup remains a cultural touchstone, inviting fans everywhere to experience the simplicity, excitement, and drama of soccer.