2026 World Cup: A Global Spectacle with Retirements, Records and Cultural Passions
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, a milestone made possible by a historic joint hosting arrangement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Among the storylines, veteran forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both signaled that the tournament may mark the end of their international careers, with Ronaldo already confirming his final World Cup appearance and Messi hinting at a similar conclusion. Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has also been selected for a sixth World Cup, underscoring the longevity some players achieve in the competition.
Jun 7, 2026