
2026 World Cup Set to Break Records with 48 Teams and Unprecedented Global Participation
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams, 104 matches and a record number of players, marking a historic shift in football’s premier event.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kylian Mbappe across Soccer, Football.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams, 104 matches and a record number of players, marking a historic shift in football’s premier event.

In a recent interview, Kylian Mbappé revealed his favorite NBA talents, highlighting LeBron James and Luka Dončić alongside a quartet of rising NBA stars. Jayson Tatum’s rapid recovery from an Achilles tear has helped the Celtics secure a playoff spot.

At 39, Lionel Messi is set to play his sixth World Cup in 2026, joining an elite group of players with the most tournament appearances, while his club journey and charitable work underscore a career defined by records and generosity.

At 18, Lamine Yamal is already a linchpin for Barcelona and Spain, chasing a historic World Cup that could rewrite football folklore.

Saudi Arabia's bold investments in football have taken the world by surprise, luring superstar talent, securing major tournaments and nurturing homegrown players, all while facing scrutiny over sportswashing.

Recent World Cup surprises, high‑profile player signings and a new coaching era illustrate how Saudi Arabia is using sport to diversify its economy and rebrand its international image.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have become the first active team‑sport athletes to surpass a billion‑dollar net worth, sparking a new era of financial power in soccer.

A look at the unique experience of the World Cup, the hurdles faced by host nations, and the teams poised to make an impact.

Saudi Arabia’s recent World Cup victory over Argentina sparked a sweeping investment plan that blends marquee player signings, youth development and a bid to host the 2034 tournament, all while facing scrutiny over sportswashing.

France's latest wave of talent marks its third straight era of global supremacy, anchored by stars like Mbappé and Dembélé, and underscored by a historic knack for tournament success.

Tunisia's football heritage includes a landmark win over Mexico in 1978, near‑misses against England and a victory over France, while a fresh wave of talent and an enthusiastic fan base aim to translate past resilience into future success.

A look at the career, personality and lasting impact of the footballer who redefined greatness on and off the pitch.

Real Madrid’s re‑election bid secures José Mourinho’s return on a €15 million release clause, sparking fan debate and a push for title‑contending signings.

Ahead of the global tournament, France will host Ivory Coast in a Nantes friendly, with both teams using the match to fine‑tune tactics and build momentum.

The first 48‑team World Cup will be staged across three nations, with the United States, Mexico and Canada sharing the spotlight. As Spain, France and England headline the list of favorites, the U.S. team, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, aims for a quarterfinal breakthrough.

Nike’s new ‘Rip the Script’ initiative invites football’s biggest names to break the script, blending sport with pop culture in a cinematic showcase that highlights creativity, instinct and the game’s expanding cultural footprint.

The FC814 U-19 girls Team Energy have concluded a decade-long run of championships, securing multiple national titles while nine players commit to collegiate programs and the broader soccer world turns toward the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring a global showcase to North America, with MetLife Stadium set to host the final and a host of marquee matchups featuring the sport’s brightest talents.
Teenagers from the Sporting Athletic Club 2011 boys team in Delaware are using the upcoming World Cup to fuel their ambitions, blending local pride with global aspirations.

The U‑19 girls Team Energy concluded a storied run with a state‑cup victory, while Penn State Altoona shines in Costa Rica and the 2026 World Cup looms with marquee matchups.

Five young players are emerging as the tournament’s most exciting storylines, joining a lineage of teenage legends who have previously reshaped football’s future.

From a few thousand Instagram followers to millions, Tim Payne's unexpected fame is reshaping the narrative around New Zealand's first World Cup appearance since 2010.

Konaté will leave Liverpool on a free transfer after a dispute over bonuses, while speculation links him with a four‑year deal at Real Madrid pending the club’s presidential election. The departure forces the Reds to reinforce a defence that managed only nine clean sheets in 31 matches.

From Austria to Uruguay, Real Madrid's global contingent will bring club experience to the international stage.