Toronto: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just a week away, football fever is well and truly gripping North America. Matches will be played across 16 cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico, where 48 teams will compete in 104 matches — making it the biggest World Cup tournament in FIFA history.
Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening Group A match at Mexico City Stadium on June 11. The final will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
Canada all set to welcome fans across the world
Canada, which will host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver, is all set to welcome fans from around the globe and make the tournament a grand success. Both cities have taken special measures for the comfort of fans arriving for the big event.
The PNE Amphitheatre in Vancouver has been renovated for the FIFA World Cup and will host the FIFA Fan Festival, broadcasting live matches and organising cultural programmes and interactive activities. Organisers have left no stone unturned when it comes to fan entertainment. There will be a wide range of food options for football enthusiasts, and the amphitheatre has been upgraded with family-friendly facilities, welcoming thousands of fans each day.
Similarly, Toronto has made arrangements for fans to enjoy the FIFA Fan Festival — live matches, entertainment, and a taste of food from around the world. The vibrant city will have more than 30 food vendors serving a wide range of flavours.
When the big guns take the field
Defending champions Argentina, led by the star-studded Lionel Messi, kick off their campaign against Algeria in a Group J match at Kansas City Stadium on June 19. France — runners-up at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — take the field for the first time against Senegal in a Group I match at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16.
Icons who could be playing their last World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be memorable for another big reason — some of football’s greatest icons could be seen wearing their national jerseys at a World Cup for the very last time. Here is a look at the stars who may be making their final appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal
Setting a remarkable example through his fitness and performances, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has proved time and again that age is just a number. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has scored 30 goals in 37 matches for Al-Nassr this year. With 143 international goals to his name, Ronaldo is the second oldest player at this tournament after Scotland’s 43-year-old Craig Gordon. Now in his sixth World Cup, he will give everything to add the one prestigious trophy still missing from a glittering cabinet.
Lionel Messi — Argentina
The 38-year-old who remains the heartbeat of football fans around the world will have the chance to repeat the glory of Qatar, where he played an instrumental role in leading Argentina to the title. This will be his sixth World Cup appearance. Messi has struggled with injuries in the build-up to the tournament, and it remains to be seen how much he features in every game — but fans will not want to miss a single moment of their icon on the biggest stage in football.
Neymar Jr — Brazil
Neymar Jr is making a welcome comeback to the Brazilian side after more than two years away from international football. The 34-year-old, Brazil’s leading scorer, has been named in the final squad — though his place in the starting eleven is not guaranteed just yet. A long history of fitness issues makes this his most uncertain World Cup, and what could be his fourth and final appearance. Fans will hope to see more of him in future editions too, but for now will simply be glad to have him back.
Mohamed Salah — Egypt
Global icon and former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has given football fans countless wonderful memories over the years. The forward, who was part of nine Liverpool title wins, makes only his second World Cup appearance at 33 — and at this stage of his career, it could well be his last. Millions of fans are willing him to lead Egypt all the way to the trophy on July 19.
Kevin De Bruyne — Belgium
Kevin De Bruyne has been at the heart of Belgium’s success since 2014. Turning 35 later this month, his biggest challenge remains keeping himself fit and driving his side to the glory they have long threatened to achieve. A crucial member of the Belgian squad, De Bruyne is determined to lift the trophy in what is shaping up to be his fourth and likely final World Cup appearance.
In many ways, this World Cup is going to be truly special. Fans who make the journey — or simply watch from home — will be witnessing some of the greatest footballers of all time representing their nations, possibly for the very last time. Football lovers around the world will not want to miss it for anything.