The 2026 World Cup begins Thursday with co-host Mexico vs. South Africa.
Some dedicated fans are skipping due to rising costs and political issues. The U.S.
team aims for a historic semifinal run. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are likely playing in their final World Cup.
Brazil remains the only team to qualify for all 23 tournaments. - The U.S.
has a 9-8-20 record in 12 appearances, with best finish a quarterfinal in 2002. - Ronaldo and Messi are both 39 and on their sixth World Cup roster.
- Curaçao becomes the smallest nation to qualify, with a population of 150,000. - Italy misses its third straight World Cup.
The tournament features 48 teams for the first time, with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.