As the 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces a larger format and more matches than ever before, attention also turns to the officials responsible for keeping the action under control on the sport’s biggest stage.

For the first time in World Cup history, 48 teams will convene to contest the tournament, with 26 players called in by each competitor to do battle in the FIFA championship.

(NATIONAL) — With the World Cup set to take place in the U.S. for the first time since 1994, you might be wondering how this tournament works. Here are some basics for you to get up to speed. This year’s tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32 like past tournaments have.

You've got questions. We've got answers. Here's everything you need to know before the World Cup kicks off Thursday.

For many of the world's best footballers, representing their home country as a member of a national team at the FIFA World Cup is an incredible point of pride.

A new system is in place for the 2026 tournament which keeps the top-rated teams apart until the later stages, in theory at least

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, having expanded to 48 teams, a 50% increase from the previous tournament. With two weeks until kickoff, the anticipation is building as teams get ready to play in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Soccer-obsessed fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An expanded 48-team format affords more national squads and devoted fan bases the opportunity to take the world stage.