For one glorious month, fans around the world stop to watch the same thing.
Add in Lionel Messi's likely last dance and a tournament playing out in your backyard, and even the most casual fan has reason to tune in.
By the numbers: The 2026 tournament includes:
48 teams (up from 32).
104 matches over 39 days.
Three host countries, a first for the men's tournament.
The favorites: Spain, France and England headline the sportsbooks, with five-time winner Brazil and reigning champ Argentina right behind.
Norway is the buzzy dark horse, back on the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence, with lethal striker Erling Haaland.
State of play: The U.S. Men's National Team drew Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, opening June 12 in Los Angeles. Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino runs the show.
BetMGM gives the U.S. roughly a 2.4% chance of winning the trophy.
The intrigue: This World Cup looks different from the ones you remember.
The larger field means a brand new round of 32 before the bracket reaches the round of 16.
Stunning stat: The prize pool totals $727 million, with $50 million going to the winner. Every team pockets at least $10.5 million just for booking the trip.
