Soccer's most-watched event on Earth is coming back to the United States for the first time in 32 years, and this time it's bringing 47 countries with it.

Why it matters: For one glorious month, fans around the world stop to watch the same thing, and you'll finally get to be there for it.

• Add in Lionel Messi's likely last dance, and even the most casual fan has reason to tune in.

By the numbers: The 2026 World Cup starts today and runs through July 19 across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

• 48 teams (up from 32).
• 104 matches over 39 days.

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.

State of play: The U.S. team opens its World Cup play tomorrow in Los Angeles. Go deeper.

• 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.

Flashback: The last time the U.S. hosted in 1994, the World Cup drew 3.58 million fans, still the all-time record. With 40 more matches this year, that record won't survive the summer.

Soccer rules 101 and international travel concerns

Restaurants in some U.S. cities are considering temporarily adding a service charge or 20% auto gratuity while they host World Cup games.

Why it matters: Many international visitors are from countries with far different tipping customs.

What they're saying: "[International visitors] automatically figure that gratuity is looped into the bill," Trey Meyers, director of marketing and communications for the Missouri Restaurant Association, tells Axios.

• "We don't want servers to be slighted by any means just because different cultures are coming into our city," he says.

What's happening in Philly, Kansas City and Atlanta

Several New Orleans spots are hosting World Cup watch parties, including:

• Finn McCool's
• Wrong Iron
• Abita's New Orleans taproom
• The Broadside
• Urban South Brewery
• Felipe's
• Walk-On's
• Prytania Bar

Want to watch at home? Fox and FS1 will have every match in English, and Fox One will stream them. Go deeper.

FIFA brought its World Cup trophy tour to metro New Orleans last month.

• During the free event at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, fans were able to take pictures with the trophy, buy merch and get autographs from Brazilian soccer legend José Kléberson.
• See Fox 8's video recap.

🏗️ The former Kmart site in Elmwood is being redeveloped into a 251-unit apartment complex called The Francis. (Press release)

🎶 Wilson Phillips and John Waite will headline Uncle Sam Jam this year, officials announced yesterday. (Facebook)

📦 Freedom Intermodal is adding a packaging facility to support Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. (Biz New Orleans)

🏛️ "Mega" immigration hearings have begun in New Orleans. Immigration advocates say the hearings lead to increased deportations. (Verite)

A second detainee has died in less than two months at the ICE detention facility in Winnfield. (AP)