United States, June 10, 2026.- One day after the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup, attention is focused on the most anticipated favourites, stars and posters. However, several less well-known facts already illustrate the exceptional nature of this edition organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, FIFA hosts a record 1,248 players. Never so many football players participated in a World Cup final, opening the door to more nations and emerging talents.
This edition is also part of history thanks to several World Football veterans. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa each compete in their sixth World Cup, a record in the competition.
The tournament is marked by the presence of four beginner nations: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. These selections participate for the first time in the world's most prestigious football competition.
Among them, Curaçao receives special attention. With about 150,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island becomes the smallest country by its population to qualify for a World Cup.
On the club side, Manchester City provides the largest number of players to the tournament. Nineteen international members from the English club represent different national selections.
The touch benches also offer their record. Selection coach Carlos Queiroz takes part in a new World Cup, confirming his place among the most experienced coaches in the tournament history.
The experiment will also be present on the ground. Twenty-two players already sacred world champions are on the roster of qualified teams, bringing their experience and mastery of great appointments.
This World Cup is also an unprecedented logistical challenge. Divided into sixteen host cities across three countries, some selections have to travel thousands of kilometres between their group phase meetings.
Finally, the World 2026 marks a pivotal moment for international football. As several legends fight one of the last major chapters of their career, a new generation of players are about to take over the biggest football scene in the world.
By its scale, its records and the diversity of nations represented, the 2026 World Cup is already one of the most unique editions of football history.
W.E.
