World Cup 2026, answered.
Will the big names be there? Is your nation in? The most-asked questions of the build-up, answered from the live tournament data and updated as squads confirm.
The basics
5 QUESTIONSWhen does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
Across three host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico, at 16 stadiums.
More →How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition of the expanded 48-team format, played across 12 groups of four.
Which World Cup 2026 stadium is at the highest altitude?
Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, at roughly 2,200m (7,200ft), the highest stage at any World Cup since 1986. Only it and Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron sit high enough for altitude to change a game.
More →How do I predict a World Cup starting XI?
Pick any fixture, build the starting XI you think the manager will name, and you’re scored on accuracy once the official lineup drops. Free to play, no signup needed.
More →Will they play?
12 STARSWill Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Lionel Messi was named in Argentina’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group J. At 38 this would be a sixth and almost certainly final World Cup for Messi, with Argentina defending the title they won in 2022.
More →Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group K. Portugal’s all-time talisman, chasing the one prize that has eluded him in what would be a record-extending World Cup appearance.
More →Will Neymar play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Neymar was named in Brazil’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group D. Brazil’s record scorer has spent recent years fighting injuries. His fitness, not his ability, has been the question over his place.
More →Will Christian Eriksen play at the 2026 World Cup?
Denmark did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so Christian Eriksen won’t be at the tournament. Denmark’s playmaker and one of the most-followed names of the build-up, his every update tracked closely since Euro 2020.
Will Erling Haaland play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Erling Haaland was named in Norway’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group I. One of the world’s best strikers, and the long-running question has been whether Norway could finally give him a World Cup stage.
More →Will Luka Modrić play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Luka Modrić was named in Croatia’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group L. Croatia’s metronome has defied age for years; this would be a remarkable late chapter to a glittering international career.
More →Will Robert Lewandowski play at the 2026 World Cup?
Poland did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, so Robert Lewandowski won’t be at the tournament. One of the era’s great strikers, still leading the Poland line, with his hopes riding on the team reaching the finals.
Will Kylian Mbappé play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Kylian Mbappé was named in France’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group I. France’s captain and talisman, and one of the headline acts whenever he steps onto a World Cup pitch.
More →Will Harry Kane play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Harry Kane was named in England’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group L. England’s record goalscorer and captain, the focal point of every England attack.
More →Will Jude Bellingham play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Jude Bellingham was named in England’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group L. The midfielder England build around, and one of the players a generation of fans tunes in to watch.
More →Will Vinícius Júnior play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Vinícius Júnior was named in Brazil’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group D. Brazil’s electric winger, the kind of one-on-one threat that lights up a tournament.
More →Will Lamine Yamal play at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Lamine Yamal was named in Spain’s official squad for the 2026 World Cup in Group G. Spain’s teenage sensation, already a defining talent of his generation.
More →Is your nation in?
48 QUALIFIEDEvery qualified nation and the group they’re in. Tap a team for its squad, fixtures and consensus XI.
- GroupA
- GroupB
- GroupC
- GroupD
- GroupE
- GroupF
- GroupG
- GroupH
- GroupI
- GroupJ
- GroupK
- GroupL