World Cup 2026: 100 things to know with 100 days to go; key storylines, top contenders, crucial games
CBS Sports
by
Chuck Booth
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a historic and record-breaking event as North America gears up to host the largest tournament in its history. With just 100 days until kickoff, the world’s attention turns to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which will jointly stage the first-ever men’s World Cup with 48 teams. This expansion marks a significant shift from the previous 32-team format, resulting in an increased number of matches—104 games compared to the previous record of 64—and a broader global participation. The tournament is set to run from June 11 to July 19, spanning 16 host cities across three regions to minimize travel and ensure a seamless experience for teams and fans alike.
The event will begin with a historic opening match in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca on June 11, featuring Mexico facing off against South Africa. Meanwhile, Canada and the United States will follow suit on June 12, with their respective matches at BMO Field in Toronto and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The World Cup will be held across three distinct regions: the East (including cities like Toronto, Boston, Miami, and New York/New Jersey), the Central (featuring Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, and Mexico City), and the West (spanning Vancouver, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Guadalajara). This regional approach aims to reduce travel fatigue for teams while spreading the excitement across North America.
A key innovation of this year’s tournament is the expanded group stage, which now features 12 groups of four teams each. While the top two teams
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026