The biggest World Cup in history is almost here

With less than two months to go, excitement is building rapidly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and this edition is set to be truly historic.

For the first time ever, the tournament will feature 48 nations, meaning more African teams than ever before will have the chance to compete on football's grandest stage. A massive 104 matches will be played across just 39 days, spread across three host nations: the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

More teams, more drama

The expanded format is a huge deal for African football fans. With more slots available for CAF nations, the likes of the Nigeria Super Eagles, Morocco Atlas Lions, Egypt pharaohs, Algeria Desert foxes, and South Africa bafana bafana all have stronger routes to qualification and progression.

African stars like Mohamed salah, Victor osimhen, achraf hakimi, and sadio mane could all be heading to North America this summer — and with a bigger tournament comes even more opportunity for them to shine on the world stage.

A football feast awaits

The sheer scale of this World Cup means fans can expect wall-to-wall football throughout the summer. Group-stage drama, surprise eliminations, and potential giant-killings will all be on the menu as 48 nations battle for glory.

For context, previous tournaments featured just 32 teams — so this expansion represents a 50% increase in participating nations, making it the most inclusive World Cup in history.

Get ready for the tournament

If you want deep-dive previews, expert guides, and comprehensive coverage heading into the tournament, FourFourTwo magazine is offering new subscribers an Ultimate World Cup Pack as a free gift with their first issue. The pack includes an 84-page World Cup Guide, a Giant Wall Chart, and limited-edition postcards — available with up to 36% off using promo code dp25k.

Whether you are tracking your favourite African nation or following star players in the tournament, there has never been a better time to get fully prepared for the biggest World Cup ever played.