SI

World Cup 2026

EXPLAINED

The USMNT are set to embark on their first home World Cup campaign since 1994.
James Cormack|
Ricardo Pepi has found the back of the net 10 times in 2025–26 so far.
Amanda Langell|
USMNT’s main attraction also heads up the race for the Golden Boot.
Ben Steiner|
Brek Shea played with Inter Miami until 2022, the year before Lionel Messi signed with the club.
Ben Steiner|
The Crystal Palace defender left the game midway through the second half.
Tom Gott|
Being the host nation usually provides an advantage at the World Cup—but it doesn’t for everyone.
Barnaby Lane|
The U.S. Soccer Federation splits World Cup prize money equally between the men and women, unlike many other nations.
Ben Steiner|
World Cup teams don’t come any worse than this lot, who truly crumbled on the grandest stage.
Barnaby Lane|
Ruben Amorim has been full of praise for his recent performances.
Grey Whitebloom|
Attacking midfielders offer something truly unique.
Barnaby Lane|
Some of the game’s greats have flown under the radar by living in the shadow of others.
Barnaby Lane|
Some players are so gifted that they can do it all in the heart of the park.
Barnaby Lane|
The battle to be England’s No. 10 at the World Cup is well and truly on.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
There’s no indication 32-year-old Kane is ready to hang up his boots just yet—but a replacement is waiting.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
A visualization of the newly expanded format if each result went according to the FIFA rankings.
Grey Whitebloom|
FIFA have increased the total prize money by 50%.
Grey Whitebloom|

BEST OF SI FC

MORE 2026 WORLD CUP NEWS


MUST READS 🔥


Every city has its own look for FIFA World Cup 2026. Which are the best?
Ben Steiner|
Coinciding with Barcelona’s dominance at club level, Spain conquered the world in 2010.
Jamie Spencer|
Here's everything you need to know about tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
Braden Chalker, Barnaby Lane|
$6,370 is the most expensive retail ticket on offer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Find out how many teams will compete in the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Barnaby Lane|
The 16 host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Toby Cudworth|
Every nation not only wants to win, they want to look good in the process.
Ewan Ross-Murray|

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING STANDINGS

UEFA
CONMEBOL
CAF
CONCACAF

SOCCER HEADLINES