Here Comes the World Cup

Five reasons you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind sporting event

May/June 2026

by Anna Starecheski

This summer, the world’s largest single-sport sporting event returns—and it’s bigger than ever before. Almost every four years since 1930*, the men’s FIFA World Cup has showcased soccer’s best players. Today it’s the most-watched sporting event on Earth. Fans around the world will tune in to see their country’s team play. It is estimated that 6 billion people will watch. (That’s about 75 percent of the planet’s population!) Here’s why you won’t want to miss this truly global event.

This summer, the men’s FIFA World Cup returns. It’s the world’s largest single-sport event. And this year, it’s bigger than ever. The World Cup has taken place almost every four years since 1930.* Today it’s the most-watched sporting event on Earth. Fans around the world will tune in. It is estimated that 6 billion people will watch. (That’s about 75 percent of the planet’s population!) Here’s why you should watch too.

This summer, the world’s largest single-sport sporting event returns—and it’s bigger than ever before. Almost every four years since 1930*, the men’s FIFA World Cup has showcased soccer’s best players. Today it’s the most-watched sporting event on Earth. Fans around the world will tune in to see their country’s team play, and it is estimated that 6 billion people will watch. (That’s about 75 percent of the planet’s population!) Here’s why you won’t want to miss this truly global event.

PAUSE AND THINK: When was the first men’s FIFA World Cup?

_{*The World Cup did not happen in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II.}

1- New Faces . . . and Final Farewells?

The World Cup is always a chance for young stars to shine. And this year is no different. Lamine Yamal is only 18. But the promising young player hopes to help Spain win its second World Cup. The Brazilian team also has two teen sensations: Estêvão Willian and Endrick. Will one of these young men be the next big star?

On the other hand, it could be the last World Cup for soccer’s two most famous players. Both Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina are nearing retirement. The two stars have a years-long rivalry. Will one of them help bring home the trophy for their

country as a last hurrah?

The World Cup is a chance for young stars to shine. And this year is no different. Lamine Yamal is only 18. But he hopes to help Spain win its second World Cup. The Brazilian team also has two teen sensations: Estêvão Willian and Endrick. Will one of them become a star?

But it could be the last World Cup for soccer’s two most famous players. Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Portugal. Lionel Messi plays for Argentina. The two stars have a years-long rivalry. Both are nearing retirement. Will one of them help bring home the trophy for their country?

The World Cup is always a chance for young stars to shine, and this year is no different. Lamine Yamal is only 18, but the promising young player hopes to help Spain win its second World Cup. The Brazilian team also has two teen sensations, Estêvão Willian and Endrick. Will one of these young men be the next big star?

On the other hand, it could be the last World Cup for soccer’s two most famous players, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina. The two stars have a years-long rivalry, and both are nearing retirement. Will one of them help bring home the trophy for their country as a last hurrah?

PAUSE AND THINK: Why is this year’s World Cup important for Ronaldo and Messi?

2- A North American Affair

Usually, the World Cup is hosted by a single country. This time, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will share hosting duties. It’s only the second time more than one country has hosted. (The first time was when Japan and South Korea hosted together in 2002.) It’s also only the second time the men’s World Cup has come to the U.S. The last time was in 1994.

Games will be played in 16 cities across the three countries. And each country gets its own mascot: Maple the moose for Canada, Clutch the bald eagle for the U.S., and Zayu the jaguar for Mexico.

Usually, a single country hosts the World Cup. This time, three countries are hosting: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s only the second time more than one country has hosted. (Japan and South Korea hosted together in 2002.) It’s also only the second time the U.S. is a host. The last time was in 1994.

Games will be played in 16 cities across the three countries. Each country gets its own mascot. Canada has Maple the moose. Mexico has Zayu the jaguar. The U.S. has Clutch the bald eagle.

Usually, the World Cup is hosted by a single country—but this year, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will share hosting duties. It’s only the second time more than one country has hosted. (The first time was when Japan and South Korea hosted together in 2002.) It’s also only the second time the men’s World Cup has come to the U.S. The last time was in 1994.

Games will be played in 16 cities across the three countries. And each country gets its own mascot—Maple the moose for Canada, Zayu the jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the bald eagle for the U.S.

PAUSE AND THINK: What three countries are hosting the World Cup this year?

3- Bigger Than Ever

Since 1998, the World Cup has included 32 teams. This year, there are 48. That means the tournament will last longer than ever before—nearly six weeks. It also means that more countries get a chance to participate. Keep an eye out for the new teams from Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Jordan!

Since 1998, the World Cup has included 32 teams. This year, there are 48. That means the tournament will last longer—nearly six weeks. It also means more countries can take part. You’ll see teams from Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Jordan!

Since 1998, the World Cup has included 32 teams. This year, there are 48, which means the tournament will last longer than ever before—nearly six weeks. It also means that more countries get a chance to participate, so look for the new teams from Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Jordan!

PAUSE AND THINK: Why will the World Cup last longer this year than in the past?

4- A Star-Studded Show

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Chris Martin

For the first time, the World Cup final will include a halftime show—just like at the Super Bowl. Coldplay singer and pianist Chris Martin is creating the lineup of artists. Tune in to see who will perform!

For the first time, the World Cup final will have a halftime show—just like the Super Bowl. Chris Martin is the singer and pianist of Coldplay. He’s creating the lineup of artists.

For the first time ever, the World Cup final will include a halftime show—just like at the Super Bowl. Coldplay singer and pianist Chris Martin is creating the lineup of artists. Tune in to see who will perform!

PAUSE AND THINK: Who’s creating the lineup for the World Cup halftime show?

5- Big Money

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More than 6 million people are expected to attend games and events at this World Cup. That means a big tourism boost for the host cities. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses can expect a huge influx of visitors. This should create more money and more jobs for local people.

In the United States alone, the World Cup could create 185,000 jobs. And the U.S. could make more than $3 billion in taxes.

But the Cup isn’t just a moneymaker: It also costs a lot of money to host. Each city will spend between $100 million and $200 million.

Will it be worth it? Many soccer fans think so. They say you can’t put a price on such a huge moment in sports.

In the United States, the World Cup could create 185,000 jobs. And the U.S. could make more than $3 billion in taxes.

But it costs a lot to host the Cup too. Each city will spend between $100 million and $200 million.

Will it be worth it? Many soccer fans think so. They say you can’t put a price on the World Cup. •

More than 6 million people are expected to attend games and events at this World Cup. That means a big tourism boost for the host cities. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses can expect a huge influx of visitors, which should mean more money and more jobs for local people.

In the United States alone, the World Cup could create 185,000 jobs—and the U.S. could make more than $3 billion in taxes.

But the Cup isn’t just a moneymaker. Hosting is also very expensive, with each city probably spending between $100 million and $200 million.

Will it be worth it? Many soccer fans think so. They say you can’t put a price on such a huge moment in sports.