A huge World Cup in three countries!

In the summer of 2026 the football World Cup was played. The hosts were three countries: the USA, Canada and Mexico. For the first time 48 national teams played at a World Cup. Previously only 32 teams played at World Cups. That is why there were many more matches, 104 in total.

The matches were in 16 different cities. The cities are often very far apart. From Vancouver to Miami it is over 4,000 kilometres. In some cities the summer was very hot. Doctors say that extreme heat is dangerous for the players.

Many fans were unhappy with the high prices. The tickets for the good matches were very expensive, especially for the final. Some tickets even cost several thousand dollars.

Some people think that the tournament is now too big. Others are happy because more countries take part now. And FIFA makes a lot of money from it.