The World Cup is one of the most anticipated moments for football fans around the world. The reason is simple: every national team gives its very best to win the championship and bring pride to its country.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This time, the 2026 World Cup feels especially unique because three countries will host it at once:Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Moreover, according to FIFA’s official website, this World Cup will be the first to feature 48 participating nations, compared to 32 in previous tournaments.
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A total of 16 cities across these three countries have been selected to host matches for this prestigious football event. Each of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup has prepared world-class stadiums to stage this global football tournament. Here are some of them:
Canada: BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place
Mexico: Akron Stadium, Azteca Stadium, and Monterrey Stadium
United States: SoFi Stadium and New York New Jersey Stadium
Among the many stadiums chosen for the 2026 World Cup, the New York New Jersey Stadium has been selected to host the final match.
Like every other World Cup, the 2026 edition will also feature mascots that make the event even more festive. Let’s meet them!
Maple the Moose (Canada)
Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico)
Clutch the Bald Eagle (United States)
These mascots are designed to reflect the culture, heritage, and spirit of each host nation.
They also represent unity, diversity, and a shared passion for football.
As of September 10, 2025, there are already 18 countries that have qualified and secured their place in this prestigious tournament:
Canada
Mexico
United States
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Iran
Jordan
Uzbekistan
Morocco
Tunisia
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Paraguay
Uruguay
Ecuador
New Zealand
The remaining 30 countries are still going through the qualification rounds, including Indonesia. So, don’t be disappointed if your favorite team isn’t on the list yet. This also applies to Indonesia, which still needs to go through the qualifying stage in October.
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As for the group distribution, so far only the three host nations have received their placements: Mexico as A1, Canada as B1, and the United States as D1. Meanwhile, the draw for the other countries will be held on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center, United States, at 12:00 local time.
Who do you predict will be the 2026 World Champion? Of course, everyone has different predictions, right? After all, every team will fight with everything they’ve got to overcome their opponents and emerge as the ultimate champion.
According to goal.com, here are the top 10 predicted winners:
10. Ecuador: During the qualifiers, Ecuador recorded 12 clean sheets and only two defeats, against Brazil and Argentina.
9. Morocco: Morocco secured its place in the 2026 World Cup with 14 consecutive wins.
8. Brazil: With a new coach, Brazil is expected to unite its top talents to achieve its best results.
7. Netherlands: The Netherlands is always a tough contender, sometimes not spectacular, yet consistently resilient.
6. Germany: Germany remains one of the potential contenders for the championship, despite some weaknesses in its lineup.
5. France: A combination of world-class players and a skilled coach makes France hard to beat.
4. Portugal: A powerful mix of young talents and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal a solid edge.
3. England: Five straight wins and five clean sheets in UEFA Group K showcase England’s outstanding performance.
2. Argentina: Supported by talented young players, Argentina can shine without depending on any single star.
1. Spain: Spain proved its strength at EURO 2024 and is expected to perform even better at the 2026 World Cup.
That’s the prediction for the 2026 World Cup champion. However, remember that these are just predictions. The real champion will be revealed once the matches are over. So, if your favorite team isn’t on this list, don’t feel too disappointed.
If you’re planning to watch the 2026 World Cup live, it’s a good idea to start preparing early. From creating your travel itinerary, booking your flight tickets, to getting MSIG Indonesia’s International Travel Insurance, everything will help ensure a smooth and worry-free trip. By preparing in advance, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy your dream football experience fully.