World Cup 2026: A Brief AARP Guide

The every-four-year global soccer competition comes to North America June 11–July 19, and this World Cup will be the biggest yet, with 48 teams. Eleven U.S. cities will host 78 of the 104 games, and Mexico and Canada will host 13 each. Millions of fans are expected to turn out in person, and billions more will be glued to media platforms, making this potentially the most-watched sporting event in history. What does this mean for soccer diehards and newbies alike? Crazy fun and big energy! Here’s how to join the party.

Where to Watch

If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket (ranging from $60 up to $10,990 for the final), woot! If not, you’ve got some great options:

FIFA Fan Festivals. In the host cities, designated parks and plazas get outfitted with giant screens to help re-create a festive in-stadium experience. Check the FIFA website for locations.

Smaller public events. Bars and other local spots organize special watch parties. Check your city’s tourism website to find out more.

Watch at home. Seventy games will be televised live in the U.S. on Fox. Ninety-two games will be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo. With a subscription, you can see all games on the Fox One and Telemundo apps and the streaming services Peacock and YouTubeTV, among others. Via cable/satellite, catch 34 games on Fox Sports 1, and 12 on Universo.

Radio. Listen to English-language broadcasts on SiriusXM and iHeart Radio (subscribe for a fee). For Spanish, tune in to the Fútbol de Primera radio network.

Global Stars to Keep an Eye On

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) The top goal scorer of all time, he doesn’t yet have a World Cup title.

Kylian Mbappé (France) Blazing speed and a proven World Cup performer

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) A dynamic winger with flair

Christian Pulisic (USA) Captain America: the face of U.S. soccer

Harry Kane (England) The captain of England has been scoring bags of goals this year for Bayern Munich.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) This could be the star’s international farewell before he retires.

Predictions

If you’re serious about picking a champion, consider one of these seven countries that have won in the past 22 World Cups:

Brazil (5)

Germany (4)

Argentina (3)

France (2)

Uruguay (2)

England (1)

Spain (1)

*Italy, a longtime soccer powerhouse with four World Cup wins, failed to qualify for the 2026 competition

Did You Know? The U.S. was one of 13 teams that competed in the first World Cup, in 1930, and finished third, its best result so far.