Guides & analysis
Original explainers, previews and travel tips for the first 48-team World Cup — written for fans, updated as 2026 approaches.
How the 48-team 2026 World Cup format actually works
Twelve groups, a brand-new Round of 32, and 104 matches. I'll walk you through the whole thing without the jargon.
The 16 host cities: a fan's guide to United 2026
Three countries, sixteen cities, four time zones. Here's my rundown of where it's all happening and what each region brings.
Estadio Azteca: the stadium that has seen it all
In 2026 Mexico City's grand old ground becomes the first stadium to host matches at three different World Cups. Let me tell you why that matters.
Who can actually win the 2026 World Cup?
A 48-team field widens the cast, but the list of realistic winners is still short. Here's how I'd read the contenders.
Debutants, comebacks and the storylines I'll be following
The scoreline is rarely the best part of a World Cup. These are the human stories I'll be watching for in 2026.
Planning a 2026 World Cup trip: what I'd sort out first
Tickets, travel between host cities, and the realities of following a tournament across a continent. A practical, no-nonsense checklist.
New to the World Cup? Here's everything you need
Never followed one before? Don't worry. I'll get you up to speed on what it is, how it works, and how to pick a team.
A quick, friendly tour of World Cup history
From a small tournament in 1930 to the biggest event in sport — here's the short version of how we got here.
VAR, offside tech and the gadgets running the 2026 World Cup
Goal-line tech, VAR, semi-automated offside — here's a plain-English guide to the systems helping referees get the big calls right.
Extra time and penalties: how knockout games get decided
What happens when a knockout match is level after 90 minutes? Here's the drama of extra time and shootouts, explained.
What to actually watch for in the group stage
The group stage is where the tournament comes alive. Here's how to follow it and which matches really matter.
Golden Boot, Golden Ball and the rest: the awards explained
Beyond the trophy, the World Cup hands out individual honours. Here's what each one means and why I love following them.
How teams actually qualify for the World Cup
Reaching the finals is a years-long grind. Here's how nations from six confederations earn their place at 2026.
Heat, altitude and kickoff times: the conditions of 2026
A summer tournament across three countries brings real challenges. Here's how the weather and the venues could shape the football.
Building your bracket: my guide to World Cup predictions
Half the fun of a World Cup is calling the results. Here's how I approach a bracket — and why being wrong is part of the joy.