When the United States, Canada, and Mexico were chosen to host the 2026 Men’s World Cup in June 2018, it felt far off. Back then, the focus was on the upcoming World Cup in Russia and the unique arrangements for Qatar’s 2022 event. But now, we’re just 500 days away from the kickoff at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
As we get closer to the tournament, excitement is building across North America. This World Cup will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. Host cities are gearing up, and fans are starting to anticipate what this all means.
The big questions—who will triumph and who will falter?—will be answered in the summer of 2026. For now, we can expect World Cup discussions to dominate soccer talk for the next year and a half.
The excitement for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is palpable. With Mauricio Pochettino as coach and rising stars like Christian Pulisic leading the squad, there’s a lot to look forward to. Pulisic, now playing for AC Milan, is hailed as one of America’s top players and has gained global recognition.
Being a co-host means the U.S. automatically qualifies, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it removes the stress of qualifying matches, which can be unpredictable. On the other, it limits opportunities for the team to face strong opponents before the World Cup. Most teams will be busy with qualifiers, leaving Pochettino to schedule friendlies that may lack competitive intensity. However, the team will have some competitive matchups, including the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and the Gold Cup this summer.
As for tickets, expect high prices. While the official ticket prices haven’t been announced yet, projections suggest around $1.8 billion in ticket sales, significantly more than what the 1994 World Cup generated. Given that FIFA expects over five million fans, the costs for attending the matches will likely soar. Early indicators from this year’s Club World Cup show prices can exceed $700 for top matches, hinting at what fans might face for the World Cup.
Security remains a pressing concern, particularly after issues arose during last summer’s Copa America. Disturbances at some games raised alarms about fan safety. The U.S. typically handles large events well, but events like Copa America highlighted vulnerabilities. In response, a group of U.S. legislators has asked for $625 million to enhance security measures for the World Cup.
Given that high-profile tournaments attract attention from political figures, it’s likely that former President Trump will make an appearance. His relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his history as a soccer fan may draw him to the event, though his involvement may stir debate among the public.
FIFA is gearing up for significant promotion of the World Cup, aiming to create a buzz similar to that of the 1994 tournament, which helped popularize soccer in the U.S. Various cultural events and promotional activities are planned to engage fans as we approach the big event.
With only 500 days to go, the excitement for the 2026 World Cup is building, and it’s clear this tournament will be one for the history books.
Check out this related article: Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026: 500 Days Until the Excitement Hits Houston!
Source linkUS Men's national team, Men's World Cup, Soccer
