2026 World Cup: Five Unexpected Reasons for Optimism

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has faced its share of skepticism, but there are genuine reasons for excitement. The expanded 48-team format means more nations will grace the group stage, creating a festival of football across North America. While the organisers may have erred in some decisions, the sheer scale of the tournament – 16 host cities including iconic venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – ensures a spectacle like no other. Beyond the numbers, the talent pool is deeper than ever....