The wait is almost over ... the 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to begin! ESPN's experts are here with what you need to know at a glance about all 48 teams.

Qualification for FIFA World Cup 26™ started in September 2023. Paraguay v Peru was the first match on the long road to Canada, Mexico and USA. Find out more about how places at

Belgium have played just 13 matches under Garcia, who has generally opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jeremy Doku and Alexis Saelemaekers have featured on the wings in 11 of those, as have full-backs Maxim De Cuyper on the left and the experienced Thomas Meunier on the right.

The South American Qualifiers are entering their final stretch, and this Thursday’s matchday could prove decisive in the battle for the last tickets to the 2026 World Cup. With Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador already qualified directly,

European heavyweights Belgium will face Egypt, IR Iran and New Zealand. Learn more about each team, their fixtures and who they could face in the Round of 32.

The 2026 World Cup field looks different from past tournaments, and this chart shows how expansion changed the balance among FIFA’s regions.

The FIFA World Cup is upon us. Find out which teams are playing, where the action is happening, which players to look out for and more.