As The World Cup Kicks Off

Today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition begins.  The 23rd edition of the planet’s most-watched sporting event, held every four years, like other editions before it, is by any measure the most ambitious and glamorous yet. For the first time in the tournament’s near-century history, 48 nations will contest football’s grandest prize, up from the 32 that have competed since 1998.
For the first time, three nations , the United States of America, Mexico and Canada share the burden and privilege of hosting it. And for the first time, the African continent sends 10 teams to the competition. It is a tournament of firsts, and the world has every reason to be excited by what lies ahead.
The e...