The 2026 World Cup is about to descend on North America — spread across three countries, with 48 teams, and 104 games, and with billions of fans across the globe tuning in to watch the biggest sporting event on the planet.

Today, Tariq Panja, global soccer correspondent for The New York Times, breaks down everything you need to know about this year’s tournament — the arrival of historic first-timers, like Curaçao, the aging legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are making their final appearances, and the eye-watering ticket prices that are driving fans to financial extremes just to book a seat.

On Today’s Episode:

Tariq Panja, is a global sports correspondent for the New York Times.

Background Reading:

The World Cup’s Forgotten Team

World Cup or Bust: Going Into Debt, Sleeping 10 to a Room and Layovers for Days

Photo credit: Hannah Mckay/Reuters. 

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