The wait for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over, and there is no shortage of storylines worth following before the opening match kicks off.
Some of those storylines revolve around the world’s biggest stars, while others focus on powerhouse nations looking to end long trophy droughts or build on recent success. There are also plenty of questions surrounding the tournament itself, from the expanded format to rising ticket prices and what attendance could look like across the three host countries.
Before the first whistle blows, these are the seven biggest storylines shaping the 2026 World Cup. For Canadian fans especially, all eyes will also be on Canada’s Group B, the most important storyline north of the border.
The First-Ever 48-Team World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will make history as the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. The expanded format creates opportunities for more nations to qualify and experience the sport’s premier tournament, but it has also sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts. Our FIFA World Cup 2026 format guide breaks down the group stage rules, the new Round of 32, and what the changes mean for bettors.
Supporters of the change believe it will help grow the game globally and give emerging football nations a chance to compete against the sport’s elite. Critics, however, worry that expanding the field could lead to more one-sided matches and reduce the overall quality of the tournament.
Whether the new format proves to be a success or a mistake will be one of the most closely watched storylines throughout the competition.
Can Argentina Repeat as World Champions?
Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champion after capturing its third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Since then, the team has continued to impress, winning the 2024 Copa America and remaining among the strongest sides in international football.
The challenge, however, is that repeating as world champions is extremely difficult. No nation has successfully defended a World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Argentina remains loaded with talent across the pitch, but it will face intense competition from countries such as Spain, France, Brazil and England.
If Argentina can lift the trophy once again, it would cement this generation as one of the greatest in the country’s football history.
Ronaldo’s Last Shot at World Cup Glory
Few players have accomplished more in football than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar has won multiple league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies and international honours, while cementing his status as a legendary goal scorer. Despite all of these accomplishments, a World Cup title remains the one major achievement missing from his résumé.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo will likely be making his final World Cup appearance. Portugal has the talent needed to make a deep run in the tournament, giving him a realistic chance to compete for the trophy. With time running out on one of football’s greatest careers, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Portugal as they chase World Cup glory.
England’s Search for a First World Cup Since 1966
Despite consistently producing world-class talent and fielding competitive squads, England has not won a World Cup since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966. That long drought has become a major talking point whenever England competes on football’s biggest stage.
The Three Lions once again arrive with a roster capable of challenging for the title, led by stars such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. England has also come close in recent years, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2022.
The question now is whether this talented generation can finally end nearly six decades of frustration for England supporters.
The Arrival of Erling Haaland on the World Cup Stage
For years, Erling Haaland has established himself as one of the most dangerous goal scorers in football. The Norwegian striker has piled up goals at both the club and international levels, but one thing has been missing: a World Cup appearance. That will finally change in 2026.
Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, giving Haaland an opportunity to showcase his talents in front of a global audience. You can find Norway’s full fixture list and all 104 matches in our FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule guide. While Norway is not considered a tournament favourite, the combination of Haaland’s goal-scoring ability and the nation’s growing talent pool makes them a team worth watching. A surprising run by Norway could quickly turn Haaland into one of the tournament’s biggest stars.
Spain’s Rise Behind Lamine Yamal
Spain enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the betting favourite, and much of the attention will centre on Lamine Yamal. Still just a teenager, Yamal has already established himself as one of football’s brightest young stars and played a key role in Spain’s recent success on the international stage.
Yamal has become the face of Spain’s new generation, but he is far from the team’s only threat. Spain boasts a deep and talented squad filled with young players who have helped return the country to the top tier of international football.
After winning the 2024 European Championship, expectations are understandably high. If Spain lives up to the hype, Yamal could emerge from the tournament as a global icon.
Will Ticket Prices Hurt World Cup Attendance?
While most World Cup storylines focus on players and teams, another big talking point heading into the 2026 tournament has been the cost of attending matches. FIFA has faced criticism over ticket prices, while travel, accommodations and transportation costs can quickly add up for fans planning to attend.
Despite strong demand for tickets, there are questions about what the stadium atmosphere will look like throughout the tournament. Some supporters worry that rising costs could make it more difficult for average fans to attend, potentially changing the makeup of crowds in certain host cities.
How much ticket prices affect attendance remains a question that won’t be answered until the tournament gets underway.
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