+ When and where
The World Cup will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
+ The groups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA playoff D
Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, UEFA playoff A
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA playoff C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA playoff B (possibly Sweden)
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, FIFA playoff 2
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, FIFA playoff 1
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
+ This is how Sweden goes to the World Cup
After a nightmare qualifying campaign in which Sweden failed to win a single match, one lifeline remains: the playoffs. There, two wins are required to reach the World Cup, against Ukraine in the semi-final on March 26 in Valencia and against Poland or Albania in the final on March 31 at Strawberry Arena. If Sweden reaches the World Cup, Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan await in the group stage.
+ Trump
With Donald Trump as US president, the championship takes on a political dimension. Disputes - mainly with Canada but also Mexico - over tariffs, statements about national borders and the generally uncertain situation in the host country raise questions about how the world's largest sporting event will be affected by the political tone. Recently, Trump was also awarded the new peace prize that FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) has established. That has aroused strong reactions.
+ Last show for the superstars
Lionel Messi is making his final World Cup appearance. After the triumph in Qatar 2022, where he crowned his career by winning the one major title that had eluded him, the question has been how long he can continue. In 2026 he will be 39 years old - but is still Argentina's great symbol.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also likely to play his last World Cup. The Portuguese's path to that tournament was controversial after a red card in a qualifying match, which initially threatened his participation in the World Cup. After FIFA mitigated the punishment, it is now clear that Ronaldo can lead Portugal in the 2026 World Cup as well.
+ The heat can bother the players
Summer in North America could be a nightmare for players. Several host cities are at risk of extreme heat, which is already worrying coaches and medical experts. To reduce the risks, mandatory fluid breaks have been introduced.
These fluid breaks also have a commercial explanation. For broadcasters, they mean new opportunities for commercial breaks in matches that have otherwise been relatively free of stoppages. Critics say that the game is being stopped even further, while the organizers see it as a necessary adaptation to both the climate and the market.
+ Biggest World Cup finals to date
For the first time, 48 nations will participate, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and for the first time the World Cup will be played in three countries. A total of 104 matches will be played in 16 stadiums - a massive tournament that spans almost all of North America.
+ The time difference
The time differences mean that many matches are played when Sweden is asleep. Sweden - if they advance - will enter the tournament against Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico. That match starts at 04:00 Swedish time on June 15.
The Netherlands then await Sweden in Houston on Midsummer's Day, June 20, with kick-off at 7:00 PM, before the group stage concludes against Japan in Dallas on June 26, at 1:00 AM.
+ Football fever in Norway
With world star Erling Haaland as the attacking spearhead, the Norwegians enter the tournament with high ambitions and great belief. The last time Norway's men participated in a World Cup was in 1998. Over 50,000 Norwegians celebrated at Rådhusplatsen in Oslo when the World Cup spot was secured.
+ The smallest World Cup nation of all time
Just over 156,000 people live in Curaçao, but that was enough to get the tiny Caribbean island all the way to the World Cup. The expanded format has opened up the possibility for smaller football nations, such as Uzbekistan, Cape Verde and Jordan, all playing in the World Cup for the first time.
+ Argument about the “rainbow match”
The match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle on June 26 coincides with the city's annual Pride celebration, so the local organizer is officially calling it a Pride match, something that was decided before it was clear which teams would face each other.
Both Iran and Egypt want to stop the event. In Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death.
+ Record-breaking prize money
The prize pool is the largest in history. All 48 participating teams are guaranteed 97 million kronor ($10.5 million). The world champion team collects 460 million kronor ($50 million).
+ Favorites
Argentina is the reigning champion. Brazil is a perennial powerhouse but has flopped in recent World Cups. Spain is the reigning European champion and is always to be reckoned with. France, England and Germany are giant football nations that want to compete for the title.
+ The TV broadcasts
SVT and TV4 will share the broadcasts. SVT will show Sweden's possible opening match against Tunisia and the final group match against Japan. In between, TV4 will broadcast Sweden–Netherlands.
TV4 will also broadcast the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the classic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.
