Some Facts About The FIFA World Cup Tourney Ahead of the Draw in Washington, D.C.
The eyes of the football world turn to Washington, D.C. today as the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place, an event set to usher in the most expansive and diverse edition of the tournament in history. With 48 teams, three host nations and four debutants, the stage is set for a groundbreaking new era of global football.
Since the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930—where only 13 nations participated—80 countries have so far played on the football’s grandest stage.
But this year, the list grows. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will all make their long-awaited debuts, marking a new chapter for emerging football nations.
The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will be historic in multiple ways:
- First World Cup with 48 teams
- First time three nations will co-host the tournament.
Today’s draw will determine the paths of all 48 teams as they chase the ultimate prize, one historically dominated by Brazil, the only country to appear at every World Cup and the winner of a record five titles.
A Look Back: How Hosts Have Fared
World Cup hosts have traditionally enjoyed a boost though not always. France were the last host and won the tournament, lifting the trophy in 1998, while Qatar endured the worst host campaign ever in 2022, exiting the group stage without a point.
Host performances over the decades reveal a rich history:
- Eliminated in the group stage: Qatar (2022), South Africa (2010)
- Round of 16 exits: Japan (2002), USA (1994), Spain (1982)
- Quarter-final finishes: Russia (2018), Mexico (1970 & 1986), Switzerland (1954), France (1938)
- Semi-final heartbreaks: Brazil (2014), Germany (2006), South Korea (2002), Italy (1990), Chile (1962)
- Runners-up: Sweden (1958), Brazil (1950)
Champions on home soil: France (1998), Argentina (1978), Germany (1974), England (1966), Italy (1934), Uruguay (1930).
One key detail: Among the World Cup–winning nations, only Spain and Brazil have never lifted the trophy at home.
A Tournament Like No Other
With North America preparing to welcome the world, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Mexico—already set to become the first nation to host the World Cup three times—famously had its best runs when playing at home. The United States returns as hosts for the first time since 1994, while Canada will stage its first men’s World Cup.
From powerhouses seeking glory to debutants chasing history, today’s draw will shape the dreams and the destinies of millions around the globe.
As the footballing world gathers in Washington, D.C., the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already making history, long before a ball is kicked.