After months of contentious gripes about FIFA ticket price gouging, transit fares, tourist visas, the focus is now centered on international soccer and the 48-team World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., starting June 11.
Four countries, Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, Uzbekistan, are making their first appearance.
Brazil is the only country that’s played in every World Cup since it started in 1930. This is the 22nd edition. Brazil has won five times, Germany and Italy, four each, Argentina three including 2022. Brazil’s last WC championship was 2002.
Brazil’s impressive stats: 114 matches played, 76 wins, 19 draws, 19 losses. Goals scored 237, goals allowed 109, goal differential 129. Pele won three titles (1958, 1962, 1970), making him the only player to have won three championships. The U.S. record overall is 9-8-20 in 11 appearances.
The tournament this year, the largest ever, starts with 12 groups of four battling in the group stage, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Round of 32, knockout stage, along with eight best third place clubs. Games run through July 19.
Will the big stars Mbappe, Messi, Yamal, Dembele, Kane shine brightly, or will we meet the next generation of soccer super stars?
Soccer fans are reminded to be wary of “unbeatable WC ticket prices.” Scams are common.