The World Cup is just over two months away. Here’s what to watch.
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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 64 days away, USA Today's The Excerpt dives into the latest developments ahead of the tournament set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The episode features soccer editor Seth Vertelny, who breaks down major storylines including Italy's historic third consecutive failure to qualify, Turkey's advancement into the U.S. group—adding a major challenge for Team USA—and the ongoing uncertainty around Iran's participation amid geopolitical tensions and travel bans. The discussion also covers the U.S. men's national team's recent poor results against top sides like Belgium and Portugal, raising concerns about their readiness, while highlighting key players to watch such as Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Christian Pulisic. Ticket pricing remains a major point of contention, with FIFA maintaining high prices and limited availability, though a new resale platform offers some hope for lower-cost options. The expanded 48-team format promises new faces and higher-stakes group stages, making this World Cup one of the most unpredictable in history.
Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, missing out after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.
The U.S. men's national team faces a tough group with Turkey, and recent losses to Belgium and Portugal highlight the gap in quality that must be closed before the tournament.
Iran's participation remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions and a potential travel ban, though they are still scheduled to compete in the U.S.
Ticket prices are extremely high, with FIFA maintaining a profit-driven model that risks alienating average fans, despite a new resale platform offering some flexibility.
The expanded 48-team format will see 32 teams advance from the group stage, increasing drama and opportunities for underdogs and first-time participants.
World Cup Countdown and 48-Team Format
“This is going to be the first World Cup with 48 teams. The last World Cup had 32, so that's a huge jump.”
Italy's Historic Qualification Failures
“Italy had to go through a playoff again, which they have done the previous two times in World Cup qualifying. And just like the previous two times, they lost.”
U.S. Men's Team Challenges and Roster Uncertainty
The U.S. national team's recent losses to Belgium and Portugal are analyzed as a wake-up call. Coach Mauricio Pochettino faces pressure to build a competitive squad, with injuries like Patrick Ajumang's Achilles tear and the potential inclusion of 19-year-old defender Nokai Banks adding uncertainty.
Iran's Participation and Geopolitical Tensions
“Now, I don't know what is going to happen between now and June. I don't think anybody really knows.”
Ticket Prices, Fan Access, and Key Players to Watch
FIFA's high ticket prices and limited availability are criticized as a barrier to fan access. The new resale platform offers some hope, but prices remain steep. The episode concludes with a spotlight on top players like Mbappé, Kane, Pulisic, and the likely final World Cup appearances of Messi and Ronaldo.
“It's going to send a chilling effect through a lot of communities.”
“Italy had to go through a playoff again, which they have done the previous two times in World Cup qualifying. And just like the previous two times, they lost.”
“The ticket prices have caused a lot of headaches for fans because even games that feature some low profile teams are in the three figures.”
Host
Guest
United States
place
Seth Vertelny
person
FIFA
organization
Dana Taylor
person
Italy
other
Mexico
place
Turkey
other
Canada
place
Kylian Mbappé
person
Bosnia and Herzegovina
other
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