The countdown has already begun. With many of the teams set to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup already confirmed, excitement is building. Many of the world’s top footballing nations have booked their place, with Spain, France, Brazil and Argentina already making plans. And of course, these countries boast some of the world’s most famous players in their ranks, superstars of the caliber of Lionel Messi, Vini Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri. Players like this belong to a global sample.
But for the first time in a World Cup there will be three host countries. The United States, Canada and Mexico are on hosting duty as the sport’s global spectacle spans three nations for the first time. And while none of the three would seriously be considered among the sport’s elite nations historically, there’s reason to believe they could all claim to be a dark horse to run deep in the tournament this time around.
The USA
The U.S. has made a habit of qualifying for the FIFA spectacle. In fact, 2018 was the only occasion in the last three decades that the country has not been represented in a World Cup. And with more players than ever playing in elite leagues, plus the relative strength of MLS’s growth and a world-renowned coach in place, expectations are growing among the home faithful that this could be an exciting campaign.
Former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has a talented squad to choose from. Talisman Christian Pulisic is enjoying a stellar season in Italy for club Milan, and the number of players playing for Europe’s top teams is staggering. Among the squad are players such as Johnny Cardoso of Atlético de Madrid, Timothy Weah of Marseille, Giovanni Reyna of Borussia Monchengladbach, Malik Tillman of Bayer Leverkusen and Weston McKennie of Juventus. The squad is also complemented by a number of in-form players, including the British trio of Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Haji Wright. Also, after initially disappointing results under Argentina’s Pochettino, recent performances have marked an upswing, with the nation recently picking up three positive results against other World Cup qualifiers. It’s all led to a quiet rise in expectations, and no wonder sports betting promotions they are now offering a number of specials on the US selection.
canada
It’s fair to say that Canada is a nation much more associated with ice hockey. However, in recent times the country has seen its footballers rise to prominence, notably thanks to the performances of two bona fide world stars, such as Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Juventus’ Jonathan David. The former has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the game, owning more than 50 caps and the captain’s armband, despite still being just 24. David, meanwhile, built a stellar reputation in France as a prolific goalscorer for Lille. A recent transfer to Juventus it’s a great reward for Canada’s all-time leading international scorer. But David himself is still only 25 years old.
These two stars are supported by other talents from the top clubs, notably Tajon Buchanon of Villarreal, Cyle Larin of Feyenoord and Stephen Eustaquio of Porto. But it wouldn’t be unfair to say the Canucks lack a bit of depth, not surprising for a nation that has long had more interest in other sports. But the hope is that a strong showing at a World Cup home for Jesse Marsch’s men will only raise the profile of the home fixture even further.
Mexico
Incredibly, this will be the third time Mexico has taken part in hosting a FIFA World Cup, with the 1970 and 1986 versions taking place on Mexican soil. Mexico is a soccer-mad nation and has long possessed a competitive soccer team, with the national team reaching the quarter-finals of a World Cup twice. Mexico is also by far the most successful team in its confederation, with no less than 15 continental titles. There is no doubt that this is the great football dog of the region.
But what are Mexico’s hopes this time around? It’s more than fair to say that the country doesn’t quite possess names that resonate with global audiences as much as they did in the past. However, there is still plenty of talent, led by Hirving Lozano, now of San Diego FC, Fulham’s Raul Jimenez and Milan’s Santiago Giminez. Between them, these three attacking players have more than 200 international caps, and it is this kind of amazing experience that gives the nation hope for another World Cup on home soil.
And, unsurprisingly, with that tradition, it’s Mexico who currently top the FIFA world rankings. However, the United States is far behind, also in the top twenty, with Canada also comfortably in the top 30. It is with global validation like this that these three nations have not unsupported hopes that lead to World Cup 2026.
