Thursday, October 1, 2026
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
Mexico takes on South Africa to kick off the 2026 World Cup today at 3 pm ET. Canada and the United States play their matches on Friday, rounding out the North American host nations. For the next six weeks, the World Cup will captivate people all over the World as 48 nations play the beautiful game in pursuit of the title of world champions!
Over the past few weeks, we at Metro Philly Sports Network have been previewing the games, looking at everything: the 48 teams, who will make it out of the group stage, coaching tactics, the USA's hopes at this home World Cup, ticketing and logistical fiascos, betting odds, predictions, and of course, how to take in the games in the great city of Philadelphia.
For those of you who have missed that coverage and want to get up to date, the day the tournament starts, you're in luck. Here is everything you need to know before a ball is kicked.
Back in April, the 48-team field was set. The largest World Cup ever is ready to begin. This set the 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group make the Round of 32, as do the top eight third-place finishers in the tournament. Here are some of our articles on how the teams got set and in-depth previews on all 12 groups.
The first-ever 48-Nation World Cup is officially set!
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D
Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H
Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L
The World Cup has expanded to 48 teams, and it's hard to know which teams are true contenders and which are dark horses; which nations are long shots, and which could be historically bad? Our World Cup team at Metro Philly Sports Network ranked the teams into tiers, reviewed the betting odds, made predictions for the tournament, and looked at the opening ceremonies that will kick off the tournament. Here's a look at those articles.
World Cup 2026 Tiers: Ranking all 48 teams
World Cup 2026 Betting Preview
PSN Predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026
All you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony
The USA is hosting North America 2026 with Mexico and Canada. The US Men's National Team (USMNT for short) has one of the youngest rosters at the tournament, but it's an experienced youth; half of their roster played in the last World Cup. Now under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, a manager with a winning pedigree from the club game in Europe, this team is ready to show the World what they're made of. We at Metro Philly Sports Network will be following the USMNT closely, and have been throughout their buildup to the games with articles on their roster, friendlies, and expectations.
USMNT release 26-man roster for World Cup: Who's in and who's out?
USMNT set for first World Cup tune-up vs. Senegal
USMNT win frantic friendly over Senegal 3-2
USMNT World Cup 2026 preview: How far will the US go?
It wouldn't be Metro Philly Sports Network without having a pulse on the city of Brotherly Love. We have been on the scene this whole year, gearing up for the World Cup. From the 100-day to the tournament celebration, to updates on the fan festival and the Linc's World Cup transformation. Now all that's left to do is enjoy the World's game in our own backyard. Whether that be at the games (if you can afford a ticket), or at any of the daily events or watch parties in the city! Keep up to date with everything World Cup that's happening in Philadelphia by following Metro Philly Sports Network and our articles on our city.
Philadelphia celebrates 100 Days until FIFA World Cup
The latest updates on FIFA Fan Festival™ Philadelphia - what to expect at Lemon Hill this summer
Lincoln Financial Field's transformation to Philadelphia Stadium for the FIFA World Cup
A Philadelphia guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Philly sports fans are being priced out
Daily World Cup Event Guide: Where to celebrate in Philly this weekend
Best places to watch the World Cup in Philadelphia
Where to celebrate the World Cup in Philadelphia: Food, drinks and fan experiences
World Cup fan cruises set sail aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia
How SEPTA plans to move tens of thousands of World Cup fans
Well, there you have it! You are all caught up on the 2026 World Cup. Now it's time to sit back, relax, and be captivated by the beautiful game; the kickoff of the first match is only five hours away! As always, tune in to Metro Philly Sports Network for coverage of the 2026 World Cup. We will have daily articles recapping the day before's action and previewing the day to come on the pitch, with in-depth looks at the USMNT and all things Philadelphia as well!
MORE: Philly Sport's Network's World Cup Coverage
