The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just a few hours away, and even before the first kickoff, it's clear that this will be an exceptional tournament. For the first time in history, the tournament will be held in three countries – Mexico, the United States, and Canada – and for the first time, 48 national teams will participate. The expanded format means more matches, more stories, and a greater chance for teams that might not have made it to the final tournament in the past.
The tournament will kick off on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Mexico will be under immense pressure from the home crowd, as the opening match of the World Cup is not only a sporting event but also a symbolic one. The tournament will culminate on July 19 with the final match.
The new system features 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams. This gives more hope to underdogs, but it also increases the importance of every goal, as the score can determine qualification.
Key Overview of the 2026 World Cup
Top Favorites: Spain, France, England, and the Host Nation, Mexico
Before the start, Spain is often considered the biggest favorite for the tournament. They have an exceptionally talented generation, excellent ball control, a quick press, and the ability to control the tempo of the game. Their main strength is that they are not just a talented team of the future, but a team with experience in major competitions and a very balanced squad.
Close behind Spain is France. They consistently have one of the best and most talented squads in the world. The French team is dangerous due to their speed, physical strength, and experience from major tournaments. If France can keep their key players together and avoid lapses in concentration, they are among the most likely candidates to win the title.
England will also be very strong. They have immense individual quality in attack and midfield, with players from the highest European level. On paper, they are a team that should reach the final, but the psychological aspect remains a question. England hasn't won a World Cup since 1966, and the pressure from the media and fans is immense at major tournaments.
Brazil is also in the narrowest circle of favorites. They remain a symbol of football creativity, individual quality, and the ability to decide a match with a single action. If the Brazilians can combine their traditional attacking flair with tactical discipline, they can challenge for the title again.
Portugal could be one of the most unpleasant opponents in the entire tournament. They have a balanced team across all positions, experienced players, and a younger, technically gifted generation. They may not be mentioned as the first favorite, but they can be dangerous to anyone in the knockout stages.
Argentina enters the tournament as the defending champion. This gives them a winning mentality, an experienced core, and the confidence from the previous championship. However, they will also face more pressure than they did four years ago. Defending a title in world football is extremely difficult.
Mexico has a specific position. They are not the biggest favorite to win overall, but the home environment makes them a team that cannot be underestimated. The Mexicans will have the passionate support of their fans, they know the environment, the climate, and the atmosphere of the stadiums. If they can handle the pressure of the home crowd and start the tournament well, they could become one of the main dark horses of the championship.
Schedule and Group of the Czech Team
```For Czech fans, this tournament has a special significance. The Czech Republic is returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2006. In Group A, they will face South Korea, South Africa, and the host nation, Mexico. On the surface, the group doesn't seem unbeatable, but it is very challenging. Mexico will have the support of the home crowd, South Korea has speed and experienced players from European leagues, and South Africa can be dangerous with its organization and motivation.
The Czech team will rely primarily on physical strength, team discipline, set pieces, and experienced players. Key players include Patrik Schick, Tomáš Souček, Ladislav Krejčí, Adam Hložek, Pavel Šulc, or Vladimír Coufal. A crucial factor will be how quickly the team adapts to the travel, different conditions, and the pressure of a major tournament.
Group A will kick off on June 11th at 9:00 PM (CET) with the match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City. Then, on June 12th at 4:00 AM, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. On June 18th at 6:00 PM, the Czech Republic will play against South Africa in Atlanta. On June 19th at 3:00 AM, Mexico will face South Korea in Guadalajara, and the final matches of the group are scheduled for June 25th at 3:00 AM, when the Czech Republic will play against Mexico in Mexico City, and simultaneously, South Africa will play against South Korea in Monterrey.
The realistic goal for the Czech Republic is to advance from the group. The opening match against South Korea will be crucial. If the Czech Republic gets at least one point, ideally three, it will significantly increase its chances of advancing. The second match against South Africa will likely be a match where the Czech team needs to score a full three points. The final match against Mexico could be the most difficult, as the home team will have the support of a passionate crowd and a familiar environment.
The Czech Republic's biggest advantage is the experience of the team's core players, physical strength, set pieces, and the ability to play a solid, organized style of football. A risk is the potential lack of creativity against opponents who might allow the Czech Republic to control the ball, and the challenging travel between Mexico and the United States. If Patrik Schick is healthy and productive, and if players like Souček, Hložek, or Šulc join him, the Czech Republic's return to the World Cup could be more than just symbolic.
The tournament has 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the next round, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
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