Why this World Cup is the biggest, longest and messiest
It’s the largest ever.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup has exploded into action with 48 countries lining up for a record 104 games.
The edition spans 16 cities in three countries (the USA, Mexico and Canada), another first.
It’s also the longest.
Never before has an edition spanned 39 days.
But bigger isn’t always better.
- Tartan Army face fresh World Cup blow as US citizens gifted free tickets The National —
- King Charles approves new Bank Holiday for World Cup – but there's a huge catch Daily Star —
- World Cup fans face steep transport price hikes across US host cities 📹 Al Jazeera — · 2min
- Police Scotland sending four officers to America for safety advice at World Cup fan zones Glasgow Live —
- Scotland news conference ahead of World Cup opener 📹 Sky News —