The latest phase of FIFA's ticket lottery process for the 2026 World Cup didn't go as smoothly as some soccer fans hoped.

Forty-eight nations will compete in the newly-expanded format in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, attempting to etch their name into the history books and join the pantheon of greats to have lifted the golden trophy aloft. Many have already qualified for the tournament but only a handful of countries harbor genuine hopes of world domination.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching next summer — but first, the ceremonial pomp of the World Cup draw, still to be held this winter.

Chancel MbembaChancel Mbemba reacted just hours after DR Congo secured their spot in the March play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.In the World Cup 2026 play-off semi-finals against Cameroon,

Here’s a full breakdown of the 2026 World Cup group stage draw. The World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT, 5 p.m. GMT).

Was Italy coach Genaro Gattuso making a fair point on places for Europe at the World Cup? Or was it just sour grapes?

Nigeria coach Éric Chelle claims a Congo team staff member used voodoo during the penalty shootout that eliminated the African soccer power from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

President Donald Trump is expected to meet with the White House World Cup Task Force on Monday amid preparations to protect the event from potentially dangerous drones. NewsNation's Hannah Brandt has an inside look at the $500 million anti-drone efforts for the 11 hosting cities.

A projected 6.5 million fans are expected to attend the tournament’s 104 matches throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico next summer.