Soccer’s Best

Soccer fans, mark your calendars! The FIFA World Cup returns this summer. It’s the biggest international soccer tournament. This year, games will be held at stadiums in Canada, Mexico, and the United States (see map below). The opening match will be held in Mexico City on June 11. The World Cup trophy will be awarded on July 19, in New Jersey. Many sports fans will be watching. Will you?

Marc Cucurella (right), of Spain, takes the ball at a World Cup qualifying game in November.

A Global Event

This is the 23rd World Cup. The first was played in Uruguay in 1930. Since then, it has usually been held every four years. It was canceled twice during World War II.

This year’s tournament will make history. It’s the first to be hosted by three countries. As many as 48 countries will compete. It will be the biggest World Cup ever.

Lionel Messi (center) holds the best-player trophy in 2022. He’s Argentina’s captain.

Teams from 32 countries competed in 2022. That World Cup was held in Qatar. Argentina took home the trophy. It’s a top team again this year. England, France, and Spain are front-runners too.

Argentina’s national team celebrates its World Cup win in Qatar in December 2022.

Building Excitement

Host cities are preparing for the events. Fans will be visiting from all over the world.

Games will be played in 16 stadiums. FIFA Fan Festivals will take place nearby. These events feature food, activities, and watch parties.

Tobias Oviedo, 11, is one soccer fan who’s excited for the World Cup. He’s a midfielder on his team. He’ll be watching for “good passes, good shots, and teamwork,” he told TFK. Above all, he's ready to have fun. “I love seeing the players just play,” he says.