The 2026 World Cup is anticipated to be a record-breaking event; it’s the first-ever World Cup to be hosted in three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. 2002 saw the last World Cup hosted by two nations: Japan and South Korea. 

The only thing more exciting for North American fans about the event is the players expected to play.  After coming off of a massive 2022 World Cup victory, Lionel Messi of Argentina is expected to be back for seconds. However, Messi is now at age 36 and will be turning 39 during the World Cup. 

The only other player with higher expectations would be Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. After being sent packing in 2022 by Achraf Hakimi and Morocco, fans expect Ronaldo to be back. Currently, Ronaldo is 39 and will be 41 in February of 2026 when the tournament starts.

With an older generation aging out, fans expect new star players from around the world. Most fans want the coveted Messi-versus-Ronaldo World Cup, but with their current ages, we may see new players rise.