2026 World Cup Preview: Favorites, Darkhorses, and Key Information

This preview of the 2026 World Cup highlights the defending champion Argentina and co-host Canada among the 48 competing nations.

<img alt="BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 04: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Venezuela at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio" height="349" src="https://i.cbc.ca/ais/e95a47a5-974f-4ebf-9a57-3fbb134df25a,1781038761251/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C120%2C3595%2C2022%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina a...

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