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The upcoming 2026 World Cup promises to mark historic milestones for the participating teams, particularly for Egypt, which, should it secure qualification, would be playing its first match in the biggest tournament in history. Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, this tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, offering an unprecedented variety of venues and audiences. For Egypt, whose World Cup history has so far been limited to sporadic appearances (1990, 2002, 2018), a return in 2026 would be an unprecedented adventure in a revolutionary format. The matches will take place in 16 American cities, including Miami, a symbol of South American football’s expansion towards the North Atlantic.
The competition format, which incorporates an accelerated preliminary tournament and a record number of groups, is a game-changer. The 48 teams will be divided into 16 groups of three, with points accumulated over two matches. This structure, designed to maximise the number of matches and commercial impact, could benefit historically marginalised nations. Egypt, African champions from 1957 to Cameroon 2017, would then have the opportunity to break with convention by establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in CAF.
The competition format, which incorporates an accelerated preliminary tournament and a record number of groups, is a game-changer.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s feat remains a key focus of anticipation. At 39, the Argentine, should he manage to qualify, could play in his final World Cup in a host country in the south-east of the United States. Miami, a cosmopolitan city and the cradle of Latin American culture, embodies this link between the two sides of the Atlantic. A match featuring Messi on his ‘home turf’, just as a Miami player would play, would be a symbolic event. His return to the World Cup, so close to retirement, would mark the end of an era, raising questions about the legacy of his career and the future of Argentine football.
The economic and media stakes are also significant. The 2026 World Cup, with its record budget, is expected to attract millions of viewers via international broadcasters. Local teams, such as the United States, are seeking to strengthen their footballing identity, whilst national teams aim to capture the attention of a new generation. Egypt, caught between tradition and modernity, could capitalise on this momentum to revitalise its domestic scene.
Finally, the festive atmosphere of the event, with celebrations in the host cities, reinforces the cultural character of the tournament. Miami, with its beaches and bustling streets, is set to become a gathering place for supporters from around the world. For Messi, a match against Egypt or another group could become a legendary moment, blending nostalgia with eternal youth. The 2026 World Cup, balancing innovation with a look back at the past, promises to celebrate the very essence of football.