This 48-team extravaganza is the biggest World Cup there has ever been, and it might just be the most complex too. Twelve groups of four teams might be enough to follow in the first place, but those fans of brackets who have a familiarity of past tournaments might have a sense of what the issue is here.

Three friends from Argentina arrive in Missouri in Kansas after cycling 10,500 miles from their home in Gualeguaychu to the venue of their team's opening game of the World Cup.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, sitting, takes a break with teammates during practice for the FIFA World Cup soccer Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/)

World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

Reigning World Cup champion Argentina arrived in Kansas City on Sunday to begin p reparing for its title defense, which starts with a match against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the NFL's Chiefs.

The road to the 2026 World Cup is almost over as the 48 teams that will participate in the most-awaited soccer tournament in the world have now announced all their rosters. Mauricio Pochettino announced the USMNT roster last week,