100 days until the 2026 World Cup: five storylines to follow

The World Cup is 100 days away, opening with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. This edition will include several firsts—the first time three nations have hosted and the first tournament with 48 teams—and it may be the last for figures such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and for Belgium's golden generation.

The USMNT hired Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024 with a clear objective: perform on home soil and reach the quarterfinals. Results under the Argentine were mixed, with promise only in friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay last fall. Club form and improving fitness have raised optimism, but home games against Belgium and Portugal at the end of March will provide a decisive test.

England have brought in Thomas Tuchel, following a trend of national teams hiring elite club coaches. The squad is packed with talent—Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden—but lacks a settled identity.

Mexico

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