The FIFA World Cup 2026 is drawing near, and anticipation is building around what promises to be the largest edition of the tournament in history — 48 teams competing across host nations United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Defending champions Argentina enter the competition among the leading favourites, sharing that billing with perennial contenders Spain, France, and Brazil. Yet the tournament will also welcome fresh faces — Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will all make their World Cup finals debuts, bringing new footballing cultures to the world's biggest stage.

On and off the field

BBC World Service programme More than the Score has dedicated a special episode to examining the tournament from every angle. Host Lee James is joined by John Bennett, Isaac Fanin, and Mani Djazmi to explore not only the on-pitch battles, but the political and social issues that will shape the competition.

The episode also features direct input from players preparing to compete. South Korea captain Son Heung-min — the former Tottenham Hotspur striker — and Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, a World Cup winner, both share their perspectives ahead of kick-off.

Deeper than the statistics

More than the Score aims to go beyond match results and league tables, shining a light on the new teams, standout stars, evolving trends, and passionate fan communities that define each World Cup cycle. From the group stages through to the final, BBC World Service is promising coverage that captures the full human story of the tournament.

The episode is available now wherever BBC podcasts are found.