With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to kick off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, one compelling question is dividing pundits and fans alike: which of the three co-hosts will progress the furthest when the final whistle eventually blows?

BBC World Service programme More than the Score tackled that question head-on in its latest episode, with presenter Mani Djazmi joined by CONCACAF football expert Jon Arnold to break down the tournament prospects of all three nations.

Marsch backs Canada to make history

Canada manager Jesse Marsch offered a bold assessment of his side's chances, insisting the team has the potential to make history on home soil. Marsch described the tournament as a defining moment — not only for the current generation of players but as a platform to develop the stars Canada will rely on for years to come.

His ambition is not without foundation. Canada qualified with conviction for their first World Cup in decades and will carry genuine belief into a competition played, in part, on their own turf.

American and Mexican perspectives

Former United States captain Marcelo Balboa and Mexican journalist Ricardo Otero also contributed their views on the chances of their respective nations, offering contrasting takes on what a successful tournament would look like for each co-host.

The United States enter the competition as arguably the highest-profile of the three, buoyed by strong recent showings and the advantage of playing a significant share of their matches on familiar American soil. Mexico, meanwhile, bring decades of World Cup experience and the weight of passionate support from one of football's most devoted fanbases.

A tournament unlike any other

The World Cup 2026 is the largest in the competition's history, with 48 nations competing across venues in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The expanded format gives all three co-hosts greater opportunity to build momentum in front of home crowds — a factor that could prove decisive as the tournament progresses.

More than the Score aims to go beyond the scorelines and statistics, exploring the new teams, standout stars, emerging trends, and fan cultures shaping the competition. The BBC World Service series promises coverage from the group stages through to the final, offering listeners a deeper understanding of what makes this World Cup a landmark moment for the sport.

New episodes of More than the Score are available wherever you listen to your BBC podcasts.