Four years pass quickly, and for anyone who has been away from the beautiful game, the FIFA World Cup is back — and bigger than ever. Here is your essential guide to the key storylines heading into the tournament.

Qatar 2022: the story so far

The last World Cup, held in Qatar in 2022, delivered one of the most dramatic tournaments in the competition's history. Argentina claimed their third world title, with Lionel Messi finally lifting the trophy that had eluded him throughout his storied career.

France reached the final once again, with Kylian Mbappé finishing as the tournament's top scorer — his performances cementing his status as the planet's most exciting attacking talent. Morocco made history as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, with Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri leading the Atlas Lions on a breathtaking run.

African nations on the rise

Morocco's remarkable 2022 campaign set a new benchmark for African football. The Atlas Lions defeated Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four, inspiring a continent and raising expectations for the teams that will represent Africa at the 2026 edition.

The 2026 tournament expands to 48 teams, with Africa now allocated nine spots — up from the previous five. That means more opportunities for nations like Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon to make their mark on the global stage.

Stars to watch

Mohamed Salah, now carrying the weight of Egypt's World Cup ambitions, remains one of the world's most lethal forwards. Victor Osimhen leads Nigeria's attack with power and pace, while Sadio Mané continues to be the heartbeat of Senegal's Teranga Lions.

On the global stage, Mbappé will look to go one step further than 2022 and lift the trophy, while a new generation of talent — from Pedri to Jude Bellingham — will be competing at the peak of their powers.

The format change

For the first time, the World Cup will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded 48-team format means a new group-stage structure, with 12 groups of four teams each advancing two sides plus the best third-placed finishers.

With more matches, more nations, and more African representation than ever before, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a tournament unlike any that has come before it.