Anticipation is building as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with England aiming to end 60 years of hurt by lifting the trophy for the first time since 1966. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa, and concludes on July 19 with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Largest World Cup Ever
This edition is the largest in history, spanning three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—and featuring 48 teams. That means 104 matches over 39 days, offering more opportunities for glory or disappointment, depending on which team you draw in your sweepstake.
Daily Star Sport has prepared a free-to-download sweepstake kit, which you can click, download, and print to enjoy with friends, family, and colleagues.
Key Storylines
The tournament is rich with narratives, including what is expected to be the final World Cup appearances for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both vying for football's most coveted prize. For England, this summer represents a fresh start under manager Thomas Tuchel, with a growing sense that it is now or never for the so-called second golden generation to deliver the trophy.
The Three Lions have been drawn in a relatively kind Group L, facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Meanwhile, Scotland qualified for the first time since 1998 in dramatic fashion. Steve Clarke's Tartan Army are in Group C against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil.
Sweepstake Excitement
Will you draw a favourite like Argentina, France, Germany, Portugal, England, Spain, or Brazil, sparking envy among your peers? Or will you end up with a less glamorous team such as Cape Verde, Iraq, Curacao, Jordan, or Uzbekistan? Whether you feel hopeful or regretful, participating in a sweepstake heightens the excitement when teams like Qatar and Switzerland face off in the opening week.
