Nothing in sport stirs up excitement quite like a World Cup. We are barely a week away from the 2026 edition kicking off, and it is high time to start sorting out those office sweepstakes.
The Biggest World Cup Ever Staged
Put simply, this is the biggest World Cup ever staged. For the first time, a remarkable 48 teams will compete on the grandest stage of all. Spread across three host nations — the USA, Canada and Mexico — the tournament will descend upon 16 of the most cutting-edge and spectacular venues on the planet.
Mexico will get the ball rolling when they face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. There is also no shortage of compelling storylines heading into this year's showpiece event.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Lionel Messi — Can he inspire Argentina to defend the trophy they claimed in Qatar in 2022?
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Will he finally get the fairytale ending he desperately desires and deliver the World Cup to Portugal for the very first time?
- England — Can Thomas Tuchel succeed where Gareth Southgate fell short and end England's agonising wait for a World Cup triumph since 1966?
As if you needed any extra incentive, a sweepstake with mates, family or workmates can only heighten the buzz that a World Cup naturally generates. You might just strike gold and land a side tipped to lift the trophy on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sit back and enjoy the envy from those around you should you pull out Germany, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, France — or even England.
The Risk of a Lucky Draw
As with any sweepstake, there is always the risk you could end up with a team that has not got the strongest prospects of lifting the trophy this summer. This means you might find yourself watching friends and relatives celebrate while you have drawn World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan or Uzbekistan. Regardless of who you draw, taking part in a sweepstake will undoubtedly add to what promises to be an exhilarating five weeks of football.
