
The World Cup is the pinnacle of football and the jewel in the FIFA crown. For nearly 100 years, the game's global showpiece has been an imperfect positive influence on civilisation and a fantastic excuse to turn football into a party.
World Cup 2026 is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the balance between sporting celebration and geopolitical soft power feels as off as it's ever been. Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has a case to answer.