World Cup 2026: The stage is set for a fascinating finals

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why joyous scenes unfolded across the globe as countries secured places at this summer's festival of football in North America.

The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining European slots, while Iraq and DR Congo emerged from the inter-confederation play-offs. The stage is set for a fascinating finals, with Lionel Messi's Argentina looking to defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years ago.

They will face plenty of challengers: France have the firepower to reach a third consecutive final, Spain will be full of belief after winning Euro 2024, and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo may never get a better shot at lifting the one major trophy that has eluded him.

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