Soccer’s biggest stage is rolling out the red carpet in the United States, Mexico and Canada for the 23rd edition of the FIFA Men’s World Cup tournament.

Multiple new frontiers in the tournament are being explored. Not only is it the first time three countries share hosting rights, but it will be the biggest pool of countries in the tournament, with an unprecedented expansion from 32 to 48 teams.

The most anticipated storylines also hold historic weight. Is it really “The Last Dance” for Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar? Can Argentina defend its title? Are France and Spain the real deal? Is it soccer or football?

Meet the teams: The Frontrunners, The Chasers and The Dark Horse

Only eight countries have ever lifted the iconic gold trophy, which some believe has more value than actual gold.

Brazil leads with five, but has not won since 2002. Germany and Italy have four, Argentina has three, France and Uruguay have two and Spain and England have one apiece.

This tournament has not historically made room for outsiders to get its hands on the coveted little gold trophy, but as legend goes, there is always a team that surprises and takes the world by storm.

The Frontrunners

France

Currently ranked first in FIFA’s World Rankings, France is no stranger to this stage. Winners in 2018 and runner-ups in 2022, they have the opportunity to do something that only two other teams in history have ever accomplished: making the finals for three consecutive tournaments.

And they have the ability to do so. France has enough talent to where their B and C squad’s could make runs in the tournament. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, La Liga’s top goalscorer, and prodigy Kylian Mbappe, as well as other familiar seasoned faces such as Manu Kone, Jules Kounde and Michael Olise are all putting on the kit.

The squad’s only true slip was in the European Championship, where they exited in the semi-finals. Injuries have also plagued the group, with Hugo Ekitike being completely out with a ruptured Achilles and William Saliba “doubtful” due to a back injury.

Spain

The current Champions of Europe have a target on their back. All eyes will be on “La Roja” as its squad and recent accomplishments will be tested on the biggest stage. After winning the Euro’s in 2024, its form has stayed on par, with 26 straight victories.

Spain is spearheaded by kid-wonder Lamine Yamal, who was the breakout start of the Euro’s at just 16-years-old, making history as the youngest player to assist and score in the competition. The roster also includes more star-studded players in the likes of Nico Williams, Marc Cucurella and Rodri.

Injuries have also been a concern for the Spain squad, including Yamal with a questionable hamstring injury. However, Spain is more than capable to make a deep run all the way to their first World Cup since 2010.

The Chasers

England

Thomas Tuchel has given England new life and hope the trophy might actually come home for the second time in history.

The squad features Harry Kane, who is widely considered the best striker in the world after breaking Bayern Munich’s single season goalscoring record. Kane will be paired with Premier League winner Bukayo Sako on the right wing, or Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Madueke duking it out for the other wing position.

Jude Bellingham takes over the midfield with support from Eberechi, Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice. John Stones, Marc Guehi, Reece James and Nico O’Reilly support the back-line and Jordan Pickford reclaims his spot in goal.

But it’s not enough to just have the talent. It has to be executed, which is what England has always struggled to do. The squad will have the chance yet again to wash away the heartbreak and disappointment that has seemed to curse England since 1960 when it last reigned supreme.

Brazil

Appearing in every single World Cup since its birth in 1930, and having won the trophy more than any other nation in history, it has always been Brazil’s to win or lose. But recent issues with conflicting egos and a lack of cohesive team energy have seen a decline in the historic franchise.

Carlo Ancelotti took over the helm as the first non-Brazilian head coach in history. He has a lot of weight to carry. Neymar is always a question mark due to injuries. And Marquinhos, Casemiro, Paqueta, Raphina and Vinicius Junior, while all seasoned international players, always struggle to close out matches at this level.

While Brazilians hold their squad to the highest standards, this edition will be lucky to make it to the quarters.

Argentina

Messi returns to compete in his sixth World Cup, with a talented supporting cast including Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.

Argentina is seeking to become the third country to win back-to-back titles. They have dominated international play in South America since lifting the trophy, taking the Copa America in 2024 and topping the qualifying rounds.

But the squad has not been tested against European teams since World Cup 2022 and Messi is 38 years old. While the GOAT will certainly be giving it his all in what is rumoured to be his last World Cup, the road to a repeat will be a true test for the champions.

The Dark Horse

Norway

It’s Norway’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, but don’t let their lack of experience be a reason to dismiss this squad. They had a perfect qualifying record with big victories over Moldova, Estonia and Italy.

And then there’s Erling Haaland: the Norse striker is just 25-years-old and is already the all-time leading scorer in international play for Norway. If he isn’t the best striker in the world, he sits right next to Harry Kane at the top. There’s also the captain Martin Odegard, who is a leader and playmaker in the midfield.

Norway took down Sweden 3-1 in the last match (with Haaland on the bench) before coming to the United States. Don’t let the lack of World Cup experience fool you.

This article was written by Sofie Hanrahan. She can be reached @[email protected] or on X @SofieHanrahanMU.