The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to North America for the first time in 30 years, expanding to 48 teams and becoming the largest tournament ever. NPR's soccer experts break down the favorites, visa crises affecting international fans, and how Trump-era immigration policies are reshaping access to games across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The World Cup attracts over 500 million live viewers at the final—five times the Super Bowl's audience—making it the world's largest sporting event outside the Olympics.