The FIFA World Cup is capturing attention far beyond the soccer world, with NFL stars joining fans across the globe in predicting who will lift the trophy. While France enters as one of the tournament favorites behind superstar Kylian Mbappé, contenders like Brazil, Spain, and Portugal are also drawing strong support. Meanwhile, the USMNT enters the spotlight on home soil with a chance to surprise the world and create one of the biggest stories of the summer.

The 2026 World Cup won’t just showcase the world’s best players — it will introduce some of the biggest rule changes the sport has seen in years. From expanded VAR reviews and stricter discipline to faster restarts and new anti-time-wasting measures, teams will need to adapt quickly on soccer’s biggest stage. As the tournament approaches, the battle for the trophy is already being shaped by the rules of the game.