Why the 2026 World Cup Will Reach More Fans Than Ever

If you think the World Cup has always been huge, just wait for 2026. This tournament is set to be the most accessible and widely shared event in soccer history. With the USA, Canada, and Mexico hosting together, more teams competing, and technology making it easier to watch, everyone can join in. Whether you’re a longtime soccer enthusiast or merely curious about the excitement, here’s why you won’t want to miss the 2026 World Cup.

Three Host Countries, One Huge Celebration

For the first time, the World Cup will be held in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This means fans from New York to LA, Toronto to Mexico City, can watch the action live. With most games in the USA, American fans have a rare chance to see top soccer stars close to home. No passport or long flight needed—just grab your jersey and get ready for world-class soccer nearby.

 

With the tournament happening across three countries, there will be a festival atmosphere all summer. Look forward to cultural celebrations, international food festivals, and public viewing parties in every major city. For many fans, the World Cup is more than just the matches. It’s about sharing the experience, feeling connected, and even making new friends from around the world.

48 Teams: More Nations, More Stories

Another big change is that the 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams instead of 32. This means more countries, more underdogs, and many more stories to follow. Fans will see teams from all over the world, each displaying their own style and traditions. For longtime fans, it’s a dream with more games and more excitement. For newcomers, it’s a great way to discover international soccer.

 

With more teams, even more communities across North America will feel connected to the tournament. From local watch parties to international fan gatherings, you’ll see flags, face paint, and team colors everywhere. Schools, bars, parks, and offices will all be buzzing as people pick their favorites and share the ups and downs of World Cup excitement together.

Digital Streaming, Global Access, and Social Media Hype

There was a time when you had to wake up at 3 a.m. or search for a poor-quality stream just to watch a World Cup match. That’s changed. Now, with digital streaming, you can watch every game live or on-demand, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go. In the USA, networks like FOX Sports and Telemundo (for Spanish-language coverage) will show matches, and streaming services like Peacock will bring full coverage to your device.

 

But it’s not only about watching matches. Social media will make the World Cup experience even bigger. From viral TikToks and Instagram stories to live reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, fans will share every big moment as it happens. Players and teams will connect directly with supporters, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the field. Hashtags will trend, memes will spread, and you’ll always be in the loop, even if you miss a match. For American fans, this means you can join the global conversation, celebrate wins, and share in the losses, all from your phone.

 

Highlights, replays, and social media updates will be everywhere, so you’ll never miss a moment, a meme, or a goal. For American fans, it’s easier than ever to follow the action, no matter your schedule or location. All you need is a screen and an internet connection, and the World Cup is right there with you.

Engagement Beyond the Games: Fantasy Leagues and Betting

With so many ways to watch, it’s no surprise that fans are finding new ways to get involved. Fantasy leagues let you pick your own squad of World Cup stars and compete against friends for bragging rights, and maybe even a prize or two. For some, it’s all about the strategy: who to pick, who to bench, and who might surprise everyone by scoring a wonder goal.

 

With legal sports betting growing in the USA, you can explore top FIFA World Cup betting sites to add more excitement to each match. Whether you’re predicting winners, tracking stats, or just having fun with friends, it’s easier than ever to join in, even if you’ve never placed a bet or tried fantasy sports before. These platforms deliver everything from simple picks to detailed stats and live odds, making it easy for anyone to get involved.

Conclusion

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a celebration like no other, especially for fans in the USA. With games in our own cities, more teams, and every match just a click away, there’s never been a better time to get into soccer. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or merely curious about the excitement, this tournament will offer something for everyone. From public watch parties and viral social media moments to fantasy games and friendly bets, every fan can join in.

 

Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready for remarkable moments as the world comes together in North America. You won’t want to miss it!

1968-2004 Women's International Soccer Games and Rankings

FIFA women’s international rankings officially started in the summer of 2003. The new world standard was built off the previous 30 years but unfortuantely FIFA didn’t retroactively release rankings, nor make it clear what games they were and weren’t counting. So after a few years of compiling as many games as possibly, Everybody Soccer presents a retroactive ranking system that will hopefully shed some light on where nations stood prior to 2003.

Download the Google Spreadsheet to make similar graphs.

Since it’s unclear what games FIFA did and didn’t count, any international matches were included in this project as FIFA-recognized teams weren’t a high priority for most of the 20th century either way. FIFA’s top ten teams at the start of 2005 are roughly the same from the ones displayed here with minor differences. So the methodology seems to have checked out.

To simply peruse the data and look at various games or yearly rankings, click here for a web page. However, if you’re looking to work with the data, click here to open a Google Spreadsheet that you and copy and download.

The top ten teams in the world from 1971 to 2005 (counting at the start of the year) are listed below for quick reference. Each year shows the top ten teams as of January 1st of the respective year.

For any errors in the data, or if you simply have questions about the information or spreadsheet, please use the contact form to reach out with any inquiries or helpful corrections.

National Rankings 1971–2005

National Team Rankings

1971 to 2005

Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jan 1971DenmarkItalyCzechiaGermanyMexicoSwitzerlandFranceEnglandArgentinaAustria
Jan 1972DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanyFranceSwitzerlandArgentina
Jan 1973DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanySwitzerlandSerbiaFrance
Jan 1974DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoGermanyNetherlandsSwitzerlandSerbiaFrance
Jan 1975DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoGermanyNetherlandsSwitzerlandSerbiaEngland
Jan 1976DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsGermanySwitzerlandSerbiaEngland
Jan 1977DenmarkItalyCzechiaSwedenMexicoNetherlandsEnglandGermanySerbiaBelgium
Jan 1978DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoEnglandNetherlandsGermanyTaiwanSerbia
Jan 1979DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsTaiwanGermanyBelgiumEngland
Jan 1980DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsEnglandTaiwanGermanyBelgium
Jan 1981DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoNetherlandsTaiwanEnglandGermanyBelgium
Jan 1982DenmarkItalySwedenCzechiaMexicoTaiwanGermanyEnglandNew ZealandSerbia
Jan 1983DenmarkSwedenItalyCzechiaMexicoTaiwanEnglandGermanyNorwayBelgium
Jan 1984DenmarkSwedenItalyCzechiaMexicoTaiwanEnglandGermanyNorwaySerbia
Jan 1985SwedenDenmarkItalyCzechiaEnglandMexicoTaiwanGermanyNorwayBelgium
Jan 1986SwedenDenmarkItalyEnglandCzechiaMexicoTaiwanNorwayUSANetherlands
Jan 1987ItalySwedenEnglandCzechiaDenmarkNorwayTaiwanUSANetherlandsGermany
Jan 1988SwedenEnglandItalyTaiwanNorwayDenmarkCzechiaGermanyNetherlandsUSA
Jan 1989NorwayItalySwedenDenmarkTaiwanEnglandGermanyCzechiaUSABrazil
Jan 1990SwedenNorwayGermanyDenmarkItalyChinaTaiwanEnglandUSACzechia
Jan 1991SwedenGermanyChinaDenmarkNorwayUSAItalyCzechiaBrazilEngland
Jan 1992USASwedenNorwayChinaGermanyDenmarkItalyNetherlandsCzechiaEngland
Jan 1993USANorwaySwedenGermanyChinaNetherlandsCzechiaBrazilEnglandEngland
Jan 1994USANorwaySwedenChinaGermanyDenmarkItalyCzechiaBrazilEngland
Jan 1995USANorwayGermanySwedenChinaDenmarkItalyFranceEnglandCanada
Jan 1996NorwayUSAGermanySwedenChinaDenmarkItalyEnglandBrazilFrance
Jan 1997USANorwayChinaGermanySwedenBrazilItalyDenmarkFranceEngland
Jan 1998USANorwayGermanyChinaSwedenItalyBrazilDenmarkFranceEngland
Jan 1999USANorwayChinaGermanySwedenItalyBrazilDenmarkFranceNetherlands
Jan 2000USAChinaNorwayGermanyBrazilSwedenItalyRussiaFranceNigeria
Jan 2001NorwayUSAChinaGermanyBrazilSwedenItalyRussiaFranceCanada
Jan 2002NorwayGermanyUSAChinaSwedenBrazilNorth KoreaFranceDenmarkRussia
Jan 2003USAGermanyNorwayChinaSwedenBrazilNorth KoreaFranceDenmarkItaly
Jan 2004GermanyUSASwedenNorwayChinaUSABrazilFranceNorth KoreaCanada
Jan 2005USAGermanyNorwayBrazilSwedenFranceChinaDenmarkNorth KoreaItaly
National team rankings • 1971 to 2005

Biggest Upsets

date - scoreline - setting (location) +elo change

  1. 7/20/86 - Japan (3) vs. Mexico (0) - Mundialito (Japan) +86

  2. 10/11/78 - Thailand (4) vs. England (0) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +83

  3. 4/11/03 - Bolivia (7) vs. Chile (1) - CONMEBOL Qualifying (Bolivia) +74

  4. 10/20/78 - Australia (5) vs. Thailand (0) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +73

  5. 10/15/81- Netherlands (0) vs. Norway (3) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +72

  6. 9/24/03 - Norway (1) vs. Brazil (4) - World Cup (USA) +70

  7. 6/24/99 - Korea DPR (3) vs. Denmark (1) - World Cup (USA) +70

  8. 12/21/86 - Thailand (0) vs. Japan (4) - AFC Champ (Hong Kong) +69

  9. 10/16/81 - Netherlands (0) vs. Finland (5) - World Invitation (Taiwan) +69

  10. 10/3/90 - Japan (3) vs. Chinese Taipei (1) - Asian Games (Japan) +69

  11. 11/29/91 - Sweden (4) vs. Germany (0) - World Cup (Sweden) +69

  12. 7/6/97 - Norway (0) vs. Italy (2) - Euro (Norway) +67

  13. 12/4/93 - Japan (6) vs. Chinese Taipei (1) - AFC Champ (Malaysia) +67

  14. 3/11/01 - USA (0) vs. Canada (3) - Algarve (USA) +65

  15. 12/12/87 - Canada (0) vs. Australia (2) - World Invitation (Canada) +65

  16. 10/5/03 - USA (0) vs. Germany (3) - World Cup (USA) +65

  17. 6/9/03 - India (6) vs. Uzbekistan (0) - AFC Champ (Thailand) +64

  18. 9/25/95 - South Korea (6) vs. Uzbekistan (0) - AFC Champ (Malaysia) +62

  19. 7/4/99 - Norway (0) vs. China PR (5) - World Cup (USA) +62

  20. 12/14/01 - Korea DPR (3) vs. China PR (1) - AFC Champ (Taiwan) +62

  21. 11/16/91 - China PR (4) vs. Norway (0) - World Cup (China PR) +61

  22. 7/2/89 - West Germany (4) vs. Norway (1) - Euro (West Germany) +61

  23. 4/14/83 - Philippines (2) vs. Hong Kong (0) - AFC Champ (Thailand) +60

  24. 11/27/91 - Germany (2) vs. USA (5) - World Cup (Germany) +59

  25. 5/25/91 - Hong Kong (2) vs. Singapore (0) - AFC Champ (Japan) +59

The Top Goalkeepers in Women's Soccer

The 2027 World Cup is around the corner, where fans will get to see some of the best goalkeepers in the world battling out for the claim of “best in the world”. These next few years are jam-packed with high-stakes international soccer and, hopefully, a slew of great saves and top-notch goalkeeping performances.

Goalkeepers are rated on their form with club and country, taking into account their success in shot-stopping, distribution, cross management, and ability to improv on a broken play. For past rankings, click here to see the annual list of top 50 goalkeepers dating back to 2016.

Last updated March 20, 2026

1. Angelina Anderson - Angel City FC

The towering (6'0") Californian who's emerged as a commanding presence in goal. Drafted 27th overall by Angel City FC out of Cal Berkeley in 2023, she became the first rookie goalkeeper to start an NWSL playoff match since 2013 and earned a long-term extension through 2028 as the club's primary No. 1. At Cal, she was Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year and Freshman of the Year as a true freshman and ultimately climbed to second on the school's all-time shutout list despite a COVID-shortened career. A former U.S. youth international (U-17 World Cup captain), she's since earned senior USWNT training call-ups and U-23 caps, showing poise under pressure and steady hands on crosses and shots. With regular NWSL starts and a club betting big on her long-term future, the 24-year-old is a rising USWNT contender whose blend of athleticism, technical reliability, and maturity positions her for elite-level consistency and potential international breakthroughs.

2. Phallon Tullis-Joyce - Manchester United

The marine biologist-turned-Man Utd No. 1, a late bloomer who swapped ocean depths (certified deep-sea diver, fossil hunter, University of Miami degree in marine science) for Premier League gloves. After going undrafted out of college, she bet on herself with a move to Reims in France, then OL Reign, before landing at United in 2023, eventually claiming the starting spot and earning her first senior USWNT cap in 2025 with a clean sheet. Tall, athletic, and composed, she racks up shutouts (17 in a recent league campaign) and brings a calm authority between the posts. The USWNT's goalkeeping depth chart is crowded, but her form in England and unique path make her a serious dark horse to climb higher.

3. Ann-Katrin Berger - Gotham FC

The veteran German shot-stopper who finally became her country's No. 1 after a decorated career across Europe. A three-time FA WSL Golden Glove winner at Chelsea, she moved to Gotham FC in 2024 and immediately delivered: NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, Best XI, and a club-record low goals-against average with eight clean sheets. Precise, experienced, and unflappable under pressure—known for penalty heroics and commanding presence—she's the reliable veteran who elevates any backline. Late international breakout or not, her trophy cabinet and recent NWSL dominance prove she's still performing at an elite level, making her a key piece for both club and Germany.

4. Jane Campbell - Houston Dash

The steady, long-time Houston Dash captain and USWNT regular who's been a model of consistency in the NWSL. NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, with double-digit caps for the senior national team, Campbell’s reflexes and shot-stopping abilities have kept her in the conversation for earning more games with the national team. Years of starting reps in Houston have made her one of the league's most dependable options, though international minutes remain competitive. She's the type who rarely beats herself—low-error profile, high save counts—and remains a reliable backup/rotation piece with upside for more starts if injuries or form open the door.

5. Kailen Sheridan - North Carolina Courage

The Canadian international who turned NWSL dominance into Olympic gold. Drafted by Sky Blue FC (now Gotham) in 2017, Sheridan worked her way to earning 2022 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors before helping San Diego Wave capture the Challenge Cup. Now at North Carolina Courage, she's a fixture for Canada and a highlighted name on any scouting report. Tall enough to cover the frame, with excellent distribution and penalty-saving prowess, she combines athleticism with composure. At 30, she's in her prime, a proven big-game performer who's elevated every team she's joined.

6. Cecilie Fiskerstrand - Fiorentina

The reliable Norwegian international who's built a steady, globe-trotting career across top European leagues while anchoring Norway's goal for over a decade. At 5'9" and turning 30 in 2026, Fiskerstrand signed with ACF Fiorentina in 2024 and quickly became the undisputed No. 1, starting nearly every match, extending her contract through 2029, and delivering consistent performances in Serie A. Her journey to Italy included stints at LSK Kvinner (where she won domestic titles and racked up caps), a productive spell at Brighton & Hove Albion in the WSL, and earlier stops at Stabæk and Fortuna Ålesund.

A regular for Norway since her youth days, she's featured in multiple major tournaments (World Cups, Euros, Nations League), often as the dependable backup turned starter in key qualifiers and friendlies, showcasing composure under pressure, sharp positioning, and strong command of her area. Strengths lie in her decision-making, ability to organize defenses, and reliable shot-stopping. With renewed commitment at Fiorentina and ongoing Norway call-ups, she's in her prime as a veteran who delivers quiet excellence, positioning her well for continued international relevance and potential club silverware in Italy.

7. Mandy McGlynn - Utah Royals

The resilient American goalkeeper who's forged a path through perseverance, international stints, and breakout NWSL performances to earn senior USWNT recognition. At 27 years old, McGlynn is the current No. 1 for the Utah Royals, where she signed in December 2023 via trade from NJ/NY Gotham FC and earned an NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year nomination. Her college days at Virginia Tech were dominant: four-year starter, back-to-back All-ACC First Team honors, first Hokie goalkeeper to play every minute of a season since 2004, and school records for shutouts (32) and goals-against average (0.99). Youth international experience came at U-18 and U-20 levels for the US, but senior breakthrough arrived in late 2024 with her debut in a 3-0 win over Argentina (becoming the 27th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap), followed by additional caps and regular call-ups into 2026 despite occasional injury setbacks (like a finger issue in early 2026 SheBelieves Cup camp). McGlynn looks to take on the responsibilities of the modern goalkeeper but consistent play is needed to make a run at capturing the starting spot for the USWNT.

8. Lorena - Kansas City Current

The Brazilian international who's made waves in the NWSL with athleticism and flair. Known for bold plays off her line, strong distribution, and penalty heroics, she brings a dynamic presence to her club. At 5'11" and in her mid-20s, the agile shot-stopper is known for bold rushes off her line, strong distribution, and penalty-saving heroics that make her a modern sweeper-keeper fit for possession teams. After standout spells in Brazil (Santos, Corinthians), she crossed to the NWSL, where her reflexes in one-on-ones, command on crosses, and highlight-reel saves have shone through. Capped multiple times for Brazil (including World Cup and Olympic squads), she combines explosive athleticism with composure under pressure. Still refining consistency at the elite level, her ceiling is high as a potential game-changer for club and country.

9. Claudia Dickey - Seattle Reign

The rising American talent who's transformed into Seattle Reign's ironclad No. 1, blending elite shot-stopping with remarkable durability. At 5'10" and 26 years old, Dickey had a stellar UNC career, where she earned First Team All-ACC honors, ranked nationally in shutouts (15 in one season), and posted a sub-0.50 GAA. In 2025 she broke out, playing every minute of every regular-season game and earning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year finalist nods. Through early 2026, she's amassed over 50 regular-season appearances with 13 clean sheets plus standout playoff moments like a debut shutout in 2023. A former U.S. youth international (U-18 to U-20 camps), her senior USWNT breakthrough came in 2025 with eight caps, seven clean sheets, and consistent starts under Emma Hayes. Known for sharp reflexes in one-on-ones, strong positioning, high-volume saving ability, and composure under fire—rarely rattled despite heavy shot counts—she commands her box on crosses and organizes defenses effectively. With a contract extension through 2028 and growing international reps, Dickey's consistency, work ethic, and big-save mentality make her a serious contender in the USWNT's deep goalkeeper pool, poised for even bigger roles on the world stage.

10. Jordan Silkowitz - Bay FC

At 6'0", the resilient American prospect has risen from draft-day backup to a starting NWSL role and USWNT call-up contender through persistence and standout shot-stopping. Hailing from Fairfax, Virginia, the 25-year-old was the first Iowa State Cyclone ever selected in the NWSL after a strong college run with the Cyclones. She spent her early pro years as a reserve in KC (behind Cassie Miller and Adrianna Franch), then ventured to Brisbane Roar in Australia's Liberty A-League for the 2023/24 season before landing at Bay FC, where she truly broke out in 2025. Silkowitz is largely off the radar for most when it comes to earning a call-up with the national team but similar to the rest of the current national team goalkeepers, so were they. If Silkowitz can continue her steady trajectory, she’ll go from NWSL backup to USWNT contender in no time.

Best of the Rest
rk. name - club, nationality (age)

11. Jordyn Bloomer - Racing Louisville, USA (28)
12. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin - Denver Summit, France (34)
13. Laura Giuliani - AC Milan, Italy (32)
14. Ayaka Yamashita - Manchester City, JPN (30)
15. Casey Murphy - Boston Legacy, USA (29)
16. Misa Rodriguez - Real Madrid, Spain (26)
17. Livia Peng - Werder Bremen, Switzerland (24)
18. Cata Coll - Barcelona, Spain (24)
19. Lize Kop - Tottenham, Netherlands (28)
20. Hannah Hampton - Chelsea, England (25)

21. Daphne Van Domselaar - Arsenal, Netherlands (26)
22. Christiane Endler - Lyon, Chile (34)
23. Mary Earps - PSG, England (33)
24. Anna Moorhouse - Orlando Pride, England (31)
25. Lena Pauels - Benfica, Germany (28)
26. Larissa Rusek - Juventus, Austria (21)
27. Samantha Murphy - FC Rosengard, USA (28)
28. Hillary Beall - Houston Dash, USA (27)
29. Alyssa Naeher - Chicago Stars, USA (37)
30. Ellie Roebuck - Aston Villa, England (26)

31. Jennifer Falk - Liverpool, Sweden (32)
32. Sabrina D'Angelo - Aston Villa, Canada (32)
33. Courtney Brosnan - Everton, Ireland (30)
34. Katie Atkinson - Chicago Stars, USA (29)
35. Jalen Tompkins - Brondby, USA (29)
36. Sofia Manner - AFC Toronto, Finland (28)
37. Melina Loeck - Hammarby, Germany (25)
38. Sandra Paños - America, Spain (33)
39. Stina Johannes - Wolfsburg, Germany (26)
40. Ena Mahmutovic - Bayern Munich, Germany (22)

41. Jada Whyman - AIK, Australia (26)
42. Anna Tamminen - Newcastle, Finland (31)
43. Marisa Jordan - Kansas City Current, USA (25)
44. Laurel Ivory - Boston Legacy, USA (26)
45. Sydney Schneider - Tampa Bay Sun FC, Jamaica (26)
46. Anneke Borbe - Arsenal, Germany (25)
47. Bridgette Skiba - Stjarnan, USA (26)
48. Jessica Berlin - Thor/KA, USA (26)
49. Lola Gallardo - Atletico Madrid, Spain (32)
50. Friederike Repohl - Bayer Leverkusen, Germany (31)