How the biggest World Cup ever will work

The 2026 World Cup starts here! Well, in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa. Join Adam Leventhal, Jay Harris and Cerys Jones as they give you the lowdown on everything you need to know ahead of the tournament getting underway. Jack Lang reflects on Gianni Infantino's press conference on the eve of the tournament, while Felipe Cardenas gives us the lowdown on what to expect from Mexico, before we analyse their bright-young hope, Gilberto Mora as part of The Athletic's Stars of Soccer! Access to all of The Athletic's World Cup coverage is free via our app during the duration of the World Cup! Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jay Harris and Cerys Jones Featuring: Jack Lang and Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou and Grayson Moody 00:00 - Intro 01:20 - Memories of World Cup opening days 02:59 - Gianni Infantino’s opening speech 10:38 - Contributing to The Athletic’s ‘Stars of Soccer’ 13:25 - How will this World Cup work? 14:50 - More games, less jeopardy? 18:29 - How countries are coping with varying conditions 22:56 - World Cup debutants 24:53 - Rule changes 28:54 - World Cup ‘Do You Know?’ Quiz 31:02 - Previewing Mexico v South Africa 37:29 - Mexico’s Star of Soccer: Gilberto Mora 40:32 - Why you can’t rule out South Africa The Athletic FC Podcast is your essential guide to football's biggest stories, six times a week during the World Cup... Listen on Apple and Spotify: theathletic.lnk.to/tafcpod Subscribe to The Athletic FC Podcast channel 👉 http://bit.ly/athleticuk | 🔔Make sure to enable all push notifications!🔔 Follow The Athletic FC Podcast: Instagram: @theathleticfc TikTok: athleticfcpod Thumbnail: Leonardo Fernandez / Stringer  / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / USA TODAY Sport via Imagn Images Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Images  / USA TODAY Sport via Imagn Images: #worldcup #fifa #football #mexico #southafrica