The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin on Thursday, with multiple reports highlighting how the tournament’s scale and logistical requirements differ from previous editions. All sources point to an expanded format, with 48 teams competing across 16 venues, making it the largest World Cup in history. Coverage also emphasizes that hosting the expanded tournament requires extensive planning across multiple cities, including managing entry and travel arrangements for fans and teams. One article references issues related to countries facing specific visa constraints, including Iran, as an example of the kinds of administrative challenges that can affect access to matches. Reporting frames the event as “United 2026,” describing it as a major, coordinated effort to deliver the expanded competition across the United States. The combined reporting focuses on the practical implications of the tournament’s size—such as travel, scheduling, and venue distribution—rather than on match outcomes or a single political interpretation. Overall, the articles present the start of the tournament as a significant operational undertaking shaped by its new structure and footprint.