World Cup facts and figures to get you sounding like an expert

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles the ball during the international friendly football match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras, on June 6. Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

At least, that's how it may feel for the next six weeks. The planet's largest sporting event has officially begun in North America with a majority of games happening across the 11 host cities in the U.S.

With a record 48 teams and a whopping 1,248 players, there's an endless number of facts and figures about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But don't worry. We've gathered some of the top stats to know before you start watching the games.

Heading into his first World Cup ever, Scotland's Craig Gordon will be competing as the oldest footballer on the global stage and second oldest in World Cup history at 43 years old.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park on Nov. 18, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. Stu Forster/Getty Images hide caption

But he's far from the only quadragenarian competing. As of June 11, there are seven players in their 40s with one of soccer's greats Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal being the second oldest. Ronaldo, 41, is heading to his sixth World Cup without the major trophy yet to his name.

Other notable 40-somethings on the field will be Luka Modrić of Croatia and Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico — both of whom are 40. (Uruguay's Fernando Muslera will join the 40s club on June 16.)

More common than quadragenarians at the World Cup are the number of players not old enough to buy alcohol in the U.S. Meanwhile, the youngest is not yet of age to get a tattoo without a parent's permission.