(CNN) — The FIFA men’s World Cup is only played once every four years, and it is arguably the most eagerly anticipated event in all of sports.

The United States, Canada and Mexico have known they will be co-hosting the 2026 tournament since 2018, but it’s only as the draw comes into focus at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC that it’s going to start feeling real to fans all over the world.

An expanded 48-team competition, up from 32, will be different to anything we’ve ever seen before and since the group stage draw is now upon us, some other storylines which have been bubbling underneath the surface will soon burst into view.

Who’s playing? And who isn’t?

Of the 48 teams involved, 42 have secured their place in the tournament. Six more spots to so

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