Parents and Friends,

Fantastic that the Canada–Mexico–USA bid to host the 2026 Men’s World Cup has been successful!

2026 will have 48 national teams and with 60 of the 80 games being played across the U.S. it will be just brilliant.

Exciting times too with the 2018 Men’s World Cup kicking off today in Russia.

This is the 21st edition, 32 teams are participating and Brazil (of course!) are the favorites.

Remarkably only eight countries have ever won the tournament.

Brazil (5), Germany (4), Italy (4), Uruguay (2), Argentina (2) with England, France and Spain taking home one each.

Most likely it will be one of those teams lifting the trophy again although Italy didn’t qualify.

It’s going to be non-stop soccer for a month and I’m pushing every kid I train to watch as many games as possible!

And if that first-round schedule looks daunting then these are my top 5 matches to catch…

1. Portugal v Spain | Friday, June 15, 11 a.m. (Fox)
2. Argentina v Iceland | Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. (Fox)
3. Germany v Mexico | Sunday, June 17, 8 a.m. (FS1)
4. Senegal v Colombia | Thursday, June 28, 7 a.m. (Fox/FS1)
5. England v Belgium | Thursday, June 28, 11 a.m. (Fox/ FS1)

The must-watch game will be the Portugal–Spain clash tomorrow.

Portugal are the reigning European Champions and their star player Cristiano Ronaldo will be up against his club teammate Sergio Ramos.

It's Ronaldo vs. Ramos!

Chat soon,
Patrick
Soccer1-1.com