World Cup primer: Players, places, plotlines and politics

(Photo credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images) After an unusual and at times underwhelming buildup, the 2026 World Cup is suddenly, finally the spectacle on everyone's mind. From questions surrounding Neymar's health and fitness for Brazil, to political drama between co-hosts United States and Iran, to European complaints about the intensity of North American summers, the World Cup is dominating the headlines.