Mega-event: For the first time, 3 host countries – The 2026 World Cup inspires 241+
Football (Soccer) is preparing to write a golden page in its history. The 2026 World Cup will mark a turning point, not only because of the quality of the teams, but also because of the magnitude of the event. For the first time, three countries will host: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. And for the first time, 48 teams will compete for the most coveted trophy on the planet. This process has been underway for two years, with 39 days of matches remaining, a historic duration.
If with 32 teams and fewer playing days, many players ended up injured, we can expect a competition that reflects the excellent athletic condition of the participants, who will be the ones to make the difference in the spectacle.
Dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group Stage: 12 groups of 4 teams each.
Qualifying: The top two teams from each group advance, plus the eight best third-placed teams.
Knockout Stage: A balanced 32-team stage, from the Round of 32 to the final.
Total matches: 104 highly exciting encounters.
New rules will debut for this World Cup, and VAR will bring surprises. What will they be? What are your thoughts on each of them?
What does this have to do with 241+?
Firstly, just like the United Nations (193 countries) and FIFA (211 countries), 241+ represents the 241+ countries and regions of the chess.com world.
At 241+, we understand greatness. We know that records are meant to be broken and that the biggest challenges create the most memorable stories.
Just as the 2026 World Cup expands its reach to 48 teams, 241+ expands its reach to multiple clubs and communities, connecting players from all corners of the world in a unique experience.
Just as the 2026 World Cup will need three venues to contain its grandeur, 241+ needs a 12-hour marathon every Sunday to contain the passion of its participants.
Just as the 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches, 241+ has been proving for years that endurance, consistency, and community are the true championships.
An invitation to be part of history.
The world of sports is preparing for the mega-event. And we, at 241+, are preparing too.
This Sunday, May 24th, like every Sunday, the Multiclub Regatta Marathon "Friends 241+" awaits you. It doesn't matter if you're from Canada, the United States, Mexico, or any other corner of the world. The board has no borders. The multi-club is sponsored by @MasterLola241 (if you want to participate with your club, contact me via private message). Don't miss Health, Wellness and Sports>an essential weekly blog for us all.(every Friday)
Because while the world prepares for 104 matches, we play ours every season. Every day of the week, every week, every Sunday. Without exception.
This year we're doubling down: instead of one month, we'll have two months of "Chess and Friends Month" It will be a special edition for the 2026 World Cup, where the June and July events will use the hashtag #Friends+Event Number, because both football and chess help us make friends through playing sports.
In short, with 60+ regular events plus all the Daily Matches and Votechess Games, we'll be close to 104. We're also equal in talent, but in chess; who knows, maybe there's talent in other sports too. The only thing we're not equal in is money, but if you'd like, you can make donations (100, 1000, 10000, 100000 or more) to the club Here
Which continent will be crowned World Champion in 2026? With such a close race, dare you predict who will be crowned champion?
Let the games begin.
The 241+ team
Friends, thank you for your comments, if you liked this one, don't Don't miss the second part of this article, which will be published on the first weekend of June.
