San Antonio soccer fans celebrate Argentina's victory as they look ahead to 2023 and 2026

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First ... the best part of any World Cup: Telemundo's Andres Cantor ...

Looking ahead ...

The worldwide community of soccer fans have said goodbye to the 2022 Men's World Cup. But they're also looking to the horizon, with two specific years at the forefront of their imaginations: 2023 and 2026.

Next year, Australia and New Zealand will host FIFA's Women's World Cup, from July 20 to Aug. 20. It's the first time two nations host the women's games. Like the men's games, the Women's World Cup is held every four years. Unlike the men's games, the U.S. outlook is much brighter. The Americans have won this trophy four times, including their 2019 faceoff with the Netherlands.

The Women's World Cup was established in 1991 as a 12-team tournament. In 2023, it will feature teams from 32 nations — a reflection of the massive growth and popularity of women's soccer around the world. Some fans consider the Women's World Cup — in terms of skill, intelligence of strategy and tactics, and overall quality of teams -- far superior to the men's championship.

The other significant year to keep in mind is 2026, when the Men's World Cup returns. Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will share the games among more than a dozen cities — including Houston and Arlington.

In early December, Houston Public Media (HPM) reported that officials from Houston visited the Qatar games for insight into how to host World Cup games. KERA recently reported that Dallas officials also traveled to Qatar to learn from their hosting experiences. Monica Paul was among them. She estimated that the Men's World Cup could have a $400 million impact — per match — on the Dallas Fort Worth economy, not including the final game itself.

Building on the excitement generated over the 2022 and 2023 tournaments, the presence of the 2026 Men's World Cup in North America is expected to further intensify homegrown enthusiasm for soccer, in a nation and state that still mostly loves baseball and American football. How that enthusiasm will translate into a successful men's U.S. soccer team — one that lives up to the triumphs the women's team has worked hard to earn — remains to be seen.

More coverage below on the 2023 and 2026 games, along with prospects on 2030.

2023 Women's World Cup

• The New York Times: The U.S. Women’s Team Has Won Millions at the Men’s World Cup

2026 Men's World Cup

• Associated Press: After World Cup, US men recede to background for 3 1/2 years
• Associated Press: The World Cup stars who could be on the move after Qatar
• Al Jazeera: Is World Cup 2022 moving football’s future further east?
• Associated Press: FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World Cup
• Associated Press: Infantino gives FIFA wish list of new and revamped event
• Associated Press: The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?
• The Athletic: FIFA consider introducing group-stage penalty shootouts at 2026 World Cup

2030 Men's World Cup

• Associated Press: After World Cup success, Morocco has renewed aims to host
• The Guardian: Ukraine’s 2030 World Cup bid likely dead after country’s FA chief arrested

Qatar: The human cost of the Men's World Cup

FIFA's selection of Qatar was one of the most controversial decisions in recent memory. Qatar is a conservative nation governed by Islamic law, and its record on human rights, rights for women, rules on gender equality, and rights for workers (who spent more than a decade building the World Cup facilities) have been the focus of scrutiny and condemnation. Read more news coverage of those issues below.

• The Guardian: This World Cup has taken place in a crime scene
• The New York Times: The Qatar World Cup Is Peak ‘Sportswashing.’ But Will It Work?
• Reuters: Migrant workers aim to stay in Qatar far beyond World Cup final
• The Guardian: Ten years of hurt -- how the Guardian reported Qatar’s World Cup working conditions
• Associated Press: Qatar says worker deaths for World Cup ‘between 400 and 500’
• The Athletic: Watching the World Cup with Qatar’s migrant workers and hearing about their lives
• The New York Times: A Migrant’s Desperate Day Chasing Work at the World Cup
• Associated Press: Empty streets, cranes: the city built for Qatar’s World Cup
• Dezeen: Week envisions Qatar World Cup migrant worker memorial to "reflect the scale of the humanitarian disaster"
• The New Yorker: The Dark Side of the World Cup
• The Guardian: Stadiums of shame — the numbers World Cup hosts Qatar don’t want to be seen
• The Guardian: This World Cup is about much more than football. I’ve seen the human cost
• The New York Times: The World Cup’s Forgotten Team
• BBC News: Families seek answers over migrant worker deaths
• The Guardian: A game of two halves — How ‘sportswashing’ benefits Qatar and the West

PAST GAMES AND ANALYSIS

PEDRO NUNES

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REUTERS

Sunday, Nov. 20
Qatar 0 — Ecuador 2

Related coverage

• The New York Times: Qatar Stepped Onto the World Cup Stage. And Immediately Stumbled.
• The Guardian: Frazzled Qatar team fluff their lines on World Cup’s surreal opening night
• Associated Press: World Cup opener watched by 7.2 million viewers in US

Monday, Nov. 21
England 6 — Iran 2
Senegal 0 — Netherlands 2
USA 1 — Wales 1

Related coverage

• 90Min: England - Iran breaks record for longest World Cup game
• The Guardian: USA’s European elite sparkle then fizzle on World Cup return against Wales
• Associated Press: Women’s protests overshadow Iran’s World Cup loss
• Associated Press: Saka, Rashford help England rout Iran 6-2 at World Cup
• KUT: Texans to play key roles in U.S. men’s World Cup return

Tuesday, Nov. 22
Argentina 1— Saudi Arabia 2
Denmark 0 — Tunisia 0
Mexico 0 — Poland 0
France 4 — Australia1

Related coverage

• The Guardian: Giroud equals Henry’s goal record as France survive scare to thrash Australia
• Associated Press: Mexico and Poland play out 0-0 draw at World Cup
• Associated Press: Frappart becomes 1st woman ref for men’s World Cup match
• The Athletic: Lionel Messi on Argentina’s shock defeat by Saudi Arabia -- ‘There are no excuses’
• The Guardian: Where does Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina rank in World Cup shocks?
• The Washington Post: Saudi Arabia shocks Argentina with a World Cup upset for the history books
• The Guardian: Saudi Arabia stun Argentina as Salem al-Dawsari winner crowns comeback
• Associated Press: Messi enters World Cup as Argentina plays Saudi Arabia

Wednesday, Nov. 23
Morocco 0 — Croatia 0
Germany 1 — Japan 2
Spain 7 — Costa Rica 0
Belgium 1 — Canada 0

Related coverage

• Associated Press: Arabs unite in celebration as Morocco advances in World Cup
• The Washington Post: Japan upends Germany in Qatar, and another World Cup darling is born
• NPR: German players cover their mouths at the World Cup to protest FIFA
• NPR: Japan gets 2 late goals to beat Germany 2-1 at the World Cup

Thursday, Nov. 24
Switzerland 1 — Cameroon 0
Uruguay 0 — South Korea 0
Portugal 3 — Ghana 2
Brazil 2 — Serbia 0

Related coverage

• Associated Press: Embolo scores, doesn’t celebrate as Swiss win at World Cup
• Associated Press: Ronaldo becomes 1st male player to score at 5 World Cups
• The Athletic: How Brazil defeated Serbia 2-0 courtesy of Richarlison goals
• Associated Press: Brazil fans at World Cup show support for soccer great Pelé
• Yahoo Sports: Why players lie down to defend free kicks
• ESPN: Richarlison's goal of the tournament candidate lifts Brazil past gritty Serbia
• The New York Times: The New Recruits
• The Guardian: From Neymar to Jesus, Brazil’s brilliant forwards can turn any match in Qatar

Friday, Nov. 25
Wales 0 — Iran 2
Qatar 1 — Senegal 3
Netherlands 1 — Ecuador 1
England 0 — USA 0

Related coverage

• Reuters: Goalless draws at World Cup come from cautious approach
• Associated Press: Show’s over already for host Qatar’s World Cup team
• The Athletic: Qatar -- A forgettable team who failed to distract from World Cup’s bigger issues
• CNN: US remains unbeaten against England at World Cups after goalless draw in Qatar
• The Guardian: My generation of US players was jealous of cocky England. Beating them was a joy
• Associated Press: ‘Angry’ Van Gaal looking for a joyous World Cup farewell

Saturday, Nov. 26
Tunisia 0 — Australia 1
Poland 2 — Saudi Arabia 0
France 2 — Denmark 1
Argentina 2 — Mexico 0

Related coverage

• The Athletic: Deschamps’ France defy World Cup doubters and prove they are still the real deal
• Yahoo Sports: Lionel Messi pulls Argentina out of a World Cup nightmare in 2-0 win over Mexico
• The Guardian: Fear not Argentina and Germany, World Cup winners can start slowly
• The New York Times: For Mexico, an Unlucky Seven
• Associated Press: Thuram isn’t burdened by his father’s World Cup achievements

Sunday, Nov. 27
Japan 0 — Costa Rica 1
Belgium 0 — Morocco 2
Croatia 4 — Canada 1
Spain 1 — Germany 1

Related coverage

• BBC Sport: Germany's Jamal Musiala again shows his potential as he impresses against Spain
• Associated Press: Morocco pulls off another World Cup upset, beats Belgium 2-0
• Associated Press: Riots in Belgium, Netherlands after Morocco win at World Cup
• Associated Press: Germany salvages 1-1 draw against Spain at World Cup
• Associated Press: Croatia downs Canada 4-1 at World Cup on Kramaric’s 2 goals

Monday, Nov. 28
Cameroon 3 — Serbia 3
South Korea 2 — Ghana 3
Brazil 1 — Switzerland 0
Portugal 2 — Uruguay 0

Related coverage

• The Guardian: Protester who ran on to pitch banned by Qatar from World Cup matches
• ESPN: World Cup protester released without charges after running onto pitch during Portugal-Uruguay
• The Athletic: Neymar can do it all. So how on earth do Brazil recreate what he brings to the team?
• Associated Press: After latest milestone, Ronaldo eyes World Cup glory
• Associated Press: 2 brothers, 2 teams, 2 contrasting experiences at World Cup

Tuesday, Nov. 29
Netherlands 2 — Qatar 0
Ecuador 1 — Senegal 2
Wales 0 — England 3
Iran 0 — USA 1

Related coverage

• The Athletic: Luke Shaw motivated by memory of late grandmother at 2022 World Cup
• The Guardian: Wales fans proud and unbowed after early World Cup exit
• CNN: Christian Pulisic is day-to-day after being taken to hospital with pelvic contusion suffered scoring winning goal for US
• The Washington Post: After enduring insults and threats, Iranian team exits World Cup
• NPR: What's at stake as the U.S. faces Iran at the Men's World Cup
• Time: Iranian Reporters Pelted the U.S. Team With Political Questions at a World Cup Press Conference
• ESPN: An oral history of USA-Iran at the 1998 World Cup: Political tension, teammate betrayal and humiliation

Wednesday, Nov. 30
Tunisia 1 — France 0
Australia 1 — Denmark 0
Poland 0 — Argentina 2
Saudi Arabia 1 — Mexico 2

Related coverage

• The Washington Post: It’s over for Mexico, both this World Cup and one long, long streak
• Associated Press: Saudi Arabia exits World Cup with newfound confidence
• Associated Press: Mexico beats Saudi Arabia 2-1 but falls short at World Cup
• The Washington Post: Wait, is that Australia, waltzing into the World Cup knockout stage?
• The Athletic: Mexico’s scoring woes go beyond the absence of Chicharito
• The Atlantic: The Sumptuous Minimalism of Lionel Messi

Thursday, Dec. 1
Croatia 0 — Belgium 0
Canada 1 — Morocco 2
Japan 2 — Spain 1
Costa Rica 2 — Germany 4

Related coverage

• The Guardian: ‘A football dwarf’: German media react to Die Mannschaft’s early World Cup exit
• Associated Press: Germany’s soul-searching begins after another World Cup flop
• The New York Times: Germany’s Coach Is Out of His Depth, and So Is Its Chancellor
• The Guardian: Stéphanie Frappart to become first female referee at men’s World Cup game

Friday, Dec. 2
South Korea 2 — Portugal 1
Ghana 0 — Uruguay 2
Cameroon 1 — Brazil 0
Serbia 2 — Switzerland 3

Related coverage

• Associated Press: Brazil wins group despite 1-0 loss to Cameroon at World Cup
• The Guardian: Uruguay leave the World Cup the same way they played in it: gracelessly

Saturday, Dec. 3
Netherlands 3 — USA 1
Argentina 2 — Australia 1

Related coverage

• The New Yorker: How Argentina Came to Love Lionel Messi at the World Cup
• The Guardian: What did the US lack most at the World Cup? Football intelligence
• Associated Press: Dumfries gets kissed as Oranje reach World Cup quarterfinals
• Associated Press: American fans captivated by US team’s World Cup run
• The New York Times: Bitter Finish Brings Chance for U.S. to Look Forward
• The Guardian: USA have built a brotherhood capable of beating Netherlands at the World Cup
• The New York Times: Messi’s Score Sets Tone for Argentina in World Cup Win

Round of 16: Sunday, Dec. 4
France 3 — Poland 1
England 3 — Senegal 0

Related coverage

• Reuters: Record Giroud, sublime Mbappe send France into quarter-finals with Poland win
• The New York Times: England Gets a Jolt From Its Youngest Player in a Rout of Senegal
• Associated Press: Game of lies bonds England ahead of Senegal World Cup clash

Round of 16: Monday, Dec. 5
Japan 1 (1) — Croatia 1 (3)
Brazil 4 — South Korea 1

Round of 16: Tuesday, Dec. 6
Morocco 0 (3) — Spain 0 (0)
Portugal 6 — Switzerland 1

Related coverage

• Associated Press: Morocco coach skeptical World Cup can open door to Europe
• BBC News: Could Morocco win to fulfil Pele's prediction?
• Associated Press: Portugal stepping out of Ronaldo’s long shadow at World Cup

Quarterfinals: Friday, Dec. 9
Croatia 1 (4) — Brazil 1 (2)
Netherlands 2 (3) — Argentina 2 (4)

Related coverage

• The Athletic: How Argentina vs Netherlands descended into chaos — taunts, tantrums and tears
• Associated Press: Brazil fans back home shocked after World Cup elimination
• The Washington Post: Why doesn’t Argentina have more Black players in the World Cup?
• The Guardian: Blue day for Brazil’s yellow-shirted fans after shock World Cup exit
• The New York Times: Lionel Messi Is the Right Man for Argentina’s Post-Macho Moment
• Associated Press: Pelé sends message of support to Neymar after World Cup exit
• The Sporting News: Why are Brazil out of World Cup 2022? They're dependent on Neymar and the others forgot how good they are
• Associated Press: Messi, Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties at World Cup
• The New York Times:‘It Hurts’: Brazil Is Left Wondering What Went Wrong
• Fox Sports: ‘S***housery’ -- Chaos summed up in one cruel image; superstar drops hint on future
• Associated Press: Neymar ties Pelé’s record but loses again at World Cup
• The New York Times: After Brazil’s Shocking Defeat, Take a Close Look at What the Team Has Become

Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 10
Morocco 1 — Portugal 0
France 2 — England 1

Related coverage

• The Athletic: Cristiano Ronaldo. Yesterday’s man
• The Washington Post: Kylian Mbappé’s captivating, cascading World Cup joy
• The Guardian: The psychic alpaca has spoken — World Cup madness has arrived for England

Semifinals: Tuesday, Dec. 13
Argentina 3 — Croatia 0

Related coverage

• The New York Times: Two Favorites, Two Underdogs, Too Good
• The New York Times: The Team That Refuses to Lose

Semifinals: Wednesday, Dec. 14
France 2 — Morocco 0

Related coverage

• The Atlantic: The Absurd Talent of Kylian Mbappé
• The Guardian: Morocco’s World Cup odyssey has changed what it means to be the underdog

Third place playoff: Saturday, Dec. 17
Croatia 2 — Morocco 1

Related coverage

• Associated Press: France celebrates World Cup victory, fans cheer Morocco team
• The Guardian: France bring Morocco’s adventure to an end and reach World Cup final
• The New York Times: Morocco Has Given the Arab World Something to Cheer for Again
• The Athletic: Croatia and Morocco are precious — they prove that World Cups cannot be bought
• Associated Press: Morocco World Cup wins stir mixed feelings in Western Sahara

Final: Sunday, Dec. 18
Argentina 3 (4) — France 3 (2)

Related coverage

• The Guardian: Messi’s final World Cup is not just a competition. It is a cause, a rebellion
• The Athletic: Is Messi the greatest? It’s OK to debate it — don’t let people ruin your fun
• The Guardian: Antoine Griezmann’s devilment gives France the edge when it matters
• ESPN: Why Lionel Messi is the best male athlete of all time
  Associated Press: Argentina fans adopt ‘Muchachos’ as their World Cup anthem
  Associated Press: EXPLAINER — Why are Argentines such ardent World Cup fans?
• The Guardian: France do just enough to go forward — but will they have more for the final?

BACKGROUND

What is the Men's World Cup?

The FIFA Men's World Cup is the global soccer championship that brings together teams representing dozens of nations — 32 nations this year, including the United States — to compete for the FIFA World Cup trophy. Teams spend about two years trying to qualify to play in the World Cup.

FIFA stands for "Fédération Internationale de Football Association," which is the international association that manages the games. The tournament has been played every four years since the 1930s (the 1942 and 1946 championships were canceled because of World War II).

Usually, one country hosts the games. Competition between nations to be selected is often fierce, and the final decision is usually controversial. The U.S. hosted the games in 1994. Russia hosted the last World Cup in 2018. In 2022, Qatar, a nation on the Persian Gulf, was the host.

In 2002, for the first time, multiple countries — Japan and South Korea — shared the hosting honors. In 2026, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will share the games among 17 cities — including Houston and Arlington. Houston Public Media reported that officials from Houston visited the Qatar games for insight into how to host World Cup games.

The World Cup usually takes place in the summer, but because of Qatar's heat, the 2022 games were moved into the winter, from mid November to mid December.

More about the World Cup

Check out theNew York TimesFAQ for more answers to World Cup questions.

MORE RESOURCES

NPR and The Texas Newsroom

• The Texas Standard: The next World Cup will be a financial score for Texas
• NPR: What's being done to stop adults' misbehavior at youth soccer games
• NPR: At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, referees are adding extra time to games. Lots of it.
• Texas Standard: Texans to play key roles in U.S. men’s World Cup return
• Podcast: "La Última Copa" ("The Last Cup") explores Lionel Messi's quest to win for Argentina
• Stats: Watch the World Cup like a nerd — by the numbers
• Reading recommendations: In between matches, take a deep dive into soccer
• Complete coverage: TPR's continuing coverage of the 2022 Men's World Cup

Other news coverage

• The New York Times: Is Suffering a Substitute for Style?
• The New York Times: The World Cup’s Missing Mouthpiece
• Associated Press: At World Cup, women shrug off worries over dress codes
• The Poynter Report: The loss of a great journalist and even better person: soccer writer Grant Wahl
• The New York Times: What Happened to the Qatar Women’s National Team?
• The Guardian: Paul the octopus, Taiyo the otter and the World Cup’s other psychic animals
• The Washington Post: Why soccer is beloved around the world
• The Atlantic: What Has Technology Done to Soccer?
• The New York Times: The U.S. World Cup Team Is Notably Diverse, but the Pipeline Needs Help
• The New York Times: Yes, the Players in the World Cup Do Keep Falling Over for No Reason
• Al Jazeera: Asian, African fans relish ‘affordable’, close-to-home World Cup
• Associated Press: For World Cup visitors, a peek into Islamic art, heritage
• Al Jazeera: Which managers have resigned, been sacked after World Cup exits?
• The New York Times: Stadiums as High Art in a World Cup Fantasyland
• Wall Street Journal: A Psychologist Spent Five Years Studying World Cup Penalty Shootouts
• The New York Times: The Last Stand of Soccer’s Greatest Generation
• National Geographic: Soccer is the world's most popular sport. But who invented it?
• NBC News: What's in the 'magic spray' World Cup players use, and does it really work
• Associated Press: Fans' wild World Cup fashion draws praise, scorn in Qatar
• Beaumont Enterprise: World Cup influence helping grow Southeast Texas soccer
• Al Jazeera: More than 2.4 million people attended group stages matches — FIFA
• Al Jazeera: World Cup 2022 has a winner, say women football fans — safety
• The Wall Street Journal: ‘Soccer’: The Sport’s American Name Is Actually British
• The Guardian: Bonkers football jargon puts people off the game. It needs an idiot filter, and I’m volunteering
• The Guardian: UK pubs sign up to World Cup charter aiming to improve female fans’ safety
• The Guardian: Why are World Cup players wearing strange face masks on the pitch?
• BBC World Cup icons: Johan Cruyff / Pele / Diego Maradona / Zinedine Zidane
• The New York Times: What Is Offside in Soccer?

WHERE TO WATCH THE GAMES

Several spots in San Antonio consistently offered watch parties, and most fans will have their favorite bars or restaurants. Most establishments that regularly televise sports events will likely have at least one TV tuned to the game, depending on their business hours. They may also show reruns of the games. All times CST.

The businesses below have hosted watch parties:

• Smoke BBQ + Skybar: 501 East Crockett St.
• Chicken N Pickle: 5215 UTSA Blvd.
• The Lucky Duck SATX: 810 North Alamo St.
• Roadmap Brewing Co.: 723 North Alamo
• Dave & Busters: Check location
• The Growler Exchange: 4130 Broadway St #2
• The Hangar Bar & Grill: 8203 Broadway
• Europa Restaurant & Bar: 8811 Fredericksburg Rd.
• Stout House TPC: 22810 US Highway 281, Ste 103
• Trisha's Social Sips / Wheatley Heights Sports Complex: 200 Noblewood

Brian Kirkpatrick, Yvette Benavides, Jackie Velez, KUT's Gabrielle Muñoz, HPM's Jack Williams and KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña contributed to this report.

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