The heartbeat of the Blue Sharks. Twenty-year servant of the national team — finally gets the World Cup stage his career deserved.
48 NATIONS · 12 GROUPS · 1 TROPHY · ONE BLUE SHARK FROM THE ATLANTIC
Lito's complete spectacle — every team profiled, every group fixture mapped, every knockout window pre-walked. Cabo Verde gets the headliner spotlight because for the first time in history the Tubarões Azuis play on football's biggest stage.
Tubarões Azuis · The Blue Sharks
The heartbeat of the Blue Sharks. Twenty-year servant of the national team — finally gets the World Cup stage his career deserved.
Sporting CP-developed; left foot like a magic wand. Lito's pick for breakout star of Group H.
Aerial fortress and set-piece weapon at both ends. Tubarões keep clean sheets when Logi plays 90.
Captain of his Irish club, the calm reader of the game next to Logi. Bubista trusts him completely.
Galatasaray-tested left foot. The best dead-ball striker Cabo Verde has ever produced.
The elder statesman — back in camp as a leader. Played in three AFCONs. Living legend.
Out of the group as third place — through to Round of 32 via the new 48-team format.
Bubista builds a fortress around Logi and Pico, Garry curls one in against Uruguay, and Cabo Verde becomes the feel-good story of the entire tournament. Eight points from a possible nine in the third-place table is enough to advance.
Lito watch-along on CVN Network for every Cabo Verde match — pre-game, full live commentary, and a post-game CV-by-CV breakdown.
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Futbol Americas on ESPN FC breaks down the 2026 World Cup ticket controversy — buyers say FIFA misled them on availability, pricing tiers, and resale terms ahead of kickoff. A must-watch before you plan your June trip.
Locked in pre-tournament. Disagree? Tell Lito in the comments below — every reply gets read live on the CVN Network watch-along.
Fans early in the cycle are doing fixture research. Fans during the tournament are watching, posting, eating, traveling, buying gear. The same person rotates through all five segments in 24 hours. Lito's editorial logic is built around this.

Treat the tournament as a cultural festival. Will travel city-to-city, plan the food + neighborhood as much as the match. High spend on hospitality and local experiences.
CV Sports HQ play: Lean into FIFA host-city pages, fan zones at Centennial Park, Bayfront, Pike Place.
Watch the match while doomscrolling X, TikTok and r/worldcup at the same time. Memes, hot takes, instant clips. Want highlights packaged within minutes.
CV Sports HQ play: Push reactions, tactical breakdowns and 60-second pre-game pods on YouTube + TikTok.
Connecting to family identity — parents from Mexico, Italy, Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Brazil. The badge is personal. Treat the run as a family event.
CV Sports HQ play: Tell origin stories — players' grandparents, diaspora pubs, the food on match day.
High intent on official kits, training tops, scarves, retro classics. Fanatics, FIFA Store, adidas, Nike. Pre-orders before kickoff.
CV Sports HQ play: Drop merch links the moment a Lito grade hits — tied to specific players.
Show up only for the elimination rounds and the USA / Mexico games. Need every fixture, kickoff and TV channel laid out simply.
CV Sports HQ play: Big fixture cards. ET kickoff in bold. Fox/FS1 banner. No clutter.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CONCACAF | #17 | #16 | B+ | |
| 2 | CAF | #56 | #41 | C+ | |
| 3 | AFC | #22 | #22 | B | |
| 4 | UEFA | #39 | #33 | B- |
Group winners. Round of 16 minimum, El Tri want a quarter-final at home.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Mexico. First nation in history to host three men's World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).
Coach Javier Aguirre from Mexico City — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #17, Lito power #16. Group winners. Round of 16 minimum, El Tri want a quarter-final at home.
Plucky underdog story. Steal one result, push for third-place advance.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
South Africa. First African country to host a World Cup (2010).
Coach Hugo Broos from Pretoria — confederation CAF, FIFA #56, Lito power #41. Plucky underdog story. Steal one result, push for third-place advance.
Group runners-up. Son drags them deep into the knockouts.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Korea Republic. Reached the World Cup semi-finals as co-host in 2002 — Asia's deepest run.
Coach Hong Myung-bo from Seoul — confederation AFC, FIFA #22, Lito power #22. Group runners-up. Son drags them deep into the knockouts.
Third place. Bow out via the third-place bracket if they grab a draw against Korea.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Czechia. First World Cup as Czechia (separate from Slovakia) since 2006.
Coach Ivan Hašek from Prague — confederation UEFA, FIFA #39, Lito power #33. Third place. Bow out via the third-place bracket if they grab a draw against Korea.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CONCACAF | #41 | #26 | B | |
| 2 | UEFA | #78 | #38 | C+ | |
| 3 | AFC | #50 | #41 | C | |
| 4 | UEFA | #19 | #15 | B+ |
Co-hosts ride home crowds in Toronto and Vancouver to a Round of 16 spot.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Canada. First-ever men's World Cup hosted by Canada.
Coach Jesse Marsch from Ottawa — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #41, Lito power #26. Co-hosts ride home crowds in Toronto and Vancouver to a Round of 16 spot.
Outside shot at third place. Will battle every minute.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Bosnia & Herzegovina. Returning to the World Cup for the second time ever (first since 2014).
Coach Sergej Barbarez from Sarajevo — confederation UEFA, FIFA #78, Lito power #38. Outside shot at third place. Will battle every minute.
Eliminated in the group stage but score their first competitive World Cup goals.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Qatar. First time qualifying through competition — last time was as 2022 host.
Coach Tintín Márquez from Doha — confederation AFC, FIFA #50, Lito power #41. Eliminated in the group stage but score their first competitive World Cup goals.
Winners of Group B. Quarter-final ceiling.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Switzerland. Reached the Round of 16 in three of the last four World Cups.
Coach Murat Yakin from Bern — confederation UEFA, FIFA #19, Lito power #15. Winners of Group B. Quarter-final ceiling.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CONMEBOL | #5 | #3 | A+ | |
| 2 | CAF | #14 | #11 | A- | |
| 3 | CONCACAF | #79 | #47 | C | |
| 4 | UEFA | #38 | #35 | B- |
Champions. Ancelotti finally delivers the sixth star.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Brazil. Five-time World Cup champions — most in history.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti from Brasília — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #5, Lito power #3. Champions. Ancelotti finally delivers the sixth star.
Quarter-finals again. The 2022 magic is real.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Morocco. First African team ever to reach a World Cup semi-final (2022).
Coach Walid Regragui from Rabat — confederation CAF, FIFA #14, Lito power #11. Quarter-finals again. The 2022 magic is real.
Eliminated in groups but a goal in their first World Cup since 1974 is a national celebration.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Haiti. Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — 52 years away.
Coach Sébastien Migné from Port-au-Prince — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #79, Lito power #47. Eliminated in groups but a goal in their first World Cup since 1974 is a national celebration.
Tartan Army parties hard, third place finish, third-place playoff slot.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Scotland. First Scotland men's World Cup since France 1998 — 28 years away.
Coach Steve Clarke from Edinburgh — confederation UEFA, FIFA #38, Lito power #35. Tartan Army parties hard, third place finish, third-place playoff slot.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CONCACAF | #16 | #14 | B+ | |
| 2 | CONMEBOL | #50 | #34 | B- | |
| 3 | AFC | #27 | #28 | B- | |
| 4 | UEFA | #26 | #24 | B+ |
Co-hosts to the quarter-finals — the deepest USMNT run in modern history.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
United States. Co-hosting their second World Cup (first was 1994, where they reached the Round of 16).
Coach Mauricio Pochettino from Washington, D.C. — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #16, Lito power #14. Co-hosts to the quarter-finals — the deepest USMNT run in modern history.
Group runners-up. Make the Round of 16 via the new format.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Paraguay. First Paraguay World Cup since 2010 — quarter-finalists that year.
Coach Gustavo Alfaro from Asunción — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #50, Lito power #34. Group runners-up. Make the Round of 16 via the new format.
Socceroos battle to a third-place finish. Outside chance of advancing.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Australia. Plays Asian qualification despite geographically being in Oceania.
Coach Tony Popovic from Canberra — confederation AFC, FIFA #27, Lito power #28. Socceroos battle to a third-place finish. Outside chance of advancing.
Round of 16. Calhanoğlu drives them past the host nation in matchday three.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Türkiye. Last time Türkiye played a World Cup, they finished third (2002).
Coach Vincenzo Montella from Ankara — confederation UEFA, FIFA #26, Lito power #24. Round of 16. Calhanoğlu drives them past the host nation in matchday three.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #9 | #5 | A | |
| 2 | CONCACAF | #86 | #48 | C | |
| 3 | CAF | #35 | #23 | B+ | |
| 4 | CONMEBOL | #32 | #25 | B |
Semi-finals. Wirtz-led generation finally peaks on the world stage.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Germany. Four-time World Cup champions — most recently in 2014.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann from Berlin — confederation UEFA, FIFA #9, Lito power #5. Semi-finals. Wirtz-led generation finally peaks on the world stage.
Eliminated, but the sound system at NRG and Lincoln Financial will be unmatched.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Curaçao. Smallest population to ever qualify for a World Cup (~150,000) — until Cape Verde booked their ticket too.
Coach Dick Advocaat from Willemstad — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #86, Lito power #48. Eliminated, but the sound system at NRG and Lincoln Financial will be unmatched.
Round of 16. Riding the AFCON 2023 high.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Ivory Coast. Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions (2023, won on home soil).
Coach Emerse Faé from Yamoussoukro — confederation CAF, FIFA #35, Lito power #23. Round of 16. Riding the AFCON 2023 high.
Round of 32. Caicedo dictates from deep, Estupiñán wins them duels.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Ecuador. Ecuador have qualified for five of the last six World Cups.
Coach Sebastián Beccacece from Quito — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #32, Lito power #25. Round of 32. Caicedo dictates from deep, Estupiñán wins them duels.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #6 | #8 | A | |
| 2 | AFC | #18 | #18 | B+ | |
| 3 | UEFA | #30 | #27 | B | |
| 4 | CAF | #47 | #36 | B- |
Quarter-finals. Total football reborn around Frenkie + Gakpo.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Netherlands. Three-time World Cup runners-up — never won the trophy.
Coach Ronald Koeman from Amsterdam — confederation UEFA, FIFA #6, Lito power #8. Quarter-finals. Total football reborn around Frenkie + Gakpo.
Round of 16. Asia's most consistent operation, second straight last-16 finish.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Japan. Has qualified for every World Cup since 1998 — eight straight.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu from Tokyo — confederation AFC, FIFA #18, Lito power #18. Round of 16. Asia's most consistent operation, second straight last-16 finish.
Round of 32. Isak gets one moment of magic.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Sweden. First Sweden men's World Cup since 2018, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson from Stockholm — confederation UEFA, FIFA #30, Lito power #27. Round of 32. Isak gets one moment of magic.
Eliminated in groups, but a draw vs the Dutch is a real possibility.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Tunisia. One of Africa's most consistent World Cup qualifiers — sixth tournament.
Coach Sami Trabelsi from Tunis — confederation CAF, FIFA #47, Lito power #36. Eliminated in groups, but a draw vs the Dutch is a real possibility.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #8 | #9 | A- | |
| 2 | CAF | #34 | #21 | B+ | |
| 3 | AFC | #20 | #27 | B | |
| 4 | OFC | #89 | #46 | C |
Quarter-finals. Last dance for the golden generation, this time without the regret.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Belgium. Topped the FIFA rankings for an astonishing 1,348 days from 2018–2022.
Coach Domenico Tedesco from Brussels — confederation UEFA, FIFA #8, Lito power #9. Quarter-finals. Last dance for the golden generation, this time without the regret.
Round of 16. Salah finally gets his World Cup moment.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Egypt. Returning to the World Cup after missing 2022.
Coach Hossam Hassan from Cairo — confederation CAF, FIFA #34, Lito power #21. Round of 16. Salah finally gets his World Cup moment.
Tight third place. Push Egypt for a Round of 32 spot.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Iran. One of Asia's most consistent qualifiers — seventh World Cup appearance.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei from Tehran — confederation AFC, FIFA #20, Lito power #27. Tight third place. Push Egypt for a Round of 32 spot.
Group elimination, but the All Whites win their first ever World Cup match.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
New Zealand. First All Whites World Cup since 2010, where they were unbeaten in the group stage.
Coach Darren Bazeley from Wellington — confederation OFC, FIFA #89, Lito power #46. Group elimination, but the All Whites win their first ever World Cup match.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #3 | #4 | A+ | |
| 2 | CAF | #73 | #30 | A- | |
| 3 | AFC | #58 | #33 | B- | |
| 4 | CONMEBOL | #13 | #12 | A- |
Champions of Group H. Semi-final ceiling — possibly the final.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Spain. Reigning UEFA Euro champions (2024) — fifteenth World Cup.
Coach Luis de la Fuente from Madrid — confederation UEFA, FIFA #3, Lito power #4. Champions of Group H. Semi-final ceiling — possibly the final.
Round of 32 via best third place. The story of the tournament.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Cabo Verde. First-ever World Cup appearance — population just ~560,000.
Coach Bubista from Praia — confederation CAF, FIFA #73, Lito power #30. Round of 32 via best third place. The story of the tournament.
Group elimination, but they have history vs the favourites.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Saudi Arabia. Famously beat Argentina 2–1 in the 2022 World Cup group stage.
Coach Hervé Renard from Riyadh — confederation AFC, FIFA #58, Lito power #33. Group elimination, but they have history vs the favourites.
Quarter-finals. Bielsa builds a beast — Núñez + Pellistri terrify defences.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Uruguay. Two-time World Cup champions (1930, 1950). Hosts of the very first tournament.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa from Montevideo — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #13, Lito power #12. Quarter-finals. Bielsa builds a beast — Núñez + Pellistri terrify defences.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #2 | #2 | A+ | |
| 2 | CAF | #21 | #17 | A- | |
| 3 | AFC | #55 | #40 | C+ | |
| 4 | UEFA | #36 | #19 | A- |
Final. Mbappé caps his career with the trophy he was born to lift again.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
France. Won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.
Coach Didier Deschamps from Paris — confederation UEFA, FIFA #2, Lito power #2. Final. Mbappé caps his career with the trophy he was born to lift again.
Quarter-finals. Lions of Teranga deepest run in their history.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Senegal. Won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.
Coach Pape Thiaw from Dakar — confederation CAF, FIFA #21, Lito power #17. Quarter-finals. Lions of Teranga deepest run in their history.
Group elimination. Welcome-back tour.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Iraq. First World Cup since Mexico 1986 — 40 years away.
Coach Jesús Casas from Baghdad — confederation AFC, FIFA #55, Lito power #40. Group elimination. Welcome-back tour.
Round of 16. Haaland scores in his first-ever World Cup.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Norway. Norway's first men's World Cup since France 1998 — 28 years away.
Coach Ståle Solbakken from Oslo — confederation UEFA, FIFA #36, Lito power #19. Round of 16. Haaland scores in his first-ever World Cup.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CONMEBOL | #1 | #1 | A+ | |
| 2 | CAF | #37 | #32 | B | |
| 3 | UEFA | #25 | #20 | B+ | |
| 4 | AFC | #64 | #42 | C+ |
Semi-finals. Defending champions battered by a draw against France.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
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Argentina. Defending World Cup champions (2022, in Qatar).
Coach Lionel Scaloni from Buenos Aires — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #1, Lito power #1. Semi-finals. Defending champions battered by a draw against France.
Round of 32. Mahrez magic at AT&T.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
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Algeria. First African team to score 4 goals in a single World Cup match (2014 vs South Korea).
Coach Vladimir Petković from Algiers — confederation CAF, FIFA #37, Lito power #32. Round of 32. Mahrez magic at AT&T.
Round of 16. Rangnick's pressing machine wears teams down.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Austria. First Austria men's World Cup since 1998 — 28 years away.
Coach Ralf Rangnick from Vienna — confederation UEFA, FIFA #25, Lito power #20. Round of 16. Rangnick's pressing machine wears teams down.
Group elimination, but a debut World Cup point is the story.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Jordan. First-ever World Cup appearance.
Coach Jamal Sellami from Amman — confederation AFC, FIFA #64, Lito power #42. Group elimination, but a debut World Cup point is the story.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #7 | #7 | A | |
| 2 | CAF | #64 | #39 | B | |
| 3 | AFC | #48 | #43 | C+ | |
| 4 | CONMEBOL | #11 | #13 | A |
Semi-finals. Cristiano farewell in a Portugal shirt that finally lifts the trophy.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
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Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup — most ever for an outfield player.
Coach Roberto Martínez from Lisbon — confederation UEFA, FIFA #7, Lito power #7. Semi-finals. Cristiano farewell in a Portugal shirt that finally lifts the trophy.
Round of 32 via best third place. The Leopards dance.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
DR Congo. Returning to the World Cup after 52 years — last appearance was as Zaire in 1974.
Coach Sébastien Desabre from Kinshasa — confederation CAF, FIFA #64, Lito power #39. Round of 32 via best third place. The Leopards dance.
Group elimination, but they will compete in every match.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Uzbekistan. First-ever World Cup appearance.
Coach Timur Kapadze from Tashkent — confederation AFC, FIFA #48, Lito power #43. Group elimination, but they will compete in every match.
Quarter-finals. James magic returns one more time.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Colombia. Reached the Copa América final in 2024.
Coach Néstor Lorenzo from Bogotá — confederation CONMEBOL, FIFA #11, Lito power #13. Quarter-finals. James magic returns one more time.
| SEED | TEAM | CONFED | FIFA | LITO # | GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UEFA | #4 | #6 | A | |
| 2 | UEFA | #10 | #10 | A- | |
| 3 | CAF | #67 | #39 | B | |
| 4 | CONCACAF | #42 | #37 | C+ |
Semi-finals. Tuchel finally cracks the knockout-stage code.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
England. Only one men's World Cup ever — won at home in 1966.
Coach Thomas Tuchel from London — confederation UEFA, FIFA #4, Lito power #6. Semi-finals. Tuchel finally cracks the knockout-stage code.
Quarter-finals. Modrić last dance.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Croatia. Runners-up in 2018, third place in 2022 — best small-nation run in modern history.
Coach Zlatko Dalić from Zagreb — confederation UEFA, FIFA #10, Lito power #10. Quarter-finals. Modrić last dance.
Round of 32. Black Stars get their long-awaited moment.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Ghana. Closest African team to a World Cup semi-final before Morocco — quarter-finalists in 2010.
Coach Otto Addo from Accra — confederation CAF, FIFA #67, Lito power #39. Round of 32. Black Stars get their long-awaited moment.
Group elimination, but a debut World Cup goal in MetLife is huge.
For many fans the World Cup is a "cultural festival" and "pilgrimage" — the stadium is half the story. Find the local pub, the diaspora restaurant, the watch party.
Highlights, tactical breakdowns, fan-cam reactions — pre-game, half-time, post-game.
Authentic kit, training top, scarf, bucket hat, classic retro — wear the badge.
Panama. Second-ever World Cup appearance, first since Russia 2018.
Coach Thomas Christiansen from Panama City — confederation CONCACAF, FIFA #42, Lito power #37. Group elimination, but a debut World Cup goal in MetLife is huge.
The expanded 48-team field means top-two and the eight best third-placed sides advance. Sixteen knockout windows from June 28 to July 3. Mark your calendar — Lito will be live on every one of them.
560,000 PEOPLE. 10 ISLANDS. 1 BLUE SHARK ON FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST STAGE.
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