For many fans who just watched the 2026 World Cup final, this is a sad time. The tournament that has captivated the world for the last five weeks will be missed.

Don’t worry, though. It’s only four years until the next one kicks off. The 2030 World Cup will be upon us before long.

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This was one of the biggest tournaments to be hosted in the competition’s near-100-year history, spanning three countries. Next time, it will be another three nations taking on hosting responsibilities, but this time spanning two continents.

For recent converts in the US, the thought of traveling to a World Cup probably hasn’t crossed the mind as a potential holiday plan. That may now change after the explosion in popularity of soccer in the states.

Any of Spain, Portugal or Morocco make for unreal holiday destinations. Combine that with a passionate fanbase, beautiful weather and delicious food, and there’s reason to be excited.

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The unique three-nation layout for 2030 represents a historic compromise. Initially, the Iberian bid faced stiff competition from a sentimental South American proposal aiming to celebrate the tournament’s centenary where it all began in 1930.

To avoid a divisive vote, FIFA negotiated an unprecedented global compromise: the opening three matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, before the entire tournament shifts to its primary hosts—Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

This landmark agreement makes 2030 the first World Cup to span three continents and six countries.

However, as the 2026 tournament concludes, the celebratory mood has been tempered by a lot of criticism of how recent events unfolded.

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The Council of Europe raised urgent concerns regarding the integrity of the sport, fiercely criticizing FIFA for caving to political pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Gianni Infantino, leading to the highly controversial lifting of striker Folarin Balogun‘s red-card suspension mid-tournament.

The council warned that when rules bend for heads of state, every result is open to doubt. Furthermore, the Council strongly condemned FIFA’s new commercial partnership with the prediction market platform ADI Predictstreet.

By allowing stadium-backed betting on granular micro-events like individual passes or corners, they argue FIFA has opened a dangerous door to fraud, making it easy to manipulate minor match moments for financial gain.

The Council of Europe is now demanding a rigid, transparent integrity framework before the 2030 cycle gets underway.

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Shedeur Sanders is preparing for the 2026 season in a big way. The Cleveland Browns quarterback had a photoshoot that involved a driveway filled with his No. 12 jersey.

Football X account Dov Kleiman posted a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot. NFL fans had quite the reaction.

A fan said, “He’s the Bronny James of football.”

Another added, “Browns though. Aura lost.”

One wrote, “Next level ego. This is how you prepare for the upcoming season?”

Some fans weren’t as dismissive.

One said, “He’s one of a kind!”

Another added, “I dont get why everyone is mad at him for his confidence. That man believe in himself. Everyone should try to do the same thing.”

One chipped in, saying, “Greatest player to ever wear the Browns uniform? 🤔”

Dov Kleiman added that Shedeur Sanders is already one of the faces of football. It comes after the former Colorado Buffaloes star amassed a stat line of 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight games as a rookie.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that Sanders wore the No.12 jersey during the 2025 season. He’s now switched to his preferred No. 2 following the departure of DeAndre Carter. Both Sanders and the Browns have leaned into the number change in their offseason content creation.

Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland Browns aiming for bounce-back season

Shedeur Sanders has been a winning quarterback for the majority of his competitive career. Sanders excelled at high school and college. He ended his collegiate football career as the recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award while placing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Sanders was initially projected to be an early first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. However, he slipped into the Cleveland Browns‘ lap in the fifth round. He went on to appear in eight games as a rookie to mixed results.

Sanders is currently in a QB1 competition with former perennial Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson. Watson has way more experience, but he’s recovering from a serious Achilles injury. The quarterback duo has been locked in throughout the offseason.

Next up for Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns is an all-important 2026 campaign. Coach Prime’s son will look to guide the franchise to the playoffs for the first time since the 2023 season. He’ll have his work cut out under new coach Todd Monken and without franchise legend Myles Garrett, who’s been traded to the Los Angeles Rams.