World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States: host cities, format, schedule, and a fan guide

The FIFA World Cup remains the most-watched national-team event in the world, and the upcoming edition brings a combination of three host countries, a large number of cities, and a completely different travel logistics model compared with classic tournaments held in a single country. For fans, that means more options, more routes, more stadium styles, and different atmospheres—from North American metropolises to historic football locations. For those planning a trip and wanting to follow their national team live, it is crucial to understand where the matches are played, how the tournament is structured, how to move between cities, and what to expect regarding stadium entry and fan zones. This guide focuses on what a fan needs: an overview of the hosts and cities, an explanation of the format with an expanded number of teams, the schedule by competition phases (opening, groups, knockout), practical tips for planning travel across multiple time zones, and information commonly searched alongside terms like tickets, passes, match schedule, stadiums, and host cities. The tone is informative, without sales messages, but with a clear emphasis on planning the fan experience.

Three host countries and why it matters for fans

When a tournament is spread across three countries, a fan gets a wider choice of destinations—but also more decisions: whether to follow one base and fly to matches, or to build a route that tracks the group stage and later the knockout phase. It is especially important to understand that matches are played over large distances and across multiple time zones, so the plan must be built around realistic travel time, flight availability, and the possibility of connections. Hosting is split between Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and matches are distributed across a total of 16 host cities. In practice, many fans choose one “base” region (west, central, or east) and try to stay within it for as long as possible, because that reduces costs and travel fatigue. If you want to watch multiple matches in a short period, it helps to choose cities with strong air links and fast transfer options (an airport close to the city center, frequent domestic routes, clear public-transport routes to the stadium).

Host cities and stadiums: where matches are played

The list of host cities is designed to cover multiple regions and markets, and the stadiums are mostly large multi-purpose venues that are adapted for football standards for the tournament. This often includes a different seating configuration, the pitch, and operating rules on match day (entries, checks, bag restrictions, public-transport regimes). Canada

• Toronto – a major urban center with exceptionally strong sports infrastructure and accommodation capacity.
• Vancouver – a city with a pronounced “event” character and natural scenery, attractive to fans who want to combine matches and travel.

Mexico

• Ciudad de México (Mexico City) – a historic football hub with a strong stands identity and the special atmosphere of big matches.
• Guadalajara – a city with a rich sports tradition, often experienced as a fan-friendly, “warm” host.
• Monterrey – a strongly connected transport hub and a city with a modern stadium.

United States

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Dallas
• Houston
• Kansas City
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York / New Jersey (metropolitan area)
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco Bay Area
• Seattle

It is important to know that in tournament communications, some stadiums are sometimes listed under “neutral” names that are not necessarily the same as the commercial names used in local leagues. For a fan, it is more practical to focus on the city, the stadium location, and the transport approaches than on the stadium brand.

Format with more teams: how the competition works

This edition introduces an expanded format with 48 national teams and a total of 104 matches. The most important consequence for fans is that the group stage offers more matches and more time slots, and the knockout stage adds an extra elimination round, increasing the number of “do-or-die” fixtures. A typical format framework:

• Groups: 12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays three matches in its group.
• Advancing: the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with an additional number of the best third-placed teams.
• Knockout: immediately after the groups comes an additional elimination round (often called the “round of 32”), followed by the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, the third-place match, and the final.

For travel planning, that means the following:

• If you are traveling for a group, it makes sense to choose cities that are logistically close or at least well connected by flights.
• If you want to “chase” the knockout atmosphere, plan flexibility: in the elimination stage, matchups depend on group standings, so the exact route often cannot be fixed in advance without a risk of change.
• More matches and more cities increase demand for accommodation and transport, especially during popular tourist periods.

Schedule by phases: what is played when

The tournament is played in the summer, with the opening in mid-June and the finale in the second half of July. Instead of focusing on the “exact kickoff time for everything,” it is more important to understand the structure:

• Opening: the first match is traditionally held in one of the host countries, with a strong ceremonial framework and major media interest.
• Groups: an intense schedule with matches almost every day, often multiple matches per day in different cities.
• First knockout round: immediately after the groups follows an additional elimination round, where the number of “all or nothing” duels increases.
• Late knockout rounds: the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals usually bring the biggest spike in demand for tickets and accommodation.
• Final weekend: the third-place match and the final concentrate fan activities into a shorter period.

A practical note for fans: because of multiple time zones, the same “competition day” can look different depending on the city. If you travel between the west and the east, it is easy to lose your sense of time and fatigue accumulates quickly. That is why it is smart to plan at least one “empty” day between cities, especially when large distances are involved.

What travel between cities looks like: distances, flights, and time zones

This World Cup is, logistically speaking, a traveling tournament. In Europe, fans often have a habit of “getting on a train and arriving,” but here air routes and long flights dominate. The basic planning logic:

• Within the same region (e.g., several cities on the East Coast) travel can be relatively short, with more flight options and sometimes rail connections.
• Between regions (e.g., east–west) travel is often an all-day affair, and the time-zone change affects sleep, meals, and recovery.
• Crossing borders between host countries requires extra attention to documents, checks, and potential seasonal crowds.

If you follow your national team through the group stage, it is useful to set up a “base city” with good flights and make trips from there to matches. If you want more stadiums and different atmospheres, plan a route that minimizes “jumps” across the continent.

The fan experience in host cities: what to expect

Large host cities typically offer fan zones, organized public spaces for watching matches, and extended hours in hospitality areas on big-match days. Still, the atmosphere differs:

• Metropolises often offer the largest selection of accommodation and activities, but also the biggest crowds and higher prices during peak periods.
• Cities with a strong football culture have a recognizable fan “core” and stronger energy in the lead-up to matches.
• Stadiums adapted to football usually provide better sightlines and a more “compact” experience, while multi-purpose venues can have wider stands and a different sense of proximity to the pitch.

For fans, key match-day information includes: recommended arrival time, entry points, traffic restrictions, bag rules, and permitted items. Those rules can vary from city to city, so it is good to check local instructions before each entry.

Stadium entry and the concept of “tickets”: what matters regardless of the city

Regardless of which city hosts the match, stadium entry most often comes down to a few constant elements: identity checks in certain situations, a security screening, and scanning tickets at entry points. For fans, it helps to think of tickets as a “key” that must be available, readable, and compliant with entry rules. Common situations that create crowds:

• arriving too late, when a larger wave of fans appears in the same time window
• a bag that does not comply with the rules (size, transparency, prohibited items)
• problems with the device that holds the digital ticket (battery, signal, screen brightness)
• the wrong entrance (stadiums often have multiple rings and separated sectors)

In practice, the most useful approach is to arrive earlier, have an entry/exit plan, and think in advance about transport after the match. After major games, traffic “bottlenecks” often happen, and waiting for transport can last longer than expected.

Most searched topics: match schedule, stadiums, groups, and passes

When fans search for information, the same combinations of terms typically recur: match schedule, groups, stadiums, host cities, tickets, and passes. The best way to avoid confusion is to follow the structure of the competition:

• first: confirm the city and stadium of the match
• then: check the date and local time (considering the time zone)
• then: compare arrival logistics (airport, public transport, walking routes)
• finally: align the plan with the rest of the route and possible changes in the knockout stage

Although many focus only on the “big matches,” part of the magic of the World Cup is also in fixtures that surprise with atmosphere, intensity, and fan diversity. That is why planning is not only about a single match, but about assembling the entire experience: multiple cities, multiple days, different fan cultures, and a different tournament rhythm. It is worth paying special attention to how matches are distributed by regions and how the “center of gravity” of fan interest shifts during the tournament, because that affects crowds in cities, accommodation availability, and the overall match-day experience because the “center of gravity” of fan interest shifts during the tournament, because that affects crowds in cities, accommodation availability, and the overall match-day experience. In the group stage, fan traffic is spread more widely, while in the knockout phase it increasingly concentrates on a few key locations, and demand for transport and accommodation rises sharply, especially as semifinals and the final matches approach. That is why it is useful to follow not only the match schedule, but also fan movement patterns: which regions have more consecutive time slots, where the transfer hubs are, and which cities have additional major events at the same time.

Regional logic: eastern, central, and western zone

When the competition is spread across a wide geographic arc, a fan plan becomes simpler if you think in zones. In practice, the cities can be grouped into three broader units: eastern, central, and western. Each has its advantages:

• Eastern zone – many flights, a dense network of accommodation and entertainment, but often the biggest crowds in city centers. A good option for those who want more matches with relatively shorter transfers.
• Central zone – a geographic “bridge” that makes it easier to hop between regions; often practical for fans targeting a combination of group matches and early knockout games.
• Western zone – touristically and visually attractive, with big cities and strong event capacity, but with greater distances to the other zones and a more pronounced time-zone impact.

For fans following one national team, this regional logic helps avoid the “one coast today, the other tomorrow” scenario, which can be exhausting and expensive. If you want to experience more stadiums, it is smart to choose 2–3 cities within the same zone and keep the option to expand only in the knockout phase, when it becomes clearer where the next match will be played.

Stadiums and the match experience: capacity, roof, visibility, entrances

Most stadiums in host cities are large modern venues intended for various sports and concerts, which brings several typical differences compared with classic football arenas:

• Capacity and scale – entrances are often farther apart, and moving around the stadium can take longer than a fan expects. Because of that, it is realistic to plan to arrive earlier and allow more time for security checks.
• Roof and enclosure – some stadiums have a roof or the ability to close it, which affects temperature, acoustics, and the experience of noise. In more enclosed stadiums the atmosphere can be louder, and weather affects the event less.
• Stand configuration – in multi-purpose stadiums, the distance from the pitch can be greater, especially in side sections. On the other hand, the height of the stands can provide a good overview of the tactical picture.
• Access to sections – stadiums often have rings (levels), so it is important to know which level you are on and which entrance leads to your seat so you do not waste time in the wrong corridor.

The terms tickets and passes in fan planning are not just “entry,” but also information: section, level, seat number, entry gate, and sometimes a recommended approach route. The most common mistakes happen when a fan ignores the entry gate and arrives from the wrong side of the venue, then has to walk around the entire complex.

Climate and conditions: heat, humidity, altitude, and the daily schedule

A big advantage of a tournament across multiple countries is diversity—but that also means diverse climate conditions. A fan traveling through multiple cities can experience a completely different combination of temperature and humidity in just a few days. A few practical situations that often surprise:

• Heat and humidity – in some cities, summer humidity significantly strains the body, especially if there is a lot of walking and standing in line before entry. Water and light clothing become a logistical “must.”
• Altitude – matches in a city at higher elevation can affect the feeling of exertion, even for fans. If you arrive right before the match, count on a slower walking pace and more frequent breaks.
• Large daily swings – in some regions the day can be warm and the evening noticeably cooler, so layered clothing is useful even in the stands.

If you plan multiple matches in a short period, your body is a “resource” just like your budget. A good fan route usually includes smart timing: match day without additional long travel, enough sleep, and avoiding overcrowded transfers immediately before stadium entry.

Accommodation: neighborhoods, distance to the stadium, and flexibility

Accommodation is often the biggest cost item, especially in cities with strong tourist demand. Fan experience shows that it is not always optimal to be “closest to the stadium,” because stadiums can be in business zones or outside the inner core. Useful rules:

• Choose connectivity, not only distance – accommodation on a good public-transport line or on a simple route to the stadium is often better than accommodation that is “close” but without practical transport.
• Check return time – after a match, especially at night, public transport and taxi/rideshare options can be slowed down. Accommodation in an area with more alternatives reduces stress.
• Date flexibility – the knockout stage changes plans. If you want to keep the option to stay longer, it is useful to choose accommodation with reasonable change rules.

Fans often search for tickets and accommodation in parallel, but the plan is more stable when the “core” of the trip is defined first: 1–2 cities as a base, and then matches are built around that. If you target multiple matches, consider accommodation that allows early departures and late returns without complicated check-in and check-out procedures.

Transport on match day: public transport, pedestrian zones, parking, and crowds

Match day in a big city has its own dynamics: before and after the fixture, waves of fans put pressure on transport. As a rule, there are four main arrival scenarios:

• Public transport – most often the fastest option when well organized, but it requires understanding the lines and stations leading to the stadium.
• Walking – in some cities it is realistic to walk from the center or nearby neighborhoods; the advantage is avoiding waiting after the match.
• Organized transport / shuttle – sometimes special routes are offered, which can be practical, but you need to account for boarding and return time.
• Car and parking – gives control, but after the match a “jam” often forms and exiting the area can take time.

Even if you have a pass for the match and everything is logistically arranged, the fan experience can be spoiled if you underestimate travel time. A realistic recommendation is to arrive in the stadium zone significantly earlier, use the time for fan activities and entry procedures, and avoid the last wave that usually brings the biggest crowds.

Security rules and entry control: what usually applies

Security protocols at a competition of this size are standardized, but details can vary depending on the stadium and city. Most often you encounter:

• Bag restrictions – size, type of bag, sometimes a requirement for a clear bag or bans on certain items.
• Entry checks – a security screening and validation of the ticket; on big-match days this can take time.
• Code of conduct – bans on dangerous items, pyrotechnics, and anything that could endanger the safety of other fans.

As a fan, your biggest benefit is to prepare in advance: minimal luggage, a charged device battery if you use digital tickets, and a plan for where your entrance is. In large complexes, the wrong entrance can mean an additional 20–40 minutes of walking and waiting.

Fan zones and watching matches outside the stadium

Not every fan reaches the stadium for every match, and part of the experience is watching together in the host city. In cities accustomed to major sports events, there are often public screenings, organized zones, and hospitality districts that turn into fan hotspots. This is especially interesting on days when multiple matches are played, because the city gets a “competition rhythm” from afternoon to late evening. For those focused on tickets, it is good to have a plan for “empty” days too: sightseeing, fan content, and watching other matches. That way, the trip is not reduced to entering and exiting the stadium, but becomes a complete experience.

How to follow groups and schedule changes without confusion

The most common fan problem is too much information and too many variables: groups, time slots, changes due to logistics or security, and the difference between local time and the time zone the fan normally lives in. To avoid mistakes, it helps to stick to a simple method:

• Always note the local time of the city you are in and add your own time zone next to it as a comparison.
• Build the schedule by travel days, not only by competition days. A travel day and a match day are not the same.
• Leave “empty windows” in the knockout phase – if you travel for possible matches, remember that the location and pairings are finalized only when the group finishes.

The terms fans most often search in this phase are match schedule, groups, round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final, plus passes and tickets. In practice, the most valuable information is always the same: city, stadium, date, and time, plus a realistic arrival time at the stadium.

Tiebreakers and what it means to “be among the best third-placed teams”

The expanded format brings additional complexity: besides group winners and runners-up, some third-placed teams also advance. For fans, that can be exciting—but also logistically awkward, because standings can change in the final group rounds. Common situations that create tension and plan changes:

• two teams finish with the same number of points
• goal difference and goals scored decide the ranking
• results from other groups affect whether a third-placed team advances

If you are in a city where the final group round is played, be prepared for the fan atmosphere to pivot within minutes. That is one reason why many fans like to be in the stadium precisely at the end of the group stage: the drama is often maximal, and the experience is unique.

Planning a budget without surprises: food, local transport, extra costs

Even when tickets are sorted, the total travel cost often surprises fans because small amounts add up: local transport, meals before and after the match, fan activities in the city, and costs tied to late returns and “peak” pricing on big-match days. Practical items worth planning:

• Transport to and from the stadium – especially if you return late and public transport is less frequent.
• Food and drink – in stadium areas prices are often higher than in the city, and lines can be long.
• A backup plan – if crowds prevent you from leaving the stadium quickly, it helps to have an option to wait in a safe and accessible place.

Budget is not just money but also energy: packed days with a lot of walking and little sleep can reduce enjoyment, even if you see a top-level match.

Families, accessibility, and the experience for fans traveling in a group

A competition of this type often brings together fans in groups: friends, families, colleagues, international circles. When you travel in a group, the plan changes:

• Agree on a base – one city as a shared point reduces stress and costs.
• Split roles – someone tracks the schedule, someone transport, someone accommodation, someone the day plan around the stadium.
• Accessibility – if someone in the group needs easier access (fewer stairs, closer entrances, more rest), that must be included in the choice of section and arrival time.

In practice, the best fan route is the one that leaves room for the unexpected: delays, time changes, crowds around the stadium, and spontaneous fan moments in the city—because those moments often become what is remembered most. When you add the fact that the tournament is played across multiple states and regions, the fan experience also gains a travelogue dimension: on the same day you can experience a different fan culture, a different city rhythm, and different organization around the stadium. That is why planning is not reduced only to “getting to the match,” but to assembling a series of small decisions that make the whole trip run smoothly and without unnecessary stress.

How to build a fan itinerary: base, match day-trips, and travel rhythm

The simplest approach is to choose one base city and make day-trips from it to matches. This makes particular sense in the group stage, when time slots are dense and you can “catch” multiple fixtures without constantly moving. A base should usually have:

• good air connectivity with other host cities
• varied accommodation across multiple price levels
• reliable public transport or clear options for reaching the stadium
• neighborhoods with fan offerings where it is easy to watch other matches

The second approach is a “city-to-city route,” where you travel from city to city and follow your own match plan. This is attractive for fans who want to experience different stadiums and atmospheres, but it requires more logistics and attention to transfer time. In that model, it is best to limit yourself to 2–3 cities within the same zone, and only later, if circumstances allow, expand the route toward another region. The third approach is a hybrid: one base for most of the group stage and an additional mini-base for the knockout phase. This reduces the number of moves while preserving flexibility as elimination matchups start to take shape.

Tickets and passes as part of planning: demand, timing, and realistic expectations

In a fan plan, the terms tickets and passes naturally appear alongside the questions “when,” “where,” and “how many matches.” It is important to understand that demand is not the same for all fixtures: some time slots and cities attract a broader audience, while in the knockout phase interest rises sharply because every match is elimination. Most common situations where fans underestimate demand:

• weekend slots in big cities, when tourism and the match combine
• matches with a large number of traveling fans, where the atmosphere in the city builds for days in advance
• the knockout phase, especially from the round of 16 onward
• the final week of the competition, when everything concentrates on a small number of locations

In planning, it is useful to think about “backup options” too: if your main goal is one match, it is good to have an alternative on the same day or in the same city, so the trip still makes sense. Many fans plan additional experiences in the city alongside the stadium, so even if not every imagined match happens, the trip as a whole can remain high quality.

Match day: a time plan from morning to stadium entry

Match day is often the most stressful part of a trip, but with a simple plan it can also be the most relaxed. A good rhythm looks like this:

• morning: a lighter pace, check the route to the stadium, check the weather and basic entry rules
• a few hours before: arrive in the stadium zone or fan zone, eat and hydrate before entry
• earlier entry: avoid the peak wave, move more calmly to your section and have time to get oriented
• after the match: plan your exit and return, with realistic expectations of crowds

Many stadiums are large, and moving within the complex can take time. If you enter at the last minute, you risk missing the opening minutes, which are often the most charged moments. If you arrive earlier, you also get more time for the fan environment, photos, orientation, and a calm arrival at your seat.

What to bring to the stadium: minimalism that saves your nerves

The best approach is to bring as little as possible, but smartly. At big events, bags are a frequent source of problems at security. A basic “safe” list:

• an ID document and basic personal items
• a charged device and a power bank if permitted
• a small bottle of water if rules allow, or a plan for where to buy water before entry
• a light clothing layer for the evening return or a temperature change
• simple fan gear that does not fall into prohibited items

Before each entry, it is useful to check the rules of the specific stadium because details differ. Even if you are in the same city, a different stadium or a different type of event can have different restrictions.

Language, payments, and connectivity: small things that make the day easier

In host cities, fans come from all over the world, so communication is generally adapted to an international audience. Still, a few things help:

• offline maps on your phone in case of weak signal in crowds
• a backup payment option (a second card or cash where practical)
• basic phrases of the local language in cities where English is not dominant in everyday life

On big-match days, networks can get congested around stadiums. Do not rely on everything working perfectly in the last five minutes before entry. If you have digital tickets, it is useful to prepare everything earlier and have them available without extra searching through apps and emails in the crowd.

Border crossings and moving between host countries

If you plan matches in multiple countries, the plan expands to border crossings too. The most important thing is to allow extra time, because the season and sports events can increase traffic at airports and border checkpoints. It helps to:

• keep travel documents easily accessible
• plan to arrive earlier at the airport on match days
• avoid “tight” connections when you have travel and a match on the same day

In practice, the calmest scenario is to travel the day before and have an evening to adjust: that reduces the risk of delays and increases the chance you experience the match without stress.

How to choose cities: atmosphere, logistics, and the fan profile

Each host city has a different character. Some are ideal for fans who want everything within reach, others for those who want to combine the match with travel, and others for those seeking strong stands energy. Roughly, you can choose cities based on:

• logistics: how easily you arrive, how long the transfer to the stadium takes, how easy it is to move around the city
• atmosphere: how much the city “lives” sport, how pronounced the fan zones and shared watching are
• tourist profile: whether you want more museums and culture, or nature and trips outside the city
• rhythm: whether you prefer a fast, dense dynamic or a more relaxed pace between matches

If your goal is the maximum number of matches, logistics is the priority. If your goal is the experience, choose cities with a pronounced fan scene and places where people naturally gather before and after fixtures.

Groups in practice: how to “read” the schedule and get the most out of it

In the group stage, two things happen: many matches and many simultaneous storylines. A fan plan in that period benefits most from a clear schedule, but also from flexibility. A few useful tactics:

• combine time slots: one match live, another in the city in a fan zone
• choose days without travel when you go to the stadium
• add a “buffer”: one day without a strict timetable reduces fatigue

Final group rounds can be especially intense because standings are decided simultaneously. If you are then in a host city, the atmosphere is often the strongest, and fan zones fill up even before the first whistle.

Knockout stage: flexibility is as important as a plan

The knockout stage is the peak of adrenaline, but also the biggest logistical challenge. Matchups depend on group standings, so many things cannot be known in advance. That is why it is useful to plan “scenarios”:

• scenario A: if the national team finishes first in the group
• scenario B: if it finishes second
• scenario C: if it advances as a third-placed team

This does not mean you must have everything down to the last detail, but that you understand how the city and date of the next match can potentially change. If you plan a trip focused on the knockout stage, the most useful choice is a base near a transport hub and readiness for faster decisions.

Host cities: what to typically look for in each one

Instead of listing tourist attractions, a fan usually looks for practical things: where people gather, how to get to the stadium, which neighborhoods are best to stay in, and where it is easiest to “catch” the atmosphere. In big cities, the advantage is diverse neighborhoods—but also bigger crowds. In cities with a stronger local sports identity, the atmosphere can be more “amped up” for days in advance. In Canada, people often value orderly logistics, good connectivity, and a multicultural fan structure. In Mexico, the emphasis is on emotional atmosphere, stands tradition, and city energy. In the United States, the emphasis is on big stadiums, event production, and a variety of content around matches. For a fan, the best combination is the one that fits your travel style: do you want a fast rhythm and many matches, or the city experience between fixtures.

Common fan mistakes and how to avoid them

Experience from major tournaments shows a few typical recurring mistakes:

• an overloaded schedule without rest, leading to fatigue and a poorer experience in the stands
• too little time for transfers between the airport, hotel, and stadium
• ignoring the time zone, causing lateness or missing part of the program
• arriving at the wrong entrance and wasting time walking around the stadium
• underestimating post-match crowds, especially for late time slots

The solution is always the same: a simple plan, enough time, and a calm execution. When the basics are set, there is room for what is most beautiful: cheering, meeting other fans, and the feeling that you are part of an event remembered for decades.

How to keep a good article tone with key terms: tickets, passes, schedule, stadiums

Fans most often reach information by searching exactly those terms: tickets, passes, match schedule, stadiums, host cities, and groups. For information to be useful, it always returns to the same framework:

• where – the city and stadium
• when – the date and local time
• how – arrival, entry, rules, and return
• how much – a realistic estimate of costs and time

When this framework is maintained throughout the trip, everything becomes clearer. Even if the plan changes on the go, you have a stable foundation that guides your decisions.

Preparation before departure: a short checklist that really helps

Right before leaving, it is useful to do a quick check:

• documentation: travel documents, accommodation confirmations, flight routes
• communication: roaming or a local option, offline maps
• health: basic medicines and a hydration plan
• city plan: how to reach the stadium, which entrance, the simplest return route
• rhythm: at least one day with fewer obligations between intense match days

This preparation is not a “formality,” but a way to experience the event without anxiety. When you know where you are going, when you know how you move, and when you know what you are carrying, you can devote yourself to what you came for: the match, the atmosphere, and the feeling that you are on the biggest stage of national-team football.