CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The United States will host 60 matches, including every match from the quarterfinals onward, while neighboring Canada and Mexico will each host 10 matches, making a total of 80 matches.

Detailed explanation-2: -The opening match will be contested between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park, Auckland on 20 July 2023. The final will take place on 20 August 2023 at Sydney Olympic Stadium in Australia. The United States are the defending champions, having won the previous two tournaments.

Detailed explanation-3: -The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ended on December 18, 2022 with Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, beating France on penalties in one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the tournament.

Detailed explanation-4: -The trio of nations hosting the 2026 World Cup - the USA, Canada and Mexico - will divide games up between them with certain group-stage matches based in one nation to reduce travel.