One thing to know about confirmed 2026 World Cup teams pre-draw - ESPN

The 2026 World Cup draw is happening on Friday, and we already know 42 of the 48 teams involved in next summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The final six teams will be decided in the coming months, but what do you know about those who have already confirmed their place?

Here, we look at one thing that defines the way each team plays — whether it's tactical, statistical or just plain interesting.

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CANADA(4-4-2): «The Maplepress revolution.» Ten games into the Jesse Marsch era and Canada already have a tactical trademark — albeit niche — named «Maplepressing.» In a tight, aggressive 4-4-2 (or 4-2-2-2), Canada defend on the front foot with a high line, minimal spacing between the units and a high pressing unit that stays narrow to shut down central passing options. The idea is arguably simpler than is sounds: to force opponents wide, trap them on the touchline and regain the ball early. Even with top talent like Jonathan David in attacking roles, Marsch has built the hosts on intensity, discipline and a clear pressing ID.

MEXICO(4-2-3-1/4-3-3): «The double No. 9 problem.» The hosts face 2026 with unresolved issues. While the general idea might be in place, the results aren't. Since beating the U.S. in the 2025 Gold Cup final, they've failed to win a single game, even as Javier Aguirre doubled down on a possession-first, «defend with the ball» model. The most discussed dilemma to address, however, is how to pair strikers Raúl Jiménez and Santi Giménez without unbalancing the team structure — Aguirre has used