This World Cup stands apart from all previous editions. The sheer scale sets it apart with 104 matches spread over three nations at 16 venues across multiple time zones.

Anyone who has not explored the United States may struggle to grasp its enormous size. The entire area of England fits easily inside Georgia alone. Picture a tournament staged throughout Europe. Picture a side playing one fixture in a remote northern region and the next in a southern coastal spot. Fifa has worked to limit the burden but journeys across America Canada and Mexico will still prove demanding. They will be enjoyable yet tiring especially for supporters already facing steep ticket costs.

Teams will shift between time zones move from low to high altitude in places such as Mexico City or Monterrey and face stifling heat in several host cities. Humidity will also play a major role and could shape the outcome of matches.

England have selected Kansas City Missouri as their base. The choice surprised me at first. While locals in Missouri rank among the friendliest people anywhere and midwest warmth is genuine the heat and moisture can feel overwhelming. As someone raised in London who prefers cooler cloudy match days I know the players will need time to adjust but that is clearly the plan. If a side can maintain intensity in Missouri during summer it can handle any setting.

Argentina enjoy an excellent training site just over the state line in Kansas while the Netherlands work at the Kansas City Current facility a top tier complex. Both groups should thrive there.

With three elite teams based in Missouri and Kansas the summer looks promising for midwest fans yet the conditions clearly favor sides that keep the ball.

Spain top my list for several reasons. Their approach fits every environment they will encounter they possess valuable experience and they have demonstrated their quality in the Nations League.

England remain strong contenders. Thomas Tuchel brings excellent leadership. Declan Rice and Harry Kane hold the keys. Rice earned my nod as the standout Premier League performer this season and his set piece ability could prove decisive. Kane has enjoyed perhaps his finest campaign so those two players are vital. Bukayo Saka is also regaining top form.

England carry lessons from recent close calls. Arsenal and Manchester City both lifted titles this season after earlier near misses. The defeats taught them the fine margins required. Senior players will carry those insights into the tournament.

France possess flair individual attacking talent and tournament know how so they will challenge strongly. Argentina are built for big events. The 2022 final between France and Argentina remains the greatest I have seen. With Lionel Messi still performing they will stay in contention.

My surprise packages include the Netherlands Senegal and Japan. Senegal have shown steady excellence. Ronald Koeman brings vast experience to the Dutch and Virgil van Dijk stands as the world's finest defender and a superb captain. Japan impressed greatly in a recent match against England and their youth development ranks among the best after Spain.

One lesson from my time in the US is that Europeans can hold an unconscious preference for their own region. A touch of superiority sometimes appears. Many strong sides will come from every continent. Mexico could advance from Group A with ease. Football means everything to their supporters and any opponent facing a host nation at home will face a stern test.

Canada under Jesse Marsch play a nonstop high tempo pressing style and should make an impact. Australia have progressed well in recent years and Uruguay carry a proud World Cup record. Everyone awaits Erling Haaland and Norway while I hope the USA enjoy a memorable run.

I will watch their opening match in Los Angeles and cannot wait to back Mauricio Pochettino and the squad. Mauricio has strengthened team spirit and culture. Although results have varied over the past year and a half anything remains possible at a major tournament. His side can move quickly and press with real force. They will also enjoy exceptional support.

The American Outlaws the dedicated fan groups exist in every region. They attend every match and some cross the country to follow the team. They bring energy voices and drums. At one Olympic send off they welcomed the bus with a live band.

The atmosphere feels uplifting. Watch parties have become a major feature because the country is so large not every supporter can travel constantly. Fans have created their own engagement culture and I admire it.

The standout quality is the diversity and openness. I once believed such inclusivity appeared only at women's matches but it thrives at men's games too. The mood is warm and the scene is special.

Football in the US must compete with many established sports especially the NFL and NBA. This World Cup offers the next major opportunity to grow the game make it more reachable and turn it into the nation's top participation sport.

Landmark events like World Cups draw new audiences and create heroes. This summer will supply both in abundance. The effect will be powerful and enduring.