The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in June — and HuffPost will be live-blogging every twist, turn and controversy from the buildup through the final of what’s widely shaping up to be the most political soccer tournament of all time.From the action on the pitch to the potential chaos off it, the storylines are already piling up: Iran’s possible non-participation amid Donald Trump’s war, the president’s close relationship with FIFA’s Peace Prize-awarding President Gianni Infantino, and simmering tensions between the U.S. and fellow host nations Mexico and Canada fueled by Trump’s tariffs and divisive rhetoric.Trump’s travel bans could keep some fans out, there’s been fury over soaring ticket prices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could be present at games as the Trump administration continues its anti-immigration crackdown.Not to mention extreme heat concerns that scorched all those involved the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament some 32 years ago, in 1994.And that’s all before a ball has been kicked.U.S. President Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in December.Andrew Harnik via Getty ImagesOn the field, the men’s national teams from 48 countries will compete in a record 104 matches across the three host nations in what will be the biggest World Cup in history.Mexico will take on South Africa at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in the opening game on June 11. The U.S. will play Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Turkey back in Los Angeles on June 25, in the group games, before potentially competing in the later knockout rounds.The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which is being temporarily rebranded as the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the competition.Current European champions Spain are favorites to lift the trophy. Defending champions Argentina, of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi fame, along with France, England and Brazil, are also expected to be in the mix.Check out the full games schedule on the FIFA website.Follow along with our coverage below:1 City Will Offer Fans Free World Cup Transportation HomeFans leaving FIFA World Cup Games at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will have access to free train rides home, the local organizing committee announced Monday.SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) struck a partnership deal with World Cup sponsor AirBnB that covers any fan's train ride along the B (Broad Street) line, beginning at halftime of any match and lasting up to two hours after full time.SEPTA had previously announced that B line fares will stay at a consistent $2.90 for fans traveling to matches.The deal comes in sharp contrast with recent news from neighboring New Jersey that NJ Transit rides will cost up to $150 round-trip from New York City to MetLife Stadium during the tournament.An AirBnB spokesperson told Philly Voice that the company is only covering Philadelphia transit fares because the city came to them with the desire to prioritize reasonable fees.As part of the first 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, Philadelphia will host five games in the group stage and a Round of 16 knockout match on July 4, the day the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary.See All UpdatesClose