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:Soccer Icon Takes Over As Romania Head CoachRomania have appointed former great Gheorghe Hagi as head coach of the national team, the national football federation said on Monday, with the 61-year-old returning to the bench where he began his managerial career 25 years ago.Considered one of the best players in the world in his heyday of the 1980s and 1990s, Hagi replaces Mircea Lucescu who left the role earlier this month following Romania's World Cup playoff loss to Turkey.The 80-year-old Lucescu died five days after stepping down.The Romania Football Federation said Hagi has signed a contract for the next two qualification cycles, Euro 2028 and World Cup 2030.Romania play friendlies against Georgia and Wales in June before beginning their Nations League B campaign in September.Hagi, an attacking midfielder nicknamed the "Maradona of the Carpathians", made 124 appearances for Romania, performing at three World Cups and three European Championships.Alongside Adrian Mutu, he is Romania's all-time leading scorer with 35 goals.His playing days took him to the likes of Steaua Bucharest, Real Madrid and Barcelona before finishing his career at Galatasaray at the age of 36 in 2001.Hagi was appointed Romania manager the following month and took charge for four games, including a World Cup playoff which his side lost over two legs to Slovenia, which led to his resignation.As a coach, Hagi has had two spells at Galatasaray, winning the Turkish Cup.He founded a club in Romania, Viitorul Constanta, which achieved promotion to the top tier and later merged with Farul Constanta. Hagi managed the club for over a decade up until last year, winning two league titles.See All UpdatesClose