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:Barcelona Legend To Replace Javier Aguirre As Mexico Manager After World CupRafael Marquez will replace Javier Aguirre as manager of Mexico's national team after this summer's World Cup, Mexico Football Federation sporting director Duilio Davino confirmed in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico on Monday.Marquez, a legendary defender for FC Barcelona as well as the Mexican national team, has served as an assistant coach on Aguirre's Mexican national team staff since July 2024, when the pair were both hired with a succession plan in place."His contract is signed and his staff is nearly 80% set," Davino said of Marquez. "Andres (Guardado) is an option (to join Rafa's staff). Off the pitch, Marquez is a (big) personality. On the pitch today, as both an assistant and a coach, Rafa is the way he was as a player. He transforms inside a dressing room."Mexico is hosting 13 matches -- including all three of the country's group-stage matches and three knockout round matches -- in this summer's World Cup, which it is co-hosting along with the U.S. and Canada.Marquez has minimal coaching appearance, previously coaching Alcala's U15 team and the Barcelona B squad in Spain before joining Mexico's coaching staff.However, he's one of the most accomplished Mexican players in international history, captaining the country in five World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) and scoring 17 goals in 147 caps for Mexico from 1997-2018.He also helped Barcelona win 10 trophies, including a pair of Champions League titles and four La Liga championships, during his time with the club from 2003-2010.Aguirre's third stint as Mexico's manager will come to an end this summer. The Mexico City native previously led the national team from 2001-02 and 2009-10.Mexico, which is in Group A of the World Cup, will play the opening match of the event on June 11 against South Africa in Mexico City.See All UpdatesClose