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:Dream Job Alert For Soccer Fans This World CupForget the status that comes with the corner office, the best job in America this summer will pay one individual $50,000 to watch all 104 World Cup soccer games.Fox Sports has teamed up with job site Indeed to find a "Chief World Cup Watcher" -- what they're calling the best summer job on the market -- who will watch every match from inside a custom-built glass cube in the heart of New York City's Times Square.The chosen fan will be required to watch every minute of the matches on Fox One, the official streaming platform of the 2026 World Cup, while creating and sharing social content, turning every game into a live watch party for thousands of tourists and commuters passing by."It will be the best summer job on the market, but only for one wild fan who is up to the once-in-a-lifetime task," the companies said in a press release.Fans can apply for the role through Indeed and the winner will be revealed on June 6 during Fox's broadcast of the Major League Baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.The biggest World Cup in history, which this year will feature 48 teams, will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.See All UpdatesClose