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:FIFA Extends Soccer Star's Ban For Homophobic Conduct, Threatening World Cup DebutArgentina winger Gianluca Prestianni faces the prospect of missing his country's opening World Cup matches after FIFA extended his six-game suspension for homophobic conduct on Wednesday to have worldwide effect.The Benfica player was handed the ban by UEFA following accusations he directed a slur at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during February's Champions League playoff clash, which Real won 1-0."The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect," a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters. "The sanction has been extended in accordance with article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."The worldwide extension, which was requested by UEFA, means Prestianni would miss Argentina's first two World Cup fixtures if he is selected.The ban covers UEFA club competition games or competitive international matches, but not friendlies or domestic league games.UEFA originally imposed the six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct, with three games suspended for a probationary period. Prestianni had already served a one-match provisional suspension when he missed the second leg against Real Madrid.The 20-year-old has limited international experience, however, making just one appearance for Argentina as a late substitute in a November friendly against Angola.Argentina open their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Group J opponents Algeria before taking on Austria and Jordan.See All UpdatesClose