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:Trump-Allied FIFA President Tries To Justify Sky-High World Cup Ticket PricesFIFA president Gianni Infantino said the high market rate for match tickets in the United States justified the ticket prices in next month's World Cup, citing high demand for match tickets in the resale market.The soccer governing body received 500 million requests for tickets to the showpiece event and media reports said last month that some tickets for the tournament's final, set for July 19 in New Jersey, are up for resale at over $2 million each."If some people put on a secondary resale market some tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn't mean the ticket costs $2 million," Infantino said at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday."Number two, it doesn't mean that somebody will buy these tickets. Actually, if someone buys a ticket for $2 million, I will personally bring them a hot dog and a coke to make sure he has a great experience."Ticket prices for the World Cup being held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico have seen a considerable increase from the 2022 edition in Qatar. Tickets for the final in July range from $2,030 to $6,370, significantly higher than the final in Doha, priced from $206 to $1,607.FIFA has faced calls from several groups to lower ticket prices, including from dozens of U.S. lawmakers.Due to backlash over prices, FIFA introduced a small number of $60 tickets tucked high in the top corners of stadiums, limited in number compared to the other categories."We are in that market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world, so we have to apply market rates," Infantino said."In the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets as well. If you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets would be resold at a much higher price."We have 25% of the group stage match tickets that can be bought for less than $300. In the U.S., you cannot go to watch a college game... of a certain level for less than $300. And this is the World Cup."See All UpdatesClose