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:Toronto Fans Get Big Win Over World Cup Ticket ScalpersTickets to World Cup matches in Toronto can now only be resold for their original price on FIFA's official marketplace, with soccer's world governing body updating its policy on Wednesday to comply with the Ontario government's recent ban on reselling event tickets above face value.The new terms come one week after tickets for six matches at Toronto Stadium were removed from the official marketplace in response to the Canadian province passing its 2026 budget bill.Ontario's "Putting Fans First Act" states no person can make a ticket available for sale on the secondary market or facilitate the sale of a ticket on the secondary market for an amount that exceeds the ticket's original price.Under FIFA's updated terms, a ticket for a match at Toronto Stadium cannot be listed on its platform for a resale price higher than the original amount paid to FIFA Ticketing, even if that ticket was previously purchased on the marketplace above face value.Tickets for matches at any of the other 15 venues can be listed above face value on the official resale and exchange marketplace, which FIFA says is designed to protect fans and is subject to federal and local regulations.As of April 20, FIFA said more than five million tickets had been sold for the June 11-July 19 tournament, which is being co-hosted by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.See All UpdatesClose