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:Controversial Striker Teases Stunning Retirement U-Turn For World CupUruguay striker Luis Suarez has left the door open for an international return, saying he would reverse his retirement if he is needed for this year’s World Cup, potentially returning to the national side after over a 19‑month absence.The 39‑year‑old retired from international football in September 2024 as Uruguay’s all‑time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 appearances.Suarez’s farewell was marked by controversy after he criticised coach Marcelo Bielsa’s management style, saying it had divided the dressing room, though the former Barcelona forward said he has apologised for those remarks."I would never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up," Suarez told reporters as quoted by EFE news agency.“At the time, I stepped aside to make way for the younger generation. I said something I shouldn’t have said. I have already apologised to those I needed to apologise to.”Now at Major Soccer League (MLS) side Inter Miami, Suarez said he still feels the drive to compete, despite his age."You realise you still have a little bit of life left in you," Suarez said."You get the urge to keep competing. You can see it on the pitch when you still get angry about the losses and the bad passes, and you still enjoy it when you score goals."Suarez has represented Uruguay at four World Cups and was part of their 2011 Copa America‑winning side.The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will begin on June 11.See All UpdatesClose