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-Banned Player Named To Argentina’s Preliminary World Cup TeamDespite facing a FIFA suspension that would include the first two games of the World Cup, Argentina placed midfielder Gianluca Prestianni on its preliminary roster of 55 players.Also included in the group is forward Lionel Messi, who still has not confirmed that he will play in the tournament for the defending World Cup champions.Prestianni, was given a six-game suspension for homophobic conduct during a Champions League game in February. Playing for Benfica of Portugal, Prestianni was accused of hurling verbal insults toward Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. He denied using abusive language and said on social media that he was "misunderstood."The original penalty was handed out by UEFA, Europe's soccer governing body, before, FIFA extended the punishment to all worldwide sanctioned matches.Prestianni made his debut for Argentina's national team in November.Messi, 38, scored seven goals for Argentina during the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. In a victory over France in the Final, Messi scored the first goal of the game in the 23rd minute and also scored the first goal in the penalty shootout that followed a 3-3 draw in regulation time.Messi, Inter Miami's captain, has scored nine goals in 11 MLS matches this season and has 10 goals in 15 matches across all competitions.See All UpdatesClose