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:Saudi Arabia's Controversial Sovereign Wealth Fund Named Sponsor Of 2026 World CupSaudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) was on Thursday named an official tournament supporter in North America and Asia for this year's World Cup, as the country deepens its ties with international football ahead of hosting the 2034 tournament.The 2026 World Cup - the first edition of the global showpiece to feature 48 teams - will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.The partnership includes support for initiatives worldwide, spanning grassroots programmes, youth and women's football, education projects, and efforts to enhance infrastructure and technical expertise, PIF and FIFA said.No financial details or specific activations were disclosed.The deal builds on PIF's partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 and highlights the fund's deepening commercial ties with global football ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup."PIF continues to accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem," said Mohamed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, in a statement.PIF, which has spent more than $5 billion on LIV Golf since it launched in 2022, said last month that it would cut funding at the close of the 2026 season, leaving the breakaway circuit scrambling for new backers.The sovereign wealth fund, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is involved in several other sports. Critics have accused the country of engaging in "sportswashing" over its human rights record.In its statement announcing it was cutting funding to LIV Golf, PIF added that it remained committed to deploying capital internationally in line with its investment strategy, "including current and future investments in various sports as a priority sector."See All UpdatesClose