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:Tailgating At World Cup Will Have A Very Different Vibe In Boston, PhiladelphiaThe cities of Boston and Philadelphia will be hosting World Cup matches in a few short weeks, but when they do, they'll insist that a certain essential gameday activity, namely tailgating, has a different look.Officials for both venues revealed on Wednesday that tailgating will be restricted to ticket holders, a change from usual policy at Lincoln Financial Field and Gillette Stadium, respectively."The people who should come to Gillette on a game day are people who have a ticket to the event," COO of Kraft Sports and Entertainment Jim Nolan said. "So, if you don't have a ticket, don't come to Gillette."That outcome is more desirable for fans than a total ban of tailgating, as was feared last month when a mix-up resulted in an announcement declaring tailgating would be off-limits across the board.Yet for an event that is already charging a premium for tickets as well as parking, it remains an unfriendly position for many fans to have to deal with."Parking in the lots is controlled by FIFA, so anyone who is looking to purchase a parking space can work with FIFA. There's a website available where you can purchase the parking," Meg Kane, CEO & President of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said. "If you have a ticket for the match on the day that the ticket says, and you have a parking space, you're absolutely welcome to enjoy the traditional fan experience. That's something that we're going to embrace in every way."Kane conceded that it's a change from what NFL fans are used to experiencing."It is a change for Philadelphians to know that this is not like a traditional Eagles game, where there are 25,000 people here who have no tickets, and are here for that part of the party," she said.FIFA has yet to reveal if this policy will be in effect at all venues - New Jersey for instance, has already banned all tailgating at MetLife Stadium superseding this level of restriction - though previous communications on the matter from FIFA had indicated that some limitations could be in place.Just last week, a spokesperson for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee informed the Dallas Observer that tailgating "will have a slightly different feel but additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."See All UpdatesClose