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:Spain Teenage Superstar Lamine Yamal To Miss World Cup Opener: ReportForward Lamine Yamal is not expected to play in Spain's World Cup opener on June 15 against Cape Verde at Atlanta because of a hamstring injury, The Athletic reported Monday.Yamal's FC Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez was less fortunate after he was essentially ruled out for Spain's World Cup run because of a right foot fracture that will require surgery. The midfielder was injured during the first half of Sunday's win against Real Betis.Yamal tore his left hamstring in an April 22 game for Barcelona and was ruled out for the remainder of his club team's season. The injury occurred when he scored on a penalty kick against Celta Vigo.Yamal, 18, had been expected to be available for World Cup play, although he is also doubtful to play in Spain's second Group H game against Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Atlanta.Spain's third and final Group H game will take place June 26 against Uruguay at Guadalajara, Mexico.Spain, currently No. 2 in FIFA's latest men's world rankings, is scheduled to announced its 26-player World Cup team next Monday.Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 in part due to contributions from a then-16-year-old Yamal. A sublime playmaker and finisher, Yamal has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team.In 28 La Liga matches for Barcelona, Yamal scored 16 goals, with 24 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.See All UpdatesClose
Spain Teenage Superstar Lamine Yamal To Miss World Cup Opener: Report
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:Spain Teenage Superstar Lamine Yamal To Miss World Cup Opener: ReportForward Lamine Yamal is not expected to play in Spain's World Cup opener on June 15 against Cape Verde at Atlanta because of a hamstring injury, The Athletic reported Monday.Yamal's FC Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez was less fortunate after he was essentially ruled out for Spain's World Cup run because of a right foot fracture that will require surgery. The midfielder was injured during the first half of Sunday's win against Real Betis.Yamal tore his left hamstring in an April 22 game for Barcelona and was ruled out for the remainder of his club team's season. The injury occurred when he scored on a penalty kick against Celta Vigo.Yamal, 18, had been expected to be available for World Cup play, although he is also doubtful to play in Spain's second Group H game against Saudi Arabia on June 21 at Atlanta.Spain's third and final Group H game will take place June 26 against Uruguay at Guadalajara, Mexico.Spain, currently No. 2 in FIFA's latest men's world rankings, is scheduled to announced its 26-player World Cup team next Monday.Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 in part due to contributions from a then-16-year-old Yamal. A sublime playmaker and finisher, Yamal has six goals in 25 career appearances for the Spanish national team.In 28 La Liga matches for Barcelona, Yamal scored 16 goals, with 24 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.See All UpdatesClose
