The countdown is almost over. Host cities across North America say they are ready to welcome the world as the biggest FIFA World Cup ever gets underway on Thursday, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa in an opening match that echoes the 2010 tournament curtain-raiser in Johannesburg.
From Kansas City to Toronto, officials say security plans are in place, transport networks are being tested and fan zones are ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the first match is set to begin on 16 June, but organisers have been working for years to get the city ready for the tournament.
“I think for the world, we want to show off that Kansas City is on the rise. 'That we are elevating, we are no longer, as we say, a flyover state; we're a fly-to state," says Mallory Cage, Director of Fan Festival and Events.
"But we also want people in Kansas City to be really proud of this as well. We hope Kansas citizens and those in the region are really excited to host and show off and are proud that this came to their backyard."
