The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca with a star-studded ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy, and Andrea Bocelli. Mexico faced South Africa in the first match of the first tri-nation tournament, co-hosted by the US and Canada.

Japan captain Wataru Endo retires from international football due to foot injury, dealing a major blow to World Cup campaign. Kaoru Mitoma also out. Team faces leadership void and midfield reshuffle.

Lionel Messi will play in his sixth World Cup after being named in Argentina's squad for the 2026 tournament, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's record. The 38-year-old captain seeks to defend the title in North America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. Groups are set, with a new format: 12 groups of 4, top two advance, plus eight best third-placed teams.

Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike gave South Africa a 1-0 win over South Korea, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. They will face Canada in the Round of 32. Son Heung-min started on the bench for Korea.

South Africa faces South Korea in a crucial World Cup 2026 Group A match. After contrasting openers, Bafana Bafana must win to stay alive, while the Taegeuk Warriors aim to seize control. Live updates from The Guardian.

Czechia faces Mexico in a must-win Group A match. The hosts have secured top spot, while Czechia needs a win and help from South Africa to advance. Live updates from The Guardian.

Seven nations have qualified for the knockout stage. The third-place table determines eight more spots. Teams on 5 points are safe; those on 1-2 points face decisive final group matches.

FIFA leadership overruled US-based staff who opposed dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, prioritizing revenue over accessibility. Empty seats and fan fury result from a strategy that maximizes profit from wealthy buyers, despite internal dissent.

Iran's national team left a handwritten note calling for 'peace, respect and friendship' after a 0-0 draw with Belgium. The gesture references a deadly school attack and ongoing US-Iran war negotiations.

USA, Mexico, Germany secure Round of 32 spots in 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosts dominate groups, with US winning 4-1 vs Paraguay and 2-0 vs Australia. Knockout stage begins June 28, final July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

Iran's World Cup campaign faces off-field turmoil as the federation prepares a formal complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions. Coach Ghalenoei calls the team 'most oppressed' after being forced to arrive in Los Angeles just 24 hours before key matches, disrupting recovery and preparation.

Estadio Guadalajara electrified as Mexico face South Korea in their first home World Cup 2026 match. Victory could launch Mexico's campaign; South Korea aim to spoil the party. Full live blog and analysis.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with three host-nation opening ceremonies. Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline the Canadian leg in Toronto ahead of a key match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while early empty seats in Guadalajara raise pricing concerns.

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, but the match was overshadowed by three red cards—a record for an opening game. Goals from Quiñones and Jiménez secured the win, but dismissals for Sithole, Zwane, and Montes raise disciplinary concerns.

In a historic and chaotic 2026 World Cup opener, referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio showed three red cards—a record for an opening match—as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. The dismissals overshadowed Mexico's first-ever opening win, leaving both teams with suspensions and questions about discipline.

Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, with Raúl Jiménez scoring his first World Cup goal. The match saw three red cards, the most in any opening game, and was marred by severe organizational problems outside Estadio Azteca.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico hosting South Africa at Estadio Azteca, featuring a vibrant opening ceremony with Shakira and Burna Boy. The expanded 48-team tournament spans Canada, Mexico, and the US.

Thomas Tuchel leads England into the 2026 World Cup with a familiar burden of expectation. A flawless qualifying campaign sets the stage for a tricky Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca, a historic venue hosting its third opening match. Mexico aims for a strong start in Group A, while South Africa seeks to defy expectations.

As the 2026 World Cup transforms Mexico City into a global spectacle, thousands of protesters demand justice for over 133,000 disappeared people, blending football euphoria with a powerful cry for accountability.

Protests and controversy mar the 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico City after FIFA president Infantino's dismissive press conference. A Somali referee's visa denial, along with demonstrations from teachers, families of the disappeared, and displaced fans, set a tense backdrop.

All 48 teams have submitted their final 26-man rosters for the 2026 World Cup. Squad numbers reveal tactical layers, with the USA's goalkeeper numbering creating intrigue as Matt Turner takes No. 1 over starter Matt Freese.

The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams across 16 stadiums in the US, Canada, and Mexico. MetLife Stadium hosts the final, while Spain opens in Atlanta. Vuvuzelas are banned.