World Cup 2026 live updates: The latest news and analysis ahead of this week’s opening game

The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway this week, and you can follow all of the latest breaking news before Thursday’s opening group-stage game with The Athletic. We’d also love to hear from you before Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Get in touch by emailing live@theathletic.com.

Seattle World Cup 2026 team guide: What to know, players to watch and more

As the World Cup takes over Seattle, the spotlight turns to the pitch. Get to know each team, storylines and histories — and then take our quiz to learn more.

2026 FIFA World Cup schedule: Bracket, matchups, dates, locations, groups, results, how to watch

The full schedule with dates, times and stadiums have been confirmed for all 104 games at the 2026 World Cup.

World Cup live updates: The biggest news, friendlies and more on Monday

We're just three nights of sleep away from kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament's opener on Thursday, June 11. Preparations continue as teams continue to arrive in North America and settle into their base camps,

FIFA World Cup 2026 bold predictions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday. Running from June 11th to July 19th, the much-anticipated tournament will bring exciting matches in the world’s sport. 48 teams, through 104 fixtures, will give their all to achieve world glory.

Iran's World Cup players wear pins for victims of deadly strike on school as they arrive in Mexico

TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — Iran’s World Cup team arrived in Mexico wearing lapel pins highlighting the victims of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school at the start of the war in the Mideast. The players wore gold-colored pins with the number “168” on their jackets when getting off their plane Sunday in Tijuana,

Timber to miss World Cup

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup with a groin injury. Timber, 24, came on shortly after the hour mark in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain. But before the final, Timber had missed weeks of action, last featuring on 14 March in the win over Everton.

Cheer on Ecuador’s World Cup team in Kansas City: Fan Fest, banderazo, parties

From the middle of the world to the Midwest, the Ecuadorian team plays in Kansas City on June 20. See parties, tours and other Ecuador World Cup events in Kansas City.

World Cup matches in Santa Clara to impact traffic and transit. Here's what to know.

As the San Francisco Bay Area is set to host several matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, multiple road closures and detours will be in place near the stadium site in Santa Clara.