Canada hosts its first men’s World Cup match Friday in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with fans and officials pointing to soccer’s growing role in the country. The opener comes without injured star defender Alphonso Davies, though coach Jesse Marsch hopes he can return during the group stage.
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The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began Thursday at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca with Shakira, Burna Boy and local performers headlining the first of three opening ceremonies. Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s first Group A match.
U.S. authorities denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup, citing unspecified “vetting concerns.” The decision has drawn criticism from Somali sports officials and civil rights advocates amid broader scrutiny of U.S. travel restrictions affecting the tournament.
Iran’s World Cup team has left Turkey for Mexico while several officials and staff remain without U.S. visas, Iranian officials said. U.S. officials say all players and necessary support staff have been cleared, while some applicants were rejected over security concerns.
Health officials in World Cup host cities are preparing for measles, heat illness, foodborne outbreaks and mosquito-borne diseases as millions of fans travel across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Local departments are expanding inspections and surveillance while federal and academic teams build tracking systems for potential outbreaks.
The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team has announced its 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup, blending veterans like Christian Pulisic with newcomers such as Matt Freese. The tournament kicks off next month with the U.S. facing Paraguay in California.
The U.S. conducted self-defense strikes near the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iranian missile sites and boats amid ongoing peace talks. Despite the strikes, Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a deal with Iran remains possible within days.