The U.S. men's national team opens the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, beginning its first tournament on home soil in 32 years. The expanded 48-team format gives the Group D team several paths to the knockout 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.
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.