World Jun 15 Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot By Nayara Batschke, Associated Press
World Jun 13 Fact-checking claims about 'unprecedented' demand for World Cup tickets Many of the 2026 World Cup matches were not sold out as of Friday — and the existing ticket sales have unfolded amid pricing controversies. By Maria Briceño, Alex Min, PolitiFact
World Jun 12 World Cup what to know: Mexico starts with big win while the US and Canada prepare for openers Mexico opened the World Cup on Thursday with a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa in front of a boisterous home crowd at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. By David Brandt, Associated Press
World Jun 11 Mexico wins 2-0 over South Africa in opening match of 2026 World Cup With a capacity crowd of 80,824 watching at the iconic Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico started the largest World Cup tournament in history by getting goals in each half while three red cards were shown — two for South Africa and… By Carlos Rodriguez, Associated Press
Health Jun 11 How health sleuths are watching for threats like measles during the World Cup While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs. By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press
Jun 11 What makes a winning World Cup anthem? Shakira, Wyclef Jean and others explain By Maria Sherman, Associated Press Should it reflect the host countries? Be a global banger? Value a chant-along chorus? There's an argument to make for each — or perhaps all. Continue reading
Jun 11 World Cup celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico By Megan Janetsky, María Verza, Associated Press Mexico kicks off festivities Thursday with a star-studded event, even as some critics say the government has spent too much time and money catering to international visitors at residents' expense. Continue reading
Jun 11 Mexico City installed a chandelier in its metro for the World Cup. Cue the mocking memes By Megan Janetsky, Associated Press The cosmetic makeover that authorities have attempted to give the capital as visitors arrive from around the globe also has become a symbol of criticisms that the government is prioritizing its superficial appearance for World Cup fans over fixing critical… Continue reading
Jun 11 With kickoff hours away, Hong Kong customs officials seize $20 million in World Cup fake goods By Kanis Leung, Associated Press All were destined for overseas markets, with nearly 80% set to be shipped to the Americas, where the World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Continue reading
Jun 11 Haiti has to change its World Cup jersey after being deemed too political By Colleen Barry, Associated Press The jersey, by Colombian sportswear manufacturer Saeta, originally included a depiction of the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence in 1803 on its front. Continue reading