2026 World Cup

U.S. defeats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

By Andrew Destin, Associated Press

The U.S. national soccer team advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic, beating Australia 2-0 on Friday.

Lionel Messi ties men's World Cup goals record with a hat trick as Argentina tops Algeria

By Dave Skretta, Associated Press

Lionel Messi used the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes, a flood of emotions cracking his usually calm, confident demeanor after he gave Argentina an early lead in its World Cup opener against…

Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot

By Nayara Batschke, Associated Press

The 2-year-old duck dressed in Mexico’s national colors became an internet sensation during Mexico’s World Cup-opening victory over South Africa.

Fact-checking claims about 'unprecedented' demand for World Cup tickets

By Maria Briceño, Alex Min, PolitiFact

Many of the 2026 World Cup matches were not sold out as of Friday — and the existing ticket sales have unfolded amid pricing controversies.

World Cup what to know: Mexico starts with big win while the US and Canada prepare for openers

By David Brandt, Associated Press

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.

Mexico wins 2-0 over South Africa in opening match of 2026 World Cup

By Carlos Rodriguez, Associated Press

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…

How health sleuths are watching for threats like measles during the World Cup

By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press

While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs.

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.

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.

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…