Jun 17 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… Continue reading
Jun 13 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. Continue reading
Jun 11 Watch 5:22 World Cup players challenged by dangerously hot weather By Ben Tracy, Christopher Spinder The World Cup kicked off on Thursday as South Africa squared off against Mexico, one of this year's host countries. Several American cities hosting these opening matches will be sweltering this weekend, making stadiums feel more like a sauna than… Continue watching
Jun 11 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. 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
Jun 09 Watch 8:14 Roger Bennett on what to expect at the World Cup By Geoff Bennett, Karina Cuevas The countdown is on to the start of the World Cup. The tournament is the biggest in the event's history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico. But organizers have faced criticism over ticket prices and… Continue watching
Jun 09 World Cup by the numbers: 1,248 players, 48 teams and 3 countries make this the largest ever By Josh Dubow, Associated Press This marks the second time that the tournament will be played in multiple countries with Japan and South Korea sharing the 2002 edition. Continue reading