Jun 19 Watch 5:34 U.S. advances to World Cup knockout round after win against Australia By Amna Nawaz, Solveig Rennan, Genesis Magpayo The U.S. team secured its spot in the World Cup’s knockout round with a win against Australia on Friday. It’s the first time since 1930 that the American men have won consecutive World Cup matches. To discuss the tournament, Amna… Continue watching
Jun 15 Iranian Americans plan protests and watch parties ahead of team's World Cup opener By Amy Taxin, Associated Press Iranian Americans are torn over Iran's participation in the World Cup, as some community members plan to watch Monday's match and others are protesting outside the stadium where the team will play. 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 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… Continue reading
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 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