Mexico and South Africa will kick off the 2026 World Cup with a match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. The historic match will see the stadium become the first venue to ever host three World Cups.

Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored a penalty kick at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium in Argentina’s 3-0 over Iceland in the defending champions’ final World Cup warm-up match. Messi entered the game with about 20 minutes remaining and stepped up to the penalty spot just a few minutes later after Lautaro Martinez drew the foul.

Schools in Mexico City have had classes suspended while government workers have been told to work from home ahead of the first match of the FIFA World Cup.

England meets Costa Rica on Wednesday at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando for the final friendly before the Three Lions open World Cup play.

Referee Artan was denied entry to US ahead of World Cup He urges Somalis not ​to lose hope, thanks FIFA for support MOGADISHU, June 10 (Reuters) - Somali soccer ‌referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan on Wednesday said the decision to bar him entry to the United States for the World Cup was "fate" and urged his fellow Somalis not to lose heart over ​it.

Portugal has the talent to win the 2026 World Cup, but Cristiano Ronaldo could be the team's biggest obstacle.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided a crucial fitness update on Bukayo Saka ahead of the final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica. The winger missed the recent victory over New Zealand following a grueling,