Protests Erupt Before World Cup Kickoff Mexico City is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, but tensions are escalating as thousands of teachers staged a significant protest just days before the event.

Portugal continue their World Cup preparations against Nigeria at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martínez’s squad fine‑tune their approach ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Following the opening match of the World Cup, the pressure will already be on South Korea and Czechia. Not only will they follow up after Mexico and South Africa have kicked off the tournament, but they'll also have the unique scenario of knowing that one win could be all that a team needs to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.

Jude Bellingham pushed his case to start at No 10 after helping England go into the 2026 World Cup off the back of a storm-delayed 3-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica in Orlando. Kick-off was an hour late after torrential rain but England were soon in the lead with Declan Rice scoring after nine minutes following good work from Barcelona’s new forward Anthony Gordon.

Fans and officials greeted Omar Artan at the airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday. He was turned away by U.S. border patrol in Miami after the Trump administration claimed he had ties to suspected terrorists.

The USMNT gets a massive boost ahead of Friday's World Cup opener as the star defender declares himself fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the way soccer's governing body had handled visa issues ahead of the World Cup, saying on Wednesday (June 10) that it was working to find solutions but could not override government decisions.