World Cup opens with 48 teams and visa disputes (opens in new tab)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens Thursday in Mexico City, with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in the first edition co-hosted by three countries and the first with 48 national teams. The tournament runs through the July 19 final in New Jersey and includes 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the United States hosting most games. Visa and logistics disputes have marked the buildup. President Trump's immigration policies have affected participants...