The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway this week, and you can follow all of the latest breaking news before Thursday’s opening group-stage game with The Athletic. We’d also love to hear from you before Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Get in touch by emailing live@theathletic.com.

World Cup 2026 LIVE: Latest news and updates as England prepare for final warm-up friendly - World Cup fever is building with tournament’s opening game just days away

After all the build-up, all the anticipation, the 2026 World Cup is finally just one sleep away and we bring you all the news from the day before the tournament starts.

Preparations continue as teams continue to arrive in North America and settle into their base camps, while the 16 host stadiums and cities get set for the massive crowds coming in the next few weeks. The United States men's national team opens its World Cup on June 12 against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

The latest news and updates ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with England finishing their preparations vs Costa Rica

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is front and center in New York and New Jersey, where there are plenty of free watch parties and events happening.

All the ways to watch England vs New Zealand live streams online and from anywhere in one of the last friendlies before the 2026 World Cup gets underway.

All the latest World Cup news ahead of the 2026 tournament kicking off this Thursday