The World Cup 2026 is upon us, with the opening match kicking off in Mexico City this evening – after Fifa president Gianni Infantino gave his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday.
Four years ago, Infantino made infamous comments ahead of Qatar 2022, saying: “Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel [like] a migrant worker.” This time, he addressed the sorry saga of a Somali referee denied a visa to enter the US, with the Trump administration claiming Omar Artan was sent home because of links to “suspected members of terror organisations”.
The Fifa boss’s response to the problems proved bizarre, as Infantino urged everyone to “chill, relax”.
But while the US’s problems are well documented, Mexico are faced with their own issues ahead of their opener with South Africa, with thousands of protesters blocking the road to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. After teachers staged presentations on Tuesday, families of the country’s 133,000 missing people took to the streets on the eve of the contest, with a leaflet reading: "The cup came back home. When will our loved ones?"
Meanwhile, England coasted to a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in their final World Cup warm-up game, after a storm delayed kick-off by an hour in Orlando. Once the game got under way, Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins netted for Thomas Tuchel’s side, while Bukayo Saka came off the bench despite injury fears.
Follow all of the latest news and more with our live blog below:
Read MoreGianni Infantino’s Trumpian ramble is shambolic start to World Cup
How Anthony Gordon’s late dash answered England’s toughest question for World Cup 2026 opener
Miguel Delaney: Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup
World Cup 2026 - latest
- Mexico kick off World Cup against South Africa at 8pm BST tonight
- Protests staged outside Azteca ahead of opener
- Fifa chief Gianni Infantino urges people to 'chill' as referee denied entry to US
- England coast to 3-0 win over Costa Rica in final World Cup warm-up game
- COMMENT: Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup
- World Cup 2026 full schedule
Javier Aguirre draws on memories of Mexico '86
11:20 , Will CastleMexico head coach Javier Aguirre drew on memories of Mexico's last home World Cup as he prepares to lead the hosts into the tournament opener against South Africa, 40 years after taking the field as a player at the Estadio Azteca.
"I have not had a greater emotion in 50 years in football than a World Cup at home," Aguirre said. "It is something unforgettable.
"I remember the confidence with which we went out to face Belgium. I want to transmit to the players that it can be a great day for us, that it can be a celebration that will be remembered for decades."
Protests call for Iran's expulsion from World Cup
11:12 , Will CastleIranian-American protestors are calling on Fifa to kick Iran out of the World Cup, citing the regime’s abhorrent human rights abuses.
While many have criticised the Trump administration’s handling of Iran at this summer’s finals, the team's presence is sparking outrage among those who accuse the Iranian government of using the tournament to "sportswash" its history of killing tens of thousands of dissidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
"Bringing them here and having them play basically presents a calm face to the world, when in fact back home there is no calmness, there's only execution and suffering that the regime has brought," stated 21-year-old American-born Ryan Salami, whose parents both fled Iran, speaking at a protest outside LA City Hall.
The Cristiano Ronaldo problem standing between Portugal and World Cup breakthrough
11:04 , Will CastleIf 1966 represented a high point in England’s footballing history, it did for Portugal, too. Six decades on, their best performance in a World Cup remains the third place they secured at their first attempt. It might be unfair to frame everything that has followed as sixty years of hurt, however. In 2016, Portugal became champions of Europe. In the 21st century, as they excelled at exporting players and managers, arguably no footballing nation has had a bigger impact, relative to its size, than Portugal.
But perhaps that has not really been reflected in World Cups. Portugal reached a second semi-final in 2006, albeit in a tournament when they scored just two goals in four knockout games. They had a glorious chance to reach a third in 2022, but lost a quarter-final as Morocco instead became Africa’s first semi-finalists.
To varying degrees, their other four tournaments could be presented as underachievement: certainly the group-stage exits in 2002 and 2014, arguably the last-16 defeat in 2010 – even if it was to eventual winners Spain – and then 2018.
Richard Jolly previews Portugal at the World Cup:
The Cristiano Ronaldo problem standing between Portugal and World Cup breakthrough
Declan Rice gets scolding from mum over sunburn
10:56 , Will CastleDeclan Rice got a scolding from his mum for getting sunburn, but believes he can bring the heat to England’s World Cup bid.
“I think everyone has seen those photos, I was bright red in that photo shoot,” Rice said.
“My mum was killing me.
“Honestly, the first day we came, it was just getting used to that heat.
“Coming from England, where it’s hot-cold, all different types of weather, coming here and it’s always 30 degrees – it really does hit you in the face.”
Asked how he can tell when he has done too much work in the heat, he replied: “When the sunburn comes!”
Australia defender expects Turkey to be feeling pressure after 24 years out of World Cup
10:48 , Will CastleThe weight of expectation will be on Turkey's shoulders when they return to the World Cup after 24 years for their Group D opener against Australia, Socceroos defender Milos Degenek said on Wednesday.
"I think Turkey's got a lot of pressure as well because they haven't been to a major tournament World Cup since 2002," Degenek said.
"They've obviously got experienced footballers who play at the top level at the best clubs in the world... I'm saying we've got a little bit more experience in terms of national team competition football.
"There's a lot hope on them and a lot pressure, but we're ready for that definitely."
South Africa boss hoping for upset at Azteca
10:40 , Will CastleSouth Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener, which he deems a must-win.
"They play good football," Broos told reporters on Wednesday. "They have very good players, players who can decide a match. And playing in front of 85,000 people gives them a boost.
"Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner. We had 10 days, and I think 10 days is sufficient. From that side, I think we are ready."
On sharing a competitive group with Czech Republic and South Korea, as well as Mexico, Broos added: "In a group like this, it is very important to win your first game. If you don't win, you are already in a difficult position."
World Cup makes Heung-min Son 'feel like a young boy again'
10:32 , Will CastleHeung-min Son says playing at a World Cup will always give him that child-like excitement, even though he enters his fourth finals with South Korea as a veteran.
“Whether it’s the first or fourth World Cup, I feel like a young boy again,” Son said. “It’s my dream stage. I’m happy to be back on a World Cup pitch, it’s what I dreamed of from a very young age.”
He went on to dismiss reports that this might be his final World Cup, adding: “I never said that this would be my last World Cup. How I do and perform is the most important thing.”
Fifa and Fifpro announce cooperation agreement
10:24 , Will CastleFifa and global players' union Fifpro announced on Wednesday a cooperation agreement that grants players a formal role in governance and sets up a framework for negotiating changes to the transfer system, player welfare rules and rest periods.
The deal, which runs until December 2031, formally recognises Fifpro as the global union for professional players.
It gives the union a seat on the Fifa Council for the first time and places player representatives on Fifa’s legal committees.
In return, Fifpro and its member unions will withdraw all current lawsuits against world soccer's governing body and end their support for any other legal claims.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said in a joint statement released by both bodies that the agreement marked "a new era”.
Trump: 'This is the most successful World Cup Fifa has ever had'
10:16 , Will CastleUS president Donald Trump has claimed this year’s World Cup is “the most successful” Fifa has ever had.
“They have never sold tickets at that level,” he said.
“It’s amazing. You don’t think of soccer in this country. I spoke to Gianni (Infantino) this morning and he said there’s never been anything close to what’s happened.”
Not one for hyperbole, is the Donald.
World Cup water breaks offer lucrative advertisement opportunities for broadcasters
10:08 , Will CastleFifa has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the upcoming World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The decision comes amidst forecasts of hot weather and recent memories of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, with the governing body citing player welfare as the primary concern.
However, these structured stoppages also present a significant new commercial opportunity for broadcasters, offering "extra prime-time air" to advertisers and potentially boosting revenues. The move further aligns the World Cup with American-style sports events, which are typically packed with commercials and entertainment, exemplified by a halftime show featuring Colombian singer Shakira at the 19 July final, echoing the NFL's Super Bowl.
While Fifa emphasises player well-being, the new breaks could also fuel the growth of media rights as networks are incentivised to compete for the lucrative revenue opportunity.
World Cup water breaks offer lucrative advertisement opportunities for broadcasters
Austria and Morocco forced into late call-ups
10:00 , Will CastleAustria and Morocco have been forced into late squad changes due to injury.
Austria boss Ralf Rangnick has called up Schalke’s Dejan Ljubicic to replace key midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury before a 1-0 friendly win over Tunisia this month.
Morocco, meanwhile, have lost two of their starters, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli replaced in their World Cup squad. Saudi-based defender Marwane Saadane and striker Amine Sbai have been brought in their place.
Here’s a full rundown of every player at the World Cup:
World Cup 2026 squads: Every player at this summer’s tournament
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:52 , Will CastleEnglish LGBTQ+ fans
Not an official matter of US policy, but England’s official LGTBQ+ supporters group – Three Lions Pride (3LP) – revealed in January that they would not be a visible presence in the United States this summer.
A statement detailed that the “dangerous rollback of human rights” in the US has deterred fans from attending. The 3LP has around 350 members and regularly attends matches.
"This is a tournament that had so much promise," 3LP said in their statement.
"That hope, that optimism, is well and truly shattered. As a group, we are no longer surprised by hollow platitudes from FIFA nor are we shocked at having a major tournament that disregards the safety, security or wellbeing of fans."
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:44 , Will CastleIraq personnel
Iraq, who are in a group alongside France, Senegal and Norway, have been impacted by the suspension of US consular services in the country – a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
For those with the right paperwork, some found the US border an arduous process. The team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was denied entry and detained for more than 10 hours after a search of his phone.
As for 30-year-old striker Aymen Hussein, he was allowed in but only after being questioned for nearly seven hours in Chicago.
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:36 , Will CastleBreel Embolo
The star Switzerland forward, who has 24 goals in 86 international caps, joined his teammates late in camp in the United States after encountering problems with his US entry visa.
It is believed to be related to a 2018 altercation in Basel, for which US authorities requested additional checks. The Swiss Football Federation stated that officials sought documents after Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats. He was handed a suspended fine.
Embolo attended an appointment at the US embassy in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, last Wednesday before his visa was approved.
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:28 , Will CastleHaiti fans
In addition to Iran, citizens from Haiti face full entry bans to the United States, while Ivory Coast and Senegal face partial restrictions.
In addition, countries like Uzbekistan and Ecudaor suffer from US visa rejection rates around the 40% mark, making it extremely difficult for fans of these countries to commit to attending matches in the United States.
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:20 , Will CastleIran team
Having already changed their base from Arizona to the Mexican city of Tijuana, directly across the border from San Diego, the Iranian squad have already encountered visa issues.
The playing squad will, according to the country’s ambassador to Mexico, only be allowed into the US on the day of their group games before departing immediately after full-time. Los Angeles, venue for their first two matches, is only a 30-minute flight from Tijuana but Seattle, where they face Egypt in the ‘World Cup pride match’, is around three hours on a plane.
Fifa’s World Cup rules dictate that every team is expected to travel the day before each match, attending a press conference at the stadium, as well as having the opportunity to train at the stadium. Iran will seemingly be unable to fulfil these duties.
In addition, 15 officials and staff were denied visas to the United States. “We are upset about this behaviour”, said Amir Ghalenoei, Iran’s head coach. “It has certainly never happened before.” The staff members were labelled “integral” by the country’s football federation.
The US State Department claimed that the “visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup” had been issued, adding: “We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences.”
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:12 , Will CastleOmar Abdulkadir Artan
The Somalian referee, who has officiated at the African Cup of Nations, was one of 52 referees for this summer’s tournament. However, over the weekend, after flying into Miami International Airport from Turkey, he was refused entry into the United States by CBP due to unspecified “vetting concerns.”
Artan has revealed he was subject to an 11-hour immigration interview and, speaking to the New York Times, maintained he held the “right papers” and “right visa.”
"I am very, very disappointed,” he said. "I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream – the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."
Fifa, for their part, distanced themselves from the decision. A statement read: "Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present."
Somalia’s prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire has bemoaned the call, adding: “I remain hopeful that a solution can be found. Football is at its best when it brings people together and celebrates merit, inclusion, and opportunity.”
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
09:04 , Will CastleIran supporters
The latest news on Tuesday is that Iran is claiming its fan ticket allocation has been revoked – just one week before their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
The country’s football federation (FFIRI) states that it is a decision which will “sabotage the presence of Iranian fans”, with many who have already made travel plans now unable to attend their team’s matches, two of which are in Los Angeles, with one in Seattle.
Under Fifa regulations, each country receives eight per cent of tickets for each match allocated to its federation and their fans.
Iran said the move was “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.”
Inevitably, that’s not been the only issue concerning Iran and the World Cup. More on that soon...
Donald Trump says US ensuring ‘right people’ come in amid World Cup visa issues
08:56 , Will CastleUnited States president Donald Trump said his country was working to ensure “the right people” could come in after a number of visa issues affected the week leading up to the start of the World Cup.
Trump was asked about it at a White House briefing on Wednesday and said: “We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country.”
Let’s run you through all those the Trump administration has deemed the “wrong people” - strap in.
US defender Chris Richards declares himself ‘ready’ for World Cup opener
08:48 , Will CastleUS defender Chris Richards has declared himself ready for the World Cup 2026, less than four weeks after suffering a significant left ankle injury.
"It’s the World Cup, so I was going to make myself ready regardless (of injuries)," Richards stated.
"I’m feeling good. Maybe a little swollen, but nothing tape can’t help. If there's any time to sacrifice yourself, it's now. I know I'm able to play Friday, but I don't make those decisions."
USMNT’s Chris Richards declares himself ‘ready’ for World Cup opener
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
08:40 , Jack RathbornHaiti have been forced into a late change on their World Cup 2026 shirts after Fifa accused them of violating its regulations on political speech.
Haiti, preparing to kick off their World Cup in Group C against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, previously had a shirt that depicted a war scene from the country's battle for independence.
But shirt manufacturer Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that a swift, late change had been made after collaborating with the Haitian Football Federation on the design.
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
The true meaning behind the ‘Trumpification’ of the Fifa World Cup 2026
08:32 , Miguel DelaneyAs the 48 teams gradually arrived in North America, every image further setting a grand stage, a thought struck managers like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti.
They were right to make the sheer scale of this World Cup more of a priority in planning. “United 2026” – as it is officially known – is enormous in every sense, from size to serious issues.
That only deepens the distinctive challenge a World Cup poses, and only elevates the meaning of victory.
Read more from Miguel Delaney:
The true meaning behind the ‘Trumpification’ of the Fifa World Cup 2026
When is Mexico's World Cup opening ceremony?
08:24 , Will CastleMexico will get World Cup proceedings underway with their opening ceremony - the first of three held by the host nations - at 6:30pm BST on Thursday 11 June in Mexico City.
Held at Mexico City Stadium, better known worldwide as the Estadio Azteca, the ceremony will take place ahead of the Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa, a repeat of the clash that rose the curtain on the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Shakira and Burna Boy are poised to headline the spectacle, performing the official tournament song, Dai Dai.
Additional performers include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Here’s everything you need to know about all three World Cup opening ceremonies:
When are the three World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies and who is performing?
It is the history of the Infantino
08:16 , Will CastleGianni Infantino has a knack for immortalising his pre-World Cup press conferences, for all the wrong reasons.
“Today I feel gay, today I feel disabled,” were his infamous words ahead of the World Cup in Qatar four years ago, an attempt to claim inclusivity and unity in a host country plagued by human rights violations.
Now, he’s responded to the controversy surrounding the refused entry of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the latest instance of someone not being allowed into Trump’s United States for this World Cup, by telling people to “just chill, relax”.
He was never going to be able to quell the scrutiny of this World Cup, but just like in Qatar, the Fifa chief has poured fuel on the fire.
Here’s what The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney had to say about that answer:
Infantino responds to a Q from @danroan about Artan by pointing to how he's from BBC and nobody would want Fifa to overrule UK laws if they hold 2035 Women's World Cup
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 10, 2026
A completely evasive and prepared line (that misses the point), given it was what Fifa were saying yesterday
Mexico City hit with protests before opener
08:06 , Will CastleThe issues in the US are well-documented but fellow co-host Mexico is also dealing with problems.
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets around the Estadio Azteca in the days leading up to the country’s World Cup opener against South Africa.
There have been ongoing teacher protests in the Mexican capital and, on Tuesday, demonstrations were led by a breakaway group of the CNTE union, demanding a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law.
Then last night, families of “the disappeared” came out to draw attention to the 133,000 missing people in Mexico, with volunteers handing out leaflets concluding with the message: "The cup came back home. When will our loved ones?"
World Cup 2026 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times and groups
07:49 , Will CastleThe 2026 World Cup is here, kicking off with a new format for Fifa’s giant 48-team tournament.
With the final squads being named, teams will now prepare for their first group stage games in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Excitement is building and history will be made, as players carve out their own legacies to join some of the greatest footballers in Fifa World Cup history.
There will be 104 matches, up 40 since Qatar World Cup 2022, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
Here’s how the tournament will unfold across 39 action-packed days:
World Cup 2026 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times and groups
Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup
07:46 , Miguel DelaneyMonths before World Cup 2026 got underway, senior figures within Fifa already found the planning hadn’t been going “as expected”. And that’s saying something. When the hosting of Canada-Mexico-USA was confirmed back in 2018, after all, the widespread feeling in football circles was that it was a return to the “familiar”.
Two of the countries had already hosted three of the most successful World Cups of all, and the promise in the bid-book was that this would be “low-risk and operational certainty”. It of course greatly aided such feelings that another promise was about record revenue projections of $14bn.
A first full tournament under Gianni Infantino’s presidency was intended to be a badly-needed move away from the inherited issues of Russia and Qatar, which were two of the most politicised World Cups of all time.
Miguel Delaney previews the 2026 World Cup:
Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup
When is the World Cup opener?
07:43 , Will CastleMexico’s World Cup curtain-raiser against South Africa kicks off at 8pm BST tonight.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game free-to-air on ITV1 with coverage starting at 6:15pm BST. The match can also be streamed on ITVX.
How Anthony Gordon’s late dash answered England’s toughest question for World Cup 2026 opener
07:37 , Richard JollyWhen Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona, the surprisingly good Spanish he spoke at his unveiling was, he said, a product of his dream to play for them. There are times when it seems his rise has been underpinned by ambition. Gordon may be a great self-improver, the scrawny kid who can hassles and harry defenders. But he has also coveted some of the trappings of stardom: the No 10 shirt, the penalties, the move to the glamour clubs.
And so it was that when Eberechi Eze’s shot was handled that Gordon stepped forward in the Three Lions’ final preparation before the World Cup 2026 starts. He would not have done had Harry Kane still been on the field, but the England captain had departed a few minutes earlier. But Gordon can capitalise on the departure of penalty takers.
When Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, each capable of excelling from 12 yards, left Newcastle in the same summer, it provided an opportunity for Gordon. He saw an opening. He had the self-belief; some would say the greed. A dispute with Kieran Trippier in a rout of Qarabag came from a personal greed for goals, Gordon taking his second spot kick of the evening when Nick Woltemade seemed to need a goal more. The fact he scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season owed something to the fact five were spot kicks.
Richard Jolly delves into Anthony Gordon after England rounded off their World Cup preparations with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica:
How Anthony Gordon answered England’s toughest question for World Cup opener
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpian ramble is shambolic start to World Cup
07:35 , Miguel Delaney“Just chill,” Gianni Infantino said, as Fifa continue to endure a shambolic build-up to this World Cup. This notional press conference on the eve of the opening game at the Azteca was just another part of it.
As the stand-out line - outside the Fifa president praising himself for the “impossible” of ensuring Iran play - “just chill” wasn’t quite up there with all of Infantino's feelings from four years ago.
It also meant this didn’t really live up to billing, even if it did inadvertently say more than the actual words intended.
Read more from Miguel Delaney:
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpian ramble is shambolic start to World Cup
Welcome!
07:31 , Will CastleIt’s World Cup day!
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of everything World Cup related, as the tournament get underway this evening!
Mexico play host to South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, only with the role of home nation flipped.
That game gave us one of the all-time World Cup moments - “TSHABALALAAAAAA!!!” - so let’s hope after last night’s disastrous Gianni Infantino press conference, we can get things off on a right note.
