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4mo ago

World Cup 2026 Ready to Kick Off as Teams Lock Rosters and Finish Final Prep

New match laws are set to change how games are officiated.

Members of the Iranian national soccer team arrive at Tijuana International Airport in Mexico on Sunday.
The moon rises over Tijuana as the Iranian national soccer team is set to establish its base camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Mexican border city after Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host the squad, following reports that the U.S. government did not want Iran to remain at its original base in Arizona during the tournament, in Tijuana, Mexico, May 30, 2026. REUTERS/Victor Medina
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows United States defenders Antonee Robinson, left, and Tim Ream celebrate after Robinson scored a goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Germany in Chicago, Saturday, June 6, 2026. , Image 2 shows Antonee Robinson #5 of United States celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Antonio Nusa of the Norwegian national football team after a training session on June 4 in Greensboro.

Overview

  • Rosters are final and squads have moved into base camps as the tournament opens June 11 with Mexico v South Africa and the U.S. opening against Paraguay.
  • The USMNT has used recent friendlies to sharpen an all-out high-press identity and renewed attacking form led by Christian Pulisic.
  • Defensive fitness remains a live concern for the U.S. because center back Chris Richards is still recovering from an ankle injury and his availability is uncertain for the opener.
  • The USWNT reunited its forward trio in São Paulo with Mallory Swanson returning to camp as coaches work on reintegration ahead of competitive play.
  • Organizers and regulators are rolling out changes and safeguards — IFAB-approved match laws, mandatory hydration breaks, new VAR and broadcast tech — while dynamic ticket pricing and state probes into FIFA sales could affect fan access.