187 resultsfor “first match of 2026 World Cup”
2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. **Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images** Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images *The following was* [*originally published in the Up First newsletter*](https://www.npr.org/2026/06/09/g-s1-126975/up-first-newsletter-iran-israel-lebanon-primaries-election-fraud-los-angeles-global-conflicts) *as part of the NPR Network's coverage of the World
2026 tournament marks its fourth straight World Cup qualification. Trump, however, has sent mixed messages about Iran’s presence at the World Cup, suggesting at times that Iran should sit out the tournament. At other
World Cup kicks off this week with* [*New York and New Jersey*](https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/usa/new-york-new-jersey) *among the 11 U.S. host regions for the tournament's 39 day run. Some* [*1.2 million visitors*](https://nynjfwc26.com/press-releases/3-billion-in-economic-impact/)
2026. US authorities said on Sunday that the gunman accused of trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was [targeting Trump](/news/2026/4/26/trump-his-administration-likely-targets-at-media-dinner-us-official) and members of his administration. The suspect — who was armed with
2026](/fifa-world-cup-2026/) page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.* “There’s just something very special
2026 European qualification football match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on November 18, 2025.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6984x4656+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2F3c%2F55974ecf4e5581725ef231541e57%2Fgettyimages-2246796685.jpg) Scotland players celebrate their win over Denmark in a World Cup qualification match
2026 World Cup will have a "chilling effect". - Attribution [World Cup](/sport/football/world-cup) - Posted 10 hours ago10h - Comments [1419](/sport/football/articles/c3r3yj9xgy2o#comments)  on Monday, Cole Palmer and Gibbs-White were on the pitch together. Both
match against Atletico Madrid.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/64b3bdf9abaebf16ea64e3272aab8874071d1f8f/367_0_3129_2504/master/3129.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka raises his hands in delight Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian ***Football*** | Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal [edged Arsenal past Atlético Madrid](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/05/arsenal-atletico-madrid-champions-league-semi-final-second-leg-match-report)
match-fixing allegations, Italy showed great resolve to win the 2006 edition. **2010 Spain** – Spain’s possession style of football saw them win their first World Cup in South Africa in 2010. **2014 Germany** – After
first match kicking off on June 11 in Mexico City. The final will be played in New Jersey on July 19. US President Donald Trump has frequently touted the country’s host status for world
first Somalian to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.** Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football
2026: How US football has evolved since hosting in 1994 Football has gained a foothold in the US, and the country seems ready to host [the World Cup](/fifa-world-cup-2026/) this summer – which was not clear
2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AFP__20260611__B6TP7D2__v1__MidRes__FblWc2026Match01MexRsa-1781211670.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80) Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio shows a red card to South Africa’s midfielder Themba Zwane [Yuri Cortez/AFP] ## Controversial
World Cup, there is a strong chance Vitek will remain at Old Trafford for the first part of pre-season before further discussions take place over his pathway. **Chido Obi** – The Denmark Under-21 international
first time in the tournament’s 96-year history.  on the wider meaning of **Arsenal’s weekend celebrations** chimed with me. ***Libby*** ## Sport ![Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning her fourth round match against Japan
matches – including USA’s opener against Paraguay on Friday – a few kilometres from his business. Exorbitant ticket prices have pushed World Cup games out of reach for die-hard fans like Cortes, who will instead