Live: 2026 World Cup – Three host countries, record number of teams... Follow the tournament of excess with us

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA President Gianni Infantino adopted a tone of modesty, downplaying concerns raised ahead of the tournament's opening. In Mexico City on June 10, 2026, Infantino addressed issues concerning Iran's team, visa access for citizens of certain nations, and the high cost of tickets. He characterized these as minor points when measured against the sheer magnitude of the project, which features three host nations and a record 48 teams.

Meanwhile, the Swiss national team is preparing for the tournament in San Diego, California. Since June 2, the team, known as the Nati, has been based in the city, training at a local Hebrew school's facilities. Reports suggest a contained environment where some internal tensions have emerged among the players and staff, including discussions involving players like Granit Xhaka and coach Murat Yakin, as they finalize preparations for their opening match on June 9.

Mexico, despite grappling with persistent narco-violence, is set to host the World Cup for the third time, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986. The country's ability to attract and manage major global sporting events remains strong, underscoring its significance in the international sports landscape.

The opening match of the tournament, scheduled to take place at noon and at an altitude of 2,200 meters in Mexico City, presents a significant physical challenge. South Africa has chosen Pachuca as its base camp to acclimatize to the high altitude. Nine of the 104 matches will be played at altitudes considered critical for athletic performance, all within Mexico. While this may benefit the local Mexican team, other participating nations will need to navigate these challenging conditions.