World Cup live blog
All news, strange stories and impressions from on site about the 2026 World Cup in the live blog.
10:57 am
More protests in front of the stadium Opening ceremony in Mexico
Even a few hours before the opening ceremony of the World Cup, the situation around the Aztec Stadium in Mexico City remains chaotic. The evening before (local time), hundreds of demonstrators returned to the iconic arena, chanting slogans, but there were no clashes with the police. Most of the Protestants are family members and relatives who are looking for their missing children, suspected of being kidnapped by authorities or criminal gangs. Further protests are planned on the day of the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa in the evening. Police set up a 1.6km security zone around the stadium.
10:49 am
Business with the World Cup – who wins, who loses?
The World Cup is much more than a sporting event. For some companies and entire industries, it is a billion-dollar business – supported by TV rights and sponsorship.
But the economic effects of the World Cup are unevenly distributed. While FIFA and individual streaming platforms make high profits, many costs remain with the host countries and municipalities. Investments in stadiums, infrastructure, security and transport are often financed with public money. You can see more about this in the Tagesschau article below.
8:43 a.m
Because of war scene – Haiti has to rework jersey
Haiti must change its kit design before its World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday. The world association FIFA briefly banned the depiction of a war scene on the blue shirt. The jersey featured an illustration of the 1803 Battle of Vertières, which secured Haiti’s independence. The team had already worn the kit in two preparatory games in Florida before FIFA intervened.
6:34 a.m
Looking forward to the start and a “good feeling” with the DFB team
The first episode of “The World Cup Update – your daily football podcast” is online. Shortly before the start of the 2026 World Cup, there is the most important information about the superlative tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Before the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, reporter Holger Dahl talks about the hosts’ football fever and the security situation in the country. Sports show presenter Alex Schüter reports from Winston-Salem about his “good feeling” about the DFB team.
6:14 a.m
Tuchel after Lightning strikes: “Little foretaste”
After England’s World Cup dress rehearsal had to kick off with a one-hour delay due to a storm in Orlando, team manager Thomas Tuchel has commented on further possible weather-related postponements during the tournament. “That was a small taste of what can happen“, said the 52-year-old after the Three Lions’ 3-0 win against Costa Rica.
Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines in the friendly against Costa Rica
Lightning strikes near the stadium made it impossible to kick off on time. “We were already aware of the situation – now we are experiencing it” Tuchel said: “That’s no problem. There should be no reason to lose your good mood or your patience – or your hunger to play the game.“England will face Croatia at the start of the World Cup on June 17 (10 p.m. CEST) in Dallas.
05:07 am
Trump is apparently not planning to visit the USA at the start of the World Cup
According to consistent media reports, US President Donald Trump is not planning a personal visit to the USA’s World Cup opening game against Paraguay this Friday. The news portal “Politico” and the sports magazine “The Athletic” first reported this, citing people familiar with the matter. The White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A spokesman for the US State Department had previously announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel south of Los Angeles to the game. He should lead a delegation that also included Transport Minister Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Minister Markwayne Mullin. On the sidelines of the World Cup game, Rubio wanted to talk to the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, about topics such as “regional security, trade, investments and new technologies.”
3:11 a.m
Before the start of the World Cup: renewed escalation between the USA and Iran
The US military says it has begun new attacks on several targets in Iran on orders from US President Donald Trump. “The attacks are a response to Iran’s unjustified and ongoing aggression,” said the US regional command responsible for the Middle East, CENTCOM, on the X platform.
The latest measures began at 5:15 p.m. US Eastern Time (11:15 p.m. German time). CENTCOM referred to these as “Self-defense strikes“. Shortly before, Trump had already announced further attacks. All current developments on the conflict can be found in the Tagesschau live blog.
The World Cup starts on Thursday (9 p.m. German time) with Mexico playing against South Africa. World Cup host USA has been waging war against Iran for months, US President Donald Trump had Iran “for the sake of their safety” publicly suggested not to come at all.
2:05 a.m
England is in World Cup form
Despite a delay due to weather, the English national football team passed their World Cup dress rehearsal. Team manager Thomas Tuchel’s team won their last test in Orlando against Costa Rica 3-0 (1-0). Declan Rice (9th), Anthony Gordon (68th/hand penalty) and Ollie Watkins (87th) shot the Three Lions to victory.
The English were overwhelmingly superior throughout the game and should have won even more, but missed some great chances. Captain Harry Kane from Bayern Munich was in the starting line-up as usual, but this time he failed to score and was substituted in the 63rd minute. The game started with an hour’s delay. A severe thunderstorm with lightning strikes near the stadium made it impossible to kick off on time at 4 p.m. local time.
12:15 a.m
Portugal wins at World Cup dress rehearsal against Nigeria
The Portuguese national team around Cristiano Ronaldo won their last test match before the World Cup against Nigeria 2-1 (1-1). Pedro Neto (23rd) and Francisco Conceição (75th) scored for the 2016 European champions. The Nigerians, who did not qualify for the World Cup, equalized through Akor Adams (37th). Portugal face the Democratic Republic of Congo in their first Group K game next Wednesday (17 June/7 p.m.).
June 10, 2026 • 11:31 p.m
Schalke Ljubicic drives as Baumgartner replacement to the World Cup
Promotion to the Bundesliga in May, nomination for the World Cup in June: Dejan Ljubicic is currently experiencing what is probably the best summer of his life. As the Austrian Football Association announced on Wednesday evening, the professional from FC Schalke 04 is replacing the injured Christoph Baumgartner. The 28-year-old will now travel to the Austrians’ training camp in California. Baumgartner from Leipzig tore a tendon in his thigh while warming up before the friendly against Tunisia. He has already had surgery and will be out for a longer period of time.
June 10, 2026 • 10:17 p.m
Infantino defends good relationship with Trump
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino once again defended his close relationship with Donald Trump shortly before the start of the World Cup. Without the commitment and involvement of the US President, “I think it would have been simply impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said at a press conference in Mexico City a day before the opening game.
When asked if he regretted letting the United States co-host the World Cup given the political tensions surrounding the tournament, Infantino replied: “I have no regrets.” He later added: “We’re talking about the greatest power in the world, so of course there are certain things that need to be taken into account.”
June 10, 2026 • 6:29 p.m
Blatter with harsh criticism of FIFA and USA
The case of the Somali referee Omar Artan, whose entry into the USA was refused, is also of concern to ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter. “The incumbent president should prove that he is stronger than his good friend in the White House”said the 90-year-old to “L’Equipe” and alluded to the good relationship between Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. “If you allow yourself to be controlled by politics, that’s bad. And the other associations should also protest.”
Blatter continued: “If a country denies entry to a referee, it is a serious problem and the World Cup should not be held in such a country.” The Swiss believes FIFA is to blame “disregards this principle” have. “We can’t stop the tournament anymore, but it’s outrageous”said Blatter.
Jun 10, 2026 • 1:57 p.m
Haaland and Co. train in the jerseys of their youth clubs
Erling Haaland in the Bryne FK jersey, Martin Odegaard in the bright green of Drammen Strong: The Norwegian national team came up with something very special shortly before the 2026 World Cup. During training, the players wore the jerseys of their youth clubs.
However, the Norwegians made a small faux pas: the name Höyland appeared on Haaland’s number 10 jersey. “They did it wrong, they forgot Haaland”the star attacker took it with humor.
Jun 10, 2026 • 12:03 p.m
Iranian sports minister threatens to cancel World Cup games
Shortly before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Iran threatened to cancel the game if the Persian diaspora protested against the Islamic leadership when the team appeared in the stadiums. “We have already informed FIFA that those responsible for the team would cancel the game as soon as we heard political slogans in the stadiums”warned Sports Minister Ahmed Donjamali.
For weeks, Iran has insisted that only the official state flag be allowed in the stadiums and not the old flag with a lion and sun emblem, which is particularly favored by monarchist opposition groups. This is also used in protest rallies abroad and is considered a symbol of rejection of the Islamic system in Iran.
Jun 10, 2026 • 8:32 am
Argentina with success World Cup dress rehearsal
Superstar Lionel Messi scores, the World Cup can come: Defending champion Argentina has confidently mastered its dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. In the comeback of the recently injured captain Messi, Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 (1-0). The 38-year-old converted a penalty kick as a substitute in Auburn/Alabama to make it 2-0. He recently had to take a break due to a thigh injury.
Jun 9, 2026 • 11:51 p.m