News blog for the 2026 World Cup
Shortly before the start: five police officers killed in Mexico
Updated June 11, 2026 – 9:37 a.mReading time: 9 minutes
The start of the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada is imminent. You can find out all the important news about the tournament here.
The Football World Cup, the largest tournament in FIFA history, will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada from June 11th to July 19th. A total of 48 national teams are fighting for the title in 104 games over five and a half weeks.
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Thursday, June 11, 2026
On the eve of the start of the World Cup: five police officers killed in Mexico
On the eve of the opening game in Mexico, violence broke out again: five police officers were killed by unknown gunmen in an attack in the western state of Michoacán on Wednesday (local time), local authorities said. Five other officers were injured. The attack took place in the Nahuatzen district, where the powerful drug cartel “Jalisco New Generation” operates.
In images available to the AFP news agency, the officers’ vehicle could be seen riddled with bullet holes. The security authorities announced that they were searching for the perpetrators in a large-scale operation.
The capital of the state of Michoacán, Morelia, is about 300 kilometers from the World Cup venues Mexico City and Guadalajara. According to the Mexican government, the safety of football fans is not at risk. Mexico is hosting the World Cup together with the USA and Canada. The first game kicks off this Thursday in Mexico City, with the home team meeting South Africa.
Streich criticizes Infantino and Trump
Former Bundesliga coach Christian Streich has strongly criticized the appearance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. “Such a staging by a few people in power, some of whom then allow themselves to claim that they are protecting democratic values, is of course an audacity that leaves you speechless,” Streich told “Kicker”. Read more about this here.
Report: USA starts World Cup without Trump
US President Donald Trump will apparently miss the USA’s first World Cup game on Friday in Los Angeles: According to information from “The Athletic”, Trump will not travel to the game against Paraguay; Four people familiar with the plans confirmed to the editorial team that his presence was unlikely. However, his plans could still change. The British Mirror reported that Trump instead had other appointments, including preparations for a UFC (martial arts) event on Sunday. The White House has not yet officially commented on this.