The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, the first edition of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The opening ceremony took place in Mexico, with a performance by Shakira, marking the start of a tournament spread across three nations and dozens of cities.

One of the early talking points centered on the United States men's national team. FIFA reversed a red card issued to forward Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the team's match against Belgium. The decision removed a potential suspension and allowed Balogun to remain available for the fixture.

Balogun's presence fit into a broader story about the composition of the U.S. squad. The team includes several players born abroad or raised in immigrant families, a point that drew attention as the tournament coincided with observances tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Security around the tournament also drew notice. The FBI seized more than 600 drones flying over World Cup venues in U.S. cities, part of the operations surrounding matches held in populated areas.

Canada entered the World Cup as a co-host and, by several accounts, a team still establishing itself on the sport's largest stage. Its match against Morocco was described as a meeting of two teams whose rosters draw heavily on players from their respective diasporas, with athletes connected to communities beyond their national borders.

The tournament also arrived against a political backdrop. In Europe, a soccer shirt became a feature of a political campaign, an example of populist messaging attached to sporting symbols. Separately, an EU lawmaker directed criticism at FIFA over its handling of matters related to Russia, using the phrase "moral and political blindness" to describe the governing body's approach.

The 2026 tournament unfolds across the continent, requiring coordination among three host countries. Preparations in North America continued in the days before the opening matches, with organizers and local officials managing logistics, transportation and security across the participating cities.

As the group stage gets underway, attention turns to the matches themselves and to the mix of established powers and newer entrants competing across the host nations.

References

1. 1.Reuters/AP — Balogun red card reversal ahead of U.S.-Belgium match
2. 2.Los Angeles Times — U.S. squad composition and immigration angle
3. 3.FBI/wire reports — seizure of more than 600 drones over U.S. World Cup venues
4. 4.Coverage of Canada vs. Morocco — diaspora rosters
5. 5.POLITICO — soccer shirt used in European political campaign
6. 6.EU lawmaker statement — 'moral and political blindness' criticism of FIFA
7. 7.Event coverage — opening ceremony in Mexico with Shakira performance