Three soccer fans from Argentina rode their bicycles 11,000 miles to Kansas City to watch their country’s first game in the World Cup. They made this long trip even though they did not have tickets to the match.
Key Facts
The fans are from Argentina.
They biked a total distance of 11,000 miles.
Their destination was Kansas City, where the World Cup game was held.
Their goal was to see Argentina’s first game in the tournament.
They traveled without having tickets to the game.
This journey was completed for the 2026 World Cup event.
Their story was featured by ABC News.
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The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup has updated rules for extra time, penalty shootouts, and ways to keep the game moving faster. Matches tied after regular time will have 30 minutes of extra time, followed by penalty kicks if still tied. New rules also speed up throw-ins, substitutions, and include hydration breaks.
Key Facts
Each match lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves with additional stoppage time added.
If a match is tied after 90 minutes in knockout rounds, 30 minutes of extra time is played in two 15-minute halves.
If still tied after extra time, the game is decided by a penalty shootout consisting of five shots per team, then sudden death if needed.
Group stage games can end in a draw and do not have extra time or penalty shootouts.
The golden goal rule, where the first extra time goal wins immediately, was removed in 2004 due to negative feedback.
New rules speed up the game by enforcing a 5-second countdown on slow throw-ins or goal kicks, and players must leave the field quickly after substitutions.
Players receiving medical treatment must stay off the field for one minute after play resumes.
Players can receive red cards for covering their mouths, leaving the pitch in protest, or if the whole team walks off, the team forfeits the match.
Each half will include a mandatory three-minute hydration break 22 minutes into play.
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The World Cup returns to North America in 2026, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting the tournament. The event will be much bigger than in 1994, featuring more teams, more matches, and wider cultural impact, reflecting How soccer has grown in popularity and professionalism in the U.S.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams playing 104 matches in 16 cities across three countries.
The 1994 World Cup had 24 teams playing 52 matches in nine U.S. cities.
FIFA expects up to 5.5 million fans at the 2026 tournament, breaking attendance records set in 1994.
Some critics worry expanded groups and travel between three nations may affect players and fans.
New countries like Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, and Jordan will compete for the first time.
Major League Soccer launched after 1994, now with 30 teams and high attendance, showing soccer’s growth in the U.S.
Soccer is now the third most popular sport in the U.S., surpassing baseball in TV viewership.
The U.S. men's team is ranked 16th globally and includes players active in top European leagues.
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A recent poll by Emerson College found that 45 percent of Americans are not interested in the FIFA World Cup starting this week. The survey included 1,200 people and was done on June 7 and 8.
Key Facts
The poll asked 1,200 Americans about their interest in the men’s FIFA World Cup.
Conducted on June 7 and 8, 2024.
45 percent said they were not interested at all in the tournament.
The World Cup is starting this Thursday.
About one-third of respondents showed some level of interest in the event.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has started in North America with 48 teams competing. Matches are held in cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with the group stage beginning on June 11 and the U.S. team playing its first game on June 12.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022.
The tournament begins June 11, 2026, with Mexico hosting South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
There are 12 groups, each with 4 teams; each team plays 3 matches in the group stage.
The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, move on to the knockout rounds.
The U.S. Men's National Team is in Group D with Australia, Paraguay, and Turkey.
The U.S. plays its first match on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in California against Paraguay.
Host cities in the U.S. include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The knockout rounds begin July 4, with quarterfinals in Boston, Inglewood (California), Miami Gardens, and Kansas City.
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Mookie Betts, a professional baseball player known for his achievements, is lending his voice to a character in a Disney Jr. show. The character is related to baseball, matching Betts’s sports background.
Key Facts
Mookie Betts is an eight-time All-Star in baseball.
He has won six Gold Glove awards for fielding.
Betts is guest-starring on a Disney Jr. show.
He is providing the voice for a character.
The character is baseball-related.
This is a new activity outside of his playing career.
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England's football team is adjusting to very hot weather ahead of the World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. England midfielder Declan Rice shared that he got sunburnt before a photoshoot, showing how strong the heat is, and that the team has trained hard to handle the conditions.
Key Facts
Declan Rice and his England teammates are adapting to high temperatures up to 36°C (97°F) in the US.
Rice got sunburnt before a World Cup photoshoot, which his mother noticed and commented on.
Players arrived several days early to get used to the heat before the tournament starts on June 17.
The World Cup is being held across the US, Mexico, and Canada, with expected very hot and unpredictable weather caused by El Niño.
England’s team trained in hot conditions in Spain and Kansas as part of their preparation.
FIFA has added drink breaks during each game to help players stay hydrated in the heat.
England’s manager Thomas Tuchel expects players to face tough conditions but aims to win their first World Cup since 1966.
Some matches have faced weather delays, like thunderstorms, due to heat-triggered storms.
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Oshae Jones and Tiara Brown, who have not lost any matches, are preparing to compete again on Saturday night. Both aim to prove their skill and make an impact in their upcoming fight.
Key Facts
Oshae Jones is an undefeated champion.
Tiara Brown is also undefeated.
Both athletes will compete on Saturday night.
They want to show their abilities clearly in their next fight.
The event is focused on their boxing careers.
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The 2026 Men's Football World Cup will start with an opening game in Mexico City. This tournament is the largest ever, being held in three countries and featuring 48 teams.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup begins in Mexico City.
It is the biggest World Cup in history.
The event takes place across three countries.
A record 48 teams will compete.
There are concerns about very high ticket prices.
Some people say FIFA may have made ticket prices higher than necessary.
The tournament has faced some controversies ahead of kickoff.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke to reporters before the 2026 World Cup, defending ticket prices and explaining challenges he faces, such as the US government not allowing a Somali referee. The relationship between President Donald Trump and Infantino, called a "bromance," is being closely watched and questioned.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams and 104 games.
Gianni Infantino held a rare press session on the eve of the tournament's opening match.
Infantino defended the high ticket prices for the World Cup games.
FIFA has not been able to persuade the US government to allow a Somali referee to officiate at the tournament.
Infantino praised his efforts in allowing Iran's soccer team to enter the United States for the event.
Media outlets describe the close relationship between President Donald Trump and Infantino as a "bromance."
Some people are questioning whether FIFA’s neutrality is affected by this relationship.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in part by Mexico, highlighting the return of the event there.
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President Trump is promoting the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major event for the U.S. but strict visa rules and immigration controls are causing problems for players, staff, and visitors. These issues have led to fewer hotel bookings and criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of immigration during the tournament preparations.
Key Facts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in 11 U.S. cities and is part of a bigger effort that includes the 2028 Olympics.
Travel demand is lower than expected because many guests face visa delays and higher travel costs.
Several international soccer referees, players, and staff from countries like Somalia, Iraq, and Iran were denied or delayed entry due to immigration vetting.
Some sports journalists also faced difficulties getting visas to cover the event.
A workers’ strike at a Los Angeles stadium was partly linked to fears of immigration enforcement around the games.
Homeland Security officials say their focus is on targeting serious criminals, not mass immigration raids at the event.
The administration has eased some visa rules, such as waiving expensive visa bond requirements for some travelers.
FIFA’s president said processing hundreds of thousands of people from outside the U.S. is complicated.
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The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a record 48 teams playing 104 matches. The opening ceremony and first two matches will take place in Mexico, featuring performances by well-known artists and games between Mexico vs. South Africa and South Korea vs. Czechia.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup runs for six weeks with 48 teams and 104 matches.
The opening ceremony is at Mexico City Stadium on June 11 at 11am local time.
Mexican artists including Alejandro Fernandez and Shakira will perform at the ceremony.
Mexico plays South Africa on June 11 at 1pm local time; South Korea faces Czechia at 8pm local time.
Mexico is favored to win their opening match with a 66.3% chance according to simulations.
South Korea is a slight favorite over Czechia with a 42.9% chance to win their match.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will set a record by playing in his sixth World Cup.
The location includes high-altitude stadiums, like Mexico City (7,300 feet above sea level).
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has started with opening ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles, marking the first time the event is hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament features 48 national teams, an expansion from previous years, and includes performances by well-known artists like Shakira and Katy Perry.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup is the biggest ever, with 48 teams instead of the previous 32.
Three countries—U.S., Mexico, and Canada—are hosting the event together for the first time.
The opening ceremonies span three cities over two days: Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
Mexico vs. South Africa was the first match, repeating a 2010 World Cup matchup.
Toronto’s BMO Field was expanded from 28,000 to 45,000 seats for the World Cup.
The U.S. will play Paraguay in their first home World Cup match since 1994.
The U.S. team’s new uniforms are inspired by designs from 32 years ago.
Famous singers at the ceremonies include Shakira, Burna Boy, Alanis Morissette, and Katy Perry.
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The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting June 11. FOX and NBCUniversal will broadcast the matches in English and Spanish, with many games available for free on TV and streaming services.
Key Facts
The tournament includes 104 matches spread across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
FOX and NBCUniversal own the broadcast rights for the games in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
FOX will show over 40 matches during primetime in English.
Spanish-language broadcasts will be on Telemundo and Universo.
Many matches can be watched for free on FOX network channels or with a TV antenna.
Streaming options include FOX One, Peacock (Spanish), Tubi (free for select matches), YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV (subscription required).
The US team plays group stage matches on June 12, 19, and 25 against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.
The tournament opens with Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, returning to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years. The U.S. men's soccer team will play three group-stage games starting June 12, with possible knockout-stage matches if they advance.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The U.S. men's team is in Group D and will play Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.
Group-stage games for the U.S. are scheduled between June 12 and June 25.
Knockout rounds start on June 28, with the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final from July 1 to July 19.
The U.S. will play at different stadiums including SoFi Stadium (California), Lumen Field (Seattle), Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), and MetLife Stadium (New Jersey).
The tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches over 39 days.
The top two teams from each group and some third-place teams will advance to knockout rounds.
Fans can follow World Cup news and highlights at CBSSports.com.
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JT Batson, CEO of the U.S. Soccer Federation, shared memories of his early soccer experiences and explained how these shaped his passion for the sport. As the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Batson emphasized soccer’s accessibility and the effort to grow the sport among American youth through programs like Soccer at Schools and Places to Play.
Key Facts
JT Batson grew up playing soccer in Augusta, Georgia, where early coaches from international backgrounds influenced him.
Batson chose soccer over other sports because he found better coaches and more fun in the game.
The U.S. is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.
U.S. Soccer’s priorities include helping the men’s national team succeed in the World Cup.
Batson wants the World Cup to inspire millions of Americans to play soccer.
Soccer needs to be accessible everywhere, including urban areas, not just suburban fields.
Programs like the Soccer Forward Foundation’s Soccer at Schools aim to bring soccer to every school in the U.S.
The Places to Play initiative works to create safe, nearby places for kids to play soccer.
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This article ranks all the planned fights that will take place on the White House lawn based on how entertaining they might be. The ranking is made without considering when the fights will happen during the event.
Key Facts
The fights are scheduled to happen outdoors on the White House lawn.
Each fight is evaluated for its entertainment potential.
The ranking ignores the order or timing of the fights.
This ranking helps viewers know which fights might be the most exciting.
The article focuses only on the fights' entertainment value.
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The Vegas Golden Knights lost their last game by two goals and are preparing for Game 5 to improve their performance. They have created a plan with four key points to help the team play better and win the next game.
Key Facts
The Golden Knights lost the most recent game by two goals.
This loss was the first time they fell behind by two goals in the series.
The team wants to correct mistakes and regain momentum.
They have developed a four-point plan to improve their gameplay.
The plan aims to help the team get back on track for Game 5.
The focus is on playing better defense and offense.
The team hopes to win the upcoming game to stay competitive in the series.
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Cape Verde, a small island nation with fewer than 500,000 people, has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The qualification has excited many in the capital city, Praia, and inspired hope among young people.
Key Facts
Cape Verde is located in West Africa and has a population of under half a million.
This is Cape Verde’s first time qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
The team will be one of the smallest in the history of the tournament.
The capital city Praia is preparing actively for the World Cup.
Football has long been a popular and hopeful activity in working-class neighborhoods.
Qualifying for the World Cup has generated excitement and optimism among young people.
The article includes reports by Sarah Sakho and Simon Martin about the country’s World Cup journey.
The World Cup 2026 tournament will feature teams from around the world, with Africa having balanced qualifying routes.
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The article covers key updates ahead of the 2026 World Cup, including team injuries, local preparations, and protests in the host country. It also highlights stadium security measures, street renamings in New York honoring soccer legends, and management changes at a football club.
Key Facts
Morocco will miss players Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli due to injury; replacements Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai have been called up.
Aguerd had surgery for a groin injury and a pubic bone fracture delayed his recovery.
New York temporarily renamed streets after soccer stars Thierry Henry and Pelé before the World Cup.
Hundreds protested near Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium about missing persons believed taken by authorities or gangs.
Police set a security perimeter around the stadium and will only allow ticket holders inside.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, faced criticism related to the missing persons issue.
The English soccer club Wolves dismissed manager Rob Edwards and are targeting César Peixoto as his replacement.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino received criticism for his leadership style before the tournament.
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