Why Is the World Cup Already Making Headlines?

It's roughly 15 minutes until kickoff for the United States' World Cup opener.

The USMNT plays Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area starting at 9 p.m. ET.

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has chosen an attack-minded lineup for the first Group D match for the co-hosts.

Tap into The Post's match live blog to follow the action.

Either Alexi Lalas is trying to attract attention to this year's World Cup coverage or he really hates "Carpool Karaoke."

Lalas dropped an F-bomb on talk-show host James Corden during Fox's afternoon World Cup broadcast on Friday.

It's a good time to read this profile of Lalas, who turned to punditry after making his name as one of the stars of the U.S. World Cup squad in 1994.

“Doesn’t mean you aren’t authentic and you’re not truthful or you aren’t comfortable," Lalas told The Post's Ethan Sears. "There’s still a persona and a character, if you will, that you play. And at times exaggerate for effect. I don’t think that’s a problem."

He was comfortable calling Corden a wanker at least.

Ghana will be without one of its most recognizable players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada.

FIFA confirmed Thursday that Partey, currently facing multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom, will not be available for Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.

Partey has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.

The decision means the veteran midfielder cannot travel to the host city despite already being with Ghana’s World Cup squad in North America.

READ MORE

Former USMNT captain Clint Dempsey had some choice words for Canada coach Jesse Marsch saying he cant take this guy too seriously

Find out what Marsch had to say about Dempsey's US team here

Canada has some Hollywood support for its World Cup opener, with Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds watching on from the stands the stands.

President Donald Trump gave the USMNT a surprise boost ahead of their first World Cup 2026 match, phoning manager Mauricio Pochettino and the squad to offer his support before Friday’s opener against Paraguay.

Click here to read more.

Match 3 of the World Cup is almost here.

Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, with the hosts playing their first men’s World Cup match on home soil.

Alphonso Davies misses out through injury, while Jonathan David leads the line for Canada. Bosnia and Herzegovina also have a major name in reserve, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko starting on the bench.

Follow along with The Post’s live coverage of Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina here.

The USMNT are officially on the move.

Players were cheered as they left the team hotel ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium.

There was plenty of fanfare before departure, but the real reception will come later when the hosts walk out for one of the biggest nights in American soccer.

The opening ceremony is underway at Toronto Stadium, though the main musical acts are still to come.

There are plenty of empty seats visible as things stand, but organizers will be hoping the stadium begins to fill up before Canada’s historic World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina kicks off.

There could be an awkward VIP moment at Los Angeles Stadium tonight.

President Trump is not expected at the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, with Marco Rubio representing the administration instead.

Rubio will be just seats away from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

For now, at least, the contest in front of them both is USA-Paraguay.

Read more here

Canada’s World Cup day began with a personal send-off before the squad headed to Toronto Stadium.

Family, friends and hotel staff were there to cheer the players on, adding to the excitement before Canada’s first men’s World Cup game on home soil.

The country returned to the tournament in 2022 after a 36-year absence, but this is a very different kind of occasion.

Bosnia and Herzegovina fans are making themselves heard in Toronto, with supporters marching through the streets in blue and yellow ahead of today’s clash with Canada.

The atmosphere is building before kickoff as Bosnia and Herzegovina prepare for their first World Cup game in 12 years, looking to spoil the hosts’ big day.