10 Things to Watch for During the Soccer World Cup

The soccer World Cup kicks off on June 11—what can the United States expect from the tournament?

Fans celebrate during the announcement of the United States men's national soccer team roster in New York on May 26, 2026. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP

The soccer World Cup gets underway on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City, and the United States plays its first game against Paraguay in Los Angeles two days later.

This is the first time three countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—have co-hosted the tournament, and soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has also increased the number of teams from 32 to 48.