As always, though, the World Cup’s enduring appeal extends beyond the favourites, residing in the stories surrounding the underdogs and newcomers.

Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after FIFA banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.

As the curtain rises on the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight, the United States appears to be competing for an altogether different title -- one of the most inhospitable hosts in the tournament's history.

The entire Brazil squad, with the exception of the injured Neymar, welcomed the smiling Ancelotti out onto the pitch at the team's base, the New York Red Bulls training facility in suburban New Jersey.

Two banks of flat fours with two centre-forwards leading the line. What is there to not get? Simple, isn’t it?

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s presence at the tournament.

The refusal of US immigration authorities to allow Somali referee Omar Artan, one of Africa's leading match officials, into the country underlined fears that US President Donald Trump's immigration policy could leave deep scars on the tournament.

Paul Gascoigne said on Wednesday he hopes England can reproduce the same "unbelievable" team spirit as the squad at the 1990 World Cup during their quest for glory at this year's tournament.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030.

Despite the many plots provided by sport's biggest tournament, one record remains unbroken: a foreign coach has never won the World Cup.

Lionel Messi stepped onto the stage. The Golden Ball was placed in his hands -- the award for the tournament’s best player. He had received it before, in 2014. But this was different.

The head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup on Tuesday defended the decision not to grant visas to a Somali referee and some support staff for the Iranian team.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino warned Los Angeles on Tuesday that it was about to be invaded by soccer fans from around the world, as he helped launch World Cup festivities at a star-studded kickoff party at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Bukayo Saka is still recovering from an Achilles injury and needs to be carefully managed ahead of the World Cup, England manager Thomas Tuchel said.

Real Madrid said on Tuesday that Atletico Madrid had rejected the club's offer of 150 million euros ($173 million) for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.

Brazil's all-time record scorer is said to be "recovering well" and will hope to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the United States.

Messi started on the bench as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is eased back to fitness after exiting Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue on May 24.

His short spell as interim boss was marked by an early exit in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey against second-tier Albacete and several painful defeats in La Liga that ended Real's title hopes.

Iran's football federation announced on Tuesday its national team's schedule for the group stage of the World Cup, a tournament that is beginning under difficult circumstances for the Islamic republic.

With a revamped format and an increased number of participating teams, the tournament is shaping up to be an unprecedented mega-spectacle.