On the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 with the Mexico vs. South Africa match in Mexico City, the overnight news cycle was filled with reports on player injuries, squad changes, and a controversial FIFA decision regarding water bottles at stadiums. Below are the most important developments, confirmed by multiple independent sources.
1. Argentina vs. Iceland: Messi in Doubt, but the Team Gets Good News
Today, June 9, the reigning world champions played a friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama — their last match before the tournament begins. Lionel Messi remains under medical supervision after leaving the field on May 24 during Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union due to discomfort in his left thigh. The Argentine Football Association stated that players with minor injuries "continue working with the physiotherapy team and are showing good progress." Coach Lionel Scaloni has taken a cautious approach regarding the captain's participation in friendlies, focusing on his readiness for the group stage opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
At the same time, the squad received positive news: Nico Paz completed his first full training session after recovering from a knee injury, while Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel also rejoined group training. Emiliano Martínez and Leandro Paredes are still training separately, but both are expected to be fit in time for the first match.
2. Brazil: Wesley Out, Ederson Called Up as Replacement
The Brazilian national team announced the withdrawal of 22-year-old defender Wesley from the WC 2026 squad after medical examinations confirmed a left thigh adductor muscle injury sustained during a friendly against Egypt. In his place, 26-year-old Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been called up — he has three caps for the national team and finished the season with three goals and three assists in 41 appearances. Brazil will open Group C with a match against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
3. Spain: Yamal, Williams, and Muñoz Miss Final Warm-Up Match
The Spanish national team played their final friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, without Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Víctor Muñoz — all three remained at the team's base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to continue rehabilitation. Head coach Luis de la Fuente said he expects Yamal to be ready for the group stage opener against Cape Verde on June 15, though his playing time may be limited.
4. Portugal: Leão Sent Off in Friendly
Rafael Leão received a red card in Portugal's friendly victory over Chile (2–1) following an altercation late in the match during which he reportedly struck Chilean player Iván Román — who was also sent off. The suspension does not carry over to official tournament matches, as disciplinary actions from friendlies do not transfer to the World Cup. Portugal will open Group K against Congo on June 17.
5. Canada: Crepeau Named Starting Goalkeeper, Marsch Finalizes Squad
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch announced that Maxime Crepeau will be the starting goalkeeper at WC 2026. Canada will open the group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Toronto will host six tournament matches from June 12 to July 2, while Vancouver will host seven matches from June 13 to July 7.
6. Bottle Controversy: FIFA Changes Rules After Backlash
One of the most talked-about off-field decisions in recent days has been the dispute over FIFA's ban on bringing reusable water bottles into stadiums. The organization initially announced a complete ban, citing security concerns, which drew sharp criticism from fans and local politicians. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the decision "pure money-grabbing," and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also publicly criticized FIFA. Following the wave of outrage, FIFA announced a compromise: each fan may bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle of up to 590 ml (20 oz) to matches in the United States and Canada. Hard reusable bottles remain prohibited for security reasons. Rules for stadiums in Mexico were not separately clarified.
7. Broader Context: Tournament Kicks Off in Two Days
WC 2026 will be the largest in history: 48 teams will play 104 matches across 16 stadiums in three host countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — from June 11 to July 19. The group stage will run through June 27, with the final taking place at the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. On April 9, 2026, FIFA confirmed a list of 52 referees, 88 assistants, and 30 video assistants to officiate matches at the tournament.
