Two Days to Go: Top News from the 2026 World Cup
June 9, 2026. The FIFA World Cup officially kicks off on June 11 with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 national teams split into 12 groups of four, with a record total of 104 matches.
Brazil: Wesley Out of the Tournament, Ederson Called Up
The biggest squad news of recent hours is Brazil's loss of right-back Wesley. The player suffered an adductor muscle injury to his left thigh as early as the 15th minute of a friendly against Egypt (2–1) in Cleveland on June 6. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced his exclusion from the squad. In his place, 26-year-old Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been called up and will join the team in the United States. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rely on Danilo and Roger Ibañez at right-back. Brazil open their group stage campaign (Group C) against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New York.
Argentina: Messi Progressing, Balerdi Out
Reigning world champions Argentina are also dealing with squad concerns. Captain Lionel Messi is recovering from a left hamstring muscle overload sustained on May 26 in a match for Inter Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi is progressing and may get minutes in one of two pre-tournament friendlies — against Honduras (June 6) or Iceland (June 9 in Auburn, Alabama). The Argentine Football Association stated that players with minor injuries are "making good progress" under the supervision of the medical staff. Meanwhile, defender Leonardo Balerdi has been officially ruled out of the squad due to a calf muscle injury and will not participate in the tournament. Argentina open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Portugal: Leão Red-Carded, but No WC Suspension
A controversy marred Portugal's pre-tournament friendly against Chile (2–1): forward Rafael Leão was shown a red card following an altercation in which, according to witnesses, he struck Chilean player Iván Román. Both players were sent off. However, suspensions from friendly matches do not carry over to official World Cup games, so Leão remains available to coach Roberto Martínez for the Group K opener against DR Congo on June 17. The question of internal disciplinary sanctions remains open.
Friendly Match Results: June 7–8
- Portugal 2–1 Chile — victory marred by the Leão incident
- Belgium 5–0 Tunisia — a convincing show of strength
- Germany 2–1 USA — at Soldier Field in Chicago
- England 1–0 New Zealand — the only goal scored by Harry Kane
- Scotland 4–0 Bolivia — in New Jersey
- Brazil 2–1 Egypt — goals from Bruno Guimarães and Endrick
Netherlands: Timber Out, Netherlands Make Changes
The Netherlands have also suffered a squad blow: Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber has left the national team camp due to a chronic groin injury — the medical staff determined that his participation in the tournament would be "medically irresponsible." He has been replaced in the squad by Lutsharel Geertruida.
Format and Rules: What's New at the 2026 World Cup
Organizers have confirmed a number of regulatory changes in line with IFAB updates: VAR powers have been expanded (including the review of incorrectly awarded corners and mistaken identity in card decisions), and time-wasting controls have been tightened. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa will be held at a sold-out Estadio Azteca on June 11.
