World Cup 2026 live updates: Latest news, roster moves and more
Seth VertelneyThe 2026 World Cup is just two weeks away.
Ahead of the tournament kicking off on June 11, teams continue to release their rosters ahead of the Monday, June 1 deadline.
Teams begin playing their first pre-tournament friendlies this weekend, with Mexico and Australia facing off on Saturday and the United States taking on Senegal on Sunday.
Get the latest news, results and behind-the-scenes info from the 2026 World Cup with USA TODAY's Extra Time newsletter.
Here is the latest news from Thursday.
Pochettino says reps 'maybe' met with AC Milan
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that his representatives "maybe" met with AC Milan last week, but reiterated he is fully committed to his current job through the World Cup.
Multiple reports over the past two days have said Pochettino has been in touch with AC Milan over its coaching vacancy.
Pochettino is getting set to lead the U.S. in a home World Cup, but his contract expires at the end of the tournament and he is widely expected to return to the club game.
Read the full story HERE
FAA to ban drones in World Cup
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it will ban drones during the 2026 World Cup near games, fan festivals and team training sites in the United States.
Read the full story HERE.
USPS introduces soccer stamp for World Cup
Germany captain Kimmich talks politics
This World Cup will be intensely politically charged. For Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, that means walking a fine line.
"Having no opinion isn't the solution. Each of us inevitably has a personal stance on certain issues, and I, too, have certain values I stand by," Kimmich told Sports Illustrated Germany.
"At the same time, it's difficult to express this opinion in the role of a footballer or captain of the national team. Just because you have an opinion doesn't make you an expert."
US Soccer CEO addresses Pochettino rumors
On Thursday, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson responded to rumors that USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino had interviewed for AC Milan's vacant job.
"Mauricio and [his assistant coaches have] been incredibly transparent the entire process," Batson told reporters in Georgia. "Even when we first met a couple summers ago, there were lots of other people interested in having Mauricio and [his] team join. He had standing offers from other places to come. He wanted to be here. He's a big believer in what we're doing in U.S. Soccer. He's a big believer in soccer in America, and he's a big believer in this men’s team.
"When you have top-class talent," he added, "Other organizations want them."
Congo World Cup team cleared amid ebola outbreak
The DR Congo national team has been fully cleared to participate in the 2026 World Cup, the country's soccer association (FECOFA) and FIFA confirmed this week.
The CDC issued travel restrictions intended to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the United States. Almost all individuals who had been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days were barred from entering the U.S. at least until June 17. But after a videoconference between FECOFA President Veron Mosengo Omba and senior FIFA representatives, DR Congo was cleared to travel to the U.S. and participate in the tournament.
"I applaud FECOFA and FIFA for moving swiftly and decisively to make this responsible, reasonable determination," said Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, DRC Ambassador to the United States. "The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will embrace this team and this moment with the warmth that has defined America for 250 years."
Mauricio Pochettino linked to AC Milan
Mauricio Pochettino may be about to lead the USMNT into the World Cup, but he appears to already be eyeing up his next move.
According to multiple reports, Pochettino has been in touch with AC Milan over its coaching vacancy. The Argentine's contract with U.S. Soccer expires at the end of the World Cup.
Read the full story HERE.
Neymar injury news
Brazil forward Neymar will miss "two to three weeks" with a calf injury, putting him in danger of missing his country's World Cup opener.
Read the full story HERE.
2026 World Cup rosters
Full rosters for 2026 World Cup teamsHow to watch the 2026 World Cup
Watch all 2026 World Cup games on Fox and FS1. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock
Watch every World Cup game with FuboWorld Cup groups
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Meet Team USA 2026:Get to know the U.S. men's national team
World Cup key dates
- Group Stage: June 11-June 27
- Round of 32: June 28-July 3
- Round of 16: July 4-7
- Quarterfinals: July 9-11
- Semifinals: July 14-15
- Third-place game: July 18 (Miami Gardens, Florida)
- Final: July 19 (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
2026 World Cup format
Each group will play a round robin style where teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The top two teams in each group advance to the round of 32 along with the eight best third-place squads. Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria:
- Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
- Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
- Superior goal difference in all group matches
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
- Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained
- The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA/Coca‑Cola Men's World Ranking
2026 World Cup odds
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