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U.S. to Host 2026 World Cup, Kicks Off June 11

6/3/2026

Summary

USA Hosts

United States will host 2026 World Cup, opening June 11 and closing July 19 in New Jersey.
England will play New Zealand on June 6, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Howard named Spain favorite and said Pulisic is in a goal-drought.
Kane said World Cup is vital for his Ballon d’Or hopes after 61 goals.
Analysts view Spain, France, Argentina, Germany and Netherlands as contenders and list odds of Michael Olise +1000 for assists, Messi and Yamal +1200.

Summary

Saliba Surgery

William Saliba will have back surgery after the World Cup, scheduled for the end of summer and jeopardizing his availability for Arsenal next season.
Marc Cucurella is willing to leave Chelsea and has attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, the latter favoured because it can sign without selling players.
The June 11 Mexico-South Africa opener (3 p.m. ET) and the June 12 USA-Paraguay match (9 p.m. ET) will stream free on Tubi.

Summary

City Leads

Manchester City leads club representation with 19 players in World Cup squads.
England’s 26-man roster includes City players—James Trafford, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly and John Stones.
Portugal’s squad features City captain Bernardo Silva with fellow Portuguese Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes.
The Netherlands and Croatia each have two City players—Reijnders and Ake; Kovacic and Gvardiol—while City’s 19 outnumber Bayern Munich’s 18 and Barcelona’s 15, a high from the 48-team format.

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USA Hosts

United States will host 2026 World Cup, opening June 11 and closing July 19 in New Jersey.
England will play New Zealand on June 6, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Howard named Spain favorite and said Pulisic is in a goal-drought.
Kane said World Cup is vital for his Ballon d’Or hopes after 61 goals.
Analysts view Spain, France, Argentina, Germany and Netherlands as contenders and list odds of Michael Olise +1000 for assists, Messi and Yamal +1200.

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