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Six-Nation Plan Sets Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay as 2030 Openers

7/21/2026

Summary

Domínguez Confirms Hosts

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez confirmed Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host the 2030 World Cup opening matches.
The World Cup will span six nations on three continents, opening at Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium and in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Infantino said the 64-team plan gives nine South American nations spots, a playoff for the tenth, with Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou and Casablanca’s Hassan II Stadium as final-venue candidates.

Summary

Trump Reinstates

President Donald Trump reinstated striker Folarin Balogun to the U.S. team.
The United States beat Paraguay 4–2 in the opener before a Los Angeles crowd in red, white and blue.
The final stayed 0-0 until the 106th minute, with Spain dominating and Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez making key saves.
Cabo Verde fought to the last moments of its first knockout-round match.

Summary

Haaland Goes Viral

Erling Haaland’s post after the 2026 World Cup drew 893,000 likes, 18.6 million views and over 11,000 comments, sparking U.S. memes.
He shared a selfie captioned “Might delete later” wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap and a tank top.
Fans highlighted his $750 taxidermied Wild Bill’s Whiskey Raccoon, which quickly became a viral meme.
Norway reached the quarter-finals on Haaland’s seven goals before a 2-1 loss to England ended their run.

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Domínguez Confirms Hosts

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez confirmed Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host the 2030 World Cup opening matches.
The World Cup will span six nations on three continents, opening at Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium and in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Infantino said the 64-team plan gives nine South American nations spots, a playoff for the tenth, with Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou and Casablanca’s Hassan II Stadium as final-venue candidates.

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