USMNT gear on sale in Seattle - The Athletic

• The United States is preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, marking the first time the U.S. has hosted the tournament since 1994. • Early momentum for the USMNT is building under coach Mauricio Pochettino, highlighted by a strong performance in a recent victory against Paraguay.

• Ghana secured a stunning victory against Panama in their second World Cup match held in Toronto, sparking widespread celebrations among fans in the city streets. • Canada is preparing for its upcoming match against Qatar on Thursday, June 19, 2026, in Vancouver.

• BTS is expected to perform at the halftime show for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium. • Fans are generating significant social media hype, predicting the performance will be a career-defining moment for the group.

• The 2026 World Cup has commenced, with betting markets identifying the primary contenders for the Golden Boot award. • Kylian Mbappe of France and England captain Harry Kane are the current favorites, while Norway's Erling Haaland is highlighted for his record of 55 goals in 50 internationals.

• England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland have learned their opponents for the Women's World Cup play-offs to secure a spot in the tournament in Brazil. • Key matchups include the Republic of Ireland facing 100th-ranked Kazakhstan, while Wales will compete against Albania.

• Lionel Messi broke Cristiano Ronaldo's record with 38 appearances and surpassed Pelé's World Cup record, while Kylian Mbappé set a new French record with 58. • Norway ended a 28-year World Cup drought, playing their first match since 1998, featuring Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard.

• Germany will face Ivory Coast this Saturday in a World Cup match, marking their first significant test of the tournament. • The primary threat is Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, a teenager who joined RB Leipzig in July 2025 after a stint with Leganes in Spain.

• England's Connor Green, Wales' Anna Hursey, and Jersey's Hannah Silcock are currently competing in the European Under-21 Championships in Romania. • Green suffered two losses in the second phase of group matches against Slovakia’s Damian Floro (ranked 21) and Bulgaria’s Yoan Velichkov (ranked 13).

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today with an opening slate of matches, starting with host nation Mexico facing South Africa. • Following the opener, South Korea will play Czechia, marking the start of a tournament featuring a total of 48 competing teams.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen 23 games played so far, resulting in a total of 71 goals. • Recent match highlights include Sweden's dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia, featuring goals from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Yasin Ayari, and Mattias Svanberg.

• Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the 2nd Test match of Pakistan's 2026 tour of Bangladesh. • Bangladesh posted scores of 278 and 390, while Pakistan managed 232 and 358 in their respective innings.