EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS

After years of preparation, a supersized World Cup has finally arrived. This year’s tournament is hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It was expanded to 48 teams that will play in 16 stadiums in a record 104 matches over the 39-day tournament — from June 11 to July 19. Mexico gets the World Cup started on Thursday and will be a heavy favorite when it hosts South Africa in Mexico City. The second game of the day will be between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Mexico. All four teams are part of Group A. Canada and the United States will host their first games on Friday.

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READ SOME OF AP’S LATEST WORLD CUP COVERAGE

— AP Newsroom: FIFA World Cup

— World Cup what to know: Mexico kicks off a supersized, 48-team tournament

FIFA’s Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans ‘should chill’ about ref denied US entry

US defender Chris Richards says he’s ready and eager for World Cup opener after ankle injury

Belgium winger Jérémy Doku expected to be available for his team’s World Cup opener against Egypt

Health sleuths are watching for disease threats during the World Cup

Guadalajara ramps up security and promises safe World Cup after cartel violence scare

At World Cup stadiums, there will be zero tolerance for drones because of the threat they pose

As FIFA entices a new generation of fans, a Brazil influencer’s platform will stream all 104 games

Somali soccer referee denied entry to US for World Cup is welcomed home as a hero

After troubled World Cup lead-in, UN human rights chief urges ‘rethink’ of US immigration policy

Pochettino says no Americans among top 100 players yet US can win World Cup

Bettors taking a chance on the longshot US in World Cup, though France and Spain remain favorites

A street in The Hague is drenched in orange as Netherlands soccer fans celebrate the World Cup

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FIND PLAYERS WITH LOCAL TIES

View this spreadsheet to find MLS players who were competing for a spot on a FIFA World Cup Team. Those highlighted in green were selected for a squad. The second tab lists out the full roster of the U.S. men’s national team with positions, hometowns and schools.

And check out AP's Hometown Heroes interactive for MLS players in the World Cup and players on the U.S. men's team.

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READ ADDITIONAL AP COVERAGE

Some host cities are aiming to house, not arrest, homeless people ahead of the World Cup

Stadium workers near LA say they have a tentative deal, averting strike ahead of World Cup

Iran soccer body claims fans’ tickets for World Cup games in the US have been revoked

Join the beaver hunt: Toronto neighborhood offers unique World Cup-themed scavenger hunt

Javier Aguirre’s final World Cup rescue: Mexico’s firefighter battles old tactical ghosts

Michael Olise could be France’s attacking star at the World Cup

It’s bigger. Is it better? A look at the differences between the 1994 and 2026 World Cups

From Trump to Messi, Iran to ICE, politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history

US team settles into World Cup training base with optimism and gratitude for fan support

The weird and wonderful soccer phrases fans will bring to the World Cup

FIFA and Infantino draw bipartisan skepticism ahead of the World Cup

What to know about the 16 stadiums hosting 2026 World Cup matches

World Cup by the numbers: 104 matches, 48 teams and 3 countries make this the largest ever

Teenager Lamine Yamal carries the responsibility of leading Spain at the World Cup

From luring stars to hosting the World Cup, Saudi Arabia has spent billions to disrupt soccer

Soccer great Pelé’s legacy shines on in his one-time home ahead of the World Cup

World Cup stadiums earn prestigious certifications as green buildings before matches begin

The World Cup poses an unprecedented security challenge at a fraught moment. Is the US ready?

Mexico City’s altitude poses a key challenge for teams at the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup pitches are the result of years of engineering to find just the right grass

Some of the most dedicated World Cup fans skipping this year’s tournament, citing costs and politics

World Cup players to earn $5,000 each day for clubs from $355M FIFA fund

AP exclusive: Iran players describe how the war affects their World Cup preparations

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