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After Mexico started a competition On Thursday, attention moves north, as Toronto and Los Angeles host the next match of the biggest FIFA World Cup ever.
Canada and the United States both kick off their campaigns on Friday, but there’s plenty going on in and out of the match as well. From the number of red cards to emergency stops and warnings for people traveling to the US, here’s what you need to know.
What is the schedule for the World Cup on June 12?
The World Cup continues on Friday with the first match between Canada and the US.
Canada kicks off their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. Kickoff is scheduled for 3pm local time (19:00 GMT).
Afterwards, the US will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with kickoff at 6pm local time (01:00 GMT on June 13).
Where can you watch the game?
Fans in the US can watch every game in English on FOX and FS1, with all 104 games also available for broadcast on FOX One and the FOX Sports program.
US Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo and Universo, and streaming on Peacock. Cord-cutters can also watch via content that carries FOX and FS1, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
In Canada, TSN is the main English-language broadcaster, with select matches also shown on CTV. French language viewers can follow the action on RDS and RDS2.
What do the predictions say about Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina?
Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina have never met, making Friday’s meeting in Toronto a first for both sides.
Canada is still looking for their first World Cup victory after losing all three of their matches in the previous two editions they reached – 1986 and 2022. However, the team has made significant progress in recent years, rising from outside the top 100 of FIFA in 2017 to 30 in the world.
When it comes to forecasting, Opta’s main computer makes Canada sound like it’s right. In 10,000 preseason games, the hosts won 58.3 percent of the time. Bosnia-Herzegovina came out in the top 20 percent of attempts, while 21.7 percent completed the draw.
What do the predictions say about USA vs Paraguay?
The only previous World Cup meeting between the United States and Paraguay came in the inaugural tournament in 1930, where the North Americans won 3-0.
The teams rarely meet from now on. Paraguay beat the US in the 2007 Copa America, while the Americans bounced back with a narrow victory in the 2016 edition.
Opta hopes for a close encounter in Inglewood. Of the 10,000 estimates, the US won 39.8 percent of the time, Paraguay won in 33.6 percent, while 26.6 percent finished.
What else is making the World Cup?
From record-setting red cards to social media moments, several stories have already begun to compete for attention.
Red cards steal the spotlight
Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa has brought the unlikely World Cup record of becoming the first opening game to have three red cards.
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off in the match while Mexico’s Cesar Montes suffered a lengthy spell. None of those sent off received a second yellow card.
Portugal’s only tournament in 2006 with the Netherlands, which produced four players, was the one that was kicked out of the World Cup.
In comparison, the entire 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw just four red cards.
Japan captain Wataru Endo is out of the World Cup
The Samurai Blue suffered a major setback ahead of their opening game after captain Wataru Endo pulled out of the squad with a foot injury before announcing his retirement from international duty.
The 33-year-old Liverpool star said he had “no regrets” about the decision after struggling to recover from surgery earlier this year.
Mexico’s Quinones scored the first goal of the World Cup
Julian Quinones made history by scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, joining the list of players that includes Pele.
Born in Colombia, the 29-year-old played for the country’s youth teams but never made the Colombian senior team. After moving to Mexico in 2016, he became a Mexican citizen in 2023 and was quickly called up to the national team.
Quinones has been in excellent form since joining Saudi club Al Qadsiah in 2024, finishing the 2025-26 season as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 33 goals. His strong finish against South Africa showed why he has become so important in Mexico.
A warning to those interested in the World Cup
With thousands of manufacturers expected to land in North America, El Pais reports that US officials have reminded foreigners that tourist visas do not allow foreigners to earn money from products produced in the country.
According to the newspaper, a joint statement from US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security said that making money in the US is a job and requires a valid visa.
Al Jazeera could not confirm the report.
Argentina fans refused US visas to receive free TV to watch the World Cup
For some Argentina fans, missing out on a trip to the World Cup came with an unexpected consolation prize. The Argentinian company Newsan, through its brand Noblex, provided 100 videos to agents who could prove they had been denied a US visa between January and June of this year.
“They refused my visa, so I came here,” Argentine fan Tomas Vageller told Al Jazeera. “I found out because my cousin told me about Noblex, and they really came.”
Vageller hopes to travel to North America to watch what many believe could be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
“I applied for a visa because we all think this could be Messi’s last World Cup,” he said. “I am very sad that I will not be able to see him, but I am leaving with a gift and, to be honest, I am very happy about this,” he added.
Seattle tries to warm up
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport unveiled its renovated Terminal C just days before the city will host its first World Cup.
But organizers may have to contend with unusually high temperatures for June, which will soar to around 29 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit) during the meetings between Belgium and Egypt on Monday, threatening Seattle’s record on June 15.
The Spain and Barcelona midfielder is already being tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner and, before long, could be considered the best player in the world.
But this week, she’s doing something very ordinary: Shopping at Walmart.
Spain is preparing for the 2026 World Cup in Georgia, and Yamal was spotted by fans at Walmart in Fort Oglethorpe, apparently picking up a few items. Videos of the surprise show quickly went viral on social media.
Empty seats?
Ticket prices remained a topic of discussion at the World Cup after many empty seats were spotted South Korea 2-1 defeated the Czech Republic in Guadalajara.
Main sections of Estadio Akron appeared empty for all Group A games, adding to the controversy over FIFA ticket prices. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the game’s pricing policy a day earlier.
Although there were empty seats, there was a good atmosphere inside the stadium.
The Czech Republic took the lead through Ladislav Krejci before South Korea conceded. Hwang In-beom equalized before Oh Hyeon-gyu won to complete the comeback.
The 2026 edition is the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and 104 games in 16 cities in the US, Canada and Mexico, up from 32 teams and 64 matches in Qatar four years ago. FIFA expects the tournament to generate $13bn over four years, compared to the $7.5bn it earned in the previous World Cup season.
But the expansion has also brought criticism. Strong trees has sent ticket prices soaring, with the most expensive seats last rising from the $1,550 they were originally quoted in their bid to nearly $14,000 at one point before settling at more than $7,000 in the days leading up to the game. Following England through the group is expected to cost fans more than $11,000 once tickets, accommodation and travel are factored in.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the impact of the tournament on three countries. Independent researchers estimate the tournament’s emissions could reach between five and nine tonnes of carbon dioxide, making it the most polluting sport ever held.
The ever-expanding football calendar has also brought controversy over player welfare. The finalists can play up to eight World Cup matches after a home draw, with some players who have already won 60 matches before entering their respective groups.
Scientists have also warned that almost one in four matches may be played in hotter conditions than is necessary for the safety of the players.
