Here are the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times Eastern:
12:45 p.m.
Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive countries for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence, they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” on June 26 in Seattle, coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Both countries have asked for the celebrations to be cancelled.
11:40 a.m.
The World Cup's early surprise star will have some extra support the next time he takes the field. The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States in time for her son's match Sunday against Uruguay in Miami. The 40-year-old Vozinha became a sensation on Monday when he led the tiny African nation to a 0-0 draw with European giant Spain.
9 a.m.
Canada will hold its final training session today ahead of Thursday's World Cup clash with Qatar at BC Place. Questions remain about captain Alphonso Davies' availability as the Bayern Munich star continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that kept him out of Canada's tournament-opening draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Head coach Jesse Marsch is expected to provide an update as Canada looks for its first-ever World Cup win in front of a home crowd in Vancouver.
9 a.m.
Vancouver bars are stocking up on beer and adding staff ahead of Canada's World Cup match against Qatar on Thursday after Australian fans nearly drank some establishments dry during last weekend's tournament opener. Operators along Granville Street say business has surged since the World Cup arrived, with crowds filling bars, restaurants and other businesses around BC Place. Premier David Eby says the tournament has the city buzzing, while business owners expect another massive turnout when Canada takes the field.
8:45 a.m.
Toronto hosts its second World Cup match tonight when Ghana and Panama meet at Toronto Stadium. Canada opened the tournament at the venue with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. Ghana and Panama are viewed as Group L underdogs behind England and Croatia, but both sides hope to make an early statement in their first-ever meeting. The match is the second of six World Cup games scheduled for Toronto during the tournament.
8:43 a.m.
A star-studded World Cup schedule is on tap today, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal opening against Congo before Harry Kane and England face Croatia in a marquee Group L showdown. England enters the tournament among the favourites, with Kane looking to add to his eight career World Cup goals and lead the Three Lions to a first title since 1966. The day also features Ghana against Panama in Toronto and World Cup newcomer Uzbekistan making its tournament debut against Colombia.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
