Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for the 2026 World Cup opener due to ongoing rape allegations, preventing him from playing in the match. This incident occurred amidst various other developments surrounding the World Cup, including betting trends, security threats, and new FIFA regulations.

The FIFA World Cup has officially begun with a Fan Fest at the Coliseum and initial matches underway. Early games have seen multiple red cards, prompting discussions about refereeing strictness.

South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, experienced a significant delay in their departure for the World Cup due to unresolved visa issues for players and staff, including an assistant coach. The team's travel plans were disrupted, causing an 'embarrassing' situation before they were finally set to fly.

Mexico has agreed to host the Iranian national football team during the World Cup after the US reportedly declined to accommodate them, highlighting ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. This development comes as oil prices tumbled amid reports of a potential US-Iran deal.

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. sustained a calf injury, putting his participation in Brazil's opening World Cup match in doubt. The injury could sideline him for up to three weeks, raising concerns about his fitness for the tournament.