The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is officially down to six days. Get the latest news, results and behind-the-scenes info from the 2026 World Cup with USA TODAY's Extra Time newsletter. Meet Team USA 2026:Get to know the U.

The competition is around the corner but some say it's a failure before it has even kicked off. Readers share their thoughts.

Didier Deschamps highlights France problem ahead of World Cup after Ivory Coast shock - Les Bleus, one of the favourites for the World Cup, encountered an early setback in their preparation, with Didier Deschamps pinpointing how the Elephants hurt them,

Poland and Saudi Arabia squared off in the group stage of the World Cup. Poland’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny saved a shot on goal early in the first half from Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Kanno. Poland’s Piotr Zielinski found the back of the net for a goal to give Poland an early lead.

One of the Premier League’s top players has already criticised the pitch at MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Chelsea and England defender Reece James played multiple games at MetLife Stadium in the Club World Cup last summer.

Fox One is the newer and less proven bet. The service launched in August 2025 at $19.99 a month, bringing Fox News, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Weather, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, local Fox stations and the Fox broadcast network into one direct-to-consumer product.

The greatest players have graced the World Cup and often lived up to top billing. Lionel Messi has been named player of the tournament twice, joining Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona among the winners.

On FIFA's resale marketplace, World Cup ticket prices have soared into four to six figures. By pricing out ordinary fans, soccer's organizing body risks hurting the image of the tournament.