Follow the World Cup draw with live updates and find out who the USMNT and soccer's best will be facing during the 2026 tournament. The expanded 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history featuring 48 countries – up from 32 – battling for soccer's ultimate prize in North America.

The 2026 World Cup is set to begin in Mexico City at 1900 GMT with co-host nation Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.

From l-r., FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. Soccer legend Miam Hamm said that while "many prefer to focus on what separates us," soccer is poised to unite people during the 2026 World Cup.

After a ponderous start to the season, Aston Villa is now flying, with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Brighton in midweek. That extended its winning streak to six victories across all competitions, with Unai Emery's men emerging as an outside threat to their visitors' title hopes.

John Hackworth, who has more than 30 years of experience, has been hired as men’s soccer coach at the Naval Academy.

The NWSL’s San Diego Wave defeated Mexico’s Tigres UANL 3-0 in Sunday’s final of the three-day tournament, played in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The prize purse for the tournament was $5 million, with $2 million going to the Wave.

Last season, Santa Margarita received key contributions from freshmen Ella Bott (midfield), Lauren Lim (forward), Reagan Condon (defender) and Kaitlin Crossett (goalie) among others. The Eagles’ returning seniors include All-County forward Jastel David (Utah signee) and midfielder Emily Nunez (Saint Mary’s signee).

The Bulldogs will be looking for a new head coach for the second consecutive offseason after Nick Zimmerman announced he was leaving.

The Taliban made women's sports illegal in 2021 when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, but it hasn't stopped a group of refugees in Houston determined to forge their own way on the soccer pitch.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pre-empted the draw for the 2026 World Cup by presenting United States President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA peace prize on Friday. The award, not voted on by FIFA's Council and chosen by Infantino from a shortlist of one,