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The start of the 2026 World Cup is just four months away as Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to host the biggest tournament in football.
The news is really starting to ramp up ahead of the summer and you can follow it all right here.
Stay across all things 2026 World Cup on The Athletic.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will form a “key part” of the security at this year’s men’s World Cup, its director has said.
Todd Lyons, ICE’s acting director, was responding to a question from Democrat Nellie Pou before a panel in the House of Representatives.
Pou is a representative of the ninth district of New Jersey, which includes East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium. Eight tournament games will be held at the 82,500-capacity venue, including the final and six group matches — with England against Panama.
“ICE, specifically homeland security investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup,” Lyons said Tuesday. “We’re dedicated to securing that operation and to ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors.”
ICE, which is split into two sectors, commonly provides intelligence and security at international sporting events.
ICE agents are in attendance at this month’s Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy, but do not have the authority to conduct enforcement operations outside the United States and will not attempt to do so, officials have said. Their presence at the Games has still led to protests in Milan.
We have reached the stage of the year where the teams competing at the summer's World Cup have started to announce where they will be based for the tournament.
Training complexes across North America quickly become the focus of team officials from across the planet — here are a few of the announcements so far:
For the rest of the list — that will be updated as the teams confirm their training bases — check out the link below.
GO FURTHER
World Cup 2026 base camps tracker: Brazil chooses New Jersey, Argentina in Kansas City
Hello! And welcome along to The Athletic where we are continuing our build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
There are still 121 days until the first ball is kicked in Mexico City, but the news and storylines are unrelenting so here we are to take you through it all.
Stick with us right here as we bring you the latest from the tournament being hosted across Canada, Mexico City and the United States.