World Cup Scale-Up: FIFA’s 2026 tournament kicks off June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada with a record 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 cities—bigger, longer, and more global than ever. Group-I Buzz (France vs Senegal): North America’s Group I is being framed as a “Group of Death,” with France and Senegal among the headline acts, plus Norway and Iraq adding unpredictability. Senegal Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat Senegal 2-1 in a WAFCON warm-up, with Asisat Oshoala using her goal celebration to spotlight kidnappings of pupils and teachers and call for urgent action. Senegal Football Turmoil: Senegal’s men are also in the spotlight for an AFCON 2025 doping scandal involving players refusing anti-doping tests after the final. USMNT Injury Drama: Chris Richards trained with the US but is still a doubt after an ankle injury, with coach Mauricio Pochettino saying a decision is looming ahead of the opener vs Paraguay. Fan Costs & Access: Multiple reports flag record ticket prices and a less welcoming travel experience for some supporters. Morocco Pressure: Morocco head into the World Cup under legal and coaching controversy after the AFCON final dispute with Senegal.