Mexico won the opening World Cup match against South Africa on Thursday, June 11 in Mexico City. The United States will play against Paraguay on Friday, June 12 in Los Angeles.

An estimated 63,636 fans attended a U.S.-Germany friendly on Saturday, June 6 at Soldier Field, offering a glimpse of the soccer culture that is thriving in Chicago ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Iraq and Venezuela are scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, giving local fans another opportunity to watch international soccer before the tournament begins next week.