Home / SportsJapan TimesSportsJapan Times·Jun 9, 2026·1 min readWorld Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulenceThe 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday, with FIFA hoping soccer can rise above anger over prices, political tensions and the shadow of war.View original source — Japan Times ↗ShareCopy linkShare on XShare on FacebookRelated storiesAl JazeeraSportsJun 9, 2026 · 1 minMexico prepares for World Cup opening match amid protestsAl JazeeraVarietyEntertainmentJun 8, 2026 · 1 minLionel Messi Gets Special-Edition Stanley Cup Release Ahead of the World CupVarietyFrance 24SportsJun 4, 2026 · 1 min2026 World Cup: National teams begin to arrive in North AmericaFrance 24Buenos Aires TimesSportsJun 9, 2026 · 1 minWorld Cup nears kick off after pre-tournament turbulenceBuenos Aires Times
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