(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) The FIFA Club World Cup will kick off in Florida, and three stadiums in two cities will host 14 matches over the next month in the newly expanded global soccer tournament. In preparation of the 2026 World Cup taking place mainly in the United States, the country will host a 32-team event featuring some of the best club teams from six continents. In all, 11 cities from Philadelphia to Seattle will host games. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host the kickoff match that pits Lionel Messi and Inter Miami vs. Egypt's Al-Ahly FC. That will be the first of eight games at the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins . Orlando will host six games between the soccer-only venue Inter&Co Stadium and the larger Camping World Stadium. The tournament comes amid fresh travel bans and anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by President Donald Trump. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protections agents will be on hand at Hard Rock Stadium after the Copa America final held there in 2024 was marred by fans stampeding the gates. While both ICE and CBP have said only they will be there to help with security, ICE has been subject of protests across the country as it carries out mass deportation efforts by frequently rounding up and detaining legal immigrants and even U.S. citizens .
CONTINUE READING
