The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, rolled into its group-stage rhythm on Sunday with four matches on the card: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Belgium vs. Iran in Los Angeles, Uruguay vs. Cape Verde in Miami, and more.
Germany’s victory over Ivory Coast drew millions of viewers — and eyeballs for coach Julian Nagelsmann’s R$68,000 (approximately $12,000) wristwatch. Meanwhile, referee Felix Zwayer was examined after suffering a muscle cramp during the USA-Australia match but was declared fit.
Perhaps the most poignant World Cup story came from Fredericksburg, Texas — a town founded by German immigrants in 1846, complete with a “Marktplatz” and an “Altdorf Biergarten.” Der Spiegel found that despite the heritage, hardly anyone showed up to watch Germany play.
