World Cup 2026 news: England gear up for friendly, Infantino warns LA of ‘happy barbarians’, Messi scores on return – live

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is generating significant pre-tournament activity, including England preparing for a friendly match. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made comments referencing 'happy barbarians' in relation to Los Angeles, while Argentina's Lionel Messi scored on his return to action. The tournament's backdrop includes political tensions involving Donald Trump's influence on FIFA's organizational decisions and concerns over certain nations being disadvantaged in the name of hosting prestige.