World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11, running to July 19, with Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium hosting the opener (Mexico vs South Africa) and the tournament expanding to 48 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Visa & Entry Friction: Coverage highlights a visa mess and stricter U.S. immigration checks, including Somali referee Omar Artan being refused entry despite a valid visa, and broader concerns that travel barriers are hitting teams, staff, and fans. Algeria in the Spotlight: Algeria’s Air Express Algeria has been added to the EU Air Safety List blacklist over serious safety shortcomings, while Algeria’s team base in Kansas has sparked a media filming dispute after a local station flew a helicopter over training despite a ban. EU Aviation Update: The EU Air Safety List now bans 154 airlines; Kyrgyz carriers were removed after safety oversight improvements. Tourism Reality Check: Kansas City health and transport planning is ramping up for an expected 650,000 visitors, but experts warn host cities may struggle to recoup investments as hotel demand and ticket sales look softer than hoped. Security & Human Rights: Activists and officials are raising alarms about ICE presence and trafficking risks around matches, while California has mobilized statewide public safety operations for games in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.