The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off this week, and while the football has been the main event, plenty has been unfolding off the pitch — from creative policing, stolen equipment, and fans watching from their living rooms whether they wanted to or not. Ghana's Thomas Partey Barred from Entering Canada
Ghana's World Cup campaign started with a diplomatic flashpoint before a ball was even kicked. Midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, was denied a visa by Canadian authorities to enter the country for Ghana's opener against Panama in Toronto because he is awaiting trial on rape and sexual assault charges in London later this year. Partey, who played for Villarreal in Spain last season after leaving Arsenal, has pleaded not guilty. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn't quiet about it, calling Canada's decision "high-handed and extremely unfair" and threatening legal action to overturn the refusal. Coach Carlos Queiroz had included Partey in the squad citing presumption of innocence. Partey returned to the team's base camp in Rhode Island instead. Peruvian Police Arrest Drug Suspect Dressed as World Cup Mascots
Peru's Green Squadron — a police unit dedicated to combating common crime — pulled off one of the more creative busts you'll see this World Cup. Two undercover officers disguised as official mascots Clutch and Maple approached and arrested suspected drug dealer Carlos Cabrera, 48, in Lima on Thursday, during the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Unit head Col. Carlos Alcántara confirmed the arrest, which is the latest in a series of costume-based operations that Peruvian law enforcement has, apparently, made something of a specialty. West African Fans Shut Out by Visa Rejections
Supporters from the Ivory Coast and Senegal have been effectively locked out of the 2026 World Cup after facing blanket visa rejections from US authorities. Home-based fans and official supporters' delegations from both countries were denied entry, meaning — for the first time — major Senegalese supporter groups will be absent while their national team competes in the tournament. A Body Found Near Iran's Training Ground
Mexican authorities discovered a decomposing body showing signs of violence near Tijuana's Caliente Stadium, where the Iranian national team is based for World Cup preparations. Iran is due to face New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Tijuana — just across the border from San Diego — is consistently ranked among the most violent cities in the world. The discovery cast an uneasy shadow over the team's preparations, though training has continued. England's Kit Stolen — Then Recovered
England's squad had a chaotic arrival at their Kansas City training base after equipment belonging to the national team was stolen in transit from Florida. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas confirmed the theft on social media, saying authorities at "local, state and federal levels" were investigating. Two arrests were made and the gear was subsequently recovered — not quite the pre-tournament preparation Thomas Tuchel had in mind, we assume. Argentina Fans Get Free TVs After Visa Rejections
For Argentina supporters who were denied US visas and couldn't make the trip, electronics brand Noblex had a consolation prize: a free 32-inch television. The promotion, run by parent company Newsan ahead of the tournament, offered eligible fans a TV upon proof of a rejected visa application. It's a nice gesture — though watching Messi from your couch in Buenos Aires probably still stings.