00:00The countdown is almost over. Across North America, host cities are putting
00:06the finishing torches to preparations for the biggest World Cup in history. From
00:11Kansas to Toronto, officials say security plans are in place. I think for the world
00:18we want to show off that Kansas City is on the rise, that we are elevating, we
00:22are, you know, no longer as we say a flyover state, we're a fly-to state. But
00:26we also want people in Kansas City to be really proud of this as well. We hope
00:29Kansas Cityans and those in the region are really excited to host and show off
00:33and proud that this came to their backyard. Toronto will host six World Cup games
00:39starting this Friday. Officials in Canada's largest city say they are ready to
00:44welcome the world and are emphasizing its diversity. Embrace this moment in our
00:50city, in our country's history, and experience all that this opportunity has
00:55to offer. We are ready to welcome the world and we are looking forward to
01:00kicking off. But beyond host cities' preparations and the stadiums, the focus is
01:04also now shifting to the national teams. On Monday, Mexico's President Claudia
01:10Schoenbaum presided over a flagged presentation ceremony for the national
01:14team, three days before the country opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South
01:19Africa. Mexico plays host to six national squads in the country, including the
01:29Iranian squad, embroiled in the war with the U.S. Meanwhile, as final preparations
01:34enter their last phase, fans and officials are confronted with some obstacles,
01:40exorbitant ticket prices, U.S. travel bans, and visa restrictions. On Monday, Omar Ahtan, who was set to be the
01:49first
01:49Somali to referee at the World Cup Finals, was dropped from the list of
01:53officials after he was denied entry to the United States. His entry refusal follows
01:59President Donald Trump's visa ban list and restrictions, including four competing
02:03in the World Cup, Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
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