Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match Friday. The union announced the deal at a news conference Tuesday and said workers will vote on whether to ratify the agreement on Wednesday.

There will be 48 nations that descend upon 16 sites scattered across the United States, Mexico and Canada for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on Thursday, June 11. The biggest sporting event in the world draws in plenty of casual soccer fans who might be wondering how to bet on the World Cup,

In January 1993, the U.S. men’s national soccer team arrived at its training facility ahead of the 1994 World Cup at a community park in Mission Viejo. Torrential rains rendered the two grass fields unplayable.

The US has a history of elite World Cup goalkeeping. Now, two keepers with local ties are battling for the No. 1 spot.

SPECIAL DIGITAL COVER Joey Bada$ & Miles Robinson on What Drives Them & Why ‘Athletes Love Artists'  Linking up on the pitch and in the studio, the U.S. national team member and the rapper/actor discover their shared drive - and engage in some friendly competition.