The World Cup will begin in Mexico City and end in New Jersey, putting years of planning to the test over a span of 39 days.

• And, with less than a month to go, North Texas is a microcosm of 16 host regions that are each racing against time to finish preparations.

Why it matters: This is the first time that three countries are co-hosting a World Cup.

State of play: While American football is king in the U.S. and ice hockey rules Canada, soccer is widely considered Mexico's most popular sport.

• Fans fill Mexico City's sports bars during Liga MX matches and street vendors stream the games on their phones.

The intrigue: Mexico will become the first country to have hosted the World Cup three times. The two previous tournaments in Mexico showcased two of the game's greatest players.

• In 1970, Pelé led Brazil to the trophy.
• In 1986, Diego Maradona led Argentina to a championship.

Zoom in: Mexico has been especially popular for flight and hotel searches for this World Cup, with many of Mexico City's searches originating from the U.S. and Canada, per Kayak.

Vibe check: The tournament will be Mexico City's Super Bowl, with five matches taking place in Azteca Stadium.

• A massive soccer ball sculpture and replica World Cup trophy greet visitors at Benito Juarez International Airport.
• Buildings and underpasses in tourist areas have had soccer-adjacent advertisements for weeks. One museum has 15,000 pieces of soccer memorabilia.
• Tour and excursion companies are adding staff to accommodate the extra demand for bookings.

Yes, but: Some residents are wary of the World Cup, saying they can't afford tickets and the city won't be ready in time for the opening match.

• The airport remains an active construction site. Azteca Stadium is facing issues with box seats and concerns about sinking.
• Many families have also been displaced because of the city's short-term rental boom, a tour guide tells Axios.

What we're watching: The 2026 World Cup's long-term impacts on its North American hosts after the final whistle.

North Texas has had a slower ramp-up for its World Cup street art compared to Mexico City — but expect more artwork and activations after Memorial Day, organizers tell Axios.

State of play: FIFA is targeting next week for the bulk of its branding, such as pole banners and public art, says Anita Simmons, the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee's marketing director.

• A soccer boot sculpture designed by a Nigerian artist will be installed near AT&T Stadium (rebranded as Dallas Stadium for the World Cup), Simmons says.
• Dallas Love Field will have an exhibit showcasing memorabilia from the 1994 World Cup, which had matches at the Cotton Bowl. The Live at Love stage inside the terminal will stream the World Cup games.
• The World Cup's fan festival in Fair Park will have life-size figures of 26 women whose work intersects with sports and STEM.

Friction point: Many North Texans were upset with the North Texas FWC committee last week, after workers were seen painting over a 27-year-old mural in downtown Dallas.

• In response to the criticism, the organizing committee said it recognizes "the cultural and historical significance" of Robert Wyland's Whaling Wall 82 and plans to preserve a portion of the mural "as a tribute to its lasting impact."
• The artist has threatened legal action, saying he was never warned about his mural being painted over.
• Meanwhile, Dallas ISD students have started a petition in support of the mural, calling on the city to seek public input before removing public art in the future.

⚽️ SMU was selected as a training site for the World Cup teams that will play in Arlington. (NBC5)

🚅 The Regional Transportation Council plans to work with Dallas officials to see if a high-speed rail route from Fort Worth and Arlington is still attainable. (Fort Worth Report)

🏳️‍🌈 Oak Lawn residents want to see more murals and rainbow-colored steps after the neighborhood's rainbow crosswalks were removed to comply with a Gov. Greg Abbott directive. (KERA)

💨 The U.S. Defense Department paused issuing routine federal permits for dozens of wind projects in Texas, citing national security concerns. (Texas Tribune)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Six Flags Over Texas Celebrates 65 Years of Thrills. Experience a summer of new shows in the newly renovated Southern Palace Theater. Coming soon, prepare to break six world records on Tormenta Rampaging Run!

Here's another New York City concept that expanded to Dallas earlier this year.

• Little Ruby's was inspired by Australian cafe culture and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Uptown Little Ruby's is the only location outside New York.

Vibe check: Plants and blush pink accent colors decorate the Dallas cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.

• If you collect matchbooks, the hostess stand has Little Ruby's-themed ones.

What to order: Sticky date pudding

Where: Little Ruby's, 2305 Cedar Springs Road.

Cost: $12

Six word review: Soft, warm cake melts away worries.

😋Have a rec for a future Tasty Tuesday? Hit reply and let us know.