The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well into the second run of group play, with every team still eager to post wins and most looking to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific). Tuesday’s matches will conclude the first two games of group play for every team at the World Cup.
Sunday’s Group G matchups:
Belgium vs. Iran
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, right, is challenged by Egypt’s Ramy Rabia during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
(Alex Grimm / Getty Images)
Where: SoFi Stadium Time: noon TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Iran twice rallied from deficits to draw with New Zealand in its first game, while Belgium, outplayed by Egypt in its opener, was lucky to escape with a point on an own goal early in the second half. Belgium’s aging golden generation of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel is going to need to do much better if they hope to avoid another early World Cup exit.
New Zealand vs. Egypt
New Zealand’s Callan Elliot, left, and Iran’s Mehdi Ghayedi battle for the ball during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
(Andre Penner / Associated Press)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver Time: 6 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: One of these teams could make history since neither has ever won a World Cup game. New Zealand earned its first point in the World Cup since 2010 with a draw against Iran. The winner likely advances to the next round.
Sunday’s Group H matchups:
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, top, challenges for the ball during a draw with Cape Verde on June 15.
(Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: 9 a.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Both teams opened the World Cup with surprising results. Second-ranked Spain was unable to score in a draw with No. 67 Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia was 10 minutes away from upsetting Uruguay, only to settle for a tie. Spain desperately needs a win to get its World Cup back on track, while another good performance from Saudi Arabia — unbeaten in its last three games — would have the Arabian Falcons in position to reach the knockout stage.
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha holds the nation’s flag after a draw with Spain on June 15.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Images)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. Time: 3 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: With all four teams playing to draws in their openers, the group is wide open. That creates a rare opportunity for tournament debutant Cape Verde, the second-smallest country to qualify for a World Cup. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, made seven saves to shut out Spain. If he can frustrate Uruguay the same way, Cape Verde could be through to the round of 32.
Monday’s Group J matchups:
Argentina vs. Austria
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal against Algeria at the World Cup on June 16.
The buzz: Argentina opened its World Cup title defense with a 3-0 win over Algeria on a hat trick from Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain, playing in his record sixth World Cup, is tied with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most career World Cup goals (16). Austria, meanwhile, would all but assure itself of a spot in the knockout round with a point.
Jordan vs. Algeria
Algeria’s Zineddine Belaïd kicks the ball during a World Cup loss to Argentina on June 16.
The buzz: Little was expected of Jordan, making its first appearance in the World Cup. And it delivered little in a 3-1 loss to Austria. But Algeria, ranked 28th in the world, entered the tournament with high hopes and one of African soccer’s most potent attacks. However, it had only one shot on goal in its loss to Argentina and needs a big rebound to avoid an early trip home.
Monday’s Group I matches:
France vs. Iraq
France’s Kylian Mbappé celebrates after scoring against Senegal on June 16.
(Adam Hunger / Ap Photo/adam Hunger)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Time: 2 p.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Kylian Mbappé proved his fitness with a brace in France’s opening win over Senegal, giving him 14 World Cup goals, tied for fourth on the all-time list. He has a great chance to pad that total against an Iraq team that gave up four goals to Norway. Iraq still is looking for its first-ever World Cup point.
Norway vs. Senegal
Norway’s Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring against Iraq on June 16.
The buzz: Norway, playing in its first World Cup this century, made up for lost time with a 4-1 win in its opener, getting two goals from Erling Haaland. Norway probably will move on to the next round no matter what happens, but a point would lock down a spot. Senegal and Sadio Mané, on the other hand, desperately need a win.
Tuesday’s Group K matchups:
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo walks on the field during a match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17.
The buzz: Cristiano Ronaldo entered this World Cup with visions of winning his first title. But he’ll go home early and empty-handed unless fifth-ranked Portugal improves on the listless performance it had in a draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uzbekistan, playing in its first World Cup, was not intimidated by the big stage, weathering a withering Colombia attack in a 3-1 loss. Expect it to bunker in again against Portugal.
Colombia vs. DR Congo
Yoane Wissa, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring for the Democratic Republic of the Congo against Portugal on June 17.
The buzz: The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s only other World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire; it lost all three games and didn’t score a goal. It’s already done better with Yoane Wissa’s score in first-half stoppage time giving the team a point against Portugal. A win here and it’s through to the knockout phase. The same is true of Colombia, which got a 65th-minute goal from Luis Díaz and another from substitute Jáminton Campaz deep in stoppage time to beat stubborn Uzbekistan.
Tuesday’s Group L matchups:
England vs. Ghana
England’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring against Croatia on June 17.
The buzz: England opened its World Cup with a surprisingly comfortable win over Croatia behind two goals from captain Harry Kane. But the Three Lions are only equal atop the table with Ghana, which got a goal deep in stoppage time from Caleb Yirenkyi to beat Panama. If there’s a winner here, it probably will decide the group. A point likely sends both teams through.
Panama vs. Croatia
Where: BMO Stadium, Toronto Time: 4 p.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
Panama’s Ismael Díaz attempts a shot against Ghana on June 17.
(Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
The buzz: Croatia has played in two straight World Cup semifinals, but that streak is in jeopardy after a 4-2 loss to England. Panama outshot, outpassed and outpossessed Ghana in its first game but came away with nothing after conceding a goal in stoppage time, leaving the Central Americans still looking for their first World Cup win.
SEATTLE — The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well into the second run of group play, with every team still eager to post wins as they look to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).
Friday’s Group C matchups:
Scotland vs. Morocco
Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi controls the ball during a World Cup match against Brazil on June 13.
The buzz: Scotland opened its World Cup with a win over Haiti — its first in 10 tournament games against teams from the Americas — on John McGinn’s goal midway through the first half. A win or draw here will probably be enough to send the Scots on to the knockout stage for the first time. Morocco came away from its first match with a well-earned point in a 1-1 draw with Brazil. That game was nearly as equal statistically as it was on the scoreboard. Morocco’s score came from Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute.
Brazil vs. Haiti
Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring against Morocco in the World Cup on June 13.
(Adam Hunger / Associated Press)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Time: 5:30 p.m. PDT TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Haiti outpossessed and outshot Scotland in its opening loss but it couldn’t score, leaving it needing at least a point here to keep its hopes of advancing alive. Brazil got a 32nd-minute goal from Vinícius Júnior in its opener.
Friday’s Group D matchups:
United States vs. Australia
U.S. midfielder Gio Reyna celebrates with defender Chris Richards after a 4-1 win over Paraguay at the World Cup on June 12.
The buzz: The only time the U.S. won two games in the group stage was 1930; the Americans can equal that with a win here after thrashing Paraguay in its opener. Folarin Balogun’s two goals in that game equaled another record from 1930, which was the last time a U.S. player had multiple goals in a World Cup game. Australia opened with a 2-0 win over Turkey. A win or draw here will likely send the Socceroos to the next round for a second straight World Cup.
Paraguay vs. Turkey
Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro talks with his players during a training session on Thursday.
The buzz: Neither team can afford a loss if they hope to advance. Turkey dominated its opener, outshooting Australia 30-9, taking 51 touches in the penalty area and completing 90% of its 635 passes. But it had nothing to show for it in a 2-0 loss. Paraguay was never in its opener, falling behind the U.S. 3-0 in the first half of a 4-1 loss.
Saturday’s Group E matches:
Germany vs. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande celebrates a goal against Ecuador in the World Cup on June 14.
The buzz: Germany pounded tiny Curaçao 7-1 in its opener. The last time Germany won 7-1 in a World Cup was in 2014 when it routed Brazil en route to its fourth title. The Ivory Coast started its tournament with a 1-0 upset of Ecuador on substitute Amad Diallo’s goal in the 90th minute. Ivory Coast limited the South Americans to just one shot on goal.
Ecuador vs. Curaçao
Curaçao’s Livano Comenencia shoots against Germany during a World Cup match on June 14.
The buzz: Neither team can afford another loss after falling in their openers, but Curaçao has the bigger hill to climb after surrendering 26 shots — 12 on target — in a one-sided loss to Germany. The only bright spot was Livano Comenencia scoring Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal. Ecuador had few scoring changes in its loss to Ivory Coast. It will need to do better if it hopes to get out of the group stage for just the second time.
Saturday’s Group F matchups:
Netherlands vs. Sweden
Sweden’s Yasin Ayari (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Tunisia in the World Cup on June 14.
The buzz: Yasin Ayari scored the first and last of Sweden’s goals in the 5-1 win over Tunisia last week. The Netherlands twice lost leads in its 2-2 draw with Japan. The Dutch haven’t been eliminated in the first round of a World Cup since 1938, but a loss here could put that streak in jeopardy.
Tunisia vs. Japan
Japan’s Daichi Kamada controls the ball in front of the Netherlands’ Teun Koopmeiners during a World Cup match on June 14.
The buzz: Tunisia will play its first game under interim coach Hervé Renard, who managed the team from 2019-22. He replaces Sabri Lamouchi, who was fired after Tunisia’s listless loss to Sweden. Japan earned a point in its opener, twice rallying from deficits to draw the Netherlands on Daichi Kamada’s goal in the 88th minute.
Sunday’s Group G matchups:
Belgium vs. Iran
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, right, is challenged by Egypt’s Ramy Rabia during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
(Alex Grimm / Getty Images)
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Time: noon PDT
TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Iran twice rallied from deficits to draw New Zealand in its first game while Belgium, outplayed by Egypt in its opener, was lucky to escape with a point on an own goal early in the second half. Belgium’s aging golden generation of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin DeBruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel are going to need to do much better if they hope to avoid another early World Cup exit.
New Zealand vs. Egypt
New Zealand’s Callan Elliot, left, and Iran’s Mehdi Ghayedi battle for the ball during a World Cup Group G match on June 15.
The buzz: One of these teams could make history since neither has ever won a World Cup game. New Zealand earned its first point in three World Cup appearances with a draw against Iran. Egypt’s tie with Belgium was its third draw in eight games. And there could be an added bonus to that history since a victory likely sends the winner on to the next round.
Sunday’s Group H matchups:
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, top, challenges for the ball during a draw with Cape Verde on June 15.
The buzz: Both teams opened the World Cup with surprising results. Third-ranked Spain was unable to score against No. 64 Cape Verde in a game that ended in a draw. Saudi Arabia was 10 minutes away from upsetting Uruguay, only to settle for a tie. Spain desperately needs a win to get its World Cup back on track while another good performance from Saudi Arabia — unbeaten in its last three games — would have the Arabian Falcons dreaming of a spot in the knockout stage.
Uruguay vs. Cape Verde
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha holds the nation’s flag after a draw with Spain on June 15.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Images)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. Time: 3 p.m. PDT TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: With all four teams playing to draws in their openers, the group is wide open. That creates a rare opportunity for tournament debutante Cape Verde, the second-smallest country to qualify for a World Cup. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, made seven saves to shut out Spain. If he can frustrate Uruguay the same way, Cape Verde could be through to the round of 32.
I’ve been intrigued by the Northern California area of Humboldt County ever since the fourth grade. That’s when my teacher told us the story of the Gold Rush town of Eureka: In the 1850s, when prospectors struck gold, they would yell “Eureka!” which is Greek for “I have found it!” What a funny word, I thought.
My curiosity about the area later grew when I learned about its logging renaissance — vast swaths of old-growth redwood forests were felled to make ships and build railroads, both of which were needed to transport this valuable commodity to the rest of the country and beyond. It wasn’t until 1918 with the formation of the Save the Redwoods League that preservation efforts began to try to halt the rapid depletion of the old-growth forests, which, by that point, had dwindled down to between 5% to 10%. From those efforts, Humboldt Redwoods State Park was established in 1921, followed by the formation of Redwoods National Park in 1968. Today the four parks that make up Redwood National and State Parks cover about 139,000 acres of land and protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth redwood forests.
And it was the lure of walking beneath these giants that I, decades past that fourth-grade history lesson, finally decided to make my pilgrimage.
It took this long because, dear reader, Redwood National and State Parks are not easy to get to from L.A.
By car, without accounting for traffic and breaks, it would be at least a 12-hour journey along the 101, through San Francisco, past wine country and bypassing Mendocino before you reach Humboldt County, where the southern end of the parks begin. Realistically, it would take a few days and a couple of overnight stays along the way to get there, which is fine if you’re in it for the road trip; but if you’re like me and only have the weekend, this leaves one option: flying into California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, a.k.a. Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), the only airport that services the area. United has direct flights there from LAX. But Burbank Airport has Breeze Airways offering direct flights three times a week with prices as low as $80 roundtrip.
When I landed at Arcata-Eureka Airport, it felt smaller than some municipal airfields — and just as quiet. That calm set the tone for the rest of the weekend. I walked in peaceful serenity between trees so tall and ancient they recalibrated my sense of time. I discovered that life in Humboldt County, and neighboring Del Norte County near the Oregon border, moves at that same unhurried pace. The fog retreats slowly in the morning. Night arrives gently, carried in on the mist.
And I learned that Humboldt County — including the cities of Eureka, Arcata and Ferdale — is full of treasures beyond its abundance of the Earth’s tallest trees. Whether I was eating a greasy cheeseburger at a family-run diner that becomes the social center of town after 9 p.m. or slurping oysters at a bar that harvested them from its own farm just offshore, it became clear that this place is shaped by discovery, exploitation and preservation. What follows are hikes, sights and bites that should get you started for a weekend full of your own “Eureka!” moments.
About This Guide
Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What should we check out next? Send ideas to guides@latimes.com.
The first six days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over, with the U.S. and Mexico each winning their group stage openers. However, several teams in the World Cup field are still looking to hit the competitive pitch for the first time.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played on Wednesday and Thursday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).
Wednesday’s Group K games:
Portugal vs. DR Congo
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup qualifying match on Oct. 14.
The buzz: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — when the country was known as Zaire — and in its first game it faces fifth-ranked Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, the greatest goal scorer in soccer history. Ronaldo, 41, is playing in the tournament for a sixth time, and this likely is his last chance to win the one prize that has eluded him — a World Cup title.
As for the Congo, it qualified by beating Jamaica in extra time of an inter-confederation playoff in March. But its final pretournament tuneup, with Chile this month, was canceled in Spain because of health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in Congo, then relocated to France, where Les Leopards lost 2-1. Before that, the team’s only two losses in the last year had been to World Cup qualifiers Senegal and Algeria.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov controls the ball during an international friendly against the U.S. in September 2023.
The buzz: Uzbekistan, a former Soviet republic, is another first-time World Cup qualifier, having punched its ticket for the tournament by finishing second to Iran in its Asian Confederation qualifying group. Its best player is forward Eldor Shomurodov, the team’s all-time leader in goals and the active leader in appearances who shared the lead in Turkey’s Super Lig with 22 scores this season.
Colombia is returning to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament. That led to the hiring of Argentine manager Néstor Lorenzo, who guided Colombia to a 28-game unbeaten streak between 2022 and 2024.
Wednesday’s Group L games:
England vs. Croatia
England’s Harry Kane takes part in a team training session on Saturday.
The buzz: The last time these teams met in the World Cup was in the 2018 semifinals, where Croatia won in extra time. Since making its first World Cup as an independent country in 1998, Croatia has finished third or better three times, making the final in 2018 and the semifinals in 1998 and 2022. Only France has fared better in the last two tournaments. England, a quarterfinalist in Qatar, made the final of the last two European Championships and, like Croatia, comes into this tournament with an aging core led by captain Harry Kane, England’s all-time leader in goals.
Ghana vs. Panama
Panama’s Ismael Diaz, center, controls the ball during an international friendly against Brazil in May.
(Silvia Izquierdo / Associated Press)
Where: BMO Field, Toronto Time: 4 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Panama made its first World Cup appearance in 2018, and seven players from that team are back looking for their first win in the tournament. Prolific goalscorer Ismael Diaz is one of those holdovers as is San Diego FC midfielder Anibal Godoy, the team captain. Ghana, meanwhile, has qualified for five of the last six World Cups but hasn’t gone beyond the group stage since 2010. Its best player is Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew, Ghana’s all-time leader in caps and its active leader in goals.
Thursday’s Group A games:
Czechia vs. South Africa
Czechia’s Ladislav Krejci, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring against South Korea on June 11.
(Matias Delacroix / Associated Press)
Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: 9 a.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Both teams lost their openers, meaning neither can afford another setback. But South Africa will be without two key players in midfielders Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, who both drew red cards in the team’s loss to Mexico. Ladislav Krejci’s second-half goal gave Czechia the lead briefly in its loss to South Korea. It was the country’s first World Cup lead since a 3-0 win over the U.S. in group play in 2006.
Mexico vs. South Korea
Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez celebrates after scoring against South Africa at the World Cup on June 11.
The buzz: After both teams opened their World Cup with wins, a victory here likely will mean advancing to the knockout rounds as the group champion. Mexico has a one-goal lead in goal differential but will be facing South Korea without defender César Montes, who drew a silly red card in stoppage time of El Tri’s win over South Africa.
Thursday’s Group B games:
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Switzerland’s Breel Embolo scores on a penalty shot against Qatar at the World Cup on June 13.
The buzz: Switzerland dominated its first game, outshooting Qatar 26-6 and putting seven tries on target. But it dropped two important points on an own goal deep in stoppage time, turning a potential 1-0 win into a 1-1 draw. Despite all that offense, Switzerland’s only goal came on Breel Embolo’s penalty shot. Bosnia also let a lead — built on Jovo Lukic’s header in the 21st minute — get away late in its draw with Canada.
Canada vs. Qatar
Canada’s Cyle Larin (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup on June 12.
The buzz: Cyle Larin scored two minutes after coming off the bench late in the second half of Canada’s opener, giving the country its first point in a World Cup match. A win against Qatar almost certainly would be enough to see Canada through to the second round, but the team once again will be without its best player, injured winger Alphonso Davies. Qatar also earned its first World Cup point against Switzerland, with keeper Mahmud Abunada making five saves, enabling the team to draw on an own goal in stoppage time.
The first three days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are done, with the U.S. and Mexico each winning their group stage openers. However, most of the World Cup field is still looking to hit the competitive pitch for the first time.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).
Sunday’s Group E games:
Germany vs. Curacao
Germany’s Antonio Rudiger and Deniz Undav walk on the field before a friendly against the U.S. in Chicago on June 6.
The buzz: This is David vs. Goliath. Germany, a four-time champion ranked 10th in the world, against Curaçao, the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup. But remember David won that first battle, and Curaçao, with a roster full of Dutch-born-and-bred players and an experienced coach in Dick Advocaat, at 78 the oldest manager in the tournament, won’t be a pushover.
Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador
Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie controls the ball during a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in September 2025.
(Franklin Jacome / Getty Images)
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Time: 4 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Ecuador hasn’t lost since September 2024, a run that’s been fueled by the European-based back line of Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain), Piero Hincapié (Arsenal), Pervis Estupiñán (AC Milan) and holding midfielder Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea). Ivory Coast is the youngest team in the World Cup, with an average age of 25.4 years, but it beat France in its final tournament tuneup. In three previous World Cups, the Elephants failed to advance out of the group stage.
Sunday’s Group F games:
Netherlands vs. Japan
Netherlands standout Frenkie de Jong looks on during an international friendly against Algeria on June 3.
The buzz: The eighth-ranked Dutch, arguably the best team never to win a World Cup, come into this tournament with a golden generation led by defenders Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake, midfielder Frenkie de Jong and coach Ronald Koeman. Japan’s only loss in the last 12 months came to the U.S. in a friendly last September; after that it beat fellow World Cup qualifiers England, Scotland, Ghana and Brazil and played Paraguay to a draw. The Dutch have lost just twice, to Algeria and Germany, in the last 23 months.
Sweden vs. Tunisia
Tunisia’s Hannibal Mejbri warms up before an international friendly against Belgium on June 6.
The buzz: Tunisia played in five of the last seven World Cups without getting out of group play, but this time it brings a roster that blends international veterans such as midfielders Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley) and Elias Achouri (Copenhagen) and young talent, including teenager Rayan Elloumi of the Vancouver Whitecaps, the ninth-youngest player in the tournament. Sweden beat Ukraine and Poland in a pair of UEFA playoff games this spring to grab a place in this tournament. Aston Villa defender Victor Lidelof is the most experienced player with 76 caps, including four World Cup appearances.
Monday’s Group G games:
Belgium vs. Egypt
Belgium’s Joaquin Seys, left, and Axel Witsel celebrate after defeating the U.S. in an international friendly on March 28.
The buzz: Belgium hasn’t lost in more than a year, but it also hasn’t played a top-10 team since 2024. It has a veteran core of four players — midfielders Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Romelu Lukaka — with more than 100 international caps. Egypt, Africa’s oldest national team, is playing in a World Cup for the fourth time and is still looking for its first win. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, the team’s active leading scorer, is the only player on the roster with a World Cup goal.
Iran vs. New Zealand
Iran’s Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh plays the ball during an international friendly against Gambia on May 29.
The buzz: For the first time in World Cup history a tournament qualifier, Iran, will play in a country with which it is at war, the U.S. The Iranians, with the second-oldest roster in the tournament, are playing in their fourth straight World Cup. Only a 1-0 loss to the U.S. kept them from advancing out of group play in 2022. New Zealand, playing in its third World Cup, was winless the first two times — although it didn’t lose in its last visit in 2010, playing Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay to draws. The Kiwis are the only team this century not to lose in group play while also failing to advance.
Monday’s Group H games:
Spain vs. Cape Verde
Spain’s Ferran Torres scores during an international friendly against Iraq on June 4.
(Manu Fernandez / Associated Press)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: 9 a.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Cape Verde is one of four nations making its World Cup debut and it will open against second-ranked Spain, a tournament favorite which has lost just once since March 2024. Every player on Spain’s roster plays for a top European team; four of them played in last month’s Champions League final.
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay
Uruguay’s Federico Valverde heads the ball past Brazil’s Joao Gomes during a Copa America quarterfinal match in 2024.
(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. Time: 3 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Saudi Arabia, playing in its third straight World Cup, began its last visit by beating eventual champion Argentina in one of the most stunning upsets in tournament history. And the last time the World Cup was held in the U.S., in 1994, the Arabian Falcons became the first Arab-Asian team to reach the round of 16. Uruguay, a quarterfinalist in 2018, comes into this World Cup with an experienced roster led by Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and Atlético Madrid defender José María Giménez.
Tuesday’s Group I games:
France vs. Senegal
France’s Kylian Mbappe works out with teammates in Waltham, Mass., on Friday.
The buzz: France, ranked third in the world by FIFA, played in the last two World Cup finals and is favored to make it back again this year. Its best player, captain Kylian Mbappe, holds the tournament record with four goals in World Cup finals, including a hat trick in Qatar four years ago. Senegal is led by former African player of the year Sadio Mane, the country’s all-time leader in goals. Senegal made the quarterfinals in 2002 and the round of 16 in Qatar.
Iraq vs. Norway
Norway’s Erling Haaland controls the ball during a World Cup qualifier against Moldova in March 2025.
The buzz: Norway is playing in the World Cup for the first time this century which means Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland will finally make his tournament debut. A three-time Premier League scoring champion, Erling has more goals for club at country at 25 than either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo had at that age. Iraq has gone even longer between World Cups, making its only appearance in 1986 when it lost all three games. Iraq won its way back with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an inter-confederation playoff last March. The winning goal came from forward Aymen Hussein, the team’s active leader in goals and appearances among outfield players.
Tuesday’s Group J games:
Argentina vs. Algeria
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, fourth from left, practices with teammates in Kansas City, Kan., on Thursday.
The buzz: Top-ranked Argentina was upset by lowly Saudi Arabia in its World Cup opener four years ago, then ran the table to give Lionel Messi the one title he was missing. Argentina returns 17 players from its world championship team, among them Messi, the golden ball winner; goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, the golden glove winner; and midfielder Enzo Fernández, the 2022 tournament’s best young player. Algeria is ranked 28th in the world, it best ranking in more than a decade, and has lost just twice in the last two years. Its roster features 16 players from first-division clubs in Europe.
Austria vs. Jordan
Mousa Al-Tamari of Jordan controls the ball during the international friendly match against Switzerland on May 31.
The buzz: Jordan played its first international match in 1953 but it hasn’t played in World Cup until now, finally qualifying by finishing second to South Korea in its Asian group. Its best player is captain Musa Al-Taamari, a dynamic winger known as the “Jordanian Messi” who leads active players with 91 international caps. Austria is playing in the World Cup for the first time this century and it hasn’t won a game here since 1990. Its best player in Real Madrid defender David Alaba, a four-time Champions League winner and 10-time Austrian footballer of the year.
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Not an L.A. Times subscriber? Don’t worry. You can register for a free account to get saving on many of our guides. Once you’ve saved a few items, check out your personalized save dashboard at latimes.com/saved/guides. You can also find it in the site account dropdown menu.
Call it a wish list, bucket list or checklist — the dashboard is all yours. Revisit your saves, remove ones you don’t want and even see your items on a personal map.
It’s election day in California’s 2026 primary, and you’re headed to the polls — until you realize you’re not sure you’re registered, or fear you might not make it to the vote center on time.
Here are some common election day concerns and challenges and how to end your Tuesday with an “I voted” sticker.
Eligible citizens who need to register or re-register to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process and vote at county elections offices, polling places or vote centers. To register you’ll need to provide a driver’s license, a state identification number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
A complete list of county election office addresses can be found here.
Your submitted ballot will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.
If you’re unsure about your voter status, you can find your record here by providing some personal information including your date of birth and driver’s license number.
I don’t know where my polling place is
You can find your nearest polling place on the California secretary of state’s website here.
You can also use Los Angeles County’s voter center locator on the registrar-recorder/county clerk website here.
On election day, voting centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the state.
I can’t submit my mail-in ballot myself
You can have someone else submit your ballot.
Anyone can drop off your mailed ballot as long as you authorize them to do so and they do not get paid on a per-ballot basis, according to the secretary of state.
You and the person you’ve authorized to submit your mailed ballot must fill and sign the outside of the ballot envelope.
I forgot my check-in code for in-person voting
Los Angeles County election officials say you can check in at a vote center by scanning your “quick check-in code” — a number that verifies your voter registration.
Your code can be found on your mailed sample ballot and vote center postcard. Take either of those hard copies to the vote center.
If you forgot the hard copies, you can retrieve the code by verifying your voter registration here. You’ll need to input your last name, birth date, the house number of your residential address and ZIP Code. For assistance call, (800) 815-2666, Option 2.
I want to drop my ballot in a box but fear it’s too late
There are three ways you can submit your mailed ballot on election day:
You can put it in a ballot drop box. The cutoff time for doing so is 8 p.m., which is also when the polls close on election day.
Drop it off at a vote center, where the deadline is the same.
Drop it off at a United States post office. Be sure to get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on election day and received no later than seven days after election day.
I think I forgot to sign by mailed ballot envelope
If you failed to sign your vote-by-mail ballot return envelope, your vote will still count.
Your county elections official will notify you by mail, phone or email, according to the secretary of state. You can also be notified by way of the “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool if you have signed up for automatic notifications that will ping you if there are issues with your ballot.
Your county elections office will provide you with a form to fill out and return completed.
The form will be given to you two days prior to the day your county certifies the election, so be sure to fill it out and return it to your county elections office right away.
I’m going to be late getting to the polls; can I still vote?
In California, any voter who is in line at 8 p.m. when the polls are scheduled to close is allowed to vote, according to the secretary of state.
If there is a line when the polls close, a poll worker stands at the back of the line to let people who arrive after 8 p.m. know that the polls have closed.
Any voter who arrives after the polls have closed may not be allowed to vote, even if voters who were in line to vote before the polls closed are in the process of voting.
I live in Santa Barbara and I’m interested in photography. Where are some historical places to take pictures in Los Angeles? I’m interested in old movie palaces, movie and TV show locations, historic homes and buildings, World War II–related sites and airplane museums. — William Lemons
Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.
Here’s what we suggest:
It’s cool to hear that you’re interested in capturing the beauty and history of Los Angeles through your camera lens, William. Given that you’ll be traveling from out of town, I am recommending spots that you can visit in a single day, if you’d like. They’re mostly in and around Downtown L.A.
First off, if you don’t feel like driving and paying for parking all over town, I’d suggest taking Amtrak from Santa Barbara to L.A. You can take take photos of the gorgeous view along the way and once you step off the train, you’ll already be at the first historic site on the list: the true stunner that is Union Station.
Open since 1939, it’s one of the country’s last great train stations and considered to be the largest railroad passenger terminal on the West Coast. Designed by father-and-son architect team John and Donald Parkinson, it blends Art Deco, Spanish Colonial and Streamline Moderne styles. Travel writer Christopher Reynolds, a.k.a. the person in the newsroom that everyone goes to for trip advice, tells me, “With its clock tower, big arches and high ceilings, Union Station feels like a secular church.” He notes that security guards will often shoo you off if you use a tripod without advance approval, so it’s best to bring a handheld camera instead.
Next, walk across the road to Olvera Street, one of the oldest streets in L.A. It’s part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument that’s been fighting to stay open since the pandemic. As you stroll through the area and take pictures, check out the Mexican marketplace, capturing the pottery, clothing and art along the way, and grab some authentic cuisine. Times food editor Daniel Hernandez swears by Cielito Lindo, a taquería that’s been around since the 1934, and still makes the most “perfectly rolled taquitos.” (The family-owned restaurant is currently raising funds to stay open due to economic hardship.)
Next, hop on an e-scooter or take a quick bus ride to the Historic Broadway Theater District, which has 12 stunning movie theaters — all of which were built between 1910 and 1931. The Los Angeles Conservancy even hosts walking tours of the famous district. You can register online for the next ones on June 6, 13, 20 and 27.
You’ll probably be hungry after the tour, so you might as well visit Grand Central Market, the city’s largest and oldest public market. Open since 1917, the market has more than 40 food stalls including China Cafe (open since 1959), Villa’s Tacos, Egg Slut and more. Afterward, take a brisk walk to L.A.’s most beautiful library, the L.A. Central Library, which turns 100 this year. Grab your camera and marvel at the exterior of the Art Deco-style building, which draws inspiration from Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Then head inside on the second floor rotunda to see the marvelous California history mural and the breathtaking globe chandelier.
Now for some rapid-fire suggestions across L.A.: There’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1920s-era Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood. (If you go here, I suggest stopping by nearby Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice for a delicious sweet treat.) Or check out any one of L.A.’s most iconic TV houses including “The Brady Bunch” home in Studio City, “The Golden Girls” residence in Brentwood and the “Seinfield” Koreatown apartment building. (These are private residencies, so you won’t be able to go inside but you can snap a photo of the exterior.) If it’s architecture you’re into, peruse this guide to L.A.’s iconic homes that you can tour IRL, including the Adamson House in Malibu, the Eames House in Pacific Palisades and the Lummis Home (El Alisal) near Mount Washington. Finally, if you’re open to joining a group of fellow photographers, I suggest following Instagram pages for collectives like L.A. Photo Club and the 85 Mil Photo Walk Series, which host meetups and walking tours regularly.
L.A. is filled with so many beautiful historical sites, so I hope that these suggestions help get you started, and most importantly, that you continue taking awesome pictures. Have a great time!
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A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has come to an end on BBC and Netflix, but there are plenty of loose ends to tie up in a potential third season
18:10, 30 May 2026Updated 18:26, 30 May 2026
Biggest questions A Good Girl’s Guide season 3 must answer
Pip Fitz-Amobi has one final mystery left to unravel.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder made its eagerly anticipated return this week for a second thrilling season, adapted from the bestselling novels by Holly Jackson.
On this occasion, Pip Fitz-Amobi (played by Emma Myers) investigates the disturbing disappearance of Jamie Reynolds (Eden H Davies), the elder brother of her friend Connor (Jude Morgan-Collie).
Elsewhere, Max Hastings (Henry Ashton) stands trial for drugging and assaulting female classmates, yet proceedings are thrown into disarray when Jamie surfaces before crucial evidence can be presented.
Now that another compelling six-part series has concluded with a breathtaking cliffhanger, we examine all the loose ends that a potential third season would need to resolve, reports Bristol Live.
**Warning – this article contains major spoilers for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 and minor spoilers from the third book, As Good As Dead.**
Will Charlie and Flora face justice?
By the conclusion of Pip’s second investigation, the truth behind Jamie’s disappearance is revealed to be her neighbour Charlie Green (Jack Rowan), who had been hunting for Child Brunswick — the son of a notorious child killer who had lured his sister to her death.
Child Brunswick had been assigned a fresh identity under a witness protection scheme, and is unmasked as security guard Stanley Forbes (Misia Butler). Stanley meets his end in the finale at Charlie’s hands, who subsequently flees alongside his wife Flora (Anna Brindle).
By the season’s conclusion, audiences might question whether police eventually apprehend them. The third instalment in Jackson’s series, As Good As Dead, offers some resolution to this, though the adaptation may potentially pursue an alternative direction.
When will Max Hastings get taking down?
Pip finds herself incensed at the close of the second series when predator Max evades punishment, despite testimony from his victim Becca Bell (Carla Woodcock), after he attributed his offences to murder victim Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni), who couldn’t refute the accusations.
In the final episode, Pip conducts a funeral for Stanley and endures harassment from Max, who appears to have acquired a new girlfriend. She’s additionally enraged by graffiti daubed on a neighbouring structure stating “Child killer burn in hell Child Brunswick”, presumably created by Max or his associates.
Max cannot face retrial, but has Pip devised a plan to bring about his downfall? Again, this matter is explored in As Good As Dead and will presumably feature in the third series.
Who is Pip’s stalker?
Season two featured Pip receiving threatening communications from an unidentified stalker, which could represent further provocations from her adversary Max or potentially sinister warnings from another danger concealed in the darkness.
In the finale, her bedroom suffers an intrusion and she discovers repeated instances of the message “Who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears?” on her laptop.
This enigma provides the foundation for Jackson’s third instalment in the series, so everything will be unveiled should A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder progress.
Will Lauren and Robin split up?
A significant departure from the novels in season two involves the arrival of Max’s cousin, Robin Hastings (Freddie England), who starts a relationship with Pip’s friend Lauren (Yali Topol Margalith).
In the penultimate episode of season two, Lauren is last spotted at a family meal with Robin, Max, and their relatives, suggesting they remain together by the finale.
Nevertheless, in Jackson’s books, Lauren actually starts seeing a character named Ant Lowe, who hasn’t featured in the television adaptation. Fans may consequently witness her romance with Robin take a somewhat different trajectory in the third season.
What’s season three’s storyline?
Fans eager to discover what unfolds next are urged to read the third and concluding book in the series, As Good As Dead.
For non-readers, here’s a brief synopsis, according to HarperCollins: “Pip Fitz-Amobi is haunted by the way her last investigation ended. Soon she’ll be leaving for Cambridge University but then another case finds her… and this time it’s all about Pip.
“Pip is used to online death threats, but there’s one that catches her eye, someone who keeps asking: who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? And it’s not just online. Pip has a stalker who knows where she lives. The police refuse to act and then Pip finds connections between her stalker and a local serial killer.
“The killer has been in prison for six years, but Pip suspects that the wrong man is behind bars. As the deadly game plays out, Pip realises that everything in Little Kilton is finally coming full circle. If Pip doesn’t find the answers, this time she will be the one who disappears…”
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Democratic and Republican candidates vying to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom have been sparring on televised debates and exchanging campaign attacks since April to garner the attention of voters statewide.
The candidates include a Riverside County sheriff, a former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, a former Los Angeles mayor, a billionaire hedge fund founder and two former members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Recent polls showed that the leading Democratic candidate is Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services whose campaign is focusing on affordability and housing for what he calls “working Californians.” Vying for one of the top two spots in the June 2 primary are Republican contender Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator who was endorsed by President Trump, and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, a hedge fund founder turned environmental warrior.
Here is what the top candidates have said on important topics such as immigration, housing and homelessness, affordability and the entertainment industry.
Immigration and ICE
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that began in California last summer have been hotly debated by Democratic and Republican candidates.
Here is what the candidates said during a debate in May or stated on their websites, as well as some criticism they have faced during the campaign.
Xavier Becerra vowed to protect and lead the state against the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants and marginalized communities. Becerra’s rivals have accused him of failing to protect migrant children when he served as Health and Human Services secretary under the Biden administration.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco opposes “sanctuary city” laws that block local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration agents, calls for the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants and says the border must be secured. But he has also faced criticism from fellow Republicans for supporting a pathway to citizenship for lawful, working undocumented people and telling his constituents that his deputies were not taking part in Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who legally immigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom, opposes California’s state and local sanctuary policies, and said the state must cooperate with the federal government because the governor’s job is to enforce laws, whether the governor agrees with immigration enforcement activity or not.
San José Mayor Matt Mahan plans to demand ICE officers be unmasked, vows to go after agents and immigration agency leadership when they violate the constitution and shield communities from unwarranted harassment.
Former Congresswoman Katie Porter said California should enforce its sanctuary laws statewide, “so we don’t have crazy cowboys taking the law into their own hands.”
Billionaire hedge fund founder Tom Steyer wants to strengthen California’s laws to ensure law enforcement agents can’t profile Californians based on their race, ethnicity, language, occupation or location. He also wants legislation that will grant the state attorney general the authority to hold ICE agents accountable for violent and illegal acts on the job. He supports abolishing ICE. But he has faced heat on the campaign trail for his former hedge fund’s investment in the Corrections Corp. of America, now known as CoreCivic, which operates private prisons around the nation that are housing people picked up by federal immigration agents. Steyer has repeatedly expressed remorse about his former firm’s ties with the company and said he personally ordered the divestment from private prisons before he sold his stake in the hedge fund.
State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond says he plans to levy a new tax on companies that operate ICE detention centers, fight to abolish ICE, protect California’s sanctuary laws and work with Congress to establish a pathway to citizenship.
Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa supports helping law-abiding immigrants and said violent criminals have been deported under the state’s sanctuary laws, despite claims to the contrary by Republican candidates.
Housing and homelessness
Here’s what each candidate said about the need to address the state’s housing shortage and its stubborn homeless problem:
Becerra said he plans to cut “unnecessary red tape” and speed up “approvals for projects that meet affordability and environmental standards.” On homelessness, Becerra said he wants to establish a $150-million annual homelessness prevention fund to pay rents and fight eviction or foreclosure.
Bianco said he wants to end “overregulation of our building industry” and eliminate the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Coastal Commission and the California Air Resources Board. On homelessness, he wants cities to clear encampments and prioritize mental health and substance abuse treatment. He wants to force people to accept drug treatment “when necessary.”
Hilton proposes to reform the California Environmental Quality Act so that only government prosecutors can sue, preventing private individuals and organizations from stopping or delaying new housing projects. He also said he believes rent control measures reduce the incentive to build housing and wants to restructure or eliminate them. On homelessness, Hilton wants to build more low-cost group shelters instead of permanent housing.
Mahan said he wants to lower developer fees and taxes for infill housing. Mahan also said more homes should be built off-site in California-based factories, making them cheaper than building them on site. On homelessness, Mahan wants to make the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant permanent and fund it at $1 billion a year.
Porter said she would “greenlight innovative building strategies, shred unnecessary red tape and create incentives” to build needed housing. On homelessness, Porter wants more interim housing, emergency rental assistance and rapid rehousing programs.
Steyer is pledging to make it harder for large corporations to buy up the state’s housing stock and wants to encourage cheaper methods of home construction. On homelessness, Steyer wants to expand interim housing options and homeless services.
Thurmond said he wants to build 2 million new homes for “working Californians,” on 75,000 acres of surplus land that local school districts own. On homelessness, Thurmond wants to increase the number of housing units that include mental health and substance abuse services.
Villaraigosa said he wants to cut development fees and reform CEQA to speed housing development, particularly for infill housing. On homelessness, Villaraigosa wants to double the state’s investment in Newsom’s Homekey program to build an additional 10,000 units of permanent supportive housing over five years.
A comprehensive guide on the candidate’s full views on housing and homelessness is here.
What the candidates have said about affordability
The candidates offered their ideas for making California more affordable during debates in April and May as well as on their websites.
Becerra said he will stand up to price gouging and unjustified rate hikes and use the power of the state to lower prices “where the market has failed.”
Bianco says he wants to cut taxes for working families and businesses, stop the “over-regulation on California’s economy,” support job growth and unleash the state’s energy resources to lower the price of gas and utilities.
Hilton said he wants to eliminate income taxes on people who earn less than $100,000 and on the first $100,000 for Californians who earn more than that. He also wants to end California’s current tax on tips to ensure tipped workers keep more of their earnings.
Mahan said he wants to enact a “Gas Tax Holiday” that ends or reduces the tax on gas. He also wants to remove barriers to building affordable housing by putting a cap on fees charged for new housing construction.
Portersupports single-payer healthcare, providing free child care and college tuition and making wealthy corporations pay their “fair share” in taxes. To pay for it, Porter would impose a progressive corporate tax, meaning more profitable businesses and corporations would pay a higher rate. She also supports ending income taxes for those who earn less than $100,000.
Steyer called himself the only candidate who is “willing to take on the corporate special interests” that drive up the cost of living in the state. He said he would like to lower gas prices as well as streamline permitting, reform zoning and enforce laws to build affordable homes faster. He also supports single-payer healthcare.
Thurmond wants to provide a tax credit to make it easier for Californians to pay for the rising cost of gas, groceries and housing. He plans to establish a universal childcare program and provide low-cost loans to help small businesses make improvements at their firms.
Villaraigosa plans to support a California Fuel Affordability Guarantee to cap gas prices for working families.
The entertainment industry
Here’s what some candidates have listed on their campaign websites about their ideas to support California’s entertainment industry.
Becerrasupports state requirements that mandate productions disclose how AI is being used, cutting the “bureaucratic friction” of getting a filming location permit and vows to uphold the state requirement that ensures digital platforms share meaningful performance data with the cast, writers and directors.
Hilton wants to restore California’s competitive edge as a place for productions by creating financial incentives for film productions, cover the initial and technical costs associated with the development of a film or television project and reserve funding for independent and mid-budget projects.
Mahan said he plans to expand and modernize production incentives, make them more competitive and ensure the protections are for everyone who works on a film or television project from the technical crew to writers, directors and actors.
Steyer said he would like to block corporate mergers in entertainment, defend and expand film tax credits and eliminate the regulations and hurdles for permitting and logistics that “slow down productions.”
Times staff writers Seema Mehta, Nicole Nixon and Andrew Khouri contributed to this report.
With just days left to cast your vote in California’s primary election on June 2, The Times has answers to your last-minute questions about the voting process.
Here’s what you need to know:
What are the key races to watch?
The California governor’s race is a tight battle between Democrats and Republicans who are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is serving his second term and cannot run again. Top candidates include a Riverside County Sheriff, a former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, a former Los Angeles mayor, a billionaire hedge fund founder and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Your guide to the race for California governor can be found here.
In the Los Angeles city mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass faces a reelection challenge from a field of candidates that include a reality TV personality, a tech entrepreneur, a City Council member and a progressive community leader. Your guide to the L.A. mayor’s race can be found here.
What is on the ballot?
There are several races, ballot measures, local district seats and statewide races that Southern Californians must decide on.
Most of the attention will be on the races for California governor and the mayor of Los Angeles.
City of Los Angeles residents have several other items to consider, including:
County of Los Angeles residents will be asked to vote on:
Voters will decide on six local congressional district seats and other statewide races including the:
A comprehensive breakdown of each race or proposed tax measure can be found here.
What is an open primary?
An open primary allows the top two candidates who garner the most votes to move on to the general election in November, no matter what party they belong to.
This system could allow two candidates from the same party to advance to the general election.
Is it too late to vote by mail?
No. You can return your vote-by-mail ballot by:
Dropping it off in the return envelope at a secure official drop box now through the close of polls on June 2.
Dropping it off in person at a polling place, vote center or county elections office by 8 p.m. on June 2.
Dropping it off at the post office. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received no later than 7 days after election day. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by election day, mail it at least five days before June 2. If mailing on election day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee at a United States Post Office.
What is the deadline to return a vote-by-mail ballot?
In order to be counted, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before election day, June 2, and received by your county elections office by June 9.
How do I check if I’m registered to vote?
To find out if you’re registered to vote, visit the secretary of state’s website. You’ll need to enter a California driver’s license or identification number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You also can call the state’s voter hotline (available in 10 languages) at (800) 345-8683 to get a paper application mailed to you, or you can pick up one at a county election office, most California libraries and United States Post Office locations, as well as many federal, state and local government offices — including the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you opted to register online, officials say you should wait at least 24 hours before checking your voter status.
How do I register to vote? Can I register on election day?
Eligible citizens who need to register or reregister to vote within 14 days of an election can complete this process to register and vote at county elections offices, polling places or vote centers.
To find an early voting location, use the secretary of state search tool here. You can find your local polling places here.
Your submitted ballot will be processed and counted once the county elections office has completed the voter registration verification process.
How do I check my voter status?
You can check your voter status from the California secretary of state website here. To find your record, you’ll need to provide your full name, date of birth, state driver’s license or identification card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Where is my closest drop box?
Secure ballot drop-off locations opened May 5. You can visit the Los Angeles County Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s website here to find a ballot box near you.
Two major stars of BBC’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder have formed a close friendship on the set of the hit thriller’s second season
A Good Girl’s Guide stars living together after forming ‘brotherly bond’(Image: BBC/NETFLIX)
The pair play brothers in the BBC phenomenon’s second season.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder stars Jude Morgan-Collie and Eden Hambelton Davies have revealed they’re now living together after portraying brothers in the BBC drama’s second season.
The popular series based on the books by Holly Black premiered back in 2024 and quickly generated a passionate fanbase, which continued to grow once the first season was released internationally on Netflix.
With millions of fans expected to tune into the second season, now on iPlayer as of Wednesday, 27th May, they’re keen to know more about the show’s stellar cast.
Emma Myers will of course be returning as teenage sleuth Pip Fitz-Amobi, who is now investigating the mysterious disappearance of Jamie Reynolds, portrayed by newcomer Eden Hambelton Davies.
Speaking to Reach ahead of the premiere, the actor revealed he quickly forged a strong bond with his co-star Jude Morgan-Collie, who portrays his younger brother Connor.
“To step into that world that’s already pre-established, I think there’s an expectation that comes with joining an already made cast and you’d expect it to sort of just be work, and it absolutely wasn’t,” he shared.
“It was a fantastic opportunity, I’ve met some people I hope will stay in my life for a very long time, forever. I live with Jude Morgan-Collie, who plays my brother in the show.”
Based on Black’s second novel in the series, Good Girl, Bad Blood, season two darkens the tone this time around with new directors Asim Abbasi and Jill Robertson taking the helm, as well as the author taking on screenwriting duties to ensure the adaptation remains faithful to the gripping source material.
Rather than feeling daunted by the prospect of joining the cast of a highly anticipated second outing, Hambelton Davies reveals he “slot right in” with the ensemble.
“The cast is so well-established with one another,” he went on, “the chemistry is so fantastic, to step into that and be so welcomed in, which I was, it’s impossible not to get an exact understanding of the mood and slot right in, so I felt very welcomed.
“It made the work a lot easier and allowed me to feel more comfortable, but also, as a person, it was such a lovely privilege to be welcomed in as I was.”
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His co-star Morgan-Collie also confirmed their living situation, saying: “It’s very cool. I’ve done another show where I’ve had a sibling [Here We Go], so it’s always really fun to play with that dynamic. And having any family in a show and getting them in the scene is always really fun.”
He also revealed that their friendship started with a misunderstanding: “I remember both of our first days in Bristol for season two, I said ‘let’s go for a brotherly pint’.
“I’ve since learned that he didn’t realise that it was me who texted him and he just thought that someone in the cast had worded something really weirdly. He didn’t realise that I was saying ‘let’s work on this!’
“But I think, as a cast, we’re all really close, and we were very quick to become mates,” he added. “Despite playing my older brother we’re the same age and we’re young adults and we’re living here in a new city, we’re messing about. It’s really good fun and we got a lot of downtime in the evenings so we’re all going out for dinner and stuff. It’s good fun.”
Filming for the second season wasn’t all fun, however, as Morgan-Collie recalled a particularly difficult scene. “I got slammed against the bonnet of a car for a day,” he recalls.
“At first I was like ‘Hell yeah, this is wicked’. Then you very quickly learn… it gets old very quickly.”
Tune into another instalment of the BBC’s enthralling young adult thriller to find out why.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 is available on BBC iPlayer and internationally on Netflix.
The BBC’s hit thriller filmed in Bristol and Somerset has finally returned for its second season, but where was it filmed?
The cast filmed in Axbridge near Cheddar, Somerset(Image: BBC/NETFLIX)
Fans want to know if Little Kilton is a real place.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is back today (Wednesday, 27th May) and sees Pip Fitz-Amobi (played by Emma Myers) delving into another chilling missing person case.
This time, she’s determined to put predator Max Hastings (Henry Ashton) behind bars, but the disappearance of a key witness, Connor’s older brother Jamie, pushes her investigative skills to the limit.
Based on the bestselling novels by Holly Black, the first series became a huge hit thanks to its addictive, edge-of-your-seat twists and a global release on Netflix.
It is also famously filmed in Bristol and other parts of the West Country, standing in for Pip’s fictional village of Little Kilton.
With six thrilling new episodes now streaming on iPlayer, let’s take a look a little closer at the locations used in the second season.
Where was A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 filmed?
The second series of the popular BBC and Netflix drama was once again filmed around Bristol and Somerset.
Much of the show’s interior scenes are shot at Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, which reportedly includes the likes of school classrooms, investigation rooms, and darker interiors for the murder-mystery show’s more suspenseful scenes.
Bristol itself was also used for more urban areas of Little Kilton to highlight the second outing’s gritty tone. Clifton Village in central Bristol, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, can also be seen briefly.
Standing in for the idyllic village of Little Kilton is Axbridge, a small town near Cheddar, Somerset.
The town square, the Old Station and Chestnut Avenue were all closed for filming in 2025, with a memorial, flags, and other decor put up for key scenes including the memorial service which kicks off season two. Axbridge’s St John the Baptist Church can also be seen.
Season two director Asim Abassi confirmed: “We filmed Little Kilton in the town of Axbridge, which is lovely but small, so you get the challenges of a tight-knit community curious about filming. But it is wonderfully quaint and perfect for Little Kilton.”
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Another key location this time around is an abandoned manor, which actor Zain Iqbal, who portrays Pip’s boyfriend Ravi, confirms is near Bristol.
And Abassi revealed it was his “favourite” location, adding: “It was originally meant to be something else, but I pushed for it to be a manor, so I am personally attached to it.
“It ended up being a phenomenal location and, to me, captures the essence of season 2.”
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 is available on BBC iPlayer and internationally on Netflix.
I’VE lived on Kent’s trendy coastline for more than five years, so I think I can legitimately call myself a local now.
After ditching London in my late twenties, I’ve lived in both Margate and Folkestone, while spending my weekends exploring the other seaside towns.
The pretty harbour in the seaside town of Folkestone, where Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has been living for the past couple of yearsCredit: AlamyA view of Whitstable sea front, looking towards the much-loved Old Neptune pubCredit: Alamy
In the last 15 years, Kent’s seaside towns have arguably seen the biggest transformations of the whole British coast.
That’s due to a combination of new investment, an influx of ‘down from Londoners’ moving in and a reignited love of the traditional seaside break among Millennials.
But which town you should visit depends on what type of trip you’re looking for.
So here are my top tips for seven of the best Kent beach towns and villages, from what to do and where to eat, to the best hotel and things to do under a fiver.
Whitstable
One of the more established Kent seaside towns, Whitstable is famous for its annual Oyster festival and has been a popular tourist destination for the last few decades – long before towns like Margate saw a resurgence.
Eat and drinkin Whitstable
Blueprint Coffee and Books is the kind of place where you’ll go in for a cappuccino but come out with magazines and a candle.
The pastel pink Wheelers Oyster Bar is where everyone goes for their seafood (and for good reason) but if you fancy something other than fish, Harbour Street Tapas is the place for Spanish sharing plates.
In the summer months, the Old Neptune pub is a must, where the pub garden is right on the beach. Or try Porto Wine Bar, tucked a bit further down for staff who really know their wines.
Don’t forget an ice-cream – Bear’s Ice Cream Imaginarium has everything from classics to more unusual flavours like celeriac and wasabi. Yes, really.
The pastel pink Wheelers Oyster Bar where everyone goes for their seafood (and for good reason)Credit: GettyThe Old Neptune pub on the beach in Whitstable is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint in the sunCredit: Alamy
Best things to do in Whitstable
Harbour Street is home to some fantastic vintage shops to explore. I picked up a jumper worth £69 for a fiver, so it has some treasures if you look hard enough.
There’s also Whitstable Harbour, still a working harbour, to explore as well as the free-to-visit Whitstable Castle with beautiful gardens and a kids’ play area.
Really fancy a dip? Brave the water with the other cold water swimmers but make sure to warm up in the Sea Scrub Sauna, one of many around Kent.
I’ve tried it all from beach saunas (pictured) to rooftop barsCredit: Darren Fletcher
Where to stayin Whitstable
The Marine Hotel is a classic coastal B&B, with big chunky king size beds and windows thick enough to keep out the sea breeze.
The restaurant is where you will join the locals on a Friday night with a classic but hearty menu making you grateful for the proximity of your room.
Head to the end of the harbour and pick up a crabbing net from one of the stalls which are usually under a fiver and see what you can catch.
Margate
A view of Margate Harbour Arm, which is now home to several trendy bars and restaurantsCredit: AlamyRelax al fresco in among the bars and restaurants in Margate Old townCredit: Alamy
Nicknamed Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is known for being one of the trendiest beach towns in the country.
As well as having one of Kent’s rare sandy beaches (most are shingle) this has also seen a huge increase in cool wine bars and restaurants.
Eat and drink in Margate
Start your day at Big Shot Diner for a cup of tea while looking out over the beach, or the Bus Cafe for a great full English breakfast.
When it comes to fish, the best chippies in town are Peter’s Fish Factory and Beach Buoys, so expect queues out the door, or for a fancier sit down affair, head to Angela’s.
Pizza by the slice is best at Palm’s Pizzeria, best chased by a pickleback shot (whisky and pickle juice).
There are some great wine bars too but my favourite place to go are the pubs in Margate.
Try Rose in June for fun food and drink pop ups or the 18th century George & Heart House, which also has rooms above if you fancy staying the night.
Best things to doin Margate
The beach itself is beautiful but for more adrenaline-fuelled fun, head to the free-to-visit Dreamland.
You can pay for rides, or just take in the retro-style attraction – come in the summer for the fantastic live music line up ranging from Lovebox to Bastille.
Or did you know Margate is home to Europe’s only Crab Museum? It’s certainly quirky but one to visit as its free, although they rely on donations.
And of course there is the free Turner Contemporary art gallery as well, which is reopening on May 23 with a new exhibit.
Where to stay in Margate
Lots of boutique hotels have opened in Margate in recent years, and one of the best is Guesthouse No.42.
One of just four in the UK, it even has the town’s only rooftop bar, which overlooks the beach.
The bizarre Shell Grotto remains a mystery as to why or how it was built – but its a beauty to see.
Concession tickets start from £5, kids tickets are £2.
Folkestone
Folkestone seen a huge rise in popularity in recent yearsCredit: AlamyThe quirky Old High Street is home to Folkestone’s Creative QuarterCredit: Alamy
Named one of the best places to live in the UK last year, Folkestone has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, partly because of its speedy, 52-minute train from London.
There are some new openings to be excited about too, including the Lower Leas Cliff funicular.
Eat and drinkin Folkestone
After it’s success in Margate, Pomus opened their second small plate restaurant in Folkestone. It’s one of the smarter places in town, but service is just as friendly with a rotating menu of locally caught produce.
Award-winning Rocksalt is the place for fish lovers, overlooking the harbour (and the oysters are a must).
Or for something more low-key, there is the local-loved Morley’s which has a small but classic menu – think burgers and pastas.
If there is one thing Folkestone isn’t short of, it’s pubs – try the Harbour Inn or The Pullman for friendly staff and local ciders.
And splash out for the evening by heading to the end of the harbour for a glass of fizz at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, or a cocktail at Gaia Studios.
People enjoying refreshment at the Lighthouse Champagne bar the on the popular Harbour ArmCredit: AlamyAward-winning Rocksalt is the place for fish lovers, overlooking the harbourCredit: Alamy
Best things to doin Folkestone
The Harbour Arm celebrated 10 years this year, and you can easily spend a day in the shipping container yard.
Along with food and drink stalls, there are independent shops selling everything from locally-made wine to clothing and dog treats. It also has lots of live music throughout the year and live screenings of films and sports.
Also nearby is The Boardroom for darts and shuffleboard (currently closed for a renovation), while the new Sea Scrub Sauna is the largest of its kind in the UK. Otherwise go for a wander along to the Lower Leas Coastal Park, which is getting a huge new playground too.
Where to stayin Folkestone
The London & Paris Hotel is one of the few boutique hotels in town, where every room overlooks the harbour.
Each room is coastal chic – think blue striped walls and vintage bathtubs – and they come with little touches such as complimentary binoculars and breakfasts delivered by hamper.
Grab an ice cream from Herbert’s Gelato with a rotating menu of interesting flavours such as hot cross bun or malted milk. From £3.90.
Ramsgate
Wellington Crescent Cliff Lift, an Edwardian grade II listed working elevator above Ramsgate main sandsCredit: AlamyThe Victorian Pavilion is the UK’s largest Wetherspoon’sCredit: Alamy
From welcoming Queen Victoria in the 1800s to having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, Ramsgate has a rather regal history.
Now, it is a popular seaside town still slightly overlooked by its trendier neighbours Margate and traditional Broadstairs, but it is a great weekend break.
Eat and drink in Ramsgate
Get your morning coffee at Staple (along with an irresistible cruffin to go) with cafes also open in Westgate and Broadstairs.
But for the best places to eat, there are two top choices. First up is Marc-Pierre’s Kitchen restaurant where you will find some of the best seafood in town (with enough awards to show for it).
It’s tucked down a tiny hidden side street but with big restaurants under his belt, including London’s famous Cinnamon Club, you’re in good hands (make sure to save room for the chocolate samosas).
End your evening at Noa Rooftop, which opened last year, for a crisp glass of wine to watch the sunset.
Best things to doin Ramsgate
Ramsgate has the UK’s only Royal Harbour, so it is the best place to spot the boats coming in and out for the day.
But its wartime history is best learned about at the Ramsgate Tunnels.
There are daily tours of the underground system that is also the largest UK network of wartime tunnels.
Search the knick-knacks of Petticoat Emporium, one of Kent’s biggest indoor markets with 200 traders and where you can pick up everything from vintage spoons to huge wicker chairs.
Aerial Views Of Ramsgate HarbourCredit: Alamy
Where to stay in Ramsgate
Ramsgate is more B&Bs than boutique hotels, but one of the best in town is the The House at Ramsgate which dates back to 1780. With just 14 rooms which are cosy but modern, choose the Queen Victoria Room where she spent three months in 1835. Make sure to stay for the roast dinners too…
With strong connections to Charles Dickens, Broadstairs is your more traditional seaside townCredit: Alamy
With strong connections to Charles Dickens (who raved about the place while holidaying there), Broadstairs is your more traditional seaside town.
It has seven sandy beaches to choose from, so you’re spoilt for choice.
Eat and drinkin Broadstairs
If you love a good coffee, you’re in luck – there’s Giant Coffee, who do unique hot drinks like cloud matchas (and are also in Ramsgate and Margate) to Forts who are known for their great coffees across Kent.
Fish and chips are a must at the beach and everyone heads to The Mermaid who do very large portions.
Chase it with an ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato which dates back to 1907, they sell huge towering sundae with all the trimmings.
But for dinner, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Bar Ingo, a tiny restaurant with just a few tables but serving small plates inspired by basque dishes.
I’m still dreaming of the miso mushrooms after my last visit.
Morelli’s ice cream parlour at the English seaside resort of BroadstairsCredit: Alamy
Best things to do in Broadstairs
Broadstairs has the beautiful curved Viking Bay sandy beach, so hanging out there is a must. Grab a paddleboard or rent a deckchair; you can do what you like to while away the day.
There are also the retro arcades at the top of the hill, which are a surefire hit with the kids.
Or you can explore some of the independent shops selling trinkets and gifts on the high street (my favourites are Home by SP and Arrowsmiths).
Broadstairs beach on a sunny dayCredit: Alamy
Where to stay in Broadstairs
One of the newest hotels in Broadstairs is Smith’s Townhouse, with just six bedrooms in the Georgian building. Stylish east London interiors are across the downstairs cafe and the rooms – Room Five even has Elton John’s former wardrobe.
They have some of the best coffee in town – perfect for a breakfast pick me up – but stay for a vibe in the evening where you can get cocktails and nibbles too.
Broadstairs was once raved about by Charles Dickens, so a visit to the Dickens House Museum is a must.
Inside is the inspiration for Betsey Trotwood’s home from the novel David Copperfield.
Tickets cost £5 for adults of £2.50 for kids.
Deal
Deal is smaller than Whitstable or Folkestone, which makes it far more walkableCredit: Alamy
The town of Deal is quickly becoming a foodie hub, with some critically-rated restaurants popping up.
It also has a great art scene, with numerous galleries and frequent exhibitions from local artists.
It’s on the smaller side than Whitstable or Folkestone, but also makes it far more walkable.
Eat and drinkin Deal
Popup Cafe is, despite it’s name, not a pop-up but a fantastic coffee shop where you’ll be hanging with young families and coworkers on their laptops.
Mostly known only to locals, the local Jenkins & Son Fishmongers opens at certain days to offer street food dishes; I regularly make a trip for the Monkfish Tacos.
For pubs, try the Caribbean style roast at The Port Arms, which shares an outdoor seating area with the nearby Kings Head pub – also worth a drink in.
The recently revamped Le Pinardier wine bar will transport you to a French bistro (without the snobby staff when you ask for a Pinot Grigio, however).
Deal high street is full of art galleries and independent sellersCredit: Alamy
Best things to do in Deal
The high street is full of art galleries and independent sellers, my favourites being The Hoxton Store, Mileage and 123 High Street for gifts.
Explore the brutalist Deal Pier, restored twice in its history and now one of the last remaining of its kind, where you can weave between the fishermen for some of the best views in town.
Kids will love Deal Castle where they can explore the hidden tunnels and even play pretend with wooden muskets.
Otherwise try and visit on a Saturday morning to catch the local market that dates back to 1699 – and fill your pockets with antiques and cinnamon buns.
3A view of Deal pier from Deal beachCredit: Alamy
Where to stayin Deal
The Rose Hotel is one of the UK’s best boutique hotels, with just nine cosy rooms. Make sure to try the restaurant too, its one of the finest in town with a previous menu highlight being the chicken shnitzel.
Grab a bottle of beer at the stunning Deal Pier Kitchen to get beautiful ocean views, while being protected from the sea winds.
Hythe
Aerial views of Marine Parade in HytheCredit: Alamy
The military history of Hythe shapes it, being one of the UK Cinque Ports.
Now, its a sleepy seaside town, less crowded due to it being off the beaten track and having no major train station.
Eat and drink in Hythe
Arrive early and get a coffee from the tiny, locally-run Mit Milche Coffee although expect queues out the door by mid-morning.
Gorge on some moules mariniere at The Waterfront with a table outside by the promenade, where you can expect a range of live jazz and DJ music on certain days.
If you’re in the mood for something fancier, just on the outskirts is Hide & Fox which gained a second Michelin star last year.
Just come hungry if you opt for the eight-course menu.
If the sea air is a little brisk, warm up in the Kings Head pub, one of the oldest and cosiest in town dating back to 1583.
Hythe is one of Kent’s sleepier seaside towns, due to it being off the beaten track and having no major train station.Credit: Alamy
Best things to do in Hythe
The Royal Military Canal is prime for low-key strolling, running for 28 miles and made as an anti-invasion defence again Napoleon in 1803 (although it was never used.)
There are also the Hythe Sound Mirrors which were huge structures build to “listen” for enemy planes and have now been left abandoned – but worth a visit to see the sheer scale of them.
Want to get your shopping kicks? Head to Malthouse Arcade on Fridays and Saturdays with trinkets galore across two floors.
A boat on the Royal Military Canal at HytheCredit: Alamy
Where to stay in Hythe
You don’t get much grander than the Hythe Imperial Hotel, overlooking the English Channel. Inside an 18th manor house, there are 92 rooms to choose from. Save time for a cuppa in the Snug or a trip to its Moet & Chandon Bar.
Why not have a free game of tennis, with five courts open to the public at South Road Sports Facility (although save a few quid to buy some more tennis balls for any rogue hits).
Nearly 2 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins on May 25, following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. It is also the fifth pillar of Islam.
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In this visual explainer, we look at how Muslims perform the Hajj, including the key steps, rituals and preparations.
What is Hajj?
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with the declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The word comes from the Arabic root “h-j-j”, which means “intending a journey” or “to set out for a definitive purpose”.
It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
When is the Hajj performed?
The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle.
In 2026, the Hajj will take place from May 25 to May 27, but many pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia weeks before to prepare for the journey.
Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Why do Muslims perform the Hajj?
Muslims believe that the Hajj is a direct commandment from God, as outlined in the Quran.
Prophet Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” in 632 AD affirmed the steps in the 10th year of the Islamic calendar, and it is mentioned in the Quran nearly a dozen times.
The Hajj begins before pilgrims even enter Mecca.
The journey is a spiritual one, and it is considered to allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to God.
How is the Hajj performed?
Muslims perform many rites and rituals during the five days of Hajj, which can be explained in the following steps.
Day 1
Ihram: Entering the pilgrimage
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims enter a sacred state known as ihram. After making the intention to perform the Hajj, men change into two white garments and women wear modest attire. The basic clothing symbolises equality, humility, and unity before God, where differences of nationality, wealth, and status disappear.
Husin bin Nisan, centre, with other worshippers, prepares to wear a special garb called ihram, typically worn during the Hajj pilgrimage, prior to a Hajj rehearsal in Tangerang, Indonesia [File: Achmad Ibrahim/AP Photo]
2. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba
After entering Mecca, pilgrims circle the Kaaba – a cubic building at the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) that serves as the qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer – seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This shared rhythm symbolises unity in the worship of the One God.
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 11, 2024 [Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo]
3. Sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwah
Pilgrims can then perform the sa’i, a ritual of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
The ritual retraces the search for water in the desert valley of Mecca by Prophet Abraham’s (Ibrahim) wife, Hagar (Hajar), for their son, Ishmael (Ismail), before the Zamzam well emerged.
In Islamic tradition, this well has supplied pristine water in the arid desert for more than 4,000 years and continues to nourish pilgrims to this day.
Muslim worshippers walk between the Marwa and Safa hills at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca [File: Abdel Ghani Bashir/AFP]
4. Mina: The tent city
Pilgrims then proceed to Mina, about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, where they will spend the night in prayer and reflection.
Mina is famously known as the “city of tents” due to the vast expanse of 100,000 white tents to house the millions of pilgrims.
Tents for Muslim pilgrims fill the Mina tent camp during the Hajj, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on July 10, 2022 [Amr Nabil/AP Photo]
Day 2
5. Arafat: The central day of Hajj
On the second day of the Hajj, pilgrims arrive early at the plains of Mount Arafat, about 15km (9 miles) from Mina. They spend the afternoon in wuquf (standing) from midday to sunset, praying, and repenting.
Arafah is the most important ritual of the Hajj and symbolises a preview of the Day of Judgement. Muslims worldwide are encouraged to fast on this day and engage in prayer and reflection.
Muslim pilgrims gather on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 5, 2025 [Amr Nabil/AP Photo]
6. Muzdalifah: Sleeping under the open sky
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, 9km (5.5 miles) away. There, they perform maghrib and isha prayers before collecting pebbles for the next day’s ritual.
Muslim pilgrims rest after arriving at Muzdalifah, before heading to Mina during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, on June 27, 2023 [Sajjad Hussain/AFP]
Day 3
On this day, Muslims from around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice.
From the early hours of the morning, pilgrims perform a series of rituals, starting with walking back to Mina.
Muslim pilgrims walk on their way to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 6, 2025 [Amr Nabil/AP Photo]
7. Stoning of the pillars
Pilgrims enter Mina, where they throw seven pebbles at the largest of three stone pillars. This ritual represents the stoning of the devil, which symbolises the rejection of Satan’s temptations.
Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 6, 2025 [Amr Nabil/AP Photo]
8. Sacrifice during Eid al-Adha
Pilgrims, or agents on their behalf, offer an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
9. Cutting or shaving hair
Men shave or trim their heads, and women cut a small portion of their hair. This symbolises spiritual renewal.
Muslim pilgrims have their heads shaved by barbers upon leaving Muzdalifah, after throwing pebbles as part of the symbolic al-Aqabah (stoning of the devil ritual) at the Jamarat Bridge during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca on August 11, 2019 [Fethi Belaid/AFP]
10. Main tawaf
Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform tawaf, circling the Kaaba, followed by sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 4, 2025 [Amr Nabil/AP Photo]
Days 4 and 5
Pilgrims return to Mina and perform rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars on each day. Pilgrims who remain for an extra day repeat the stoning ritual at all three pillars once more.
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the tawaf al-wada or a “farewell tawaf”, signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy sanctuary.
How do Muslims mark the end of Hajj?
Muslims mark the end of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting up to three days in many countries.
The day begins with a special prayer shortly after sunrise, as Muslims gather in mosques or open areas, wearing their finest clothes. The rest of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. The greeting “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Eid,” is commonly exchanged.
Eid al-Adha also involves the ritual of animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims who are able to do so sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.
