The 2026 World Cup is expected to be FIFA's biggest tournament yet. But for many fans hoping to experience it in person, the price of admission may be too high to pay.

Thursday on Midday Edition, we talk about the impact of rising ticket costs for World Cup fans, and the political climate surrounding the matches.

Then, June is Black Music Month. We sit down with a local spoken soul group Lyrical Groove to talk about how they weave culture, identity and healing into their art. It also features a special performance.

And finally, there is never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans shares her top weekend event picks for dance, music and art — including a musical about SpongeBob SquarePants.

Guests:

• Kevin Baxter, reporter, Los Angeles Times
• Kendrick Dial, artist, Lyrical Groove
• Brisa Lauren Johnson, singer, Lyrical Groove
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS