The World Cup 2026 is upon us, with the opening match seeing Mexico defeat South Africa in Mexico City this evening – after the first of three opening ceremonies, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining this one.
Donald Trump looks set not to attend the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on Friday, while US coach Mauricio Pochettino has discussed the “arrogance” around US football. “I accept the arrogance of Spain, Argentina, England, France… ,” said Pochettino in an interview with El Pais. “But when I see arrogance in the United States I think there’s a bit of confusion. I think in soccer there’s a mismatch between what they think they are and what they are.”
Meanwhile, Fifa president Gianni Infantino gave his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday and addressed the sorry saga of a Somali referee denied a visa to enter the US, with the Trump administration claiming Omar Artan was sent home because of links to “suspected members of terror organisations”. The Fifa boss’s response to the problems proved bizarre, as Infantino urged everyone to “chill, relax”.
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Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
The television broadcast also missed the entirety of Shakira’s performance in the opening ceremony before the game which also disgruntled viewers.
How Anthony Gordon’s late dash answered England’s toughest question for World Cup 2026 opener
When Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona, the surprisingly good Spanish he spoke at his unveiling was, he said, a product of his dream to play for them. There are times when it seems his rise has been underpinned by ambition.
Gordon may be a great self-improver, the scrawny kid who can hassles and harry defenders. But he has also coveted some of the trappings of stardom: the No 10 shirt, the penalties, the move to the glamour clubs.
England’s Harry Kane relishing ‘best opportunity in my career’ to win the World Cup
England captain Harry Kane says the campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico is ‘probably the best opportunity’ for him to win the World Cup.
Kane enters the tournament on the back of a superb domestic season in which he scored 61 goals and created seven assists for Bayern Munich. Those stats, alongside triumphs in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Cup, make Kane a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or but he will need a strong World Cup campaign to remain in contention.
Raul Jimenez gives Mexico ‘very special moment’ in tearful World Cup celebration for late father
The Wolves striker, starting in the World Cup for the first time, scored his first goal in the tournament with a powerful header.
Mexico kick-start party in win over South Africa in World Cup 2026 opener with three red cards
Mexico got the World Cup party started as the co-hosts swept away South Africa 2-0 on Thursday in an encounter with three red cards as the quadrennial football extravaganza got underway at the Azteca stadium.
Looking to watch the World Cup in the US without shelling out for YouTube TV? Here are the alternatives
The World Cup is upon us and while excitement abounds, plenty of people are still wondering how they can get in on the action from home.
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
South Africa’s campaign at the World Cup 2026 got off to the worst possible start as they were beaten by co-hosts Mexico and ended the match with nine men following two straight red cards.
Both came in the second half with Bafana Bafana already losing 1-0 thanks to Julian Quinones’ goal in the eight minute of the game. Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole was the first player to be dismissed after catching Brian Gutierrez on the edge of the South African penalty area and denying a goal scoring opportunity.
Fifa announce ‘fan-centric’ change to national anthems at World Cup 2026
The World Cup will feature a ‘fan-centric’ national anthem ceremony before the kick-off of every match.
Every player selected in the matchday squad will now be involved, not just the starting line-ups, allowing them to step into the spotlight and group together around the centre circle banner before the national anthems.
The World Cup opening ceremony
Tonight’s first match of the 2026 World Cup saw Mexico swept South Africa aside to take the win at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Before the game a number of musical acts kicked off the opening ceremony including Shakira and Burna Boy with their anthem ‘Dai Dai’.
The true meaning behind the ‘Trumpification’ of the 2026 World Cup
As the 48 teams gradually arrived in North America, every image further setting a grand stage, a thought struck managers like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti.
They were right to make the sheer scale of this World Cup more of a priority in planning. “United 2026” – as it is officially known – is enormous in every sense, from size to serious issues.
That only deepens the distinctive challenge a World Cup poses, and only elevates the meaning of victory.
