World Cup 2026 live: Trump ‘set to miss’ USA’s opening ceremony and game as Shakira lights up Mexico City

Group B: Canada v Bosnia & Herzegovina – BMO Field, Toronto (8pm in UK, 3pm local)

Group B: USA v Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (2am Saturday in UK, 6pm local)

Group A: South Korea v Czechia – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (3am Friday in UK, 8pm local)

South Korea captain Son Heung-min enters his fourth World Cup feeling like a “young boy again” and expecting some extra support from the Mexican fans.

Son, who will debut with South Korea at this year’s tournament against the Czech Republic in a Group A match in Guadalajara on Thursday, has been playing in Los Angeles in Major League Soccer. In nearby Mexico, he has been called “Sonaldo,” a reference that some say is to Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo and others to former Brazil striker Ronaldo.

“I’m in LA now and there are a lot of Mexicans there,” he said on Wednesday. “I can feel their passion and love for soccer, and they support me a lot. I’m very thankful and grateful.”

Then to Los Angeles, where the United States will put on the third and final World Cup opening ceremony. Getting started at 12:30am BST on Saturday 13 June before the US’ clash with Paraguay, the spectacle will be staged at the SoFi Stadium – the newest stadium being used at this summer’s tournament. BBC will broadcast that ceremony and match.

International pop star Katy Perry will headline in her home state, joined by rapper Future.

Tyla will also appear at her second ceremony having performed across the border in Mexico, along with Thai-born star Lisa from K-pop band Blackpink, Nigerian artist Rema and Brazilian singer Anitta.

The US has a history of memorable moments when it comes to World Cup opening ceremonies, including Diana Ross’s famous missed penalty ahead of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago.

Canada will then take the spotlight for their opening ceremony in Toronto, kicking off at 6:30pm BST on Friday 12 June at BMO Field ahead of the host nation’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina. That one will be live on the BBC.

Leading the line-up is none other than Canadian icon Michael Buble, with the likes of Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette among the other featured performers.

Palestinian singer Elyanna will also perform while French artist Vegedream, who is best known for his the timeless anthem “Ramenez la coupe a la maison” which celebrated France’s World Cup win in 2018.

Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy and William Prince are also on the bill.

The United States flag appeared to be met with loud boos and jeers before the opening game of the World Cup in Mexico City.

Ahead of the big kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, the flags of all 48 teams participating in this summer’s tournament were paraded onto the pitch.

The final three flags to take to the pitch were those of the three North American co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, there was a marked change in atmosphere when the United States were introduced and their flag was displayed on the stadium’s big screen.

From jubilant roars, the noise of the crowd shifted, with loud boos audible as the flag of the United States was brought forward.

There were then further cheers as the attention quickly turned to Mexico flag, ahead of the start of the co-host’s match at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

Three host nations, Mexico, Canada and the United States, means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.

These three elaborate productions are being orchestrated by Italian producer Marco Balich, renowned for his work on this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

The first match of the 2026 World Cup is about to get underway.

It is a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup and sees co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa.

You can follow all the coverage of the game right here:

South Africa coach Hugo Broos ​said his side are prepared to face Mexico’s quality and home-crowd advantage in tonight’s World Cup opener, which he deems a must-win.

“They play good football,” Broos told reporters on Wednesday. “They have very good players, players who can decide a match. And playing in front of 85,000 people gives them a boost.

“Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner. We had 10 days, and I think 10 days is sufficient. From that side, I think we are ready.”

On sharing a competitive group with Czech Republic and South Korea, as well as Mexico, Broos added: “In a group like this, it is very important to win your first game. If you don’t win, you are already in a difficult position.”

US coach Mauricio Pochettino has discussed the “arrogance” around US football in a revealing interview with El Pais.

“I accept the arrogance of Spain, Argentina, England, France… ,” said Pochettino.“But when I see arrogance in the United States I think there’s a bit of confusion.

“‘I’m from the United States. We’re number one. We’re the best. We fought and reached the Moon first…’ But then they don’t compete and don’t win. I think in soccer there’s a mismatch between what they think they are and what they are.

“I hope we can win. But what matters most to us is to give US soccer’s structure a balance so the challenge is posed on a basis of reality. Because sometimes you come across many people who believe the United States has to win because ‘we’re the best in basketball and hockey…’”

Damning stuff from Pochettino. A suggestion that American exceptionalism can sometimes be slightly one-eyed…? Surely not.

United States president Donald Trump said his country was working to ensure “the right people” could come in after a number of visa issues affected the week leading up to the start of the World Cup.

Trump was asked about it at a White House briefing on Wednesday and said: “We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country.”