The World Cup 2026 is underway but the sight of thousands of empty seats during South Korea’s win over Czech Republic, combined with irritation at the “mandatory” water breaks during each match, have taken some of the shine off the opening games.
Amid controversy surrounding the ticket prices at the World Cup, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino defending the dynamic pricing policy on the eve of the tournament, thousands of empty red seats could be seen throughout the stadium during South Korea’s win.
After Mexico grabbed a big win over South Africa, in a match that saw three red cards, today is the turn for the other co-hosts; Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina before the USA battle Paraguay in the late kick-off. Donald Trump looks set not to attend.
Meanwhile, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has said he doesn’t like the three-minute water breaks that will take place during each half of each game, regardless of how hot the stadium is. “When the conditions are good it is not necessary to have water breaks,” he said.
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Read MoreFifa World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats after ticket price controversy
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
The science of winning the World Cup – inside Thomas Tuchel’s psychological overhaul of England
World Cup 2026 - latest
- World Cup 2026 underway with co-hosts Canada and USA in action later today
- Everything you missed from day one at World Cup 2026
- Empty seats: Thousands of tickets unsold amid World Cup pricing controversy
- Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
- Three red cards? Chaotic opener as Mexico beat South Africa
- World Cup task force CEO confirms Donald Trump will not attend opening game
Why Brazil and Argentina fans are fighting in the streets of Bangladesh as World Cup begins
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleDespite the issues at this tournament, football really is a global game – even in a nation like Bangladesh, where the national team has never qualified for the World Cup, Alisha Rahaman Sarkar finds plenty of passionate, pugilistic fans.
Why Brazil and Argentina fans are fighting in the streets of Bangladesh
Iran fans and an African referee: All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere is a reminder of all of the visa issues encountered already at this World Cup.
All the people unable to enter Trump’s United States for World Cup
Palestinian football chief says he has not been granted US visa for World Cup
13:17 , Jamie BraidwoodThe head of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rajoub, is currently in Mexico City, awaiting permission to enter the United States for events related to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Despite being accredited, Mr Rajoub is among several international football officials who have been denied US visas or are still awaiting their approval.
Mr Rajoub attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.
He expressed his frustration to The Associated Press, stating: "I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend."
Palestinian football chief says he has not been granted US visa for World Cup
How Anthony Gordon’s late dash answered England’s toughest question for World Cup 2026 opener
13:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s World Cup opener is still a few days away, but Thomas Tuchel’s first XI seems to be becoming clearer. After a strong performance against Costa Rica, Richard Jolly cannot see how Anthony Gordon isn’t in Tuchel’s best side.
How Anthony Gordon answered England’s toughest question for World Cup opener
The science of winning the World Cup – inside Thomas Tuchel’s psychological overhaul of England
12:52 , Miguel DelaneyOne of the factors the England manager has been most obsessed with is building the right chemistry, but there is now much more to it than gut feelings about personality. There is a science to it, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter
The science of winning – inside Thomas Tuchel’s psychological overhaul of England
The true meaning behind the ‘Trumpification’ of the 2026 World Cup
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is the biggest World Cup in history – but one figure looms larger still over it. Miguel Delaney explains how Donald Trump has defined this tournament from conception to culmination.
The true meaning behind the ‘Trumpification’ of the 2026 World Cup
World Cup task force CEO confirms Donald Trump will not attend opening game
12:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAndrew Giuliani, the World Cup task force’s CEO, has confirmed Donald Trump’s plans for tonight’s opening game between the United States and Paraguay. “He’s not going to end up attending the opening game,” Giuliani told TalkSport. “As we’ve said, his scheduling is tight. But I know he’s going to be engaged throughout this World Cup.
“But the one thing, having known President Trump for now 30 years, what I can tell you is: expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him. Throughout the course of this tournament, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him engage more and more with the World Cup.”
Instead, secretary of state Mark Rubio will travel from Washington with transport secretary Sean Duffy and secretary of homeland security Markwayne Mullin.
POLL: Has modern football become too expensive?
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat’s happening? Alarming poll finds that half of Americans do not care about the World Cup
12:01 , Graig Graziosi in Washington, D.C.The World Cup is underway and, according to a new poll, many Americans don't really care.
More than 4 in 10 American respondents to a new poll from Emerson College said they weren't interested in this year's tournament.
The survey was conducted on June 7 and 8 — just days before the starting matches — and found that 45 percent of the 1,200 respondents said they had no interest in the event.
Alarming poll finds that half of Americans do not care about the World Cup
After decades trying to win the World Cup, shouldn’t the USA be better at football by now?
11:46 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los AngelesUSA are four-time champions in the women’s game but as the 2026 tournament begins on home soil, are they any closer to winning the men’s World Cup?
After decades trying to win the World Cup, why aren’t USA any better at football?
Jude Bellingham reveals major issue hampered England at Euro 2024
11:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleJude Bellingham has admitted that England “got things a little bit wrong” off the pitch at Euro 2024 – but believes the experience will help them as they bid for World Cup success.
“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch," the Real Madrid midfielder said on England's Lions' Den show.
"I don't feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it - we had done well in 2018 and done well in Qatar [for the 2022 World Cup] and when it came to that tournament we were seen as one of two or three teams that should win it.
"We were not playing particularly well so even when we were winning you didn't get the feeling you were as happy as you should be.
"There has to be that element of relentless and wanting to win but it is the nature of football that wins go out of the system quickly and we should hold on to that moment a little more.”
Jude Bellingham reveals major issue hampered England at Euro 2024
World Cup task force CEO confirms Donald Trump will not attend opening game
11:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAndrew Giuliani, the World Cup task force’s CEO, has confirmed Donald Trump’s plans for tonight’s opening game between the United States and Paraguay. “He’s not going to end up attending the opening game,” Giuliani told TalkSport. “As we’ve said, his scheduling is tight. But I know he’s going to be engaged throughout this World Cup.
“But the one thing, having known President Trump for now 30 years, what I can tell you is: expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him. Throughout the course of this tournament, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him engage more and more with the World Cup.”
Instead, secretary of state Mark Rubio will travel from Washington with transport secretary Sean Duffy and secretary of homeland security Markwayne Mullin.
Who are England’s modern-day WAGs at this year’s World Cup?
11:16 , Olivia PetterAs the biggest football tournament kicks off, 20 years on from the arrival of the infamous troop in Baden-Baden in 2006, Olivia Petter takes a look at the very different partners supporting England’s footballers today – from lawyers and nurses to childhood sweethearts
Well, for starters, they’re not likely to be called WAGs at all. The wives and girlfriends of this year’s England team tend to skew more on the low-key side of things, not least because many of them have fairly intense jobs themselves. Consider Naima Corbin, a nurse who is married to Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze and works in intensive care. There is also Mia-Florence McClenaghan (dating Reece James), who recently graduated from Royal Holloway with a law degree, and Olivia Kate Parvia (dating Elliot Anderson), a paralegal.
Who are the modern-day WAGs at this year’s World Cup – and do they want the title?
Why Scott McTominay has been kept away from Scotland squad ahead of World Cup opener
11:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott McTominay has been kept separate from the rest of the Scotland squad with the midfielder a doubt for their World Cup opener against Haiti.
McTominay missed training on Thursday at Scotland’s base in Charlotte as he deals with an upset stomach, and was not on the team bus as it arrived at a hotel in Boston ahead of Saturday night’s fixture.
The Napoli midfielder was instead accompanied by a doctor as a precautionary measure as Steve Clarke looks to avoid the possibility of the illness spreading through his squad.
The 29-year-old shapes as a key figure at the World Cup as Clarke’s side look to navigate out of a tough group also including Brazil and Morocco.
Why Scott McTominay has been kept away from Scotland squad ahead of World Cup opener
Who scored a hat-trick in England’s secret friendly and what was the result?
10:51 , Jamie BraidwoodIvan Toney reportedly scored a hat-trick as England continued their warm-up for the World Cup by beating local side Miami United FC 6-0.
The Three Lions staged the behind-closed-doors fixture on Thursday following their 3-0 win over Costa Rica in their final official friendly in Orlando.
The match was not a traditional 90-minute contest, and did not feature key players such as captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
It was held in England’s pre-World Cup training camp in West Palm Beach, before Thomas Tuchel’s team fly to Kansas City, their base for the tournament.
According to reports, striker Toney scored a stunning long-range strike as part of his hat-trick, while Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo and Marc Guehi featured.
Henderson was also on the scoresheet, along with Liverpool’s 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal’s teenager Ethan Nwaneri.
Alan Shearer admits concern over World Cup refereeing after three red cards in opening game
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleFormer England striker Alan Shearer is concerned over how strict the refereeing may be during the opening days of the World Cup after three red cards were shown in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.
The tournament opener saw Yaya Sithole sent off for bringing down Brian Gutierrez just outside of the box and was followed by team-mate Themba Zwane after a VAR review for appearing to strike Roberto Alvarado in the face during a tangle. Cesar Montes was then dismissed for the hosts in stoppage time.
Shearer admits concern over World Cup refereeing after three red cards in opener
Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
10:20 , Lauren MacDougallThe World Cup is back on a bigger scale than ever – and the World Cup Insider newsletter is your daily guide to the biggest stories, results and analysis as the tournament unfolds.
Our team – including Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly, Lawrence Ostlere and Kieran Jackson – will be reporting from across the United States throughout the tournament, bringing you fresh analysis, exclusive insight and on-the-ground reporting directly from the games.Each edition includes:
- A roundup of the biggest talking points and standout moments from overnight
- The stories, analysis and features you may have missed
- A look ahead to the day's key matches and storylines
- The latest episode of our World Cup podcast Copa Independent
- Insight and reporting from our correspondents on the ground
- Reactions and debate from fans around the world
Sign up to World Cup Insider here.
Last night at the World Cup: Shakira, Bocelli star in opening ceremony
10:01 , Jamie BraidwoodIn the most evocative World Cup stadium of all, the opening ceremony was not bad at all. Shakira and Andrea Bocelli, alongside EJAE, were the standout performers of a short-ish display of colour and vibrancy which was broken into two chunks - the latter a flag parade shortly before the teams emerged from the tunnel, soundtracked by Eminem and the Alan Parsons Project.
The match kicked off a couple of minutes late but, as these modern ceremonies go, Mexico City found a decent balance between domestic stars - Mana received a huge cheer - and making sure everyone recognised it was a global event. It may have been clearer inside the stadium than on TV but the USA flag was also jeered by large swathes of the Mexican support.
USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
Last night at the World Cup: Host broadcaster struggles with basics
09:46 , Jamie BraidwoodImmediately after Jimenez’s goal the teams went for their hydration break despite the temperature inside the Azteca being 23c. Whatever about the weather - because breaks will be needed on warmer days elsewhere - the underlying decision for this is an opportunity for the host broadcaster Fox, among others across the globe, to squeeze in a couple of extra ad breaks.
In the UK ITV have, creditably, decided against an endeavour that is not just insulting to viewers but the game itself. Still, Fox were late returning from one intermission and missed the restart.
And to make eyes roll even further, Fox’s graphics chief thought it was necessary to keep a permanent reminder on screen following a red card to tell viewers that it means teams have a player less on the pitch.
Last night at the World Cup: Raul Jimenez’s tearful celebration
09:31 , Jamie BraidwoodRaul Jimenez was a used substitute in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has fought back to form following a fractured skull in 2020 that put his career in jeopardy. And he may have thought that the chance to score a World Cup goal would never arrive.
But on home turf the striker, who is now El Tri’s main man, headed home in familiar style to double Mexico’s advantage. The outpouring of joy and relief was a sight to behold. Jimenez raced towards a corner flag with tears in his eyes, no doubt remembering his father who passed away in March.
In a World Cup where it is impossible not to be cynical, this moment was an antidote.
Last night at the World Cup: Red cards overshadow opener
09:16 , Jamie BraidwoodIt did not seem to be a particularly dirty game but Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was equally left with no option but to dole out three separte red cards. The first went to Yaya Sithole, who was already at fault for gifting Mexico’s Colombian-born breakout star Julian Quinones the opening goal, after he denied a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second period by bringing down Brian Gutierrez a yard outside the box.
There was much confusion around a VAR check before substitute Themba Zwane was dismissed for placing his hand in the face of Roberto Alvarado in an off-the-ball wrestle - although when replays were finally broadcast it seemed a cut and dry decision. And then Mexico left back Cesar Montes cynically stopped a counterattack from Khuliso Mudau and was given his marching orders for another DOGSO challenge in the final moments.
There were only four red cards in the entire 2022 World Cup. How many will be shown between now and July 19?
Last night at the World Cup: Empty seats in Guadalajara for South Korea v Czech Republic
09:01 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter Fifa’s ticket price controversy, the consequence appears to be the prospect of thousands of empty seats at games over the course of the next few weeks.
Despite an entertaining Group A contest between South Korea and Czech Republic, empty seats at the Estadio Akron underlined the problem with spiralling costs thanks to dynamic pricing, with a reported 180,000 tickets remaining listed across Fifa’s official resale portals ahead of the tournament.
Fox criticised over World Cup 2026 coverage after missing Shakira and action during hydration breaks
08:49 , Michael JonesUS broadcaster Fox has come under fire for its coverage of the first World Cup game between Mexico and South Africa after repeated cuts to advertisements meant audiences missed parts of the action.
The television broadcast also missed the entirety of Shakira’s performance in the opening ceremony before the game which also disgruntled viewers.
Fox criticised over World Cup coverage after missing action and Shakira
Christian Pulisic embraces pressure of leading US against Paraguay in World Cup opener
08:37 , Jamie BraidwoodChristian Pulisic, the most accomplished and famous player on his national team, faces a unique confluence of talent and timing as the United States hosts the World Cup 2026.
Pulisic does not shy from the spotlight that will glare more brightly than ever in the next few weeks. In fact, he repeated Thursday that this challenge is “what I've always wanted.”
Christian Pulisic embraces pressure of leading US against Paraguay in opener
Will Scott McTominay be fit for Scotland's opening game against Haiti?
08:25 , Jamie BraidwoodScott McTominay sat out Scotland training on Thursday as Steve Clarke continued his preparations for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Haiti.
The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder was conspicuous by his absence at the Atrium Heath Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina after going down with a stomach complaint.
And McTominay also travelled separately to Boston, where the the Scots get their Group C campaign under way during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna, also 29, was another absentee as he nursed a knock.
However, both men are expected to be fit.
England’s Harry Kane relishing ‘best opportunity in my career’ to win the World Cup
08:13 , Michael JonesEngland 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.
Harry Kane relishing ‘best opportunity in his career’ to win the World Cup
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
08:05 , Lawrence Ostlere, in Los Angeles“This hydration break is powered by Powerade,” roared Fox Sports commentator Ian Darke, as the first game of the World Cup stopped after 24 minutes so players could take on water. The temperature in Mexico City was 23C, constituting a relatively mild day in the Mexican summer. But if we’ve learnt one thing over the past few weeks, it’s that this is not a tournament to miss out on a fast buck.
Fox Sports, of course, used the three-minute break to show lucrative advertising. Powerade is Fifa’s official sports drink and once it had its moment on screen, Fox cut to adverts for AT&T (telecoms), Michelob Ultra (light beer), Lowe’s (home improvements) and FanDuel (sports betting). When the break ended, it cut back to find the players preparing to restart. Why anyone needs three minutes to glug some water has not been explained.
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
When are the US and Canada opening ceremonies and who is performing?
08:01 , Will CastleThe wait for the 2026 World Cup is over, with Shakira and Burna Boy lighting up Mexico City before the first game - but the tournament still has two more opening ceremonies to perform thanks to the unprecedented nature of its setup.
This year’s finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Three host nations 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.
US and Canada World Cup opening ceremonies: Start time, performers and TV channel
Raul Jimenez gives Mexico ‘very special moment’ in tearful World Cup celebration for late father
07:49 , Jack RathbornRaul Jimenez provided Mexico with a “very special moment” to kick off the World Cup 2026 for the co-hosts in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, which included three red cards.
The 35-year-old was emotional after his father died aged 62 just three months ago, with pundits Thierry Henry and former teammate Javier Hernandez paying tribute to him.
Raul Jimenez’s tears in Mexico World Cup celebration for late father
Mexico send Fifa a telling reminder of what the World Cup must never lose
07:37 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter a controversial build-up to Fifa’s showpiece event, Mexico cleansed a World Cup and ensured the conversations around football will start to change. By Ed Malyon in Mexico City
Mexico send Fifa a telling reminder of what the World Cup must never lose
President Trump set to miss USA v Paraguay clash
07:25 , Jack RathbornPresident Donald Trump will not attend the USA’s first match of this World Cup against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday.
Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, announced on Wednesday that he would be traveling to California for the match but the official US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead, the State Department announced.
Trump has touted the World Cup as a marquee international event taking place during his presidency, casting it as an opportunity to showcase American strength but the build-up has been marred by diplomatic and logistical issues, including visa issues affecting players, officials, referees and fans.
Will Donald Trump be at the USA’s first 2026 World Cup game against Paraguay?
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
07:18 , Michael JonesEarlier on day one, three players were sent off in the opening game for the first time in World Cup history as co-hosts Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa in a chaotic match at a raucous Estadio Azetca in Mexico City. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were shown red cards for South Africa before Mexico captain Cesar Montes was sent off in stoppage time. Three red cards is the most in a single World Cup game since 2006.
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
South Korea off to opening win against Czech Republic with second-half comeback
07:12 , Jamie BraidwoodThe World Cup 2026 action continued last night as Czech Republic and South Korea faced off in the second Group A match in Zapopan.
The Czechs took the lead when captain Ladislav Krejci headed the European side in front in the second half. But Hwang In-Beom equalised a few minutes later with a clever finish, before playing his role in the build-up as substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu got the winner.
Mauricio Pochettino criticises mandatory World Cup water breaks
07:07 , Jack Rathborn“We try to do during the last few games, against Senegal and Germany,” Mauricio Pochettino said ahead of the USA’s first game against Paraguay.
“I don't like them, only in life when conditions are extreme, but when the conditions are good it is not necessary to have water breaks. The opponents are going to try take advantage of things when you are by the touchline.
“I think it is, for me, 50-50, the coaches and staff have the possibility to make some changes and fix some problems, it's part of the game and we accept that, I repeat, I don't agree, but it's not a big issue, it's not going to have a big effect.”
USA and Canada take the stage: What’s on today at the 2026 World Cup and how to watch
07:04 , Jamie BraidwoodThe 2026 World Cup continues on Friday night with two more host nations and two more opening ceremonies.
Canada begin their tournament in Toronto against Bosnia, before USA get going in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
Yesterday, co-hosts Mexico got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over South Africa. South Korea joined the Mexicans at the top of Group A on three points after proving too good for Czechia.
Here’s what’s coming up at the World Cup tonight, on Thursday 11 June:
What’s on today at the 2026 World Cup and how to watch
Fifa World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats after ticket price controversy
07:02 , Jack RathbornThe World Cup 2026 saw thousands of empty seats in just the second match to further raise the controversy surrounding Fifa’s ticket prices for the spectacle.
South Korea defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in a gripping Group A contest in Guadalajara.
But amid controversy surrounding the ticket prices at the tournament, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino defending the dynamic pricing policy at his press conference on the eve of the tournament, thousands of empty red seats could be seen throughout the stadium during the contest at the Estadio Akron.
Fifa World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats after ticket price controversy
Everything you missed from day one at World Cup 2026:
07:00 , Alan SmithThe 2026 World Cup has finally kicked off and co-hosts Mexico needed only nine minutes to go in front against South Africa before securing a 2-0 win in front of a sell-out crowd at the spectacular Estadio Azteca.
Raul Jimenez, finally starting a World Cup match in his fourth appearance at a tournament, headed in the second and shed a tear when celebrating while paying tribute to his father. While the match was undermined by three red cards, one for El Tri after two for their sorry opponents, it was a near perfect start for Javier Aguirre’s side.
In the other Group A fixture, South Korea ran out 2-1 winners over Czech Republic, pulling off a fine comeback after second-half goals from Hwang In Beom and Oh Hyeon Gyu.
Here is everything you need to know from day one of the super-sized tournament:
