The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially gets underway on Thursday night, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the quadrennial event. Before the opening match is held in Mexico City, FIFA has planned a curtain-raiser event, featuring some of the biggest artists in the world. International musician Shakira is set to take centre stage among other celebrities. The opening ceremony will start approximately 90 minutes before the tournament opener, and will be streamed live across multiple platforms in India. (FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony and Mexico vs South Africa Live Updates)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a total of 48 teams competing for the top prize in the world. In total, 104 matches will be held in the tournament across the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico. It is the first time that the World Cup is being held in three different countries.

After waka waka, another gem by @shakira for #FIFA26 !  pic.twitter.com/OppcHDzVUI

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— Ash of Gryffindor (@aishwar2414) June 11, 2026

What time will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Start?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will start at 11:00 PM IST.

Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony be held?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Which channel will telecast the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be aired live on UNITE8 Sports and DD Sports.

How to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony will be available on Zee5.

Who are the performers scheduled to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony?

The top performers set to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony are: Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, J Balvin, and Tyla.

Some of the other artists are: Mana Mexican rock band, Lila Downs, Venezuelan performer Danny Ocean and Los Angeles Azules cumbia group.

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Gervonta Davis is set to return to action later this year, but one former opponent has now revealed that he had signed for a rematch with ‘Tank’, only for the three-division world champion to then have a change of heart.

Davis has not won a fight in almost two years, with his most recent outing coming against former WBA super-featherweight world champion Lamont Roach Jnr back in March 2025, where he retained both his WBA lightweight crown and undefeated record by the skin of his teeth – lucky to escape with a draw.

External issues have since kept Davis away from the ring and that inactivity has caused the Baltimore knockout artist to be downgraded from WBA champion to ‘champion-in-recess’.

In order to regain the full world title, Davis will need to overcome 21-year-old mandatory challenger Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield, with that fight having been ordered by the World Boxing Association.

Speaking with FightHype, recent foe Roach has now revealed that he signed for a rematch with Davis following their draw, blaming the 31-year-old for the lack of a second fight.

“Obviously that is the rematch that I want, they chose not to do the rematch, just so that everyone knows. We were ready, we signed our contract, we did our business to make the rematch happen – the other side didn’t. So let’s just make that clear. 

“Other than that, I am not too worried about it. I am not hanging my hat on a Gervonta Davis rematch, I did what I was supposed to do that night in the ring, I should have got the victory but it is what it is, life goes on, man, and I am going to move on to bigger and better things.”

Roach will compete for the vacant WBC lightweight world title when he fights William Zepeda on Saturday, August 1. Victory in that bout could tee up an intriguing unification and rematch with Davis, if the latter is able to overcome Schofield in the autumn. 

Over the next couple of weeks, you’re going to see a lot of companies release USA 250 merch and some limited-edition products. Some companies have already released their goods, but today PXG joined the celebration with its Stars and Stripes 250 Collection of apparel (including red, white and blue versions of my favorite workout shirt), accessories and bags.

The collection also means a little extra to PXG, and for good reason.

Bob Parsons, founder of PXG, is a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran and isn’t shy about his love for his country and the celebration it brings. He’s a big believer in the existence of freedom in America and founded PXG on the foundation that confidence and pride carry through to performance, in the same way his service is celebrated by civilians enjoying their day to day freedoms with the trust in their armed forces.

That same exercise of trust in performance is brought to every PXG product, including their clubs, and their curated collections like the brand new Stars and Stripes 250. If Bob approves of the collection, you know it screams pride and confidence.

The PXG Stars and Stripes 250 Collection includes accessories, bags, headcovers, towels, apparel and headwear designed with American themes and symbols throughout. But PXG takes the details to the next level. There’s nods to just about every classic Americana symbol you can think of. Patchwork inspired by Betsy Ross’s creation of the American flag and embroidery details of the Liberty Bell, an American eagle and other markings.

My favorite part of any PXG product is that PXG isn’t afraid to be loud and expressive. There’s so much detail in this product that even just going through the photos, it’s hard to find every detail at first glance. I also happen to be a huge fan of their bags (they have lots of pockets) and through the photos you can almost feel the dimension in the product with all that embroidery, the raised patterns and that unmistakable PXG brand mark.

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On top of the collection drop, PXG is also running a giveaway, which you can enter on their website, for some exclusive Stars and Stripes 250 gear that includes the PXG staff bag that PXG staffers will be carrying at next week’s U.S. Open. There’s also a custom 250 collection-themed set of PXG’s new Stick Em wedges.

You can view all the details for the Stars and Stripes 250 Collection and their giveaway on PXG’s website.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, I find myself asking a question that millions of African football fans have asked for decades: can an African country finally win the World Cup?

For the first time in history, Africa will have 10 representatives at football’s biggest tournament. Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia will carry the dreams of more than a billion people across the continent.

When I look at that list, I see more than just football teams. I see decades of struggle, progress, heartbreak and hope.

I think about Egypt becoming the first African nation to play at the World Cup in 1934. I think about the years when Africa had only one representative and was often treated as an outsider in the global game. I think about Cameroon shocking the world in 1990, Senegal stunning defending champions France in 2002, and Ghana coming within inches of a semi-final place in 2010.

I also remember the pain.

The controversial moments. The missed penalties. The narrow defeats. The feeling that Africa was always close but never quite close enough.

Then came Qatar 2022.

I watched Morocco achieve something no African country had ever done before. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals. For the first time, I felt that the impossible no longer looked impossible.

Morocco changed the conversation.

Before Qatar, many people spoke about African teams as outsiders. After Qatar, they started talking about African teams as genuine contenders.

That is why I believe the 2026 World Cup could be the tournament that changes everything.

With 10 teams competing, Africa has never had a stronger presence at the World Cup. The continent has more opportunities than ever before to produce a champion.

But if I had to choose the two African countries most capable of lifting the trophy, my picks would be Senegal and Morocco.

Morocco remains Africa’s strongest football story of recent years. Their success in Qatar was not built on luck. It was built on organisation, discipline, tactical intelligence and belief.

Many of the players who reached the semi-finals remain at the peak of their careers. They understand what it takes to compete with the world’s elite nations. More importantly, they no longer fear them.

The Atlas Lions have already broken one barrier. Winning the World Cup would be the next.

Senegal is my other favourite.

The Teranga Lions possess something every successful World Cup team needs: experience, physical strength, quality players and a winning mentality.

Over the last decade, Senegal have consistently remained among Africa’s strongest teams. They won the Africa Cup of Nations, have competed at multiple World Cups and continue to produce players who perform at the highest level in Europe.

Unlike previous generations, this Senegal team understands how to handle pressure. They know how to win difficult matches. They know how to suffer and survive when things are not going their way.

That experience could prove crucial in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup.

Of course, winning the competition will not be easy.

Traditional powers such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain and England will arrive with the same ambition. History remains firmly on their side.

No African nation has ever reached a World Cup final, let alone won one.

But history is not a law of nature.

Every record exists until someone breaks it.

For years, people said an African team could never reach the semi-finals. Morocco proved them wrong.

Now people say an African team cannot win the World Cup.

Perhaps they are right.

But perhaps they are only right until someone proves otherwise.

As I prepare to watch the 2026 World Cup unfold, I cannot ignore the feeling that African football is entering a new era. From Egypt’s lone appearance in 1934 to 10 representatives in 2026, the journey has been remarkable.

The numbers have grown.

The quality has improved.

The belief is stronger than ever.

And if Africa is finally going to produce a World Cup winner, I believe Morocco and Senegal offer the continent’s best chance of making history.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, center, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo)

Bangladesh created history on Thursday by clinching their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest with a composed five-wicket win in the second match.A lengthy rain interruption of nearly two-and-a-half hours forced officials to revise Bangladesh’s target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Chasing 192 from 41 overs, the hosts comfortably reached 195 for 5 with six overs remaining, ensuring the series was theirs with one match still to play. The final ODI is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.The result was built on another disciplined all-round performance from Bangladesh after Australia’s batting lineup endured a disastrous start. The visitors lost their first three wickets without scoring a run, placing themselves under immediate pressure.Only resilient half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett helped Australia recover from the early collapse. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 55, while Bartlett contributed 52 as Australia eventually posted 187 for 8 from their allotted 42 overs.Bangladesh made just one change to the side that had won the opening ODI by 86 runs via the DLS method, bringing in opener Soumya Sarkar. The move paid dividends as Sarkar scored 42 and shared a crucial partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who also made 42.After a shaky start, Shanto settled into his innings and, alongside Sarkar, added 86 runs to put Bangladesh firmly in control of the chase. Riley Meredith eventually broke the stand when Shanto edged behind, handing the fast bowler his first ODI wicket in five years following his return to the format.Despite being well placed, Bangladesh briefly stumbled to 144 for 5 in the 27th over, giving Australia a glimmer of hope. However, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz extinguished those hopes with an unbeaten 51-run partnership that guided the hosts across the finish line. Hridoy remained not out on 40 from 55 deliveries.There was a concerning moment near the end of the chase when Mehidy was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Nathan Ellis. The Bangladesh captain dropped to his knees and vomited on the field. Although he declined the offer of a stretcher and continued batting, Shanto later revealed that Mehidy was taken to hospital for observation after the match.Australia’s decision to bat first backfired dramatically. Matthew Short registered his third consecutive ODI duck, while Cooper Connolly and Matthew Renshaw also departed without scoring. It marked only the fourth occasion in ODI history that a team had lost its first three wickets before opening its account.Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed were the chief architects of Australia’s collapse. Both pacers claimed three wickets each, with Mustafizur finishing with figures of 3 for 27 and Taskin returning 3 for 33. Mustafizur also accounted for Alex Carey, who was caught at point.The situation worsened for Australia when captain Josh Inglis was dismissed at deep cover, leaving the visitors struggling at 68 for 5.Labuschagne, batting at No. 7, then combined with Bartlett to launch a recovery. The pair added 103 runs for the sixth wicket and gave Australia something to bowl at after appearing destined for a far lower total. Labuschagne’s innings was particularly significant as it marked his first ODI half-century in 14 innings. He also enjoyed an early reprieve when Tanvir Islam missed the stumps with a run-out attempt while the batter was on just one.Ultimately, however, Bangladesh’s batting depth and composure under pressure proved decisive as they sealed a landmark ODI series triumph over Australia.

The para-cyclist, who only first learned to ride by freewheeling down the slopes of Greenwich Park in 2012, is now a medal-winning force for Britain.

It’s fair to say Team England’s Matt Robertson is a quick learner.

The para-cyclist has become a medal machine for Britain despite only first stepping on the pedals when freewheeling down Greenwich Park in 2012.

And this summer, he will make his debut for Team England in the Commonwealth Games, heading to Glasgow for the C1-3 1km time trial and individual pursuit.

He said: “It’s really special, because it’s the only time you are separated off from being Great Britain to just representing England, and it’s such a successful team that you want to carry that through.

“I watched Chris Hoy on the telly at London (2012), and that was kind of the lightbulb moment where I thought, ‘you know what, I really want to do that.’

“At the time, I had no idea about cycling and the velodrome and I just threw myself into it.

“At that stage, I couldn’t even ride a bike, so it took quite a while for me to learn. I took myself off down to Greenwich Park, which was the local one to me, and I would get some momentum down the hill because the starting point is what I can do.

“That was a unique experience, probably one that others won’t have had to do because everyone’s disability is different. My disability affects my whole side, so it’s not just an arm problem, but a whole balance issue. But once I had mastered that, I was hooked.”

The 27-year-old suffers from hemiplegia, a paralysis of the right side of his body, meaning he sits in the C2 classification for those who can ride a standard bicycle.

Robertson also suffers from epilepsy and has done an enormous amount of campaigning, completing the Epilepsy Society’s Challenge 100 and setting up a podcast to raise awareness of the disease.

At the 2024 Paralympics, he clinched bronze in the C2 pursuit, then added two further medals at the Road World Championships. He is also a two-time medallist at the Track World Championships.

He said: “The more I understand and take in that I’m doing it, the more I get really excited for it.

“It makes me think back to Paris, which is the first major competition I’d say where it opened my eyes to what performing at that level was like, and I can only get excited about those memories and those feelings and know that’s going to be what it’s like when I do race in Glasgow.”

Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on https://teamengland.org/

Estadio Azteca (AP Photo)

There are stadiums. There are iconic stadiums. And then there is the Estadio Azteca.When Mexico kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa on Thursday, this magnificent giant in the heart of Mexico City will do what no other football stadium in the world has ever done- to host a World Cup opening match for the third time in history. In two greatest World Cup editions in 1970 and 1986 previously, and now in 2026.Often called the “Colossus of Santa Ursula,” construction of the iconic venue began in 1961 and was completed five years later, with over 107,000 fans pouring in for the inaugural match between Club America and Italy’s Torino. What followed over the next six decades was nothing short of extraordinary.

Pelé and the Golden Final of 1970

At the 1970 World Cup, as Mexico became the first country outside Europe and South America to host the tournament, the Azteca stood as the showpiece stadium. It hosted 10 matches, including one of the greatest games ever played – Italy defeating West Germany 4-3 in a breathtaking semifinal. Brazil then crushed Italy 4-1 in the final, with a young Pele parading the Jules Rimet Trophy around the pitch. “There’s just something very special about the Azteca,” the Brazilian legend had famously said. “You need to be inside it, to feel it to understand.”

Maradona’s Divine Madness

Sixteen years later, the world came back. And it gave us Maradona.In the 1986 quarterfinal against England, Argentina’s Diego Maradona produced arguably the two most iconic moments in football history, first punching the ball into the net with his left hand in what became forever known as the “Hand of God,” then completing a mazy solo run past multiple defenders to score the ‘Goal of the Century’. Argentina went on to defeat West Germany 3-2 in the final, lifting the World Cup in Mexico City. Maradona himself never forgot it. “This stadium is the cathedral of my life in football,” he said during a visit in 2000.Now, after nearly two years of renovations that included new seating, upgraded locker rooms, improved lighting and a rebuilt pedestrian bridge, the grand old lady is ready again. The historic venue will host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening ceremony.Pele called it one of a kind. Maradona called it the cathedral of his life. A new generation of players and fans are about to find out exactly what they meant.

1. Isn’t football’s governing body FIFA supposed to be politically neutral?

In the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino got unusually cozy with US President Donald Trump.

This included sitting on a stage wearing a red USA baseball cap during the president’s Board of Peace meeting, and presenting Trump with the newly created “FIFA Peace Prize” during the World Cup draw.

According to its own statutes, FIFA is supposed to be politically neutral. However, Infantino has created the impression that he is deliberately mixing international sports politics with the interests of a state.

The fact that the United States is at war with Iran is a first; never before has a World Cup host nation been engaged in a military conflict with one of the participating teams.

2. Shouldn’t all fans be able to attend their team’s games?

US entry regulations are also drawing sharp criticism. Tightened visa rules mean fans from several participating nations are effectively barred from attending. For Iran and Haiti, a complete entry ban applies to spectators — only the teams and their support staff are allowed to enter the country.

It will also be virtually impossible for fans from Senegal and the Ivory Coast to attend games, as the issuing of tourist visas for citizens of these nations has been largely suspended — partly because, in the past, many travelers from these countries overstayed their visas in the US. At one point, the US government had introduced a security deposit of up to $15,000 (€12,874) for visitors from some countries — a sum they were to be reimbursed after their departure. This measure was lifted for many ticket holders shortly before the tournament began.

US immigration policies and the possibility of operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are fueling a sense of unease. In the run-up to the event, the US government declined to rule out the possibility of checks or arrests in the vicinity of World Cup stadiums. 

3. Should a ticket for a game really cost $690,000?

Ticket prices at the start of sales were exceptionally high; many seats went on sale for thousands of dollars each, while premium tickets for the final originally cost around $11,000.

FIFA is using “dynamic pricing,” under which prices fluctuate significantly depending on demand. Even within the same sales phase, fans are paying different amounts for identical seats.

Added to this are reports that buyers, despite selecting a specific category or location within the stadium, have received tickets for inferior seats. Fan organizations and consumer protection groups accuse FIFA of price gouging, a lack of transparency, and unfair sales practices and have filed a formal complaint with the European Union. The attorneys general of the US states of New Jersey and New York have launched investigations into FIFA’s ticketing.

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With just weeks to go before the opening game, very few matches had sold out. As of May 28, the cheapest ticket for the final available on FIFA’s website was listed at $8,625. A seat in wheelchair areas was going for a minimum of $10,350. The very last available seat — located in the front row of a section near one of the corner flags — was listed for $690,000.

In addition to official ticket sales, FIFA operates its own resale platform, taking a 30% cut of every transaction. Critics argue that many fans have been priced out of the tournament.

4. Shouldn’t only the best teams compete at the World Cup?

This World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32. As a result, the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104. Experts and many fans fear this could dilute the sporting quality of the tournament.

At the same time, advancing to the knockout stage has become easier, as not only the top two finishers from each of the 12 preliminary groups will qualify, but also the eight best third-placed teams. Due to the number of teams, a round of 32 has been added.

Some observers view this reform as a politically motivated decision: smaller football associations — whose votes carry significant weight within FIFA — stand to benefit most from the allocation of additional spots. This raises the question of Infantino’s motives for pushing through this expansion. Was it primarily to consolidate his power base within the football’s global governing body?

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5. Wasn’t this tournament meant to be sustainable and climate-friendly?

Although FIFA has publicly championed the causes of sustainability and climate protection, the 2026 World Cup is facing heavy criticism due to its environmental impact. Studies estimate that the tournament will generate more than nine million tons of carbon dioxide, primarily due to the distances between host cities and the high volume of air travel involved. Environmental organizations have labeled this event potentially the “most climate-damaging World Cup” in history.

The problem persists at the local level as well. Many stadiums are located in the suburbs and in some cases there is little or no public transportation available. Where public transportation is available, some prices have skyrocketed; a short train ride to MetLife Stadium from New York was originally set to cost up to $150 (compared to the standard fare of around $13). Following protests from fans, the organizers eventually lowered the price to $98. The shuttle bus service is now scheduled to cost $20, down from the previously proposed $80. Those driving to the stadium face high parking costs at many venues,  ranging from $75 to $300, depending on the game. At least at stadiums with expensive parking, there is usually an affordable public transit alternative.

Critics say all this means that despite FIFA’s climate pledges, many fans will be forced to undertake environmentally harmful — and expensive journeys.

This article was originally published in German.

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