The biggest World Cup in history begins today, with 48 nations competing across three host countries – but the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium plays out against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil and migrant detention fears. A sell-out crowd of 83,000 is expected for the first game on Thursday, June 11.
England, who secured a convincing 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica last night with Jude Bellingham particularly impressing, face Croatia on June 17. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions will be aiming for a date at the final in New Jersey on July 19, alongside Scotland, who take on Haiti on June 13. Spain are the bookies' favourites.
“World Cup 2026 opens today in Mexico amid political tensions and immigration fears, with 48 nations competing.”
But off the pitch, the tournament has already been overshadowed by controversy. Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States after a 19-hour interrogation at Miami airport, amid fears that Donald Trump’s ICE immigration officers could detain undocumented fans. The ongoing war between the US and Iran forced Iran’s national team to relocate their matches to Mexico.
Extortionate ticket fees of up to thousands of dollars per game and price gouging from hotels and transport providers have also cast a shadow over the event. An estimated 5 billion people could tune in over the next six weeks.
To help fans keep track, BBC Sport has launched live match updates that display scores directly on phone lock screens. Apple users will see updates automatically after following a team in the BBC Sport app; Android users need to opt in via settings. Updates appear about an hour before kick-off and disappear after the final whistle. The feature can be turned off at any time without unfollowing teams.