World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing, and protests
There was a star-studded opening ceremony, and some sporadic clashes between police and protesters around the Azteca stadium.
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Bafana World Cup opener spotlights high-tech referee, AI systems
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana face hosts Mexico tonight in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup. (Image source: FIFA) As South Africa’s Bafana Bafana face hosts Mexico tonight in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup, tournament organisers have deployed a suite of advanced technologies aimed at improving officiating accuracy and enhancing the…
Africa: AU Backs Record 10 Teams At 2026 World Cup As Somalia Protests Referee Visa Denial
The African Union on Thursday threw its support behind the 10 African nations competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Somalia protested a US decision to deny entry to one of the continent’s most prominent football referees. In a statement marking the start of the competition, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the…
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup schedule and how to watch
Tickets to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup may be scarce and very expensive, but there are several ways soccer fans can watch all 104 matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico and Canada, starting Thursday, June 11. “Imagine, with this World Cup, a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks,” U.S. team captain…
Africa: Cape Town Marathon Earns Historic World Major Status for Africa
Africa has secured a historic place on marathon running’s biggest stage, with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon officially confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be hosted on the continent. Following the successful staging of the 2026 race on 24 May, the event passed the second and final phase of the Abbott World…
Africa: FIFA Promised a World Cup Economic Boom, but U.S. Stands May Be Emptier Than Usual
Travel bans, visa denials, safety fears, and record-high ticket prices are suppressing World Cup attendance–and threatening both FIFA’s promised $40 billion windfall and a U.S. tourism industry that was already struggling before the opening whistle. Ahead of kickoff, the 2026 men’s World Cup is beset with a slew of travel restrictions affecting entry to the…
Africa: UN Rights Chief Urges ‘Massive Rethink’ of U.S. Immigration Policies Ahead of World Cup
The UN’s top human rights official has called for a ‘massive rethink’ of US immigration and security policies ahead of the World Cup, warning that racial profiling, surveillance and aggressive enforcement are already affecting teams, officials and supporters. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told journalists on Wednesday that if such issues…
Africa: World Cup 2026 – the Real Story of the Resilient African Migrants Reshaping Global Football
Global football body Fifa is branding the World Cup 2026 – and global football in general – as a celebration of inclusivity and diversity. It’s presented as a harbinger of peace and hope, and even somehow a saviour of African migrants who drown while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The humanitarian posturing should not…
Which World Cup teams, players and officials were denied US visas, entry? | World Cup 2026 News
The United States government has faced sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts due to the ongoing visa-related complications and entry denials for athletes and officials participating in the FIFA World Cup. The censure of US President Donald Trump’s administration grew after top Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in…
Africa: Bafana Bafana Ready to Carry South Africa’s Hopes in FIFA World Cup Opener
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has called on his players to embrace the occasion and carry the hopes of an entire nation when Bafana Bafana face co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The highly anticipated Group A clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City…