Flicked on the TV at two minutes to 8pm for the opening Mexico versus South Africa game of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and skipped the Opening Ceremony did you? Understandable, because the important bit is the 22 players kicking a ball around a pitch.

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday sparked an early political talking point before a ball had even been kicked. There were conflicting reports over whether the USA flag was booed when it was presented alongside the other competing nations.

Tensions are flaring up outside the stadium hosting the World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico as the Mexico v South Africa game kicked off. Protesters were seen throwing rocks and other projectiles at riot police stationed at gate eight leading into the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Opening Ceremony ITV1/ITVX, 6.15pm Yes, it has finally arrived. And if you thought a football World Cup played out across a continent

Before taking the stage alongside Los Ángeles Azules at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, Belinda shared a special backstage moment with Salma Hayek.