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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President Trump set to miss USA v Paraguay clash
President 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.
Three red cards in the World Cup’s opening game – why were the players sent off?
Earlier 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.
South Korea off to opening win against Czech Republic with second-half comeback
The 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
“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
The 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:
Fifa World Cup match sees thousands of empty seats after ticket price controversy
The 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.
Everything you missed from day one at World Cup 2026:
The 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:
