Another World Cup tournament earworm has arrived

All 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup will stop for two "hydration breaks." Why have they been stipulated by FIFA, and why have they been criticised?

Shakira, performing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert. Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images Co-headlined by Madonna, BTS, and the tournament-obsessed Shakira, the introduction of a Super Bowl–esque halftime show at this year’s World ...

The opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup sparked some controversy as some people were led to believe that the USA flag was booed when on display.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday with the first two matches on the group stage schedule, beginning with an early matchup between Mexico and South Africa on FOX.

Here in Singapore, football fans are gearing up for what's set to bethe biggest FIFA World Cup tournament yet. To kick off the football fever, embassies of the three host nations - Canada, Mexico, and the United States - are joining local fans for a night of celebrations in the heart of the city-state.

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies, divided across the host nations of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 World Cup is officially ready to make history.

With the biggest-ever World Cup ready to kick off across Canada, Mexico and the USA, here we look at the key storylines.