EPISODE · Jun 11, 2026 · 47 MIN
World Cup starts in Mexico City
from NewsHour · host BBC
Football fans have filled the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the start of the World Cup. After the opening ceremony, Mexico takes on South Africa in the first of 104 matches in the expanded tournament. 48 nations are competing for football's ultimate prize. The co-hosts Canada and the United States will hold their own opening ceremonies before their first group matches on Friday and Saturday. Also in the programme: Pope Leo urges world leaders to treat migrants more humanely; and drama in the world of chess as Russia is suspended - we'll hear from the governing body's president, who is himself Russian. (Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 11, 2026. A performer during the opening ceremony before the match. Credit: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)
What this episode covers
Football fans have filled the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the start of the World Cup. After the opening ceremony, Mexico takes on South Africa in the first of 104 matches in the expanded tournament. 48 nations are competing for football's ultimate prize. The co-hosts Canada and the United States will hold their own opening ceremonies before their first group matches on Friday and Saturday. Also in the programme: Pope Leo urges world leaders to treat migrants more humanely; and drama in the world of chess as Russia is suspended - we'll hear from the governing body's president, who is himself Russian. (Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 11, 2026. A performer during the opening ceremony before the match. Credit: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)
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World Cup starts in Mexico City
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