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Dear lord, a piece previewing the Canada v Bosnia match-up from a Bosnian perspective has just dropped on AP – I’ll get to the serious football bit shortly – but it has alerted me to the fact that there is a viral Bosnian song for the World Cup which is now absolutely lodged in my mind as an earworm. Turn your volume up and annoy somebody on a bus near you by blasting this out: Dubioza Kolektiv with I Am from Bosnia – Take Me to America
Sample lyrics:
I am from Bosnia
Take me to America
I want to see
Statue of Liberty
I can no longer wait
Take me to United States
Takе me to Golden Gate
I will assimilatе
A few years back Dave Simpson for the Guardian described the band as “a surreal Bosnian version of Madness”, and I can very much see why.
In non-World Cup news, PA reports England forward Beth Mead has joined Manchester City on a deal until summer 2029, and there is a picture to prove it.
Canada are up this evening to join the party as co-hosts. It is their third appearance in a World Cup finals, and they are yet to win a match. In Qatar last time out they came a cropper in a group which featured Morocco, Croatia and Belgium.
Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland seems like a much kinder draw this time, with the Balkan nation up first. Jesse Marsch, once of Leeds United, is leading their campaign. Ben Fisher in Toronto reports on their preparations.
I must just add my condolences to the family and friends of Kenny Jackett, who has died aged 64. He didn’t enjoy a particularly successful spell in the dugout at Brisbane Road, but that was where I watched him managing Leyton Orient. Justin Kavanagh gets in touch via email to point out to me that while many Wolves fans will be sad about his loss today, the World Cup has already given them a lot to shout about:
The human story of the day was about Raul Jiménez finally scoring on the biggest stage (and with his head!). Then Wolves veteran defender Ladislav Krejčí popped up for a very English goal for the Czechs. They may have been relegated this year, but Wolves are making waves in Mexico.
Martin Belam
Good afternoon/morning/evening*. As someone who can pretty much count on one hand the number of televised group stage World Cup matches I’ve missed since 1982, I am trying to manage my expectation of how many matches I can actually catch this time round and still retain my job. One I will definitely be making time for is France v Senegal on Tuesday. Ahead of that there has been some criticism of Kylian Mbappé and his decision to speak out about the rise of far-right politics in France. French football writer Raphaël Jucobin looks at the fall-out for us.
[*Delete as applicable]
What a whirlwind hour that was, Martin Belam is here for the next stint. Bye for now.
ITV’s coverage of the World Cup’s opening game between Mexico and South Africa received their highest viewing figures of the year, peaking at 7.7million.
It does go to show that having football on free-to-air television is a very good thing. Maybe some governing bodies can learn from that. The biggest games in the Premier League do not get close to half that.
I think it is worth throwing some light on players to keep an eye on at the tournament. Ismaël Koné could be an interesting player for Canada in midfield and aged 23 has the potential to kick on.
Joe Callaghan
What the football public here crave now and over the next five and a half weeks is something permanent. A legacy which can last. Marsch and his players do, too, desperately so. The most gifted squad Canada have assembled sometimes talk about having already turned their homeland into a football country. At others they reference it as an ambition. The truth is somewhere in the middle – a work in progress, one which maybe feels closer to its start than finish. Which makes their World Cup opener on Friday afternoon, and all that follows, so precious.
“The ITV studio is up there with the BBC one in 2024 overlooking the Brandenburg Gate,” writes Andrew Goudie.
Australia coach Tony Popovic has signed a contract extension through early 2027 on the eve of his team’s World Cup opening match against Turkey on Saturday.
Football Australia said Friday that the 52-year-old Popovic’s deal now extends through the Asian Cup, which will take place in January and early February in Saudi Arabia.
The former Australia international was hired in September 2024 and led the Socceroos to qualification for the 48-team tournament.
“I’m proud to lead my country into a World Cup, but most importantly, I want to ensure that our team is fully prepared and focused on our group matches against Turkey, the United States, and Paraguay,” he said of Australia’s opponents in Group D. AP
The Special One is back at Real Madrid after 13 years away. Is he the man to sort out the rather obvious problems within the dressing room? Either way, it will be box office viewing.
Krishnamoorthy emails: “For years I have been told that the elephants are very intelligent animals. Today I agree. This one for sure knows who butters his/her toast.
“A small related anecdote. I once posted on my social media feed ‘Paul is dead’ when the most famous octopus died, and my daughter, not into football, thought it was Sir McCartney.”
I reckon an octopus could play a few chords.
Eight years on from being sacked by Spain on the eve of the World Cup, Julen Lopetegui will get his chance on the big stage as head coach of Qatar. He sits down to chat with Sid Lowe.
Republic of Ireland to face Israel in neutral country
The Republic of Ireland’s Nations League fixture with Israel on October 4 will be held behind closed doors in a neutral venue overseas, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced.
In a statement on Friday, the FAI said Uefa had approved its request to hold the fixture overseas. The move came amid the prospect of major protests around the the fixture because of Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Middle East. Campaigners and some opposition politicians had called for an overall boycott of the fixture, as well as the away game scheduled for September 27.
An FAI statement read: “Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.
“The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture.” PA
The head of the Palestinian Football Association is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States with other federation heads attending the World Cup .
Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States.
“I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend,” the veteran Palestinian political figure said in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but Fifa typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the event every four years, which it frames as a celebration of global unity.
“Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the Fifa World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that,” Fifa President Gianni Infantino said last year.
The United States, however, has refused entry to delegates from a raft of countries, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with Iraq’s team.
Infantino said this week that Fifa had been trying to resolve visa issues but could not overrule the US government. “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters on Wednesday. AP
“Can I enter the fray as a not too grumpy old fart that loves the World Cup and yearns for yester-year?” asks Nick Trim. Of course, you can.
”Not sure if anyone has pointed this out but if you watch the wonderful reaction by Raul Jimenez – reduced to tears at his brilliant goal on home turf, the current turmoil in Mexican society that often only a sport such as football can heal (a bit), the close up you see him going crazy and in the background two men in the crowd are filming, filming themselves and their own reaction. Really? You’re not even filming this wonderful athlete and the whole beautiful scene of pure joy, you’re just filming yourself. Ridiculous.”
Yes, people no longer enjoy watching sport, they feel the need to make it all about themselves.
It would not be a World Cup without a mystic animal making predictions on matches. At Cologne Zoo, Tarak the elephant is backing Germany to beat Curacao. He could be on to a winner there. This will not become tedious at all …
What a night for Raúl Jiménez, scoring on his first start for Mexico at a World Cup. He was clearly very emotional after smashing home the second.
Wait until he finds out about what’s been going on at Wolves …
Hi all! I will start with a comment below the line.
MyRedShed says: “Has to be said, ITV’s balcony with that Manhattan backdrop is pretty stunning. Even better last night with the lightning.”
Fair play to the location scout on that one. It is showing up BBC’s decision to stay in Salford already.
That’s my morning stint done. Time now to hand you to Will Unwin, who should hopefully mention all 64 teams and the remaining 102 matches in his one-hour cameo.
More Scotland news. This time from Paul MacInnes and the irony of his location isn’t lost on our man in Boston.
“Of all the bases Scotland fans could have found for their World Cup journey, it had to be the city renowned for chasing the English out of town.”
Let’s go inside the Scotland camp. First up, Ewan Murray reports that key man Scott McTominay should be fit for the opening game against Haiti on Saturday after sitting out training on Thursday due to a stomach complaint. Phew!
Kenny Jackett dies, aged 64
This is very sad news. Watford have announced that Kenny Jackett has died, aged 64.
The club wrote on social media: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former player and manager Kenny Jackett.
”A true club legend and one of our own, Watford-born Kenny was instrumental in some of our greatest successes as a player before going on to serve as coach and then manager.
”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kenny.”
Wolves, another of Jackett’s clubs, have also passed on their condolences.
“Wolves are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of iconic former manager Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.
“Jackett will forever be loved and remembered by everyone associated with Wolves for the incredible job he did in helping turn the club around after dropping from the Premier League into League One.
“Under his guidance, the Old Gold won the third-tier title at the first attempt, setting a new divisional points record of 103 and restoring pride and identity to Molineux, while setting the wheels in motion for the club’s success over the last decade.
“Thank you for everything you did for Wolves, Kenny. Rest in peace. The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Kenny’s family and friends during this devastating time.”
Reflecting on Jackett’s passing, LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: “Kenny stands as one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL, a hugely capable leader whose work across four decades has left a lasting influence on the many players, coaches and colleagues who benefitted from his guidance.
“He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff. He improved every club he served and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career.
“From his first role at Watford to his final role at Gillingham, Kenny’s work was characterised by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.
“Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his family and friends, who join us in mourning.”
Jude Bellingham has revealed things were not right off the pitch with England at Euro 2024. Thankfully, he seems to be part of a happier camp this time although let’s ask him again if the Three Lions lose to Croatia.
Endo retires from Japan duty as injury ends World Cup dream
A real shame to see Japan midfielder Wataru Endo announce his international retirement after withdrawing from their World Cup squad with injury. The skipper will be missed. Liverpool could have done with him for the closing few months of the season and maybe it was telling that he sustained his foot injury while putting his body on the line in the Reds’ 1-0 win at Sunderland in February – perhaps their most robust away performance of the campaign.
The 33-year-old, capped 73 times by his country, wrote on X: “From the moment I got injured up until now, I have done everything I possibly could, so I have no regrets.
“Of course there is frustration at not being able to play in this World Cup, but more than that, I am proud that since the Qatar World Cup I have led this team as captain and that we have grown together into a group that can speak of ‘winning the World Cup’ as a matter of course.
“The team we have now is a truly outstanding one. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us a view we have never seen before.”
Some emails. These are good from Thomas Krantz.
“Hi David! I noticed that there seemed to be many empty seats quite early on, but then realised that the Korean fans were wearing red, so in my sleep deprived state (4am where I am watching from) I thought I was just hallucinating. But when Korea scored and the empty chairs did not celebrate, there seemed to be quite a lot of them, so I was a bit confused (but by then it was 5am and my eyelids fought a losing battle against my brain).”
Yes, I was a bit befuddled this morning too, Thomas. Told myself I couldn’t be watching South Korea v Czechia at 3am given that I was doing this here blog at 8am. But it felt a bit wrong to miss my first game just two matches into a World Cup so my body clock woke me up at 3.03 and I just about took in the first 40 minutes before nodding off. Is anyone going to try to watch the lot? Good luck if so!
Also from Thomas…
“Just a tip if you are on vacation and somehow have nothing to do. The last WC and EC I have a new tradition. Every day I make a new dish from one of the participating countries. To start things off I made “Bobotie” from South Africa yesterday, it was kind of a meatloaf with waay too many ingredients, but rather tasty when it was done. Today it is “Sopa Paraguaya” which is some kind of garlic bread if I am not mistaken.”
Excellent plan and I had this very idea yesterday. But only after I’d served my kids a steak pie (two for one offer in ASDA, had to be done). Google did tell me that steak is “incredibly popular” in Mexico, South Korea and South Africa so I’m claiming it. Poutine for tonight’s Canada game then.
Next up at the World Cup – co-hosts Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina. A few Opta stats ahead of today’s 8pm BST kick-off. Like Mexico at the Azteca, they’re a tough nut to crack in Toronto.
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Canada have lost all six of their FIFA World Cup matches, scoring just twice (including one own goal) and conceding 12 goals. Only El Salvador have played as many games at the tournament while losing them all.
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Canada have lost only one of their last 28 matches played in Toronto (W18 D9) – a 3-2 defeat against Jamaica in November 2023.
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Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj played more minutes than any other individual in the UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing the entirety of all 10 matches (960 minutes). He notably saved Wales’ final penalty in the play-off shootout.
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Jonathan David has been directly involved in over a third of Canada’s goals across their last two major tournaments, with four goals and one assist in the 2024 Copa América and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
So how is the World Cup being fed to our own youth on social media? I asked my teenage daughter (not a football fan) what her timelines were throwing up.
First up, she showed me a TikTok video from inside the Azteca Stadium featuring a presenter chatting away with Tom Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel (one of her favourite bands; he’s married to Heidi Klum), former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and 2010 Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller. That was followed by Erling Haaland advertising a Chinese energy drink. I’ve also picked up that quite a few youngish people aren’t really aware that England once won the World Cup.
Let’s join our roving reporter Ed Aarons in Central Park. It’s fair to say that the New York Knicks being on the brink of winning their first NBA Championship since 1973 is more on the minds of locals than the World Cup.
From Five Takeaways to The Joy of Six. Do you have any memory of these?
Five takeaways from the World Cup opener. These come courtesy of Matt Hughes who was in the Azteca (I can’t bring myself to say Mexico City Stadium).
How about this: you’re still tucking into your morning cornflakes and there’s already a World Cup daily pod to listen to. Jet-lag isn’t Jonathan Wilson’s friend but an evening in the Azteca lifted spirits, especially Raul Jimenez’s goal. Also, a glimpse behind the scenes at the first few days of Max and Barry living together in the US, insights from Barney Ronay and Jeff Rueter as well as your questions answered.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa was the headline but Pablo Iglesias Maurer explains that the story behind the co-hosts’ opening win is complicated. There were even boos for El Tri at 2-0 after they didn’t push on against a poor South Africa. But despite the unrest in and, more notably, outside the Azteca, there was still a beautiful scene inside the stadium when fans broke into song at the final whistle.
PFA refuses to drop legal case against Fifa
Matt Hughes
An important story here from Matt Hughes. The Professional Footballers’ Association is refusing to drop its legal case against Fifa despite the global players’ union Fifpro withdrawing its claim against the governing body this week.
Gianni Infantino announced in a surprise move at his pre-World Cup press conference that Fifa had signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fifpro. It gives Fifpro a seat at the negotiating table with Fifa and a right of veto over issues relating to changes to the transfer system and player welfare. In return Fifpro has withdrawn its legal complaints, most notably a claim first lodged at the European Commission two years ago which accused Fifa of abusing its dominant position and violating European Union law.
The Guardian has learned, however, that the PFA is not entirely satisfied with the MOU as it stands, and is not prepared to withdraw its legal claim until it receives concrete details from Fifa on its plans for the global calendar after 2030. In addition to the European Commission case the PFA has a claim against Fifa in the Brussels Court of Commerce.
The post-2030 calendar is the next major issue facing football after the World Cup, although Fifa appears intent on parking detailed discussions with stakeholders until after its presidential elections next year, when Infantino will seek another four-year term.
The PFA is particularly concerned about Fifa’s desire to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams and the disruption that will be caused by staging the 2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup in the European winter.
The impact is likely to be felt disproportionately by PFA members, because the Premier League schedule is generally regarded as being the most demanding.
“We have achieved some big wins, but at the same time cannot cave in on such important matters as the calendar,” a PFA source said. “The MOU is significant and brings important governance changes, but we need a solution on the calendar too before we can drop our claim.”
Some great photos here. Take a look at our gallery highlighting the opening ceremony and Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa.
What did we make of the opening ceremony? I thought it was really good fun. Shakira and Burna Boy (Sarina Wiegman’s favourite) did their thing and the giant FIFA World Cup as a centrepiece was impressive. I’ll admit, I spent a chunk of time asking my kids, ‘who’s that then?’ and they didn’t know either. Thankfully the Guardian’s resident music man, Alexis Petridis, tuned in and gives us the lowdown. As most of it was local talent, I feel less bad about my ignorance.
Violent clashes outside Azteca
Mexico’s opening World Cup victory party was somewhat tarnished by violent clashes outside the Azteca Stadium. Ticketless fans and protesters attempted to gain access as rocks and bottles were thrown at police outside gate eight. Local media reported that dozens of arrests were made as a result.
Empty seats highlight fears over ticket pricing
Did the official attendance between South Korea and Czechia marry up with the eye test? FIFA reported a crowd of 44,985 for Thursday’s World Cup match in Guadalajara but swathes of empty seats around the stadium renewed concerns over ticket pricing and demand for the expanded tournament.
More here from Reuters:
While more than 80,000 squeezed into the Azteca stadium to watch the opener between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, the optics of unoccupied rows at the 46,000-seat stadium in Guadalajara, a city with a deep-rooted football culture, have intensified criticism of Fifa’s commercial strategy for the first 48-team World Cup.
Some fans at the stadium blamed the high ticket prices for the rows of empty seats and criticised Fifa for their pricing model.
Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, on Wednesday defended the ticket pricing following criticism from supporters who argued the cost of attending matches had become prohibitive. He said ticket prices were on a par with other major sporting events.
Fifa has sold more than six million tickets for the tournament and previously highlighted strong interest from across the Americas, with Infantino saying demand had exceeded expectations by “a factor of 10 or more“.
However, groups such as Football Supporters Europe (FSE) had warned that “extortionate” pricing would exclude ordinary fans. According to FSE, ticket prices for this tournament have jumped fivefold compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Reuters has contacted Fifa for comment.
Let’s start with the two match reports. More red cards than goals in the first game and a stirring fightback from South Korea in the second.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa – Jonathan Wilson was in the Azteca.
South Korea 2-1 Czechia in Guadalajara.
Preamble
Two down, 102 to go! Good news this morning if you’re a fan of Mexico or South Korea. Not so much for supporters of South Africa or Czechia. Even with the limited data so far, stats are spinning around the online universe, the most eye-popping being that the red count so far in this World Cup is just one fewer than the whole of Qatar 2022. A trend? We shall see. Other stats involve official attendances. More on that shortly.
After Mexico took centre stage on Thursday, day two of World Cup 2026 sees the other two co-hosts in action. Canada take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in Group B before the USA host Paraguay in Group D, that one in the early hours of Saturday for UK viewers. Pat on the back if you’re reading this now having watched the first two games in their entirety.
Anyway, we have five goals, three red cards, an opening ceremony and much else to talk about. No time for drinks breaks here, let’s get this going!
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