Tournament kicks off with repeat of 2010 fixture; expanded 104-match format to feature record number of teams

Co-hosts Mexico welcomed South Africa to the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing a crowd of over 80,000 spectators. The encounter marks the official start of a 39-day global football spectacle jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The opening fixture is a repeat of the memorable 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, where South Africa and Mexico played out a dramatic 1-1 draw. Back then, Siphiwe Shabalala put Bafana Bafana ahead with a stunning strike before Mexico equalised in the second half. This year’s match has reignited memories for fans from both countries as they clash again on football’s biggest stage.

The expanded tournament will feature a record-breaking 104 matches—40 more than the previous edition—reflecting FIFA’s new format which increases the number of participating teams and games. For many Nigerians, attention is fixed on how African representatives will perform in this larger competition, especially with Nigeria’s Super Eagles seeking to progress further than in recent tournaments.

Officials expect the tournament to boost tourism and economic activity across all three host nations. Stakeholders have highlighted heightened security arrangements and infrastructure improvements around Estadio Azteca and other venues to ensure a smooth event. Football analysts say that the opening match will set the tone for an intense month-long contest among world football’s elite.

After today’s opening ceremony and match, attention will shift to upcoming group fixtures as fans across Nigeria and Africa follow their teams’ fortunes. The expanded schedule offers more opportunities for African sides to advance, raising hopes for historic performances from the continent’s representatives.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/mexico-south-africa-light-up-estadio-azteca-as-2026-world-cup-begins/

NFF board faces renewed calls for resignation after Nigeria misses second consecutive FIFA World Cup tournament

The absence of the Super Eagles from the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Mexico has left football fans in Lagos and across Nigeria deeply disappointed, as the expanded 48-team tournament began on Wednesday with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana facing the hosts. Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the world’s most prestigious football event for a second consecutive time has sparked anger among supporters and renewed criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership.

The new tournament format features ten African teams alongside thirty-seven others, but Nigeria is missing from the line-up. The opening ceremony in Mexico City drew attention to Africa’s presence through South Africa’s participation, while many Nigerians expressed regret at watching from the sidelines. Prominent among those voicing frustration is former national team captain Olusegun Odegbami, who described the situation as unacceptable and called for sweeping changes within Nigerian football administration.

Odegbami, speaking earlier this week, criticised the NFF board for what he termed “ineptitude,” insisting that their continued stay in office undermines progress. “The current board does not deserve another term. Failing to qualify for major global tournaments should have triggered their immediate, voluntary resignations,” said Odegbami. He further urged football stakeholders to demand accountability: “Since they are not willing to resign, Nigerians should flush them out.”

Football analysts and fans have also taken to social media to air their grievances, with many blaming poor planning and inadequate development programmes for repeated failures on the global stage. The disappointment is heightened by memories of Nigeria’s previous exploits at past tournaments, where the Super Eagles often united citizens across states and geopolitical zones. For many supporters in Lagos and beyond, missing out on two consecutive World Cups raises questions about long-term vision and investment in grassroots football.

With mounting public pressure and high-profile voices demanding change, attention now turns to how the NFF will respond amid growing scrutiny. Calls for leadership overhaul are likely to persist unless substantial reforms are introduced ahead of future qualifiers, with fans hoping that Nigerian football can reclaim its place among Africa’s elite on the world stage.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/nigerians-rue-absence-from-worlds-biggest-football-fiesta/

Artan, Africa’s top referee in 2025, vows to pursue 2030 World Cup dream as Somali officials condemn US decision

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned to a rousing reception at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Tuesday, after being denied entry into the United States where he was scheduled to officiate at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hundreds of supporters, government representatives, Somali Football Federation officials and fellow referees gathered at the airport to celebrate Artan’s homecoming.

Artan, aged 34 and recently named Africa’s referee of the year for 2025, was expected to become the first Somali official to take charge of a World Cup finals match before his abrupt repatriation from Miami International Airport on Monday. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa, US immigration authorities refused him entry. No official reason was given for the decision.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions within Somalia and across African football circles, with many describing the move as a setback for sporting representation from the continent. For many Nigerians who follow international football closely, Artan’s experience highlights ongoing challenges African referees face at global tournaments. The development also resonates with Nigeria’s own history of visa and travel hurdles affecting athletes and officials at major competitions.

Speaking to journalists on arrival in Mogadishu, Artan expressed gratitude for the support shown by his countrymen and reaffirmed his commitment to continue officiating at international level. “This is not the end for me. I will work harder and I am determined to represent Somalia and Africa at the 2030 World Cup,” Artan said.

The Somali Football Federation condemned the US immigration authorities’ action in a statement issued shortly after Artan’s return. The federation called on FIFA and CAF to intervene and ensure fair treatment for all match officials regardless of nationality. “We urge global football stakeholders not to allow such incidents to discourage our referees from aspiring to reach the highest level,” a federation spokesperson said.

While there has been no public comment from FIFA or US authorities as at press time, African football administrators are expected to raise concerns about visa restrictions affecting sports professionals at upcoming continental meetings. As Artan resumes duties within Somalia’s domestic league, attention will remain on how FIFA addresses similar cases ahead of future tournaments.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/somalian-referee-gets-heros-welcome-in-mogadishu-vows-to-officiate-at-2030-world-cup/