The 2026 World Cup has kicked off with a noticeable trend of tardiness, with none of the first eight matches beginning on time. This raises a deeper question: Why can't World Cup games kick off on time? In my opinion, the issue lies in FIFA's decision to ramp up the pageantry immediately before matches start. The entire squad, rather than just the starting line-up, now gathers in the center circle for the anthems, with enormous flags displayed in each half. This ceremony provides a "moment of unity, pride and emotion," but it is also more complex to stage. As teams, officials, and organizers grow more familiar with the routine, the process may become slicker, though it may also be that FIFA has slightly underestimated how long it takes. Personally, I think that while a minute or two may not matter too much in the grand scheme of things, it will be identified as an area for improvement by FIFA, who meticulously plan every detail of the build-up to games. Each match has its own dedicated running order, which is made available to the media, listing the exact timings of when - among other things - teams and match officials must assemble in the tunnel, when they enter the pitch, and when national anthems are sung. The information helps broadcasters, particularly those who play commercials, to ensure they don't miss key pre-game moments. What many people don't realize is that while the opening ceremonies may have concluded well before kick-off, the players entering the pitch late can still cause significant delays. One thing that immediately stands out is that the games involving co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the USA were all preceded by opening ceremonies, but those had all concluded well before kick-off and shouldn't have caused problems. However, the fact that players were entering the pitch late suggests that there may be a deeper issue at play. In my view, the real problem is that FIFA has become too focused on creating a spectacle, rather than ensuring that the games themselves run smoothly. This raises a broader question: How can FIFA balance the need for pageantry with the need for efficiency? If you take a step back and think about it, the 2026 World Cup is a massive event with a lot of moving parts. It's not surprising that there have been some teething problems. However, it's important to address these issues now, rather than letting them fester and become bigger problems later on. In conclusion, while the late starts may not be a major issue in the grand scheme of things, they do highlight a deeper problem with the way FIFA is running the 2026 World Cup. It's time for the governing body to take a step back and re-evaluate its priorities, ensuring that the games themselves run smoothly, while still creating a memorable spectacle for fans around the world.
