4.54amA game of quarters? The changes at this World CupBy Along with an expanded number of teams competing - up from 32 to 48 - and the fact it is being held across three countries there are a number of other changes to the 2026 edition.They include:All players included in the match day squad, even those on the bench, will line up on the centre circle for the national anthems. FIFA had adopted an NBA-style individual walkout at last year’s Club World Cup, but they have not repeated it here.It will become something of a game of quarters - with mandatory water breaks to help deal with the forecast temperatures. Of course never one to miss a chance to make some money, broadcasters will be able to cut to ad breaks while this takes place.Any player who covers their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt during a confrontation with another player will be issued with a red card.VAR will be given more to do. The video referee can now intervene to overturn incorrectly awarded corner kicks and review a red car that is issued after a second yellow card.Players will have 10 seconds to leave the field when they are substitute. If they fail to do so their team will be left with 10 men and the substitute will have to wait at least one minute before being waved on by the referee.A five-second countdown rule also has been brought in if the referee believes a player is time-wasting before taking a goal kick or a throw in. The ref will raise their hand to begin a countdown and if the time passes possession goes to the other team.4.34amThe opening ceremony in picturesBy Mexican singer Belinda performs at the Mexico City Stadium.AP Photo/Natacha PisarenkoPerformers on the pitch during the opening ceremony.AP Photo/Ricardo MazalanShakira makes another World Cup appearance, performing in the opening ceremony.AP Photo/Ricardo MazalanIt has been a colourful start to the 2026 World Cup with the opening ceremony in Mexico City.Getty Images4.29amMexico coach makes bold selection callBy The teams are in and Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has made a surprise selection call leaving out captain Edson Alvarez and veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Alvarez was named among the substitutes. Raul Jimenez leads the attack, supported by Julian Quinones and Roberto Alvarado.Mexico (4-1-2-3): Rangel; Montes, Vasquez, Reyes, Gallardo; Lira; Gutierrez, Fidalgo; Reyes, Jimenez, Quinones. Substitutions: Acevedo, Ochoa, Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez M, Romo, Pineda, Vargas, Mora, Chavez L, Vega, Gimenez, Gonzalez, Huerta, Martinez.South Africa (5-3-2): Williams; Modiba Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau, Okon; Mokoena, Sithole, Adams; Rayners, Foster. Subtitutions: Chaine, Goss, Matuldi, Ndamane, Kabini, Makhanya, Corss, Mbatha, Zwane, Appollis, Moremi, Mofokeng, Maseko, Makgopa, Sebelebele.4.22amThree opening ceremonies in three daysBy While my excitement is for the football to begin, with three host nations, each country will also stage their own opening ceremony over the next three days - if that is your thing.And also just like in South Africa in 2010, Colombian pop star Shakira is back to perform the tournament’s official anthem. is Dai Dai with Burna Boy. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla have also performed.Performers on the pitch during the opening ceremony.AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko4.13amMexico no stranger to opening day matchesBy More than 80,000 fans are making their way to Azteca Stadium, which has undergone a much-needed facelift ahead of the World Cup. It Mexico City ground today becomes the first stadium to host three World Cup opening games, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. It is also the eighth time Mexico has played in the opening match of a tournament - although they are yet to win one - having lost five and drawn two. They are the favourites today and have an eight-game unbeaten streak, including a pre-tournament defeat of the Socceroos, having not lost a game since November. This is South Africa’s first World Cup finals appearance since it hosted the tournament in 2010, having previously played in 1998 and 2002 editions.Fher Olvera, lead singer of Mexican pop rock band Mana performs before the start of the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Africa.AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko4.04amThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally hereBy Hello, and welcome to our live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest version of the tournament yet with 104 matches across 39 days in the United States, Canada and Mexico.I’m Nick Ralston, and I’m currently in Vancouver where Australia begins its campaign at 2pm Sunday (AEST) with their Group D match against Turkey.There are two games today beginning with co-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the famous Azteca stadium in Mexico City at 5am. The Group A clash is a repeat of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup when South Africa were hosts.Then at 12pm South Korea meet Czechia in the other Group A clash in Guadalajara, Mexico. You can read our thoughts on how we think these four sides will go in part one of our group by group guide.Fans take their seats in the stands before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium.Getty Images1 of 1