The stage is set in Mexico City for the 23rd edition of the Geopolitics World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. This venue is a World Cup Proustian rush, having witnessed Pelé and Diego Maradona lift the trophy. This year, the final will be played in the United States, a country currently led by a disinfectant-peddling despot, sparking controversies over inclusivity.
Infantino Calls for Calm
Fifa overlord Gianni Infantino addressed controversies at a press conference on Wednesday. "We don't live on the moon, we live on planet Earth," he said. "We have to respect that we are not kings of the world. We are a sports organisation that does as much as we can. It's important sometimes to chill, relax." However, critics note that such advice seems dismissive of serious issues, such as the denial of a Somali referee's participation due to alleged terror links.
Expanded Tournament
The bumper 48-team tournament includes 72 group matches, eight more than the entire 2022 GWC in Qatar. Excluding stoppages, these games will produce 108 hours of football. In that time, one could watch every episode of The Sopranos with 22 hours to spare, or Das Boot (1997 Director's Cut) 31 times.
Beauty Amid the Chaos
The GWC's beauty is that, at its best, even Infantino cannot ruin it. While some group games may be dull, there will be moments of euphoria, wonder, shock, anger, or despair. The tournament's size is both a weakness and a strength. Debutants like Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan bring wide-eyed innocence, while Scotland, Haiti, Norway, DR Congo, and Iraq return after long absences. Heavyweights and outsiders like Senegal and Japan will vie for Jules Rimet II.
Opening Day Coverage
John Brewin will host the GWC news blog until 6pm BST, followed by Daniel Harris for minute-by-minute coverage of Mexico vs South Africa at 8pm BST. Jonathan Howcroft will cover South Korea vs Czechia at 3am BST on Friday.
Predicting the Winner
If you haven't played Bracketology, there's still time to predict the champion.
Quote of the Day
"I can't wait to walk around there the next time I go to Rockefeller Center or Radio City Music Hall," said Thierry Henry after a street in Manhattan was renamed "Thierry Henry Way."
Letters
Stephen Kruger suggests: "Why not just have a concert and halfway through have a 30-minute game of football?" Gordon MacLeod notes the GWC's moving goalposts.
News, Bits and Bobs
England beat Costa Rica 3-0 in a warm-up match, with Thomas Tuchel praising the team's intensity. Son Heung-min confirmed he is not retiring after this World Cup. Spike Lee attended Brazil's training session in New Jersey, cheering for Brazil. Australia faces an injury scare with striker Mo Touré missing training. In The Hague, locals decorated the Marktweg in orange for the tournament.
More Content
For essential insights, check our 1,248-strong interactive player guide. Opta's Ali Tweedale highlights 10 key matches. Team guides for Ghana, Panama, and England are available. Barney Ronay discusses Trump's World Cup, while Jonathan Liew criticizes Infantino over the referee scandal. Jacob Steinberg argues Jude Bellingham should start for England. US coach Mauricio Pochettino talks to Sid Lowe. Reports from Mexico City and beyond.
Beyond the GWC
52 Women's National League clubs oppose WSL academy sides in the third tier. Kieran McKenna leaves Ipswich, citing a need for a break. Wolves sack Rob Edwards, set to appoint César Peixoto. Martin O'Neill returns as Celtic manager. Manchester City's bid for Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest. Marcos Senesi joins Tottenham.
Memory Lane
Bulldog Bobby, England's mascot for Espana '82, is remembered. The pop song "Bulldog Bobby" by Dave and the Bulldogs failed to chart, as did England's performance.
