The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off, but not without its fair share of delays. The tournament has seen a noticeable trend of tardiness, with none of the first eight matches starting on time. In fact, these fixtures have begun an average of three minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, with some games even starting six minutes late. This raises a deeper question: What is behind these late starts?
Firstly, it's important to note that a minute or two may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things. However, for FIFA, who meticulously plan every detail of the build-up to games, this is an area for improvement. Each match has its own dedicated running order, which is made available to the media, listing the exact timings of when teams and match officials must assemble in the tunnel, enter the pitch, and when national anthems are sung. This information helps broadcasters, particularly those who play commercials, to ensure they don't miss key pre-game moments.
For example, in the Scotland vs. Haiti match, the Haitian players were not quite ready at the designated time, with the match feed instead showing them being hurried along by a FIFA official. By the time both sides eventually left the tunnel, they were already 90 seconds behind schedule. This highlights a potential issue with the running order and the coordination between teams and officials.
Another factor that may have contributed to the issue is 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 centre circle for the anthems, with enormous flags displayed in each half. While FIFA believes this ceremony provides a "moment of unity, pride, and emotion", 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.
In conclusion, the late starts at the 2026 World Cup are a result of a combination of factors, including coordination issues and the complexity of the pre-game ceremony. While a minute or two may not seem like much, it is an area that FIFA will need to address to ensure a smoother tournament. Personally, I think that the tournament organizers should focus on streamlining the pre-game routine and improving coordination between teams and officials to ensure that future matches start on time.
