The 2026 World Cup has kicked off, but not without a few hiccups. The tournament has been marred by a noticeable trend of tardiness, with none of the first eight matches beginning on time. This raises a deeper question: What is behind these late starts? 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 centre 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. However, 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. The information helps broadcasters, particularly those who play commercials, to ensure they don't miss key pre-game moments. For example, Haiti and Scotland were due to take to the field precisely eight minutes and 40 seconds before kick-off. But at that point, the Haitian players were not quite ready, 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. What many people don't realize is that while the games involving co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the USA were all preceded by opening ceremonies, those had all concluded well before kick-off and shouldn't have caused problems. However, the other fixtures that have been significantly delayed also featured players entering the pitch late. This raises a deeper question: How can we ensure that future World Cups run more smoothly and efficiently? In my opinion, the key lies in finding a balance between pageantry and efficiency. FIFA should continue to provide a moment of unity, pride, and emotion, but it should also streamline the pre-game routine to ensure that matches start on time. One thing that immediately stands out is that while the opening ceremony may be a spectacle, it should not come at the expense of the game itself. If you take a step back and think about it, the late starts are not just a minor inconvenience. They are a symptom of a larger issue: the tension between tradition and innovation in the world of football. FIFA has made a conscious decision to embrace pageantry and tradition, but it has also introduced new elements that are more complex to stage. This raises a deeper question: How can we ensure that the World Cup remains a spectacle while also maintaining its integrity and efficiency? In my opinion, the answer lies in finding a balance between tradition and innovation. FIFA should continue to provide a moment of unity, pride, and emotion, but it should also streamline the pre-game routine to ensure that matches start on time. This would not only improve the overall experience for fans but also set a precedent for future tournaments.
