The BBC confirmed that the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, along with the next seven fixtures, kicked off with an average delay of three minutes.
Mexico vs South Africa was delayed by six minutes, Qatar vs Switzerland by 4 minutes and 53 seconds, Brazil vs Morocco by 4 minutes and 27 seconds, and Haiti vs Scotland by 2 minutes and 42 seconds. For example, Scotland and Haiti were supposed to enter the pitch 8 minutes and 40 seconds before kickoff, but did so 90 seconds late. French outlet RMC Sport commented that “after four days of the 2026 World Cup, it is rare for matches to start exactly on time.” It noted that even small delays are unusual given the strict protocols designed for broadcasters’ advertising schedules.
The delays stem from players entering the pitch later than planned and the new protocol requiring both teams to gather at midfield for national anthems, followed by handshakes and reserve players exiting, which takes longer than before. Matches hosted by the three co-host nations — Mexico and South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the United States and Paraguay — also included special opening ceremonies, adding to the delays.
RMC Sport explained that “these small seconds lost at different pre-match stages eventually add up to minutes when the referee blows the opening whistle.” Only two matches started within a minute of the official time: Australia vs Turkey (40 seconds late) and South Korea vs Czech Republic (51 seconds late).

Delays in the first eight matches of the 2026 World Cup:  
Mexico vs South Africa: 6 minutes.  
South Korea vs Czech Republic: 51 seconds.  
Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina: 2 minutes 22 seconds.  
United States vs Paraguay: 2 minutes 19 seconds.  
Qatar vs Switzerland: 4 minutes 53 seconds.  
Brazil vs Morocco: 4 minutes 27 seconds.  
Haiti vs Scotland: 2 minutes 42 seconds.  
Australia vs Turkey: 40 seconds.