The 2026 World Cup is seeing a concerning trend: delayed kick-offs. Scotland’s game against Haiti was two-and-a-half minutes late, mirroring issues across the tournament. None of the first eight matches started on time, averaging a three-minute delay. Mexico vs. South Africa faced the longest hold-up at six minutes, raising questions about FIFA’s elaborate pre-match ceremonies.
- World Cup Kick-Offs Face Delays
- FIFA’s Pre-Match Pageantry Causing Hold-Ups?
- 2026 World Cup: Running Behind Schedule

