The stage is set in Mexico City for the 23rd Geopolitics World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium. This venue holds legendary status, having witnessed World Cup triumphs by Pelé and Diego Maradona.
A Tournament of Controversies and Change
This year's tournament is not without its controversies. The final will be held in the United States, a country led by a controversial leader, and issues of inclusivity have sparked debate. FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed these concerns at a press conference on Wednesday, urging everyone to "chill, relax" and respect that FIFA is a sports organization, not a global ruler.
Infantino's expanded 48-team format includes 72 group matches, eight more than the entire 2022 tournament in Qatar. This translates to 108 hours of football, enough time to watch all episodes of The Sopranos with hours to spare, or Das Boot (1997 Director's Cut) 31 times.
New Faces and Historic Returns
The tournament features debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, while Scotland, Haiti, Norway, DR Congo, and Iraq return for the first time in the 21st century. These newcomers bring a sense of wide-eyed innocence reminiscent of past tournaments. Meanwhile, heavyweights like Senegal and Japan, along with traditional powers, will vie for the Jules Rimet II trophy.
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. Later, Jonathan Howcroft will cover South Korea vs Czechia at 3am BST on Friday.
Quote of the Day
Thierry Henry reacted to the renaming of a street in Manhattan as "Thierry Henry Way," with an intersection in Queens also renamed in tribute to Pelé. "I can't wait to walk around there the next time I go to Rockefeller Center or Radio City Music Hall," he said.
Letters
Stephen Kruger suggested that instead of long half-time entertainment, FIFA could have a concert with a 30-minute football game in the middle. Gordon MacLeod pointed out that the GWC is not short of moving goalposts.
