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Sport: SoccerCountry: CanadaCategory: Scores & Results

World Cup matches face delays during kickoff at 2026 tournament

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 3:11 PM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

World Cup matches face delays during kickoff at 2026 tournament
Summary

Scotland's match against Haiti in Massachusetts experienced a two-and-a-half-minute delay, continuing a trend at the 2026 World Cup, where no first eight matches have started on time. The average kickoff delay has been around three minutes, with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa seeing a six-minute delay. Delays have been attributed to expanded pre-match ceremonies and teams entering the pitch late. FIFA has plans for improvement regarding the scheduling process for these fixtures.

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By the Numbers
  • •Scotland wins 1-0 over Haiti, marking their first World Cup victory since 1990.
  • •All first eight World Cup matches started late by an average of three minutes.
  • •Mexico vs. South Africa kick-off was delayed by six minutes.
  • •Factors contributing to delays include expanded pre-match ceremonies and late player entries.
  • •FIFA aims to improve match day scheduling to avoid future delays.
Latest Updates
  • 3:11 PMYahoo Sports — Why can't World Cup games kick off on time?
  • 3:11 PMBBC Sport — Why can't World Cup games kick off on time?
What they're saying
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A delay to Scotland's Group C tie with Haiti in Massachusetts continued a noticeable trend of tardiness at the 2026 tournament, with none of the first eight matches kicking off on time.

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A delay to Scotland's Group C tie with Haiti in Massachusetts continued a noticeable trend of tardiness at the 2026 tournament, with none of the first eight matches kicking off on time.

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