Sport
Mexico City to launch 2026 FIFA World Cup with star-studded opening ceremony
FIFA has announced that the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will deliver a star-studded celebration in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match.
The ceremony, scheduled for June 11 at Mexico City Stadium, will begin 90 minutes before kick-off and will feature performances by major international and Latin music stars, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
According to FIFA, the opening show will celebrate Mexican culture through music, dance and visual artistry, while also highlighting indigenous talent and modern folkloric performances. Organizers said the ceremony will reflect the traditions and cultural identity of Mexico as the first host nation to launch the expanded tournament.
The event is being produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and will form part of a trilogy of opening ceremonies across Mexico, Canada and the United States. FIFA said each ceremony will present a unique interpretation of the FIFA World Cup Trophy inspired by the culture of the respective host country.
In Mexico’s ceremony, the creative concept will center around “papel picado,” the traditional decorative folk art known for its colorful handcrafted paper designs, symbolizing celebration and craftsmanship.
Gianni Infantino said the opening ceremonies would combine football, culture and music while showcasing the individuality of each host nation and the unity of the tournament.
Fans attending the match have been advised to arrive early, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off. FIFA said spectators will be able to take part in pre-match entertainment and other fan activities inside the venue.
The opening match of the tournament will see Mexico face South Africa in what FIFA described as a historic occasion for Mexico City Stadium, which will become the first venue to host matches in three different FIFA World Cups.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the tournament final set to take place in July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to watch all the action live through the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights to the tournament in the country. ATN will air the matches live across Ariana Television, bringing comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event to Afghan audiences.
Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest developments, updated match schedules, team news and other World Cup information as the tournament approaches.
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
Sport
2nd ODI: India crush Afghanistan by 170 runs to seal series lead
The Indian national cricket team registered a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan in the second One Day International, delivering a commanding all-round performance.
Batting first, India piled up 402 all out in 49.5 overs, setting a daunting 403-run target for Afghanistan.
In reply, Afghanistan were never able to settle into the chase and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs, falling well short of the required total.
India’s innings was powered by a sensational top-order display. Shubman Gill led the charge with a brilliant 154 off 110 balls, striking 22 fours and 2 sixes, while Ishan Kishan lit up the innings with a rapid 125 off 79 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and 7 sixes. The duo laid the foundation for a massive total.
Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw some resistance from Rashid Khan, who picked up 3 wickets, but lacked support from the other end.
Set under pressure from the outset, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships and was unable to sustain the required run rate against disciplined Indian bowling.
The match was played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where India’s dominant performance secured a comfortable win and momentum in the series.
Afghanistan had also lost the opening ODI by 7 wickets, giving India a strong 2–0 position in the series.
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