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.
Abu Muslim Farah beat Omar Zawak Herat 4-0 in the 30th match of the sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League, delivering an impressive performance.
The match was played today (Wednesday) at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium.
Samiullah Naderi scored Abu Muslim Farah’s opening goal in the final minutes of the first half.
Abu Muslim Farah continued their attacking play in the second half, with Aman Sardari scoring the team’s second goal in the 69th minute with a spectacular header.
Omid Rajabi and Mirois Ghafouri then added two more goals to complete a 4-0 victory for Abu Muslim Farah.
Amanullah Sardari, captain of Abu Muslim Farah, was named Player of the Match against Omar Zawak Herat.
Abu Muslim Farah will face Ariana Khost in their next match on October 2, while Omar Zawak Herat will take on Istiqlal Kabul on the same day.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s High Performance Center is set to launch a nationwide fast-bowling talent identification program, titled “Afghan Thunder,” across several provinces throughout October.
According to the ACB, the program will begin in Kunduz on October 4, with assessments continuing in Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, Khost, Paktia and Kunar before concluding in Nangarhar on October 27.
The board says eligible participants must be between 19 and 26 years old, at least 180 centimeters tall, hold a valid electronic National ID (e-Tazkira) and be capable of bowling at speeds of at least 140 kilometers per hour.
The assessment schedule is as follows: Kunduz on October 4–5, Herat on October 9–10, Kandahar on October 12, Kabul on October 14–15, Khost on October 19, Paktia on October 21, Kunar on October 25 and Nangarhar on October 27.
The ACB has encouraged eligible players who believe they have the potential to develop into high-level fast bowlers to take part in the Afghan Thunder Fast-Bowling Talent Hunt Program on the designated dates.
The board says the initiative aims to identify promising fast-bowling talent from across Afghanistan and provide talented players with a pathway into the country’s high-performance cricket system.
Toofan Herat and Aino Mina Kandahar drew 1-1 in the 29th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Tuesday.
Enayatullah Koohi scored the opening goal for Toofan Herat in the first half, but Ahmad Nabi Moqaddas equalized for Aino Mina Kandahar in the 32nd minute.
Both teams created chances to score in the second half, but neither side was able to find the net, and the match ended 1-1.
Toofan Herat committed 12 fouls and received one yellow card, while Aino Mina Kandahar committed 16 fouls and received two yellow cards.
Toofan Herat will face Arman FC in their next match on October 1, while Aino Mina Kandahar will take on Abu Muslim Farah on October 2.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
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