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Live Terminal
Sports · Full coverage

Why World Cup games are starting late

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

100% center
Center 2

First reported by N12 · Jun 16, 2026

What happened

World Cup 2026 matches are increasingly kicking off late because of a longer pregame ceremony, especially the midfield walkout and anthem routine. FIFA is considering adjustments, but major changes may not come until the next round of group matches.

  • 01World Cup 2026 games are starting minutes late because of expanded pregame ceremonies.
  • 02The opening match began six minutes late, and several others were delayed by about two to five minutes.
  • 03FIFA’s midfield walkout, anthem requirements, and handshakes add time before kickoff.
  • 04FIFA has dropped one pilot, but may change the order of pregame events.
  • 05Any impact of changes may appear in the second round of the group stage.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story
People
Gianni Infantino
OrganizationsFIFA, BBC, NBA, Premier League, Chicago Bulls
PlacesUnited States, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Full coverage · 2 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

N12Center · HebrewJun 16, 2026
Why World Cup games are starting late
MakoCenter · HebrewJun 16, 2026
Why World Cup matches are starting late

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