FIFA 2026 World Cup Opens With Rule Changes, Referee Controversy, Empty Seats

—The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City with Shakira headlining the opening ceremony, but the tournament's launch was shadowed by controversy: a Somali referee was denied a US entry visa and removed from the roster, empty seats marred early matches, and one person died at the opening game. FIFA introduced new referee rules for the expanded 48-team tournament, including updated protocols for VAR use. The Somali visa denial drew criticism from football organizations as a politicization of sport. Despite the disruptions, global viewership set records on opening day.