The 2026 World Cup is set to begin with Mexico playing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on the evening of the opening ceremony. Both outlets note that preparations and logistics around the venue raise concerns, including the formation of a tented area at or near the stadium for the ceremony and the possibility that ticket prices could leave a large number of seats empty. Additional operational difficulties are also described, including claims that U.S. border officials are preventing some referees and fans from entering as planned. The reports also reference a message attributed to the FIFA president, urging people to remain calm as the tournament starts. While the sources characterize the situation as chaotic or potentially disruptive, they do not provide further verified detail on the extent of delays or whether the match will be affected. Overall, the coverage centers on pre-kick-off crowding and entry challenges, and on uncertainty about attendance and venue readiness as the first match approaches.