World Cup starts in Mexico City
Summary
This Newshour broadcast delves into significant global events, starting with the 2026 World Cup's opening in Mexico City, including fan experiences, protests, and an iconic stadium tour. It also reports on a potential US-Iran settlement, the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash and its aftermath, and the impact of xenophobia on World Cup team loyalties. Further segments cover Pope Leo's plea for humane migrant treatment, Russia's suspension from the World Chess Federation, and BBC correspondent Liz Dousset winning a nonfiction prize for her book on Afghanistan.Episode description
Football fans have filled the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for the start of the World Cup. After the opening ceremony, Mexico takes on South Africa in the first of 104 matches in the expanded tournament. 48 nations are competing for football's ultimate prize. The co-hosts Canada and the United States will hold their own opening ceremonies before their first group matches on Friday and Saturday. Also in the programme: Pope Leo urges world leaders to treat migrants more humanely; and drama in the world of chess as Russia is suspended - we'll hear from the governing body's president, who is himself Russian. (Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 11, 2026. A performer during the opening ceremony before the match. Credit: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)