For all the rightful pessimism around the FIFA World Cup, the opener provided chaotic joy at a global sporting cathedral in Mexico. We cross to Mexico City to gauge the feverish delight of the co-hosts win. Amanda Shalala then takes us inside Gianni Infantino's bizarre press conference, before we check in on the Socceroos who have an injury scare ahead of the opening clash with Turkiye.
Featured: Amanda Shalala, journalist, ABC Sport. Dave Weiner, Football 360.
To catch up on everything that’s making sports headlines recently, listen to more episodes of ABC Sport Daily,’ hosted by Patrick Stack on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport. In the episodes we will cover big sporting personalities and all sports, including cricket, soccer, F1, NBA, AFL, AFLW to NRLW & NRL news, to covering competitions like the Olympics, the World Cup, The Ashes, Grand Prix and Grand Finals and more.
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11 June 2026, Mexico, Mexiko-Stadt: Soccer, Men, World Cup, Opening Match, Mexico vs. South Africa, Group Stage, Group A, Matchday 1, Mexico City Stadium, view of the stadium during the opening ceremony.